The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, has voiced strong concern over what he described as the growing distraction of Nigeria’s political class, accusing leaders of abandoning governance in favour of early political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State, the respected monarch lamented the worsening poverty, hunger, and insecurity across the country, noting that these crises have deepened due to the political elite’s focus on self-preservation and power games rather than on delivering solutions.

“The attention of the political class has become literally diverted to the 2027 general elections,” Achebe said.

“There is a distinct impression that these efforts are largely for self-preservation and material benefit.”

He cited World Bank data showing that Nigeria’s poverty rate has risen from 40% in 2018 to 46% in 2023, with over 104 million Nigerians now classified as poor.

He stressed that while economic reforms are ongoing, they have not translated to relief for ordinary citizens.

The monarch added that persistent violence, especially in rural areas, continues to devastate the agricultural sector and threaten national food security.

While acknowledging the Federal Government’s economic reforms, Achebe urged authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution of palliatives, warning that corruption and inefficiency must not be allowed to derail the process.

Turning to the South-East, the Obi highlighted the enormous economic cost of insecurity, particularly from the sit-at-home orders and violent agitations.

Quoting a report by SBM Intelligence, Achebe revealed that the region had lost approximately ₦7.6 trillion since 2021 due to unrest.

He described the recent conviction of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland as a potential turning point in the fight against instability in the region.

“This is the moment for deep reflection among Ndigbo,” he said.

“Nigeria and the world are leaving us behind due to the deliberate actions of a few purveyors of violence among us.”

Ahead of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, Achebe appealed for peaceful, transparent polls and higher voter participation.

He expressed concern over the low turnout in the ongoing voter registration, disclosing that in the first week of the exercise, only 2,482 people registered online across four South-East states (excluding Anambra), compared to over 848,000 in the South-West.

Despite the somber national mood, the 24th Ofala Festival retained its cultural significance, drawing traditional rulers, dignitaries, and guests from across Nigeria and beyond.

Marking his 24th year on the throne since 2002, Igwe Achebe called for resilience and unity among Nigerians.

“Our theme last year was ‘Better. Stronger. Together.’ That message remains as relevant today as ever.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused defecting governors of acting out of greed and selfishness, asserting that it is the Nigerian people, not governors, who define a party’s relevance.

The PDP further warned that those abandoning the platform behind their rise could regret their choices in the 2027 elections.

Since 2023, four governors have left the PDP: Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).

More recently, even the party’s 2023 presidential standard-bearer, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, along with other prominent associates, have withdrawn from it.

Speaking on Arise Television, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi blamed the defections on “greed, avarice, and selfishness.” He argued:

“You can’t find any compelling reason for a governor, especially one in their second term, to abandon the party that brought him to power, other than covetousness.”

Abdullahi claimed the PDP remains strong and is working to solve internal issues hindering its ability to present itself as a credible opposition ahead of 2027.

While attempts to reach Bayelsa Governor Diri’s spokesman were unsuccessful, Enugu Governor Mbah’s media aide responded that the PDP’s protest was expected.

Despite the wave of defections, Abdullahi insisted the party is undeterred and already planning its national convention in Ibadan, which he believes will revamp the PDP’s image and reposition it for 2027.

He asserted that the departures of certain governors present an opportunity for “weeding out bad elements.”

He dismissed claims that Mbah left due to marginalisation, noting the PDP has historically empowered the South East region through major national appointments.

Abdullahi also criticized those who choose to abandon the party and leadership responsibilities, claiming:

“It’s APC vs. Nigerians now. Let them do what they will, we’ve seen worse before.”

South‑South PDP caretaker chairman Elder Emmanuel Ogidi alleged that some governors were coerced by the APC, while Professor Udenta O. Udenta, founding national secretary of the now‑defunct Alliance for Democracy, labeled defectors “cowardly and gutless.” Udenta argued many lack political maturity and fail to appreciate what propelled them to power.

He said “Real politicians adjust, compromise, and stay resolute; fleeing at the first sign of crisis signals unfitness to lead.”

Udenta also criticized Governor Mbah’s claim of regional marginalisation, pointing to sustained South East representation in federal appointments over the years.

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja reaffirmed its earlier directive that parties maintain status quo concerning the PDP national convention, currently set for November 15–16 in Ibadan.

Justice James Omotosho warned that disobedience would invite further legal consequences.

He scheduled October 20 for the hearing of a suit filed by three PDP members seeking to halt the convention, but indicated judgment would likely be delivered by the month’s end.

The parties involved include the PDP, INEC, and senior party officials.

The court also ordered both sides to submit legal processes by October 17.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he will hold talks with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, following the demolition of several residential buildings in Apo Dutse District, Abuja, reportedly owned by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The buildings, which were constructed under a high-tension electricity line, were pulled down by the FCT Department of Development Control after repeated warnings and refusal to grant development approval, according to a statement issued by the Minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka.

During an on-the-spot assessment of the demolition site on Friday, Wike expressed concern over the risks posed by the illegal structures and emphasized that the law must be upheld.

“You can see the high-tension line – and that is dangerous,” Wike said.

“The land was allocated to the Nigerian Police, but their request for development approval was denied due to the risk. Yet they went ahead with construction.”

According to Wike, the situation escalated when officers from Development Control were arrested by police personnel following the demolition of at least 11 housing units, comprising three- and four-bedroom flats.

“It’s unfortunate. The government cannot allow anyone to break the rules,” the Minister stated.

“Even if the high-tension line wasn’t there, once your application is denied, you cannot proceed as if you’re above the law.”

Wike said he is confident the IGP may not have been aware of the incident and affirmed his intention to seek clarification.

“That’s why I have to take this matter up with the IGP. We must enforce planning regulations regardless of who is involved,” he added.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic transformation by pledging the immediate commencement of construction on the long-delayed Ebonesii–Ukpor road.

Speaking during a visit to Ihiala Local Government Area, Governor Soludo described the road as a strategic infrastructure project that would unlock economic opportunities, ease mobility, and improve living standards for surrounding communities.

“This road is not just a path, it’s a gateway to development,” the governor said.

“Now that peace has returned to Ihiala, we can focus on building the future.”

Soludo’s visit also marked what he called a celebration of the area’s liberation from insecurity.

He recalled how Ihiala and its neighbouring communities including Uli and Ebonesii were once under the grip of armed groups, making the region a flashpoint of violence during the 2021 governorship campaign.

“During my campaign, Ihiala was practically a no-go area. Eight communities were under siege. But today, we stand on peaceful ground, thanks to the combined efforts of our security forces and committed stakeholders,” he said.

The governor extended gratitude to the Nigerian armed forces, local vigilantes, and community leaders for their role in restoring calm to the area.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration through the “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, a programme offering amnesty and economic empowerment to repentant youths.

“With peace restored, our focus now is development and that begins with critical infrastructure,” Soludo concluded.

Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah’s administration has garnered unwavering support from the people of Enugu State due to his transformative leadership and impactful policies.

Mbah has delivered impressive infrastructure projects, including over 1,000 km of paved roads, smart schools, and primary healthcare centers across the state.

His administration has also boosted water production from 2 million liters to 120 million liters daily, exceeding urban demand.

Enugu State has recorded unprecedented Internally Generated Revenue growth, with a staggering 240% increase under Mbah’s leadership in Enugu.

The state has attracted significant investments, including a N100 billion investment deal with Pragmatic Palms Limited to revive the moribund Enugu United Palm Products Ltd.

Peter Mbah’s administration has enhanced security in the state, with a significant reduction in crime rates, thanks to the implementation of AI-enabled surveillance systems and a Command and Control Centre.

Peter Mbah’s leadership style prioritizes inclusivity, transparency, and youth empowerment, bridging gaps between rural and urban communities.

Mbah’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) has received backing from prominent socio-political groups, immediate past governor of the state, Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former governor Sullivan Chime, former Senate president Ken. Nnamani, Major stakeholders in the state, who see the move as a strategic step towards connecting the state to the national development grid.

Citizens appreciate his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy, evident in his massive road projects, smart school initiative, and increased internally generated revenue.

President Bola Tinubu has praised Mbah’s performance, describing it as “fantastic” and commending his commitment to development, security, and attracting foreign and local investors.

Governor Peter Mbah’s unwavering support from the people of Enugu State can be attributed to his visionary leadership, impactful policies, and commitment to transforming the state’s economy, infrastructure, and security.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has debunked widespread speculation that he is preparing to run for president in 2027, reaffirming his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s goals up to 2031.

In a statement issued in Abuja by his spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the rumour as “another lie from idle minds,” allegedly orchestrated by political opponents trying to discredit his service.

“As far as Wike is concerned, it’s President Tinubu till 2031,” Olayinka said.

“He is not running for president. His only focus is delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT.”

The statement followed an online report alleging that some PDP leaders were lobbying Wike to contest the 2027 presidential election.

At a recent flag-off of Collector Road C01—linking the Body of Benchers Complex to Nile University, Wike used the platform to encourage Nigerians to engage the government through proper channels, rather than relying on social media criticism.

“If you like, go to social media 50 million times, what you didn’t get through the door, you won’t get through the window,” Wike said.

“Criticism is welcome, but it must be constructive.”

He praised the Body of Benchers for their respectful approach in requesting infrastructure improvements during a recent Call to Bar ceremony, an appeal that led to the emergency approval of the road project by President Tinubu.

“They didn’t rant on social media. They wrote to us respectfully, and we responded. That’s how responsible governance and civic engagement should work,” Wike added.

He also admitted he was unfamiliar with the location of Baze University and Nile University before the project, but emphasized that the development will now serve their communities as well.

The road construction is part of Wike’s 17-day infrastructure rollout across the FCT.

He revealed plans to launch another project on Monday: the construction of 300-bed male and female hostels at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, marking a first in the institution’s history.

Wike also noted ongoing efforts that include 10 fully furnished staff bungalows for the Law School, all under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Reflecting on governance, Wike remarked:

“Even if I remain Minister for 500 years, there will still be challenges. The goal is to do your best with the time and resources you have.”

He stressed the need for citizens to contribute meaningfully to national discourse rather than spreading falsehoods under anonymous online profiles.

Responding to claims that a recent Southern PDP stakeholders’ meeting signaled Wike’s 2027 ambitions, Olayinka clarified that the August 20, 2025 meeting was focused solely on internal party issues, including concerns over zoning of party positions.

The meeting was formally attended and endorsed by PDP state chairmen from Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, the National Vice Chairman (South-East), the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and several former senators and legal advisers.

“These names were deliberately twisted by mischief-makers to support a false narrative,” Olayinka said.

Wike concluded by affirming his continued commitment to President Tinubu’s vision:

“To ensure the President’s re-election in 2027, I will remain focused on transforming Abuja into a model capital city and delivering impactful projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”