The lone All Progressives Congress (APC) member in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Akaliro Kelechi Anderson, has officially dumped the party and declared his allegiance to the Labour Party (LP).

The lawmaker, who represents Umuahia North State Constituency, submitted his resignation letter to the APC Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, citing persistent internal crises, factionalism, and a breakdown of leadership structures within the APC in Abia State.

“Since my inauguration, the APC in Abia has never extended an invitation to me, formal or informal, for any meeting or activity, thereby undermining my relevance and mandate,” he wrote in his letter.

Hon. Akaliro, who also chairs the Assembly’s Committee on Public Petitions and Judiciary, was the only APC candidate to win a seat in the House during the 2023 general elections.

The lawmaker criticized the APC’s continued internal wrangling, especially the frequent suspensions and counter-suspensions among party members across wards and local councils, calling it “a sign of irreversible disunity.”

Following what he described as consultations with his constituents and political stakeholders, Hon. Akaliro announced his decision to join the Labour Party, aligning with the administration of Governor Alex Otti, whom he praised for visionary leadership and development-focused governance.

“Today, I’ve seen the light. His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, has shown that he came prepared. From education to infrastructure and social services, he’s delivering on all fronts,” Akaliro said while addressing the press.

He added that being in opposition had become difficult under Governor Otti’s administration because there was little left to criticise.

“Even when I think of something to oppose, I find that he’s already doing it. He has made my job as an opposition lawmaker incredibly hard, in a good way.”

With enthusiasm, Akaliro declared his new political identity:

“I’m officially declaring as Honourable Barrister Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, the man with excess grace, representing the good people of Umuahia North State Constituency as a proud member of the Labour Party.”

He also expressed optimism that his defection would strengthen the Labour Party’s influence in Abia State while further isolating the APC.

“My constituents are excited about this move. I believe Governor Otti is taking Abia to its rightful place, and I want to be part of that journey.”

Akaliro’s exit leaves the APC with no representation in the Abia State House of Assembly, marking a significant setback for the party’s political relevance in the state.

His defection is seen as another boost for Governor Otti’s growing political influence and the Labour Party’s increasing dominance in the region.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the construction of a major flyover at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi, Benue State, describing it as a personal gift to Governor Hyacinth Alia in recognition of his commitment to infrastructure development.

The flyover, estimated to cost between $950 million and $1 billion, is being financed by the China Exim Bank and forms part of a much larger 520-kilometre dual carriageway stretching from Makurdi to Ninth Mile in Enugu State.

Details of the project were shared in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Benue State Government.

At the groundbreaking ceremony held on Saturday, Minister of Works David Umahi represented the president. Umahi praised Governor Alia for his interventions on federal roads, noting that the Makurdi-Ninth Mile road project is the most extensive in any state.

“Benue State alone accounts for 260km of this dual carriageway. That’s 520km in total. There’s no comparable section in any other state,” Umahi said.

“Your Excellency, you truly came in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are a blessed governor.”

Umahi further emphasized that the Wurukum flyover wasn’t originally part of the road project’s blueprint.

According to him, it was specially added at the request of President Tinubu.

“This flyover wasn’t in the original budget. The president instructed that it be included as a gift to Governor Alia,” Umahi stated.

“Benue people have every reason to be grateful, for both divine favour and the president’s love for the state.”

He also commended the governor’s efforts in rehabilitating and constructing roads within the state, calling it a sign of true leadership.

“Governance is demanding, but with God’s grace, you’ll be remembered for your legacy,” he added.

The flyover project is a key component of the second phase of the Makurdi–Ninth Mile Road dualisation, which is segmented into five sections and covers a total of 250.6 kilometres, in addition to a 15.8-kilometre Lafia Bypass, according to Adam Onundi, Project Manager and MD of Yolas Consultants Ltd.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed disappointment over the extremely low turnout for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Enugu State, recording just 1,801 fresh registrations within 15 days of the exercise.

According to the Head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC Enugu, Chief Rex Achumie, the figures represent a sharp contrast to the average of 25,000 registrations typically recorded in other states over the same period.

“The turnout so far is discouraging. It is troubling to see such a small number of new voters, just 1,801 across the entire state, despite smooth operations and no technical setbacks,” Achumie said.

The 15-day count covers registrations conducted between August 25 and September 12, exclusively at INEC’s CVR centres across Enugu State. Among the 1,801 newly registered voters, 896 are male and 905 are female.

INEC began the online phase of the CVR on August 18, with physical registration starting nationwide on August 28. In Enugu, the process has reportedly faced no technical or logistical issues.

“We’ve had no problems with network connectivity, staffing, or equipment. The process has been seamless,” Achumie noted.

“Unfortunately, people are not showing up. Residents are arriving at wide intervals — it’s a trickle.”

He urged community leaders, civil society groups, political parties, and other stakeholders to intensify voter sensitisation efforts, particularly targeting young people who just turned 18, and eligible voters who have never registered before.

Achumie stressed the importance of the CVR in ensuring inclusive and representative elections, especially as the country prepares for future electoral cycles.

“Registering to vote is not just for political party members, it’s a civic responsibility for every Nigerian of voting age. The voter’s card is your voice during elections.”

He emphasized that the low numbers could impact voter turnout and representation in upcoming polls if not urgently addressed.

The CVR exercise in Enugu runs Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 4pm, at the INEC State Headquarters in Enugu and all 17 Local Government Area INEC offices across the state.

INEC is urging all eligible residents who have not yet registered to take advantage of the ongoing opportunity to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room has called on the National Assembly to urgently complete and pass all pending electoral reform bills to strengthen public trust in the democratic process.

The appeal was made during a press conference in Abuja on Monday by Celestine Odo, Head of Programmes at ActionAid Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the coalition.

Odo warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at a critical crossroads, under threat from a growing governance deficit and widespread public disillusionment.

“The Situation Room calls on the National Assembly to finalise and pass into law pending reforms that will restore confidence in our elections and, ultimately, our democracy,” Odo stated.

In addition to legislative reforms, the group also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, particularly in upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial polls in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states.

The Situation Room expressed concern over systemic corruption and urged the federal government to confront the issue head-on.

“While the endurance of civil rule is commendable, systemic corruption, cultural fragmentation, and governance failures continue to undermine democratic consolidation,” Odo added.

He noted that the success of the current administration’s legacy would depend on its ability to reduce economic inequality, restore electoral integrity, and promote inclusive governance.

The group also criticized the Senate’s suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a threat to the rule of law.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-time senator from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended on March 6, 2025, and barred from all parliamentary activities for six months.

Although the matter was taken to court, the Federal High Court in Abuja did not overturn the Senate’s decision, citing the absence of a binding order to reverse it.

Despite informing the Senate Clerk’s office of her intention to resume duties on September 4, the senator has yet to be allowed back.

The Situation Room condemned the Senate’s continued denial of her return, warning it undermines constitutional democracy and sets a dangerous precedent.