Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State have celebrated Governor Peter Mbah on his 54th birthday, commending his leadership and developmental strides.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ozor Kennedy Agu said the occasion was not only a celebration of Mbah’s life but also a recognition of the vision and purposeful governance he has brought to the state.

In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday in Enugu, the stakeholders praised the governor’s commitment to transforming Enugu through progressive policies, infrastructure development, and people-focused initiatives.

They noted that since assuming office, Mbah has demonstrated “uncommon courage and determination,” driving innovation, accountability, and growth across key sectors.

“Your vision in building a modern and prosperous Enugu State continues to inspire confidence among the people,” the statement read.

The group highlighted ongoing investments in education, security, technology, and economic development, as well as efforts to uplift rural communities and empower young people.

They added that the administration has sparked a renewed sense of progress and inclusiveness in governance, earning widespread recognition across the state.

The stakeholders also offered prayers for the governor, wishing him wisdom, good health, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Tuesday paid a solidarity visit to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, following his recent release from detention.

The meeting took place at Malami’s residence in Abuja, where both men reportedly spent several hours in discussion.

Sources close to Obi described the visit as a gesture of support rather than a political engagement, noting that Malami had recently faced a series of challenges, including alleged harassment and detention.

“The visit was purely an act of solidarity. It was not about politics but about standing by him during a difficult time,” the source said.

According to insiders, the atmosphere of the meeting reflected concern and empathy, with both leaders focusing on shared experiences rather than political strategy.

The visit came just hours after Malami regained his freedom, underscoring what observers see as growing bonds among key opposition figures.

The Labour Party has announced May 23, 2026, as the date for its presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached during a statutory meeting of the party’s National Executive Council, which was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

This was disclosed in a statement by Ken Asogwa, media aide to the party’s interim leadership, who said the date forms part of a broader timetable guiding the party’s primary elections.

According to the schedule, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries will take place on May 15, while April 15 has been set as the deadline for submission of the party’s membership register to INEC.

The party’s national convention is slated for April 11.

The NEC also ratified earlier congresses at ward, local government, and state levels, scheduled for March 26, March 28, and March 31, respectively.

Addressing internal matters, the council condemned the recent invasion of the party’s national secretariat, describing it as the handiwork of disruptive elements.

Following recommendations from its disciplinary committee, some members were suspended over alleged anti-party activities and misconduct.

The party further announced plans to expand its membership base through a hybrid registration system, combining digital and manual processes, particularly targeting rural communities to improve participation and transparency.

In addition, NEC approved the appointment of interim leaders to fill existing vacancies within party structures, pending the conduct of substantive congresses.

Members were also encouraged to resolve disputes through internal mechanisms to foster unity.

The council reaffirmed its confidence in the interim leadership of Nenadi Usman as National Chairman, alongside key stakeholders including Alex Otti.

The party also commended INEC for complying with a recent court ruling affirming its leadership structure, as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections.

At least three security operatives collapsed from exhaustion during the second-term inauguration of Chukwuma Soludo in Awka on Tuesday.

The incidents occurred at different points during the ceremony held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, where personnel had been stationed for hours under intense heat.

Those affected included a police officer, an operative of the Directorate of State Services, and a female officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Sources said the operatives slumped after enduring prolonged parade duties in the scorching sun, highlighting the physical strain faced by security personnel deployed for major public events.

The inauguration attracted a large crowd and a heavy security presence, with officers positioned across key locations to maintain order throughout the ceremony.

Chukwuma Soludo has been sworn in for a second term as governor of Anambra State, declaring that security has significantly improved and the once-disruptive Monday sit-at-home order is now a thing of the past.

Speaking during his inauguration at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square on Tuesday, Soludo said the state is “back to winning ways,” citing major strides in security, infrastructure, and economic activity.

The governor revealed that no fewer than 62 criminal camps have been dismantled, while eight local government areas previously under siege have been reclaimed.

He also pointed to a surge in visitors during the 2025 festive season as evidence of renewed public confidence.

“The debilitating Monday sit-at-home is over. Schools, markets, businesses, and public servants are back to work,” he said, adding that Anambra is now among the safest states in Nigeria.

Soludo highlighted ongoing urban renewal across key cities, including Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, alongside massive road construction projects and expanded water schemes aimed at transforming the state into a modern megacity.

On youth development, he said hundreds of thousands have benefited from digital skills programmes, while thousands more have been empowered through entrepreneurship initiatives, with some emerging as self-made millionaires.

In education, the governor noted the recruitment of over 8,000 teachers and a significant rise in school enrollment, driven by free education policies.

He added that Anambra schools have consistently ranked among the best nationwide, winning multiple presidential awards in recent years.

Soludo also raised concerns about the growing influence of get-rich-quick ideologies among youths, linking it to criminality.

He said his administration has intensified enforcement of the Homeland Security Law, leading to a crackdown on fraudulent native doctors and criminal networks.

Meanwhile, his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, was also sworn in during the ceremony, with the oath of office administered by the state Chief Judge.

Reaffirming his vision, Soludo pledged to sustain reforms and deepen progress across sectors, insisting that Anambra is firmly on the path to stability and growth.

President Bola Tinubu has mandated that all political appointees under his administration who plan to contest in the 2027 general elections must resign by March 31, 2026.

The directive, issued in a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, affects a wide range of officials, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior and special assistants, personal aides, directors-general, CEOs of federal agencies, parastatals, commissions, and other presidential appointees.

Signed by SGF George Akume and issued by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, the circular cites Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and aligns with the INEC timetable for party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

All affected officials are required to submit formal resignation letters through the SGF’s office before the deadline.

The circular states:
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the forthcoming 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026. This ensures full compliance with electoral laws, promotes transparency, and guarantees a level playing field for all aspirants.”

President Tinubu emphasized that the move is aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring credible electoral processes in Nigeria.

This announcement comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections gain momentum, following the release of the official electoral timetable by INEC.

Nigerian electoral law requires political appointees to step down before party primaries, preventing abuse of office and promoting fairness in the political process.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has congratulated Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, on the occasion of his 54th birthday, while also assuring him of the association’s support toward his future political aspirations.

The Chairman of the IPMAN Enugu Depot Unit, Chinedu Anyaso, conveyed the congratulatory message in a statement issued to journalists in Enugu on Monday.

Anyaso said members of IPMAN and other stakeholders in the petroleum industry were proud of the governor’s achievements, noting that Mbah, who has roots in the petroleum sector, has demonstrated exemplary leadership and people-centred governance.

He described the governor as a transformational leader whose administration has implemented impactful policies, programmes and infrastructure projects that are improving development and positioning the state for greater recognition.

The IPMAN chairman also urged the governor to sustain the technology-driven security initiatives introduced by his administration, noting that the measures have significantly improved safety and boosted business activities across the state.

According to him, the association recognises the government’s progress in several sectors, including education, healthcare, technological innovation, youth empowerment, skills development, environmental management, and the upgrading of transportation infrastructure.

Anyaso further prayed for continued success and good health for the governor as he marks another year.

“On behalf of all members of the IPMAN Enugu Depot Unit, we wish you a happy and fulfilling 54th birthday. We pray that God grants you many more years in good health, wisdom and grace,” he said.

He also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the governor, expressing confidence in his leadership and vision for the continued development of Enugu State.

Anyaso concluded by wishing the governor well and describing the current administration as a new era of progress for the people of the state.