The world economy is suffering from geopolitics of the USA/ Iran war. The consequences of that war has put pressure on the world economy and many countries are suffering energy and economic crisis. Nigeria and its subnational governments are also hit by the geopolitics and many are lacking the required leadership skills to navigate the challenging economic times.

Governor Peter Mbah is different. Armed with the intellectual sagacity built in the private sector he chose the hard way to get rid of the business as usual attitude to governance.

For him Enugu State must be business friendly and everything needed to make it investor friendly must be put in place. He entertained no “ifs” or “buts”. He attacked the knowledge impotence in the depleted and abandoned public assets and public sector that have the potential to improve the quality of the state economy and its people.

From United palms limited he built a partnership that has turned around moribund industries.

Niger Gas was dead and forgotten. Mbah revived it. New management, new equipment and state of the art management team.

Sunrise flour mill was a shadow of itself. Mbah revived it. In partnership with the private sector he is completely turning the place into a beautiful state asset.

The International conference centre (ICC) was a shadow of itself, vision buried, mission abandoned but Mbah revived it and breathe a new life into it less than a year after taking oath of office. The place with a mall has become one of the hottest sought after public asset in the country. It is fully booked for the year and turning in revenue into the coffers of the government.

The iconic landmark of Sir M. I Okpara Hotel Presidential Enugu which was locked in meaningless ownership battle and crippled was completely overhauled and has been a wonder to many. Jobs created and image redeemed. Governor Peter Mbah is deliberate and intentional.

A 300 bed International Hospital is nearing completion and has a full oncology centre and that fraction of foreign medical tourism will be heading to Enugu. A visit to the place to see the quality of the medical equipment that is being installed in that hospital is mind blowing. He is doing projects a country should be handling. Presidents can be treated in that hospital. Foreign medical tourism will be a thing of the past. The ripple effects of that investment will change the medical system in Nigeria and Africa. It is one of a kind.

Governor Mbah is preparing Enugu State for the future by investing in tangible life changing sustainable legacy goals like Education, Health and Transportation of Ndi Enugu in 260 political wards and will not leave anyone behind. It is unprecedented.

The smart city is nearing completion and is almost sold out with billions expected to be generated. All monies invested will be fully recouped. Enugu State is the most attractive investment option in Nigeria as stated by Hannatu Musa Musawa the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy who craves to always be in Enugu.

Enugu State is not going to borrow a dime this year and the 2026 budget is proof of it. About 1600 projects will be executed this budget cycle. A lot of projects will be finished this year. A balanced budget without encumbrances. It is as a result of careful economic planning and management. First of its kind in the history of the state.

The Enugu Air, state owned terminals and other transport infrastructure programmes are generating revenue in figures the state has never witnessed in a long time. These are legacy assets for the growth of our dear state. You can see them, touch them, feel them and use them.

The rising cost of energy never affected the cost of the government owned transport company. While others were increasing cost. The cost of using the CNG buses transporting thousands of people has remained constant. 300 naira within the state capital for those going to Emene, Abakpa, Agbani road etc. Those who travel to Nsukka is still paying a paltry 1650 naira. That’s what visionary leadership provides. Putting the interest of the people first.

The Enugu State government has not funded frivolities but put funds in developing capital projects that will drive development as done all over the world. From Dubai to the USA are models of developing the infrastructure that attract investors in their numbers. As of early April 2026, the total U.S. national debt exceeds $38.98 trillion, with over $31.41 trillion held by the public and roughly $7.57 trillion in intragovernmental holdings. The debt, representing over 122% of GDP, has grown significantly, increasing by $2.77 trillion in the past year, with interest costs rising due to higher rates. The economy is still strong and healthy.

Without those interventions by the Enugu State government Enugu is doomed and was teetering to insolvency. The over 2000 projects going on with many completed including over 300 roads already completed and in use across the state will be a catalyst to economic survival of Enugu State and its indigenes in the long run

Governor Mbah like prime minister Joseph in the Bible is seeing the years of famine coming and is preparing Enugu State to be a place of succour to generations yet unborn.

The financial structure Mbah met and the one he will leave will make Enugu State a self sustainable state.

Currently Enugu State is among the three states that don’t need a feeding bottle system to sustain its economy.

Governor Peter Mbah will leave Enugu State in 2031 in the strongest financial strength both in cash backed investment in Education, Aviation, Tourism and Transportation.

The interventions in Agriculture and agric sector will place Enugu in strong contention in food availability and accessibility.

The government has intentionally repositioned the state and recalibrated its investment portfolios that in the next 24 months Enugu State will be competing with Lagos as the most financially viable state in Nigeria.

Tomorrow is here

Eze Chinweuba
Mbuze 1 of Neke

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Thursday received the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, at the Government House in Bauchi, in what appears to be part of ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting, Governor Mohammed disclosed that both leaders are actively exploring the possibility of aligning under a “viable political platform,” amid growing uncertainties within their respective political parties.

The governor described himself as a “freelance politician,” noting that the current instability within the Peoples Democratic Party has left him politically unanchored.

“Neither the PDP nor emerging third-force movements can stand alone at this moment,” he said.

“My party is in limbo, and like others, we are watching developments, including ongoing judicial processes. These engagements are part of broader political discussions, and not everything can be made public at this stage.”

He emphasized that the meeting centered on strategic cooperation and the need for consolidation within the opposition, adding that the prevailing political uncertainty could ultimately serve as a catalyst for unity.

“We cannot function effectively without a solid platform. However, the present situation may compel greater collaboration and ultimately strengthen our chances in future elections,” the governor added.

Governor Mohammed further described Obi’s visit as symbolic, portraying it as a sign of renewed hope for national cohesion and a pathway toward building a more inclusive political future.

In his remarks, Peter Obi stressed the urgency of redirecting Nigeria’s trajectory, noting that the current state of affairs is unsustainable.

“We cannot continue on this path. There is a need to change direction for the collective good of all Nigerians. Our engagement here is part of ongoing efforts to build a new Nigeria anchored on fairness, equity, and shared prosperity,” Obi said.

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party has deepened in recent months, with factions reportedly aligned to figures such as Tanimu Turaki and Nyesom Wike locked in a protracted leadership struggle.

This division has weakened the party’s national structure and placed key stakeholders, including Governor Mohammed, in a difficult position.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress, which has been associated with emerging opposition coalitions, is also grappling with its own internal challenges.

Recent political manoeuvres have seen both the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition blocs making overtures to Governor Mohammed.

Although he previously explored the possibility of joining the APC and held consultations with party leaders, including Bola Tinubu, the move reportedly collapsed over disagreements concerning control of party structures in Bauchi State.

The House of Representatives caucus of the African Democratic Congress (African Democratic Congress) has called for the prosecution and removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over allegations of political bias ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmakers made their position known after an inaugural meeting held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, where they reviewed recent political developments and raised concerns about the neutrality of the electoral umpire.

In a strongly worded resolution, the ADC caucus alleged that the INEC chairman had engaged in actions and made statements they considered inconsistent with the expected impartiality of his office.

They referenced claims that Amupitan previously operated a personal X (formerly Twitter) account allegedly used to express support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) and to share controversial political commentary.

Although INEC has denied any connection between the chairman and the account, the caucus insisted that digital forensic claims and online investigations raise serious questions that must be addressed transparently.

The lawmakers warned that any perceived compromise of the electoral body’s leadership could erode public trust and undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.

They further alleged that under Amupitan’s leadership, INEC has taken decisions that could negatively affect the African Democratic Congress’ participation in upcoming elections, including disputes over recognition of party leadership factions.

According to the caucus, such actions represent a deviation from the commission’s constitutional duty as an independent electoral referee and could deepen political tensions ahead of the polls.

The lawmakers also raised concerns about alleged interference in ongoing court proceedings relating to the party’s internal disputes, scheduled for hearing on April 14, 2026.

Citing provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, they argued that courts should not interfere in internal party matters and warned against what they described as judicial overreach.

In a further escalation, the caucus vowed to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC), calling for investigations into alleged misconduct by some judicial officers.

They also referenced comments by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, on concerns about judicial independence and perceived political influence.

Describing the situation as a threat to democratic stability, the lawmakers urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in protecting democratic institutions.

They insisted that INEC must not only be independent in name but must also demonstrate fairness, transparency, and credibility in practice.

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (Nigerians in Diaspora Commission), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has criticised supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, popularly known as “Obidients,” describing them as extremists whose conduct could negatively affect his political future.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa alleged that the behaviour of Obi’s supporters could become a liability ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the former presidential candidate must take steps to control them.

According to her, the actions of the supporters could ultimately backfire politically.

“Peter Obi has actually raised monsters… they will eventually be his downfall if he does not call them to order,” she wrote, while also expressing confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win the 2027 elections.

She further argued that political leaders should take responsibility for the conduct of their followers, insisting that unchecked online behaviour could damage political reputations.

Responding to critics who challenged her comments, Dabiri-Erewa maintained that she has the right to express her views on her personal social media account, despite holding public office.

She dismissed calls for restraint, stating that her posts were made in a personal capacity and not in her official role.

Her comments came after backlash from Obi supporters following her earlier post about a meeting with Nigerian professionals in Silicon Valley, United States, where she highlighted engagements with diaspora innovators and her experience riding in a driverless car.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) has disclosed plans to engage independent forensic experts to investigate resurfaced social media posts allegedly linked to an account associated with its Chairman, Joash Amupitan.

The commission said the decision is aimed at ensuring transparency and safeguarding institutional integrity as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, INEC’s Director of ICT, Lawrence Bayode, said the commission is treating the matter with seriousness and will not rely on unverified screenshots or social media claims in reaching conclusions.

“We are taking this further… I will not base my judgment on screenshots. I will not allow that to guide my conclusion,” Bayode stated.

He explained that while the commission has already referred the matter to security agencies, an external forensic review will also be carried out to verify the authenticity of the posts and the account in question.

According to him, the involvement of third-party experts is necessary to ensure a credible and technically sound investigation, alongside INEC’s internal review processes.

“We are also going to be engaging a third-party forensic expert to look at this… and that will guide the conclusion of the commission,” he added.

Bayode noted that the issue has been escalated to security agencies to trace the origin and possible manipulation of the digital footprints linked to the account.

He warned that the controversy underscores broader concerns about digital impersonation and misinformation, especially as INEC intensifies preparations for technology-driven elections in 2027.

The ICT Director added that any breach of public trust at this stage could undermine confidence in the commission’s planned electronic systems for the upcoming polls.

The controversy follows claims amplified online after an artificial intelligence tool, Grok, linked a social media account to the INEC Chairman, suggesting it contained posts perceived as supportive of the All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) and its 2023 presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The allegations sparked widespread debate, with civil society groups and political commentators calling for clarification over concerns about electoral neutrality.

However, INEC has firmly denied the claims, stating that the Chairman does not operate any personal X (formerly Twitter) account.

The commission described the reports as false and part of a coordinated attempt to undermine its credibility.

There was mild drama at the Kaduna State High Court on Monday as former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was overheard making remarks about the forthcoming national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The convention, scheduled for Tuesday, has remained a subject of controversy, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) warning the party against proceeding with the exercise.

Upon his arrival at the court premises around 9 a.m., El-Rufai, a prominent figure within the ADC, was seen briefly engaging in a conversation with a loyalist.

Holding a document in his hand, he reportedly asked, “So tomorrow is the convention, right?” to which the associate responded, “God’s willing.”

The former governor smiled and proceeded into the courtroom alongside his legal team and one of his wives.

Security presence was visibly heightened around the court, with tight monitoring of entry points and surrounding roads.

El-Rufai is currently standing trial before the Kaduna State High Court alongside one Amadu Sule over allegations including abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

The charges, instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), are separate from a pending matter before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where a bail application is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the ADC has dismissed the trial as politically motivated, describing it as a witch-hunt and accusing the Federal Government of targeting opposition figures.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will not rely on artificial intelligence-generated analysis or social media screenshots in its ongoing investigation into alleged digital impersonation involving its chairman, Joash Amupitan.

Speaking during an interview, INEC’s ICT Director, Lawrence Bayode, explained that the commission is prioritising credible and verifiable evidence as it probes claims linked to a social media account purportedly associated with the chairman.

According to Bayode, the commission has already engaged security agencies and plans to involve independent forensic experts to ascertain the authenticity of the account and the content circulating online.

“We rely strictly on evidence. Screenshots alone cannot form the basis of our conclusions,” he said, stressing that unverified digital materials would not guide the outcome of the investigation.

He disclosed that the commission is also conducting internal technical reviews as part of efforts to establish the facts surrounding the controversy.

Bayode further noted that the issue highlights broader concerns about digital impersonation and misinformation, particularly as INEC prepares to deploy more technology in the 2027 general elections.

He warned that emerging digital threats must be addressed early to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

On the use of artificial intelligence tools such as Grok in analysing the situation, Bayode cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from AI-generated outputs, noting that such systems can produce inaccurate or misleading results.

“Artificial intelligence can sometimes generate false interpretations. That is why every output must be independently verified,” he said.

The controversy stems from resurfaced social media activity linked to a 2023 post by APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, which some critics alleged received engagement from an account believed to belong to the INEC chairman.

INEC, however, has consistently denied the claims, maintaining that the chairman does not operate any personal account on X (formerly Twitter) and has never engaged in partisan political commentary.

The commission described the allegations as part of a coordinated misinformation effort and reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies to identify those responsible for the impersonation.

Legal experts have dismissed claims that the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) is acting in breach of the 2024 ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on local government autonomy, insisting that the commission remains within the ambit of the law.

The clarification follows concerns raised by some interest groups opposing the proposed conduct of local government elections in Enugu State, alleging that the move contradicts the Supreme Court’s position on the independence of local governments as the third tier of government.

However, legal opinions made available to DAILY GAZETTE argue that ENSIEC is fully justified in fixing September 26, 2026, for the council elections.

According to the analysts, the apex court’s decision in the case of Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors (2024) affirmed the autonomy of local governments but did not stipulate a uniform tenure for elected council officials.

They further explained that under existing Enugu State laws, local government chairmen and councillors operate a two-year tenure, which remains valid and enforceable.

“ENSIEC’s decision to conduct elections upon the expiration of the current tenure is consistent with the legal framework guiding local government administration in the state,” the analysts noted.

The experts maintained that the planned elections do not violate either the Constitution or the Supreme Court ruling, but rather demonstrate adherence to democratic principles and constitutional order.

The development comes amid ongoing debate by some groups allegedly pushing for tenure elongation for current council officials elected in 2024.

The groups have questioned whether the planned elections are an attempt to shorten their tenure or undermine the authority of the apex court.

They insist that electoral bodies must strictly comply with judicial pronouncements and protect the tenure of elected officials as part of efforts to safeguard democratic integrity at the grassroots level.

Despite these concerns, legal analysts maintain that ENSIEC’s actions are lawful and in line with both judicial interpretation and extant state legislation.