The former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged his supporters to throw their full weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming bye-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Obi in a post on his verified facebook page on Thursday, directed all members of the Obidient movement and the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) to “vote ADC all the way” in the 16 states where the bye-elections will take place.

“Kindly note that because the Labour Party has no recognised candidates by INEC due to the internal crisis, I humbly urge every member of the Obidient and COPDEM families to go out and vote for the coalition political party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), in their respective states,” Obi stated.

The elections which will cover two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies and nine state assembly seats are being closely watched as a litmus test for party strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi’s departure from the Labour Party comes amid months of internal wrangling within the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced that the Labour Party has no validly nominated candidates for the bye-elections due to unresolved disputes over leadership and primaries.

Obi widely regarded as the face of a new political movement in Nigeria, now appears to be aligning more closely with the ADC which has presented itself as a viable third force committed to democratic reforms and grassroots development.

“The struggle for Nigeria has started,” Obi declared.

The ADC, which is fielding candidates across all 16 states in the bye-elections said the endorsement is a welcome development and a boost to the party.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has unveiled a modern transport system set to create over 20,000 jobs and significantly contribute to both the state and national economies.

The governor made this known on Thursday during the inauguration of the New Enugu Transport Management System, alongside the commissioning of five ultra-modern bus terminals located in Holy Ghost, Gariki, Abakpa, and Nsukka, as well as the launch of 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mbah said the ambitious infrastructure push was part of his administration’s promise to raise living standards and transform Enugu into a modern economy.

“The projects delivered are part of the promise we made to the people to ensure world-class infrastructure, which will not only uplift the economy but dignify their living standard,” he stated.

The governor said the initiatives would spur economic growth, projecting Enugu’s GDP to rise to $30 billion and Nigeria’s to $1 trillion in the next six years.

“Transport remains the central pillar of modernisation and a measure of the people’s progress, touching every aspect of human life,” he said.

He also revealed plans to roll out 2,000 hybrid vehicles to support the new system, which prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and environmental sustainability.

“The CNG buses, equipped for persons with disabilities, will reduce household transport expenses by over 40% and serve routes leading to schools, markets, and major public areas,” Mbah noted.

Mbah credited President Bola Tinubu’s subsidy removal policy as a catalyst for change.

“I must commend President Bola Tinubu, whose vision and wisdom to remove fuel subsidy, have led to all the projects and change to a new transport system based on 21st-century infrastructure,” he added.

He also praised the efforts of the State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, contractors, and stakeholders who ensured timely delivery.

Governor Mbah highlighted ongoing infrastructure development across the state, including: remodeling of bus stops across Enugu metropolis, modern e-ticketing to reduce revenue leakage, rebuilt roads within cities and towns.

Others are; Enugu Air which was recently launched, Planned rail and waterway transport systems among others.

Transport Commissioner, Dr. Obi Ozor described the new terminals as key components of Enugu’s transformation.

“Each terminal is designed to handle over 10 million commuters annually. They feature air-conditioned halls, lodging, eateries, solar lighting, surveillance systems, and covered walkways,” he said.

Ozor called the development a testament to Mbah’s commitment to making Enugu a model for infrastructure in Nigeria.

Chairman of Enugu North Council Area, Dr. Ibekaku Onoh, thanked the governor for revitalizing urban transport.

“We appreciate the order, beauty, jobs, and comfort these terminals have brought, alongside other projects like smart schools and health centres,” Onoh said.

Former Senate President and current ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct Saturday’s nationwide bye‑elections with impartiality, transparency, and integrity, warning that failing to do so could further erode public trust in the electoral process.

In a goodwill message to ADC candidates competing for Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assembly seats across 10 states, Senator Mark stressed that “all eyes are on the commission” to rectify the controversies that have tarnished past elections.

According to his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark declared:

“These elections are an opportunity for INEC to redeem its image and prove that the will of the people can prevail without manipulation or intimidation.”

The ADC is fielding candidates in Anambra, Edo, Oyo, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Ogun States.

Describing his party as a “child of necessity” born from Nigerians’ yearning for genuine change, Senator Mark implored voters to trust the ADC with the chance to deliver better governance.

He also commended the courage and dedication of ADC candidates, urging them to adhere to electoral laws while staying vigilant against malpractice.

Additionally, he called on security agencies to ensure a level playing field:

“Let the votes count. Let the people decide. That is the true test of democracy,” Mark declared.

Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State will begin a three-week medical leave starting Monday, August 18, 2025, to address health-related concerns.

This was disclosed in an official statement released on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango.

Governor Radda thanked the people of the state for their support and understanding, emphasizing the importance of taking time off to focus on his health.

“Taking the necessary steps to prioritize my health is essential so I can continue to serve effectively and make the best decisions for our state,” Radda stated. “I look forward to returning to my duties as soon as I finish my medical check-up.”

To ensure uninterrupted governance during his absence, Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal, HCIB (Sarkin Fulanin Jobe), will assume the role of acting governor.

The governor expressed full confidence in his deputy’s ability to lead the administration with commitment and responsibility.

“We wish to assure the public that all ongoing initiatives, programs, and projects will continue to progress without interruption,” the statement added.

Governor Radda has been a driving force behind the “Building Your Future Agenda,” a policy framework aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and economic growth in the state.

The administration reaffirmed its commitment to continuity in governance and expressed optimism about the governor’s full recovery and return.

Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on the Nigerian government to urgently implement social safety nets to cushion the impact of economic reforms on poor and vulnerable citizens.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Villa in Abuja, Okonjo-Iweala commended the administration for its efforts to stabilize the economy, particularly through the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates.

However, she emphasized that growth must now follow stability and that ordinary Nigerians need immediate relief.

“You cannot really improve an economy unless it is stable. The President and his team have worked hard on that. But the next step is growth and social safety nets for those who are feeling the pinch of reforms,” she said.

Since Tinubu took office in May 2023, the nation has witnessed steep rises in inflation, food prices, and cost of living.

The fuel subsidy removal and forex reforms, although praised by international observers, have triggered widespread hardship.

In August 2024, public frustration boiled over into #EndBadGovernance protests, with demonstrations in major cities like Lagos demanding economic relief for struggling Nigerians.

During her visit, Okonjo-Iweala also briefed the president on the launch of the Women’s Exporters’ Fund for the Digital Economy, a collaborative effort between the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Nigeria is one of four countries globally selected for the pilot rollout of the initiative.

“We had over 67,000 Nigerian women apply. Out of these, 146 women were selected to receive direct financial support,” she announced.

• 16 entrepreneurs under the Booster Track will receive up to $30,000 and 18 months of technical support to scale existing businesses.
• 130 women under the Discovery Track will each receive $5,000 along with one year of mentorship and training.

Okonjo-Iweala noted that the program was developed with the support of Nigeria’s First Lady and is part of a broader social safety net strategy aimed at empowering women economically.

The visit came just weeks before the WTO chief begins her second term on September 1, 2025, after making history in 2021 as the first African and first female Director-General of the 164-member global trade body.

She was accompanied by Nigeria’s Trade Minister Jumoke Oduwole during the meeting.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $125 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to fund Abia State’s ambitious Integrated Infrastructure Development Project.

This was announced in a statement issued Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti, Mr. Ukoha Ukoha, describing the development as a major breakthrough for the state’s infrastructural agenda.

According to the statement, the IsDB facility forms a critical part of a larger $263.8 million co-financing arrangement that also includes $100 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB), $15 million from the Canada–Africa Development Bank, and $23.8 million in counterpart funding from the Abia State Government.

“This approval marks a key milestone in a project that has gone through extensive consultations and procedural processes. It is central to the state’s mission to overhaul its infrastructure,” the statement said.

The IsDB loan will fund the construction of over 126 kilometres of roads in Aba, and 35.57 kilometres in Umuahia, including a strategic link road between both cities.

The project will also include erosion control infrastructure across critical sites.

When completed, the infrastructure is expected to:

Reduce travel time across major urban corridors,

Create over 3,000 jobs for residents,

Cut greenhouse gas emissions,

Improve access to social services, and

Attract new private sector investment.

The Abia State Ministry of Works will execute the project, under the guidance of a State Steering Committee, which will provide policy direction and oversee implementation via a State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU).

Procurement for IsDB-funded aspects will follow the bank’s strict procurement rules, and disbursements will be made directly to contractors and consultants, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

The approval also validates Governor Otti’s infrastructural vision, which has emphasized road modernization, urban renewal, and sustainable development since he assumed office.

“This facility will accelerate road reconstruction efforts in Aba and Umuahia, address erosion challenges, and lay the foundation for an integrated transportation system that boosts commerce and improves quality of life,” the statement added.

Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support, the National Assembly for approving the borrowing plan, and Finance Minister Wale Edun for finalizing the financing arrangements.

He also acknowledged the roles of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Attorney General of the Federation, and IsDB Vice President, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, for pushing the process through.

“This project will complement our administration’s ongoing efforts to transform Abia into a hub of sustainable economic growth,” the governor said.