The former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, VON, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has declared that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is warmly welcomed to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okechukwu, a founding member of the APC, made this known in a statement released on Monday in Enugu, on behalf of the APC Foundation Members in Enugu State and the South-East region.

The statement was in response to remarks allegedly made by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, at a meeting in Enugu on Sunday.

Nnaji was quoted as suggesting that new entrants into the APC should prepare for internal competition.

Okechukwu cited Nnaji’s statement:

“Anybody who wants to run for the governorship of Enugu State, let him come to the APC, we will go to contest, we are waiting for them.”

In response, Okechukwu stated:

“We the foundation members of APC wish to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, and his group are wholeheartedly welcomed to APC Enugu State in accordance with the standard convention of our great party.”

“Gov. Mbah and his group should not be scared by anybody.”

He questioned why Nnaji, who previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would attempt to push away Governor Mbah, whom he described as an “exceptionally performing” leader.

“We are at a loss why Nnaji, who himself is from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is chasing away the exceptionally performing Gov. Mbah.”

Okechukwu urged Governor Mbah to disregard the comments made by the minister.

“For we the foundation members, Gov. Mbah should disregard our dear brother Chief Nnaji, because we want to win Lion Building for the first time and join 23 other states to guarantee President Bola Tinubu’s victory in 2027.”

He further advised Chief Nnaji to concentrate on his responsibilities at the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

“Otherwise, we will not allow Chief Nnaji who came distant fourth with 14,575 votes in the gubernatorial election and fouled atmosphere for President Tinubu with 4,722 in the 2023 presidential election to rubbish APC again.”

The Presidency has dismissed growing rumours surrounding the health of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following reports suggesting he may have been bedridden and preparing for medical evacuation abroad.

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) had earlier reported, citing sources, that members of the president’s medical team were on standby, with plans underway for possible overseas treatment.

The report also claimed that Tinubu had not appeared at any public event in several days and that Vice President Kashim Shettima had taken his place at key engagements.

An insider at Aso Rock was quoted as saying multiple scheduled appointments and engagements for the president had been either cancelled or quietly postponed throughout the week.

According to ICIR, the remainder of President Tinubu’s agenda had also been cleared to allow medical monitoring by his team.

However, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, pushed back against the claims, calling them unfounded.

“People just tell you all kinds of rumours that have no basis at all,” Onanuga told ICIR.

“He was in his office yesterday (August 5). I was with him. I went to see him. He came to work.”

Onanuga reiterated: “There is nothing wrong with the president. He is okay. He can choose to work from home or anywhere he deems fit,” he said.

The rumours followed the president’s absence from public functions since August 1, when he was last seen at the Progressive Media Summit in Abuja. At the event, he appeared in good health and encouraged young Nigerians in digital media to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Before that, on July 29, Tinubu had received the Super Falcons team after their victory at the WAFCON Championship in Morocco.

He stood throughout the event and personally congratulated each player and coach—while announcing monetary rewards that later sparked mixed public reactions.

However, his absence at a similar August 3 event honouring the D’Tigress basketball team, where Vice President Shettima stood in for him, raised further questions.

Although the presidency has continued releasing statements in Tinubu’s name, including one on August 6 announcing a healthcare initiative for retirees and increased pensions, there was no mention of when the corresponding meeting with the PenCom DG took place.

ICIR’s investigation revealed it occurred earlier and was held at the president’s private residence, not his office.

Onanuga later confirmed this detail.

The presidency also issued a condolence message on the same day following a tragic plane crash in Ghana that claimed several lives, including those of two government ministers.

FEC Meeting Postponed, Other Events Cancelled

The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting did not hold last week. Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, had initially stated that the meeting would take place on August 6.

However, members of the cabinet were reportedly notified of a postponement, and none appeared at the Villa at the usual time.

When asked, Onanuga explained that the president had chosen to delay the meeting.

“Yes, he postponed it. It’s not an issue,” he said. “FEC can be held on any day, monday, Wednesday, or Thursday.”

ICIR also learned that several high-level meetings were quietly shelved, including one scheduled for August 5 with close allies of former President Muhammadu Buhari within the APC.

When pressed on the president’s repeated absences, Onanuga responded:

“Why must he be at all functions? He has a deputy. He can delegate. Do you want him to be doing public parade or something?”

Concerns over the president’s health have persisted since he assumed office in 2023, largely due to his frequent international travel, often to France, for what are officially described as “working visits” or “private trips.”

Below is a summary of President Tinubu’s major trips abroad since assuming office:

June 2023: Attended the New Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris (4–5 days)

January 2024: Took a 14-day private trip to France, returned in early February

August 2024: Brief four-day trip to France

October 2024: Two-week working vacation in the UK and France during his annual leave

November 2024: Three-day state visit to France at the invitation of President Macron; total stay around five days

February 2025: Private visit to France en route to AU meetings in Addis Ababa (approx. 7–8 days)

April 2025: Two-week working visit, with time spent in both France and London (14–19 days)

These repeated visits have continued to spark questions about the true purpose of the trips, especially as details are often sparse and updates minimal.

Still, the presidency maintains that the president is in good health and fully capable of discharging his duties.

“The president is working,” Onanuga emphasized. “That’s what matters.”

Senator Ogba,

Senator Obinna Ogba, founder and President of Legacy FM and Television in Ebonyi, has refuted claims that Governor Francis Nwifuru influenced his decision to suspend the station’s acting General Manager, Mr. Godfrey Chikwere.

Chikwere was removed from his position over what the station described as “gross misconduct” and violation of its internal code of conduct.

His suspension followed criticism of the state government aired on his programme Inside Politics, where he hosted journalist Charles Otu to discuss performance issues involving Ebonyi State officials .

Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, Ogba maintained that Chikwere’s behaviour repeatedly flouting company policy despite warnings, was behind the decision, not any political pressure.

“He has been doing well, but you know in every organisation, there are codes of conduct … if you listened to the announcement of the suspension, it was very clear that it was for not obeying the code of conduct of the establishment.”

“I have warned him before now, first one, second one, … so I felt so bad when I started hearing people saying that the government or governor directed the suspension … I took exception to that, and I felt it was an insult to my person.”

Ogba emphasized that he established Legacy FM before Governor Nwifuru took office, and that the governor has never interfered in the station’s operations.

“I established Legacy FM before this governor came on board, and since its establishment, the governor has never interfered, and nobody has, not even me. … When I couldn’t stomach it, I asked him to go and rest for a while, and it has nothing to do with the government of Ebonyi State.”

Ogba expressed willingness to reinstate Chikwere once he demonstrates contrition, apologizes to management and recommits to the station’s code of conduct.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has firmly denied claims linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by the Head of his Media Office, Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi dismissed recent allegations purportedly attributed to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, suggesting that both men were involved in founding a new political coalition under the ADC banner.

Recall that a growing coalition of prominent opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, Rotimi Amaechi, and others, has reportedly aligned with the ADC in preparation to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

While Fayemi has been mentioned in certain quarters as being part of this political movement, he has now firmly distanced himself from the claim.

“We unequivocally state that these claims lack any basis. Dr Fayemi remains a committed member and leader of the APC in Ekiti State,” the statement reads.

“At various public forums in Ekiti and nationwide, he has consistently affirmed his dedication to the APC, working to address its challenges and advance its progressive ideals for Nigeria. Nothing has changed.”

The former governor also emphasized his ongoing support for the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State:

“Furthermore, Dr Fayemi has publicly endorsed His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti State, for re-election, clearly supporting his candidacy for the APC gubernatorial ticket. This underscores his loyalty to the APC.”

Fayemi also cast doubt on the authenticity of the comments attributed to Amaechi, saying there was no verifiable source to confirm he made them.

“Despite efforts to verify this statement, which has gained traction on social and digital media, we have found no credible evidence to support it.”

“No video of Hon. Amaechi making these claims or reports from reputable media organisations has been located. It is possible that Amaechi did not make the statement or was misquoted.”

He urged Nigerians to remain cautious and discerning about politically charged content circulating online.

“We urge members of the public to treat any news concerning Fayemi with caution, particularly when it originates solely from social media.”

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has dismissed reports linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the growing opposition coalition, describing the claims as entirely false.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Mustapha categorically denied having any affiliation or ongoing discussions with members of the opposition alliance, urging the public to disregard the reports.

“My attention has been drawn to a news story in circulation associating me with the opposition alliance and their choice of the ADC as their political party,” the statement read.

“I want the general public to know that this is fake news. I am not in any opposition alliance, and I am not in any discussion with those who are involved.”

Mustapha emphasized his unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that he is one of its founding members and has no intention of abandoning the party.

“I am a founding father of the APC. While the party may have its internal challenges, like every political organisation, I believe in working from within to strengthen it rather than seeking alternatives elsewhere,” he said.

He called on Nigerians to treat the circulating rumours as baseless and misleading.