The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) has officially released the timetable for the upcoming Local Government elections across the state’s 17 local councils.

Announcing the development on Thursday in Enugu, the Executive Chairman of ENSIEC, Prof. Christian Ngwu, confirmed that the elections will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The elections will cover 17 chairmanship and 260 councillorship positions.

According to Prof. Ngwu, the schedule has already been gazetted by the Enugu State Government on Wednesday and will be strictly followed.

“The process officially began with the publication of the Notice of Election by ENSIEC on August 20, 2025,” he noted.

Nov. 27 – Dec. 12, 2025:

Political parties are expected to submit detailed information regarding their party primaries — including dates, venues, and times.

Jan. 23 – Feb. 19, 2026:

Conduct of party primaries by political parties, alongside the resolution of disputes and observation by ENSIEC.

March 25 – March 27, 2026:

Screening of chairmanship candidates’ credentials at the ENSIEC Headquarters, with the following zonal schedule:

• • Enugu North Zone – March 25
  • Enugu East Zone – March 26
  • Enugu West Zone – March 27

In addition, Prof. Ngwu emphasized that in line with the Electoral Act 2022, political parties must submit nomination forms, ENSIEC-7 (Chairmanship) and ENSIEC-7A (Councillorship) no later than 180 days before the election date.

It urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the schedule to ensure a smooth, transparent and credible electoral process.

Veteran Igbo politician and founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, has formally announced his retirement from partisan politics.

Okorie, who also convened the Igbo Agenda Dialogue 2025, made the declaration during an appearance on the Beyond the Headlines programme, aired on Freedom Square TV and hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke.

Speaking on the show, the political elder statesman cited deep personal reflection and the changing political climate in Nigeria as key reasons for his decision.

He emphasized that while he is stepping away from active political party involvement, he remains committed to national discourse, political advocacy, and championing equity for the Igbo people.

“My part in partisanship is over. I have voluntarily withdrawn so I can fully embrace the new roles God has destined for me in this phase of my life,” Okorie said.

He clarified that his exit should not be interpreted as political silence, but rather as a strategic shift toward becoming a non-partisan voice for justice, unity, and restructuring in Nigeria.

As a consistent figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, Okorie has played key roles in shaping the political landscape, especially in promoting the interests of the South-East.

His work in founding APGA and his involvement in other political platforms have left a lasting legacy.

Now repositioning himself as an elder statesman, Okorie called on younger Nigerians especially from the South-East to take initiative and lead with unity, courage and vision.

“Political power won’t come through lamentation. It requires action, strategy and unity of purpose,” he warned.

A serving member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Henry Mbachu, has officially left the Labour Party (LP) and joined the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in a move that is being seen as politically significant ahead of the November 8 governorship election in the state.

Mbachu, who represents Awka South Constituency 1, announced his defection via a video broadcast, citing alignment with the vision and policy direction of the YPP’s gubernatorial candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma, as the primary reason for his decision.

“After careful consideration, I have found that the YPP’s manifesto and candidate better align with my legislative agenda and the aspirations of my constituents,” Mbachu said.

He expressed strong support for Chukwuma, describing him as a youth-friendly candidate with a clear development plan for Anambra State.

According to the lawmaker, the YPP candidate offers a practical and visionary blueprint that resonates with his own political goals and the needs of the people of Awka and Okpuno.

“His plans to transform Anambra from a consumption-based to a production-driven economy, and build industries across the state, are unmatched,” Mbachu stated.

Mbachu further assured his constituents that his decision was made in their best interest and stressed that the November poll is an opportunity to elect a leader with a realistic development agenda.

“This isn’t just about switching parties. It’s about aligning with someone who has the ideas and integrity to truly develop Anambra,” he added.

He also disclosed that Chukwuma has committed to prioritizing his constituency in future state projects.

“He has assured me that Awka and Okpuno will receive preferential consideration in employment and government projects, especially in any new facilities built in the area,” Mbachu revealed.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described Nigeria’s political landscape as one plagued by betrayal and dishonesty.

Speaking in Benin City at the 70th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff and ex-Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, Jonathan praised Ogiadomhe for his unwavering loyalty during his time in office.

“Mike is one of the few people who stood by me when I became president,” Jonathan said.

“In Nigerian politics, it’s rare to find someone who says the same thing in the morning and evening. Many politicians say one thing now and something entirely different later.”

Recalling the 2015 elections, Jonathan noted that he experienced numerous betrayals but emphasized that Ogiadomhe was a rare exception, someone whose word was dependable.

Representing Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa commended Ogiadomhe’s legacy, stating that the developmental foundation he laid still guides governance in the state.

Also speaking at the event, former Edo Governor Lucky Igbinedion praised Ogiadomhe’s reliability, saying he trusted him completely to handle state matters in his absence.

Senator and ex-governor Adams Oshiomhole also honored the celebrant, noting Ogiadomhe’s steadfast loyalty to Jonathan, adding, “He never hid where his allegiance was.”

Ogiadomhe’s wife, Louisa, was equally recognized for her strong support throughout his political career.

The event drew a high-profile audience, including former governors Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and various former deputy governors.

Also in attendance were Edo State Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa, Speaker of the State Assembly Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.

Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the House of Representatives and chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has revealed that former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is still open to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Jibrin emphasized that the political door remains open for discussions between Kwankwaso and President Bola Tinubu’s camp.

“As far as that [joining APC] is concerned, he has always maintained that his doors are open. Our doors are open for discussions. Everything is a possibility,” Jibrin said.

Talks of Kwankwaso, who came fourth in the 2023 presidential election, joining the APC have resurfaced in political circles.

Although the momentum behind such a move appeared to have slowed down, Jibrin clarified that no final decision has been made.

“The door is not closed. He has never said it is closed,” he stated.

When asked about the delays or obstacles, Jibrin pointed to internal power dynamics within the APC, especially in Kano State.

“Some vested interests within the APC may not want us to come in because of personal political ambitions, like wanting to be governor, for example.”

He further emphasized the strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, describing it as a formidable political force that cannot be ignored in national politics.

Jibrin, who has been seen visiting President Tinubu several times, declined to confirm whether he personally would be leaving NNPP for the APC.

“I keep saying everything is a possibility,” he said, adding that he does not require Kwankwaso’s permission to switch parties.

“At my age, I think I’m old enough to make decisions for myself.”

In the 2023 presidential election, Kwankwaso polled 1,496,687 votes, trailing behind Tinubu (8,794,726), Atiku Abubakar (6,984,520) and Peter Obi (6,101,533).

The Kaduna State Police Command has summoned former governor Nasir El-Rufai and key members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief and causing grievous harm.

The invitation was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation, Zubairu Abdullahi, and involves several prominent figures within the ADC’s Kaduna chapter.

According to the police letter, those expected to appear include:

• Mallam Nasir El-Rufai
• Bashir Saidu
• Ja’afaru Sani (ADC North-West Chairman)
• Ubaidullah Mohammed (aka Mikiya 30)
• Nasiru Maikano
• Aminu Abita
• Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (aka Mikiya)

The police request that all named individuals report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8, 2025, to respond to allegations made by unnamed complainants.

The letter stated:

“This department is currently investigating the above-mentioned case involving the following members of your party. You are requested to come along with them to SCID to clarify allegations reported against them by the complainants on 8th September 2025.”

However, the ADC leaders have claimed they have not been officially served with the police invitation.

According to them, they only became aware of the matter through posts circulating on social media.

The development follows recent tensions surrounding ADC political gatherings in the state, which authorities claim were held without proper clearance.

El-Rufai and his allies have, however, condemned the actions of security agencies as politically motivated.