The All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected a new South-East zonal executive through a consensus arrangement at a well-attended congress held in Enugu.

The congress, which took place at the Hotel Presidential, drew top party figures including Hope Uzodimma, Francis Nwifuru, and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, alongside other key stakeholders.

At the end of the exercise, delegates adopted a consensus list, producing Ijeoma Arodiogbu as the new zonal chairman to lead the party in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Uzodimma, who chairs the South-East Governors’ Forum, emphasized unity and national interest, conveying the goodwill of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressing optimism about the country’s economic direction.

Explaining the adoption of consensus, he noted that the approach aligns with the party’s constitution and was designed to foster cohesion while ensuring a smooth and timely process.

The congress progressed with a motion by Nwifuru to dissolve the outgoing zonal executive, which was seconded by Patrick Ndubueze.

Subsequently, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, presented the list of consensus candidates for ratification.

He also moved motions to formally adopt consensus as the mode of election in line with the Electoral Act, as well as to affirm the outcomes of prior ward, local government, and state congresses.

The motions received overwhelming support from delegates, with Eugene Uchenna Ugwu seconding the proposals.

Other members of the newly constituted zonal executive include Innocent Itakpa Azuoba as Secretary; Rex Mayor Ogbonna as Legal Adviser; Henry Onwughalaonye as Publicity Secretary; Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya as Youth Leader; Nwachukwu; Oby Aji; and Arinze Ikedife.

In his remarks, Mbah described the congress as a clear demonstration of unity and strength within the party in the South-East, noting that the outcome has dispelled predictions of internal division.

The event also attracted prominent party stalwarts, including Ken Nnamani, Emma Eneukwu, and several federal lawmakers such as Osita Izunaso, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Uche Ekwunife, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Kelvin Chukwu, and Osita Ngwu.

Also in attendance were Nkeiru Onyejeocha, Chris Ngige, and Kingsley Udeh, among others.

Justice Salami Blasts Judiciary, Says Peter Obi Shouldn’t Have Contested 2023

A former President of the Court of Appeal, Isa Salami, has stirred fresh controversy by declaring that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, was not qualified to contest the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party Nigeria.

Speaking in Ilorin during an award presentation by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, the retired jurist blamed judicial inconsistencies on what he described as incompetence among some judges.

According to Salami, Obi’s emergence as the Labour Party candidate violated constitutional provisions, arguing that the party had already submitted its membership list to the Independent National Electoral Commission before Obi defected from the Peoples Democratic Party.

“In strict terms, he ought not to have been allowed to contest because the Constitution does not recognise independent candidacy,” Salami said.

He drew a parallel with the case of Abba Yusuf, questioning the legitimacy of his earlier political status, and criticised the Supreme Court for upholding decisions he believes were flawed.

The former Appeal Court President lamented that judicial appointments are increasingly influenced by regional considerations rather than merit, leading to what he called a decline in competence on the bench.

“At times, when you read some judgments, even from the Supreme Court, you are left wondering what is going on,” he remarked.

Despite his criticisms, Salami expressed optimism that reforms would eventually correct the anomalies within the judiciary.

He also acknowledged the honour bestowed on him by the WSCIJ, praising the organisation for recognising excellence and integrity.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Salami credited Obafemi Awolowo for inspiring his decision to study law, while also noting that the boldness of Wole Soyinka shaped his outlook on national issues.

The Labour Party Nigeria has formally zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region, ruling out any aspirant from the North.

The party’s acting National Chairperson, Nenadi Usman, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, stating that the decision was final and non-negotiable.

According to her, “We have taken a firm decision that we will not field any aspirant from northern Nigeria.

“The ticket has been zoned to the South. Any northerner seeking to contest under our platform will not be accepted.”

Despite the clear zoning stance, Usman refrained from naming a preferred candidate, stressing that the party would allow a transparent and democratic primary process to determine its flagbearer.

“We cannot impose anyone. Whoever emerges will be the choice of party members through due process,” she added.

On internal party matters, she revealed that a court case challenging the dissolution of the party’s National Caretaker Committee had been dismissed for lacking merit, describing the ruling as a victory for truth.

Usman also hinted that the party might adjust the timetable for its upcoming congresses following a significant increase in membership, warning that sticking to the original schedule could disenfranchise new entrants.

Addressing security concerns, she confirmed that the party had petitioned the police over a recent attack on its office, expressing confidence that those responsible would be prosecuted.

She further encouraged members to embrace the party’s digital registration system, noting that manual registration would only be considered for individuals in remote areas without access to mobile technology.

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has called on Nigerians to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections, blaming the party for the country’s deepening challenges.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Bayelsa West senator argued that the APC has failed to deliver on its core promises of tackling corruption, improving the economy, and addressing insecurity.

According to Dickson, the party’s formation ahead of the 2015 elections was driven more by the desire to unseat former President Goodluck Jonathan than by any coherent plan for governance.

“They came together simply to remove the PDP and President Jonathan, but what was the plan after winning power?” he queried.

He maintained that instead of progress, Nigeria has experienced a decline across key sectors under the APC-led administration, insisting that the much-touted “change” slogan has only worsened conditions.

“Change can go both ways. Unfortunately, what we have seen is a shift from bad to worse,” Dickson said, citing rising corruption allegations, economic hardship, and worsening insecurity.

The lawmaker further accused the ruling party of failing to respect Nigeria’s diversity and weakening democratic values, warning that urgent political change is needed to redirect the country’s trajectory.

The All Progressives Congress came to power in 2015 on promises of reform, but critics, including Dickson, argue that those expectations have largely gone unmet.

Governor Seyi Makinde 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, warning against initiating political confrontations without the strength to sustain them.

Wike made the remarks on Monday during the 107th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, amid rising tensions within the party.

The clash follows comments by Makinde, who had alleged that politicians aligning with Wike’s faction were indirectly backing the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.

Makinde made the claim during a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson, where he suggested that Wike had pledged to “hold the PDP” for the President.

Responding, Wike dismissed the allegation as misleading and criticised Makinde for what he described as an ill-considered political move.

“It is unfortunate that a fight you cannot sustain, you started. Politics is not contract work,” Wike said.

In a pointed remark widely seen as a jab, he added, “You wanted money; I wanted power. Stay where you are as a contractor.”

Wike further cautioned party members against unnecessary political battles, stressing that success in politics requires strategy, discipline, and loyalty rather than mere rhetoric.

With the PDP’s national convention slated for March 29–30, the minister warned that members who fail to demonstrate commitment to the process risk being excluded from the party’s future structure.

He, however, called for unity and genuine reconciliation within the party, urging stakeholders to put aside personal differences in the interest of strengthening the PDP ahead of future elections.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has marked a property in Abuja linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, following an interim forfeiture order granted by a court.

The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the action was a standard enforcement procedure aimed at notifying the public of the property’s legal status.

According to him, once a court issues an interim forfeiture order, the agency is empowered to identify and mark the affected asset to caution potential buyers or occupants.

He dismissed claims that operatives raided the property, insisting that what occurred was simply the execution of a lawful court directive.

The development comes amid a viral video showing a tense exchange between Malami and EFCC operatives, in which the former minister questioned the legality of the move and demanded to see a specific court order authorising the action.

Malami maintained that the order presented was not directly tied to his property and described the exercise as an attempt to publicly embarrass him, vowing to challenge the action in court.

The incident drew political attention, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar leading a delegation on a solidarity visit to Malami shortly after returning from Saudi Arabia.

Atiku criticised the move, alleging that it reflected a broader pattern of political intimidation under the administration of Bola Tinubu.

He called for the release of detained political figures, including Nasir El-Rufai, warning against the use of state institutions to suppress opposition voices.

Describing the situation as a dangerous drift toward authoritarianism, Atiku argued that targeting opposition figures undermines democratic principles and weakens public trust in governance.

The legal dispute stems from a Federal High Court order earlier this year, which approved the interim forfeiture of multiple properties allegedly linked to Malami and his associates, pending further judicial determination.

Malami has since challenged the forfeiture in court, setting the stage for a protracted legal and political showdown.

The Peoples Democratic Party has commenced the sale of nomination forms ahead of its much-anticipated national convention, while reaffirming its zoning arrangement as a framework to stabilise the party and ensure balance in leadership positions.

The decision followed the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja, where leaders reviewed preparations for the convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

In a communiqué signed by the Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, the party urged all aspirants to strictly adhere to approved guidelines and timelines.

The NEC emphasised that zoning would remain central to the convention, describing it as a critical mechanism for ensuring equity and managing competing regional interests within the party.

Backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the leadership expressed confidence that the party was regaining stability after months of internal crisis.

Mohammed noted that recent congresses at various levels had recorded significant success, while acknowledging lingering tensions.

He, however, called for unity, stressing that reconciliation efforts were ongoing and inclusive.

“There is no victor and no vanquished—only a shared commitment to rebuild and reposition the party,” he said, urging members to prioritise collective interest over personal ambition.

The upcoming convention, themed around inclusiveness, unity, and renewal, is expected to serve as a defining moment for the PDP as it seeks to rebuild trust and reposition itself as a viable opposition force.

The meeting also highlighted the role of key stakeholders, including former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who chairs the convention planning committee.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, described the period as critical to the party’s future, urging members to embrace unity, fairness, and internal democracy.

He also commended the ongoing electronic membership registration, noting that it would enhance transparency and credibility within the party.

Despite the reconciliatory tone, the PDP leadership acknowledged the delicate balance required to manage internal divisions, insisting that unity remains key to its survival and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has confirmed that the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is currently engaged in high-level talks with the African Democratic Congress and the National Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Spokesperson of the movement, Mansur Kurugu, disclosed this in Kano on Monday, noting that the ongoing consultations could lead to a strategic realignment among the parties.

According to him, no final decision has been reached, but discussions are progressing steadily, with strong indications that a consensus platform will emerge before the next electoral cycle.

“It is true that Kwankwaso is in talks with ADC and NDC. We are optimistic that the leaders involved will eventually agree on a common platform before the 2027 elections,” Kurugu said.

He further revealed that key political figures, including Seriake Dickson, Peter Obi, and Seyi Makinde, are part of the ongoing negotiations, which he described as “significantly advanced.”

Kurugu added that the final decision may see the coalition adopt either ADC, NDC, or even retain the NNPP as its political vehicle.

The talks follow a recent political convergence in Kano, where Kwankwaso hosted Makinde, Obi, and Dickson during a Sallah gathering—an event widely interpreted as a signal of intensifying opposition alignment ahead of 2027.