Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has dismissed viral reports claiming that former Governor Willie Obiano has died, insisting that the rumours are entirely false.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo confirmed that he personally spoke with Obiano and that the former governor is “alive, hale, and hearty.”

The clarification comes after unverified reports circulated widely on social media and some online news platforms alleging that Obiano passed away in a London hospital on Friday.

Soludo expressed deep concern over what he described as the “reckless and malicious” spread of misinformation, condemning those responsible for circulating the story.

He urged journalists and online publishers to adhere strictly to professional ethics by verifying information through credible and official sources before publishing.

“The spread of unverified death rumours is not only wicked and irresponsible but also undermines public trust,” the statement read. The Governor called on the public to disregard the false reports and maintain confidence in official communications.

Governor Soludo also extended his best wishes to Obiano, praying for continued strength, peace, and good health.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by actress Rita Daniels, her daughter Regina Daniels and other family members against Senator Ned Nwoko and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The case came up on Thursday before Justice Hamza Mu’azu, who issued the interim directive after noting that he is minded on hearing the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction brought by the applicants’ lead counsel, Chimezie Ogenna Nwodo.

In the suit, filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, Rita Daniels, Regina Daniels and ten others accuse the first respondent, Senator Nwoko, of using his political influence and the machinery of the Nigeria Police Force to harass, threaten and unlawfully arrest members of their family.

The applicants, who include Regina’s siblings, in-laws and family friend Doris Ogala, also allege that Nwoko threatened to have all of them detained unless Regina returned to him, following a series of domestic disputes between the estranged couple.

They seek two major reliefs from the court:

1. A declaration that threats of arrest and detention by Nwoko, allegedly executed through the IGP and police officers under his command, infringe on their constitutional rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.

2. An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents or their agents from further threatening to arrest and detain or arresting and detaining any of the applicants.

In their statement of facts, the applicants allege that the relationship between Regina Daniels and Senator Nwoko had deteriorated, resulting in repeated incidents of domestic violence and intimidation.

They allege that on 18 October 2025, Nwoko ordered his security aides to beat Regina and her sister, Destiny, and forcibly eject them from his residence after a domestic disagreement.

A viral video of the incident widely circulated on social media, prompting public outcry.

The following day, Nwoko published a statement on X (formerly Twitter) titled “Regina’s Unprovoked Carnage and Rampage in My House and in My Absence”, accusing his wife of drug abuse and alcoholism.

In the aftermath, the applicants claim that the 1st Respondent used the police to harass the family, leading to the arrest and five-day detention of Regina’s brother, Samuel Ojeogwu, who they say was denied access to counsel before being arraigned on charges of conspiracy, intimidation, theft, cyberbullying, and assault.

The applicants argue that they pose no threat, have committed no crime and have been targeted solely for supporting Regina during her marital crisis.

They express fear for their safety and ask the court to intervene before their rights to liberty, movement and possibly life are further endangered.

After listening to counsel for the applicants during Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Mu’azu suo motu (on the court’s own initiative) abridged the time for hearing the motion on notice.

He also ordered all parties, Nwoko, the IGP and the applicants, to maintain the status quo, effectively halting any arrests or further police action until the motion on notice is heard and determined.

The court then adjourned the matter to Wednesday, 19 November 2025, for hearing of the motion on notice.

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially rejected the report of a reconciliation committee tasked with resolving internal disputes, insisting that the party’s national convention begins as scheduled.

The reconciliation committee, chaired by Ambassador Hassan Adamu and inaugurated on November 5, 2025, had recommended the formation of an all-inclusive caretaker committee to settle ongoing conflicts within the party.

The committee argued that proceeding with a convention not accepted by all members could compromise the party’s ability to field candidates nationwide.

Some party members aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had raised concerns about unresolved issues, including the conduct of congresses, which contributed to factionalism within the party.

Currently, two factions exist: one led by Ambassador Umar Damagum, which insists on holding the convention, and another led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, which has attempted to cancel it following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja.

The reconciliation committee also highlighted legal uncertainties, noting that multiple court orders could prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the convention.

It recommended lifting suspension orders and bringing all parties together for genuine reconciliation.

However, in a statement signed by PDP BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara on Friday, the BoT rejected the committee’s report, saying it does not reflect the board’s official position.

The BoT reaffirmed its support for the elective national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, to elect new party leadership for the next four years.

The statement emphasized that the idea of a caretaker committee was rejected and stressed that the convention is a matter of the party’s internal affairs, over which the courts have no jurisdiction.

Party members were urged to remain focused on ensuring a successful convention.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan adjourned ruling on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction in a suit filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi over the national convention.

INEC’s counsel argued that as a federal agency, the commission falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, while the claimant’s counsel contended that this infringed on constitutional rights to lawful assembly.

After hearing both arguments, Justice Ladiran Akintola adjourned the ruling to December 8, 2025, while reaffirming that an interim order preventing interference with the convention remains in force.

Defendants in the case include the PDP, its acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (chair of the PDP Convention Organising Committee), and INEC.

The elders’ caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has advised governorship aspirants to exercise patience before obtaining the party’s prescribed nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2026 election.

In a statement signed by the caucus chairman, Mr. Sola Akinwumi, the group said it had received the report of its Adhoc Committee on the 2026 Osun Guber Election and resolved to establish a Screening Committee.

The committee has been tasked with screening all governorship aspirants promptly, and party stakeholders are expected to wait for the committee’s report before collecting forms.

“All aspirants are urged to exercise patience in obtaining the prescribed forms until the Screening Committee submits its report,” the statement read.

“All party stakeholders should continue to remain steadfast with the Party.”

The APC in Osun State has scheduled its governorship primary for December 13, 2025, ahead of the August 8, 2026 election.

So far, about 13 aspirants have declared interest in the party’s ticket, including: Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, MD, National Inland Waterways Authority, Senator Iyiola Omisore, ex-Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Babajide Omoworare, ex-Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Mr. Dotun Babayemi, Benedict Alabi, immediate past Deputy Governor and Akin Ogunbiyi, Chairman, Mutual Assurance Benefits.

Others are: Dr. Peter Babalola, ex-Chief of Staff to the Governor, and Kunle Adegoke (SAN), legal practitioner.

Meanwhile, the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke has been screened by the PDP to contest in the election.

On a related note, Senator Iyiola Omisore became the first APC aspirant to collect the party’s ₦50 million nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2026 election.

Confirming this in a phone interview, the APC’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, said the development was accurate.

Omisore, who arrived at the APC national secretariat in Abuja with a large crowd of supporters in customised attire, said his decision was motivated by service rather than ambition.

“This is not about ambition; it is about responsibility, a responsibility to rebuild our state, restore trust in leadership, and chart a new direction for a prosperous Osun,” he said after collecting his forms.

Former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has debunked circulating rumours claiming he had died, stating unequivocally that he is “alive, hale, hearty, and in excellent health.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 14, 2025, through his official contact, Obiano addressed the widespread misinformation that had trended on social media earlier in the week, describing the reports as both baseless and unfortunate.

“My beloved Ndi Anambra, friends, and well-wishers, I woke to hear of a rumour making the rounds about my well-being,” the statement read.

“Let me assure you personally: I am alive, hale, hearty, and in excellent health. By the special grace of God, I am doing very well.”

He criticised those responsible for spreading the false claims, describing them as peddlers of “falsehoods,” and urged the public to disregard the rumours entirely.

“To everyone who reached out with calls, messages, and prayers, I sincerely appreciate your concern. Your love and goodwill mean more than words can express,” he added.

Obiano, who served as governor of Anambra State from 2014 to 2022, remains a notable figure in state and national politics.

His reassurance has eased concerns among supporters and associates who were shocked by the earlier unverified reports of his supposed death.

Concluding his message, he expressed gratitude and hope:
“We remain focused, grateful, and guided by God’s grace. Daalu nu, and may God bless you all.”

Before Obiano’s personal statement, a former Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Mr. C-Don Adinuba, had already dismissed the reports.

He emphasised that the former governor is alive and residing in Houston, United States, with his family.

In his statement titled “Former Governor Willie Obiano is Alive, Healthy, and Kicking,” Adinuba wrote:

“The Nigerian media have been abuzz in the last couple of hours with a rumour that the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has passed on in London.

“This rumour has no basis. Chief Obiano lives in Texas, United States, and not in London.

“He is not only alive but healthy, strong, and remarkably agile for someone who has just turned 70.

“We thank people from different walks of life across the globe, including leading international media like the BBC, for their keen interest in the former governor, whose large-heartedness and record of service delivery remain impressive by every standard.

“The outpouring of love across the world following the rumour shows how much Chief Obiano means to many, almost four years after leaving public office and choosing a quiet private life abroad.

“At only 70 years of age, Chief Obiano has joined the ranks of great men like the Great Zik of Africa, whose rumoured death once turned out to be utterly false and without any foundation.”

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been urged to urgently address the worsening waste management situation in Abuja to prevent a potential public health crisis.

Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, highlighted the issue in a post on his official X account on Friday.

“My primary concern is the state of waste management and disposal in Abuja. Clearly, the system has broken down and needs urgent attention,” Ajayi wrote.

“Refuse is now taking over the city. Minister Wike must act quickly to avert a public health crisis. While we commend his visible achievements in road construction and reviving abandoned projects, managing the city’s waste cannot be overlooked.”

Ajayi’s warning comes as heaps of garbage and foul odors increasingly occupy public spaces, raising concerns about sanitation and residents’ well-being.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has weighed in on a separate issue involving Wike, calling on President Tinubu to compel the minister to apologize to a serving naval officer, A. M. Yerima.

The dispute arose over a piece of land in Abuja linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff.

Falana criticized both Wike and the officer for taking the law into their own hands.

He noted that although Wike was performing his duties under Section 11 of the Land Use Act, his use of derogatory language toward the officer was inappropriate.

Citing a Ghanaian case where a minister had to apologize for insulting a taxi driver, Falana stressed the importance of dignity and respect in public office.

“No minister has the right to call any Nigerian a fool,” he said.

“The officer also violated the law by obstructing the minister from carrying out his legal duties. Both sides erred, but the situation could have been far more dangerous.”

Falana made these remarks during the opening of the Legal Year at the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, organized by the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), UNIABUJA Chapter.