The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has called on party stakeholders, members and residents to unite in full support of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the monthly meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nkanu West, held at the party secretariat in Agbani on Saturday, Hon. Ogbodo described Governor Mbah as a visionary leader whose administration has significantly transformed Enugu State within a short period.

“Governor Mbah has not only demonstrated competence and capacity, he has also shown the political will to deliver on his promises. From massive investments in infrastructure and healthcare to educational reforms and youth empowerment, the difference is clear. Nkanu West is proud to be associated with such a transformational leader,” Ogbodo said.

He urged party faithful to remain united, focused and committed to the ideals of PDP, noting that internal cohesion was critical to securing victory in 2027.

“Our strength lies in our unity. Let us continue to work together as one family. The PDP remains the party of the people and under Governor Mbah’s leadership, we are confident that Enugu State will continue to rise.”

Hon. Ogbodo also used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Mbah for the ongoing projects in Nkanu West, especially the rehabilitation of rural roads, upgrading of health centres and support for local farmers through state-sponsored agricultural schemes.

Party leaders, ward chairpersons, youth and women leaders and other stakeholders in attendance unanimously endorsed the governor for a second term, describing his governance style as inclusive, responsive and progressive.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the party reaffirmed its support for the governor’s administration and pledged to mobilise grassroots support across all wards in the LGA.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a national forum of former federal legislators has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their sole presidential candidate.

The endorsement was announced during the Southern Summit 2025 held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Themed “National Unity: Bedrock of Nation Building,” the summit brought together former lawmakers to reflect on national issues and chart a course forward.

Speaking at the event, Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, praised President Tinubu’s leadership, citing major reforms that have shaped the administration since 2023.

These include removal of subsidy fraud benefiting a minority, implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and Passage of tax reforms aimed at promoting fairness and accountability.

Gbajabiamila described these actions as the work of a leader focused on future generations rather than political gains, stating:

“These are not the actions of a politician thinking about the next election. They are acts of extraordinary statesmanship.”

He criticized political actors who exploit national divisions for selfish interests and urged the former lawmakers to rally support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, highlighting his commitment to unity and progress.

At the conclusion of the summit, the forum released a communiqué, signed by Hon. Samson Osagie, expressing full support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Key points include Adoption of Tinubu as sole 2027 presidential candidate, Call for unity and support across regions, particularly urging the South to back Tinubu for a second term, Commendation of government reforms, such as: creation of Regional Development Commissions, local Government Autonomy, deregulation of the electricity sector and the Student Loan Scheme (NELFUND), as we as calls for the creation of State Police.

The forum also acknowledged the Northern Caucus’s endorsement of a Southern presidency, affirming that Tinubu should complete the South’s two-term cycle.

“We call on the South to support the North in 2031 to take up their tenure. We must all pursue a national agenda of unity and peace,” the communiqué read.

Hon. Rapheal Igbokwe, the forum’s National Coordinator, emphasized the importance of national unity and encouraged further cooperation between federal and state governments to maximize the impact of the ongoing reforms.

He also called on the Federal Government to consider post-service benefits for former legislators and urged that they be included in political appointments.

In attendance were Senator Ken Nnamani, former Senate President, Hon. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh and Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speakers of the House, Sen. Ndoma Egba, former Senate Leader, Sen. Adegbenga Kaka and Sen. Lekan Mustapha, among others

The Rivers State Government has formally begun its transition from emergency rule back to democratic governance, with an inter-denominational Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre on Abonima Wharf Road in Port Harcourt.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Worika, announced that the event marks the start of a broader programme to restore full civil authority in the state.

The Thanksgiving is expected to attract prominent government officials, traditional rulers, industry leaders, and security chiefs.

“The Government of Rivers State is pleased to invite the Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Chairmen, Heads of State Security and Para-Military Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Chairmen and members of Boards and Governing Councils, Captains of industries, Government Officials and invited guests to the Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service, as part of transition activities to usher in Democratic Governance in Rivers State,” the statement read.

According to the programme, guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 am, with the service scheduled to begin at 10 am.

The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.

This development comes six months after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following a prolonged political crisis.

The President’s directive led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The emergency, initially slated for six months, was triggered by escalating tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The power struggle had resulted in major institutional breakdowns, including the controversial demolition of the House of Assembly complex in late 2023.

The crisis deepened amid disputes over legislative legitimacy, rising security threats particularly militant activity and pipeline vandalism and widespread concern about constitutional violations.

The Supreme Court, in a subsequent ruling, strongly criticised Fubara’s handling of the Assembly crisis, describing it as “despotism” and concluded there was “no functioning government” in the state.

To restore order, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator, tasked with overseeing the state’s affairs throughout the emergency.

While executive and legislative functions were suspended, judicial institutions remained operational.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the imposition of emergency rule, describing it as a last-resort measure after failed mediation attempts and a thorough review of legal and security issues.

He said the federal government acted to prevent a total collapse of governance in the state.

Sunday’s Thanksgiving service is the first public event signaling Rivers State’s gradual return to normalcy.

As leadership tussles continue to rock the African Democratic Congress (ADC), some principal officers and coalition leaders within the party are reportedly considering a return to the newly approved All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a more stable political platform.

Sources within the opposition coalition told DAILY GAZETTE that ongoing litigation involving the current David Mark-led ADC leadership could jeopardize the party’s prospects in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

At the heart of the crisis is a legal challenge brought by Nafi’u Bala, the ADC’s Deputy National Chairman, who is contesting the legitimacy of the current leadership.

Bala filed a case at the Federal High Court, seeking to nullify the appointments of David Mark as interim chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as interim secretary.

Bala argues that following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu on July 2, 2025, he should have automatically assumed the chairmanship.

He asked the court to bar Mark and Aregbesola from acting as party leaders.

On September 4, 2025, Justice Emeka Nwite declined Bala’s request for an ex-parte order, instead directing that all parties be served and appear in court to defend their positions.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 15, 2025.

The crisis has prompted renewed interest in ADA, one of 14 political associations recently approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to proceed with registration.

Coalition leaders had applied to register ADA back in June, anticipating potential conflicts over control of ADC.

The formation of ADA was initially proposed by a coalition that includes Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Southern political leaders, as well as the League of Northern Democrats.

The Rotimi Amaechi-led New Platform Committee recommended ADA as the coalition’s base, submitting its application to INEC on June 19.

Although INEC initially flagged issues with the application, the commission gave final approval three months later.

A senior coalition member told DAILY GAZETTE that ADA remains a backup plan should the crisis in ADC worsen:

“ADA was our first approach to have a reliable platform, which was why we constituted Amaechi’s committee. The alternative then was to look for an existing political party. I would say the pressure we put on INEC then yielded the approval of the ADA.”

He added “If the court rules against the David Mark-led ADC executive, we will fight it until we complete all ADA processes, then move into the party. Like I always say, the coalition is bigger than the ADC.”

According to him, discussions are already underway regarding a potential migration to ADA especially as the coalition expects additional members from the PDP after its convention in November.

“A full-fledged alliance would come after the PDP members join the coalition. It is something bigger, and that is why moving out of ADC is also possible. ADA is a broader platform for now.”

Another high-ranking member of the ADC confirmed that while informal talks have taken place regarding a possible move to ADA, no formal decision has been made:

“I don’t think we have reached that stage yet. We haven’t discussed it as a group. But certainly, I know it is a matter that everybody within the party and the coalition is talking about.”

He acknowledged frustration over the ongoing crisis but stressed that the final decision will rest with the coalition:

“We’ve invested so much in ADC, not just financially, but in terms of time and energy. But as far as many of us are concerned, whatever the coalition decides is what we’re going to do.”

Another senior official emphasized that ADA was always the coalition’s original plan:

“We own the ADA, and it is even a broader platform because all the stakeholders in the coalition approved it as our original party. ADC was then an alternative. But now that the ADA has sailed through… we may leave ADC if the ongoing litigation threatens our agenda.”

A former minister also confirmed the possibility:

“If we see that unexpected things are about to happen in ADC, we will migrate to ADA.”

However, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi denied any such plans, insisting the coalition remains committed to the ADC for now:

“There is nothing like moving to ADA. There is no doubt that the coalition owns the party, but there’s not yet a reason to migrate.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has lifted the social media block on human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, on X (formerly Twitter), following a brief meeting between the two at Lagos House, Marina, on Friday.

Ogun, who had previously filed a lawsuit against the governor for what he described as a violation of his fundamental rights, confirmed the development via a post on his Instagram account on Saturday.

“Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unblocked me on X (Twitter). I met briefly with him yesterday at Lagos House Marina, on his invitation, to amicably resolve my complaint of human rights violations. We will continue to hold authorities accountable, regardless. Aluta continua!” Ogun wrote.

Ogun had earlier filed a fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging Sanwo-Olu’s decision to block him on X.

In suit FHC/L/CS/1739/25, the lawyer alleged that the governor’s action was prompted by his constructive criticism of the administration, particularly relating to the #EndSARS protests of October 2020.

He argued that the block denied him access to crucial updates and information from the governor’s verified public account thereby violating his constitutional right to receive information without interference.

According to court filings shared by Ogun on his Facebook page, he contended that the governor’s action was unconstitutional, arbitrary and discriminatory, that It amounted to an attack on free speech and public accountability and the matter went beyond personal grievance and raised serious democratic concerns.

He also cited a 2019 U.S. court ruling in support of his claim, arguing that blocking critics on public accounts undermines democratic engagement.

Ogun, who described himself as “haunted, traumatised, and emotionally disturbed,” asked the court to compel the governor to unblock him on X, issue a public apology and be barred from targeting online critics going forward.

Sanwo-Olu’s invitation to Ogun for a private meeting appears to have resolved the dispute without the need for prolonged litigation.

While no public statement has been made by the governor’s office, Ogun’s confirmation suggests that the unblocking and dialogue were part of a mutual resolution effort.

The crisis surrounding local government administration in Osun State has deepened as reinstated council chairmen from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have dragged the Federal Government, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and several others to court, seeking a judicial extension of their tenure.

The embattled chairmen, previously removed from office after a court ruling declared their 2022 election illegal, are now asking the Federal High Court in Osogbo to affirm that their tenure should run until February 2028, instead of ending in October 2025.

The APC officials were initially elected in October 2022, but were sacked after a federal court declared the elections unlawful.

However, the Court of Appeal in February 2025 reversed that decision and reinstated them to office.

Meanwhile, following local government elections held on February 22, 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) swore in a new set of council executives.

This has led to both APC and PDP claiming control of the councils, prompting the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to abandon work. Consequently, local government allocations have been withheld.

In suit number FHC/OS/CS/147/2025, filed by Barrister Muhideen Adeoye on behalf of Saheed Onibonokuta and seven other APC chairmen, the claimants are asking the court to rule on several constitutional and legal matters relating to their tenure and the actions of the state government.

The suit lists six defendants to include the Attorney General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) as well as Osun State House of Assembly.

The chairmen argue that, according to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and relevant state laws, their tenure should begin from the date of their inauguration, which occurred only after the appellate court reinstated them in February 2025.

“Upon a combined interpretation of Section 91, the Claimants, who were not given the opportunity to take their first sitting as democratically elected members of the various Local Government Councils in Osun State prior to 9th February, 2025 cannot be compelled to vacate office on the 17th day of October, 2025 or on any other date in October 2025,” they argued.

They insist that OSIEC’s actions including conducting new elections and swearing in another set of council members during their subsisting tenure are illegal.

“In view of Sections 24 and 91 of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2022; Sections 9, 10 and 28 of the Local Government (Administration) Law, Cap. 72A, Laws of Osun State, the 6th Defendant could have validly issued a notice of polls, conducted elections into the various local government councils in Osun State on the 22nd day of February, 2025 and sworn in another set of Council members during the subsistence of the tenure of office of the Claimants thereby attempting to deprive the Claimants of their rights to complete their tenure.”

The claimants are seeking eight reliefs, including:

A declaration that OSIEC acted unlawfully by conducting new elections and swearing in PDP officials during their valid tenure.

A declaration that any steps taken by the Osun State Government or its agencies to install other council members between February and August 2025 are illegal, invalid, and unconstitutional.

A ruling that any attempt by the Attorney General of the Federation to curtail their tenure ending in October 2025 is ultra vires, null and void.

They are also asking the court to issue an injunction restraining Governor Adeleke, the Osun State Attorney General, OSIEC and the House of Assembly from taking any action to remove or replace them before February 19, 2028.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that Nigerians will not be allowed to vote without presenting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the upcoming 2027 general elections, in line with existing electoral laws.

This comes amidst ongoing conversations following INEC’s post-2023 general election review meetings, where stakeholders had suggested that advancements in the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) could allow voters to use alternative means of identification during elections.

However, INEC’s position remains unchanged.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE on Saturday, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, clarified that while discussions had taken place, the Electoral Act mandates the use of PVCs and this cannot be bypassed without legal amendments.

“INEC is not mulling the idea of voting without the Permanent voter cards,” Oyekanmi stated.

“The idea emanated as a recommendation from our post-2023 review meetings with stakeholders, where it was suggested that with the advent of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, which contains details of registered voters per polling unit, Nigerians should be able to vote with any ID including the PVC on Election Day.”

While BVAS has revolutionized the voting process by verifying voter identity through both facial and fingerprint recognition, Oyekanmi emphasized that its deployment doesn’t override the requirements set by law.

“The commission is not opposed to this idea but some aspects of the law, like Section 47 of the Electoral Act 2022, which makes it mandatory for a voter to present a voter card at the polling unit, would need an amendment.”

Despite technological improvements, a major concern for INEC remains the large number of uncollected PVCs.

As of August 24, 2025, a total of 5,965,451 voter cards were yet to be picked up by their owners.

According to data from INEC, Lagos State leads with a staggering 845,225 unclaimed PVCs, followed by Oyo (515,254), Ogun (410,281), Osun (360,794), and Ondo (295,856).

Other significant figures include:

• Rivers – 251,418
• Delta – 232,183
• Kano – 327,177
• Kaduna – 170,735
• Benue – 170,586
• Abia – 171,626
• Akwa Ibom – 158,795
• Kwara – 158,653

Smaller numbers were recorded in states like Ekiti (29,595), Anambra (31,690), Bauchi (37,169), and Gombe (40,840).

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had 93,868 uncollected PVCs, while Taraba and Zamfara reported 197,049 and 76,815, respectively.

In a bid to tackle voter apathy and reduce the backlog of uncollected PVCs, INEC resumed the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise last month.

The online phase commenced on August 18 while physical registration began on August 25.

As the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State nears its end, some prominent elders in the state say the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has effectively weakened his political standing and handed control of the state to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara’s predecessor.

President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state on March 16, 2025, citing escalating political tension and attacks on vital oil infrastructure by suspected militants.

As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. He then appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as interim administrator for six months.

With the emergency rule set to expire in a few days, reports suggest that Fubara has remained largely incommunicado, though an aide disclosed that he is likely to return to the state over the weekend.

“As I speak with you the governor is not back. All those pictures you see on social media are old. But he may come in today (Saturday) or tomorrow (Sunday),” said the aide, who requested anonymity.

In preparation for the handover, the state government announced plans to hold an inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre on Abonnima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt, as part of the transition back to democratic governance.

This was confirmed in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Ibibia Worika.

Speaking, members of the Rivers State Elders Council expressed concern over what they described as the political subjugation of Fubara and a return to Wike-dominated politics.

“The state is captured. That is my position. We will only get back to where we were before the liberation; and now it is back to Egypt. Rivers State has been successfully captured. The future of the state would be determined by the people of the state going forward,” said High Chief Sunny Chukumele, convener of the Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought.

He further claimed that the so-called political peace in the state is superficial:

“The governor has been cowed for the so-called peace to reign. But that peace is in the graveyard and it is unfortunate. Rivers people look helpless, desolate and abandoned to their fate.”

Chukumele also accused President Tinubu of using the state as a pawn in his political strategy ahead of 2027.

“The new political class has taken over. The President has sacrificed Rivers people for his interest in 2027. So it is for Rivers people to determine who to follow.”

Another elder, Asukewe Iko-Awaji, a member of the Rivers Elders Forum, argued that the prolonged suspension has eroded whatever political capital Fubara had before leaving office.

“The truth is that damage has been made. That spirit of brotherhood is no longer there. The bad seed has been sown.”

He also pointed out that the long absence may have lasting effects on political relationships and economic development.

“If Fubara returns, the cordial relationship amongst them won’t be there again. They will be suspicious of each other because the bad egg has been laid. This is what the Rivers people will face. It will take them months to blend again.”

Economically, he said, the impact has been significant.

“The man has been away from office for six months. Some of the companies working in the state have pulled out and it will take another six months to put himself together to bring back these companies.”

“Before the declaration of this emergency, a lot of projects were going on. When Ibas came, he abandoned those projects and some companies pulled out. Now he is going to appoint people.”

In contrast to the criticism, former Rivers Senator Olaka Wogu, a known ally of Nyesom Wike, said Fubara’s return might not change much politically and insisted that Wike had simply been forthright in his actions.

“Sometimes people over-speculate on Wike. The man puts things in plain sight, but people don’t listen. Wike will tell you, ‘I wasn’t for a state of emergency, I was going to impeach him. We have resolved, we are moving on, and I will be honest and I will be frank. I will say it as I want.’ That’s how Wike does things, it is pure honesty.”

Wogu also emphasized that the crisis was never about money, but about power and political structure.

“The fact is that the man fought for his structure and kept it. The governor is part of the structure.”

He argued that despite Tinubu’s intervention, Rivers people would ultimately decide the political direction of the state.