The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its grip on the Nigerian Senate after Senator Kelvin Chukwu of Enugu East officially left the Labour Party (LP) to join the ruling party.

The defection, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary session, brings the APC’s total number of senators to 73, giving it a solid two-thirds majority in the upper chamber.

Senator Chukwu, who succeeded his late brother Oyibo Chukwu following the 2023 general election, cited deepening internal divisions within the Labour Party as his reason for switching allegiance.

“There’s an ongoing crisis within the LP that has fractured the party. It’s becoming unbearable for members,” he said.

With his exit, the Labour Party is now left with just four senators nationwide. Senator Okey Ezea (Enugu North) remains LP’s only senator from Enugu State.

Breakdown:

• APC: 73 senators
• PDP: 28 senators
• APGA: 2 senators
• SDP & NNPP: 1 senator each

Chukwu’s move adds to a growing trend of opposition lawmakers defecting to the APC in recent months.

Four senators from the Peoples Democratic Party, Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Oluwole Olubiyi (Osun Central), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East) and Samson Ekong (Akwa Ibom South) have also switched sides, mostly citing party conflicts.

Senator Bassey invoked constitutional provisions (Sections 40 and 68(1)(g)) to legitimize his defection.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah is set to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major political realignment in the South-East and potentially ending his affiliation with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mbah, currently the only PDP governor in the South-East, is expected to be received into the APC in the coming days, as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) finalises plans to dissolve the existing Enugu APC executive led by Ugochukwu Agballah.

Sources told DAILY GAZETTE that names for a new caretaker committee are already with the Presidency for approval.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, also Chair of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, is reportedly coordinating the harmonisation of the party’s leadership structure in the state, amid tensions with existing stakeholders, including Minister Uche Nnaji, a political rival of Mbah’s from the Enugu East Senatorial District.

Their rivalry, which began during the 2023 governorship election, has continued with mutual allegations, including over certificate controversies.

Mbah’s entry into the APC could put an end to speculations of a 2027 rematch, unless Nnaji himself returns to the PDP.

Amid the political shifts, the Enugu government is pushing forward on economic reforms, announcing a landmark agricultural insurance programme that covers over 9,000 farmers against production risks.

This move is part of a collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) under the Vice President’s office, through the Harvesting Hope Caravan (HHC) initiative, alongside Pula Advisors and Leadway Insurance.

Speaking at the launch, HHC Coordinator Safiya Umar said the programme aims to connect government policy with farmers and local communities, ensuring inclusivity, especially for women and youth.

It also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting grassroots involvement in food system reform.

Ugwu Ndubuisi, Pula Advisors’ state head, praised Enugu for embracing data-driven agricultural policies through its participation in the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM).

He applauded Governor Mbah’s leadership in expanding access to agri-insurance.

Representing the governor, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai reaffirmed Enugu’s commitment to transforming agriculture, citing the establishment of the Enugu Agricultural Farmland Bank, which has over 130,000 hectares earmarked for commercial farming and investment.

“Food security is the cornerstone of economic stability,” said Ossai.

“Our reforms are focused on creating wealth, jobs, and sustainable livelihoods.”

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, says his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet should not be mistaken as an admission of guilt amid certificate forgery allegations.

Nnaji stepped down following a report by Premium Times, which alleged he never completed his university education and submitted forged academic and NYSC certificates to secure his ministerial appointment.

In a statement, the Enugu-born politician said his decision followed “deep reflection” and conversations with family and close associates.

He described the allegations as false and malicious, asserting that they were causing undue distraction to his ministry’s work and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These unfounded accusations and media distortions have caused me personal pain and have begun to distract from the vital responsibilities of my office,” Nnaji stated.

He insisted his resignation was a principled step to allow for due process and to protect the integrity of ongoing court proceedings, not a concession to the charges against him.

“This is not an admission of wrongdoing. It is a deliberate choice to uphold due process and let the legal system run its course. I am confident that justice will prevail,” he added.

Appointed in August 2023, Nnaji noted that he has spent over 50 years building a reputation grounded in honour, hard work, and public service.

He thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, saying he remained proud of his contributions while in office.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled the standards it will demand from presidential hopefuls aiming to run on its ticket in 2027.

At a recent meeting of its National Working Committee in Abuja, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark announced that candidates must satisfy the party’s “four‑pillar benchmark”: Character, Competence, Courage, and Discipline.

Atiku and Jonathan in the Mix?
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, long an advocate of opposition unity since his 2023 defeat under the PDP, is widely seen as positioning himself for yet another presidential run, this time via the ADC.

His push for a broader coalition is viewed as an effort to lead a united front against the ruling APC.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Goodluck Jonathan.

Though he hasn’t made any public commitments, insiders suggest the ADC is quietly assessing Jonathan’s acceptability as a consensus candidate, especially given his strong influence among certain southern and northern blocs.

Just last week, Jonathan visited Mark at his Abuja residence. While the party insists the meeting was private, observers believe it may relate to ongoing 2027 strategy talks.

ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the visit as informal, but the speculation persists.

Other Aspirants in the Frame
Former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi have publicly declared intentions to vie for the presidency.

They’ve both pledged to serve only a single term and supported a North, South zoning formula, moves that could shape internal negotiations within the ADC coalition.

Speaking at the NWC meeting, Mark emphasized that ADC’s goals go beyond electoral victory:

“We will field only credible and viable candidates who meet our four‑pillar standard. Nigerians will accept nothing less.”

“Our mission is not just to gain power in 2027; it is to leave a legacy future generations will be proud of.”

He urged the party to build structures that outlast individuals, governed by rules, policies, and institutional integrity, not personalities or excitement.

To prepare for the 2027 contest, ADC has initiated key reforms to include: constitution review, code of ethics, membership registration, and structural strengthening at ward, local and state levels.

Committees have been established to oversee these tasks.

Although leaders such as Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and Tambuwal have shown alignment with the ADC-led coalition, none have formally defected.

The party earlier granted them temporary waivers to remain in their original parties during the August bye-elections.

However, sources say that waiver period is ending and formal registration is expected soon.

According to Abdullahi, the registration exercise marks “the transformation of a coalition into a functioning political movement”, a move many believe is crucial to ADC’s electoral strategy and internal cohesion heading into 2027.

A live interview on Tuesday turned contentious when Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Arise News anchor, Rufai Oseni, engaged in a fiery exchange over the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The tension began when Oseni asked Umahi to clarify reports that he had allegedly complained to President Bola Tinubu about the journalist’s critical comments on the project. The minister swiftly dismissed the claim and appeared visibly annoyed by the question.

“You are too small for me to report you to the President. Who are you for me to report you?” Umahi retorted sharply.

The interview grew more heated when Umahi referred to himself as a “professor in engineering,” a claim Oseni challenged, prompting the minister to explain that the title was based on professional experience, not academic recognition.

“Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know. I’m a professor in this field. I understand engineering very well. You don’t understand anything,” Umahi said.

Oseni responded calmly, saying:

“Minister, it’s alright. Keep dignifying yourself and let the world know who you truly are.”

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has officially resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet, citing sustained political persecution and alleged blackmail stemming from accusations of certificate forgery.

His resignation, which took effect on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, was confirmed in a statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, following some allegations against him,” the statement read.

In his resignation letter addressed to the President, Nnaji expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve but noted that the recent controversies had become a distraction.

“I wish to sincerely thank Your Excellency for giving me the rare privilege to serve Nigeria at the federal level. However, in light of the malicious blackmail and political persecution I have faced in recent weeks, I have chosen to resign to allow the government to focus on its developmental agenda without distraction,” Nnaji wrote.

Nnaji’s resignation follows mounting scrutiny over the authenticity of his academic credentials, particularly his alleged degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Investigative reports and multiple statements from UNN have disclaimed the certificate he submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.

Although Nnaji consistently denied any wrongdoing, the controversy reportedly led to increasing political pressure for him to step down, both to facilitate a transparent investigation and to protect the administration from further reputational damage.

President Tinubu, while accepting the resignation, thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.

“The President thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future undertakings,” said Onanuga.

Sources close to the Enugu state government told DAILY GAZETTE that the search for a replacement has already begun, with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah expected to play a pivotal role in nominating a new ministerial candidate from the state.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oba Maduabuchi, has described the recent legal action aimed at preventing former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in the 2027 presidential election as a clear abuse of court process.

The suit, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, seeks a perpetual injunction barring Jonathan from contesting in 2027 or any future election. Filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, it also requests that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be restrained from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name, and that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) be compelled to enforce such a court order.

Jideobi’s argument hinges on the belief that Jonathan has already served two terms—completing the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, then winning and completing a full term from 2011 to 2015.

However, appearing on ARISE TV’s Morning Show, Maduabuchi dismissed the suit as baseless and redundant, pointing out that a court in Yenagoa had already ruled on Jonathan’s eligibility—and that judgment still stands, unchallenged on appeal.

> “Until that judgment is set aside, it remains the law,” Maduabuchi asserted, stressing that revisiting the same matter in another court of equal jurisdiction constitutes judicial abuse.

He also challenged the legal argument regarding constitutional term limits, noting that Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which bars a person from taking the presidential oath more than twice, was only introduced in 2018—years after Jonathan took office in 2010 and 2011.

> “The law that governs any act is the one in force when the act occurred,” he said, emphasizing that no law existed in 2010 or 2011 that prevented Jonathan from seeking a second term.

Maduabuchi further illustrated his point by comparing it to judicial retirement laws:

> “If a judge retired under the previous retirement age of 65, and the age was later raised to 70, that doesn’t mean the retired judge can return to office under the new law.”

He concluded that applying a retrospective interpretation of the law is not only legally flawed but also constitutionally dangerous.

> “No amount of legal gymnastics can make a law apply retroactively. When Jonathan swore the oath in 2010 and 2011, Section 137(3) did not exist. So it could not have limited him.”

The SAN referenced previous Court of Appeal decisions affirming Jonathan’s right to contest and reiterated that the legal principle of certainty must prevail in a constitutional democracy.

—

Would you like this adapted for a social media post, newsletter blurb, or a headline summary?