Tensions spiked in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, as supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed over the removal of campaign billboards.

The incident occurred in Nri, the hometown of APC’s running mate Senator Uche Ekwunife.

APGA members reportedly removed billboards of Ekwunife and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, accusing them of non-payment for campaign space.

Angered by the removal, APC supporters regrouped, leading to a brief but heated confrontation.

According to Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra State Police spokesman, “the incident reportedly arose after supporters of a political party allegedly pulled down three campaign billboards belonging to another party, leading to a brief disturbance in the area.”

There are growing indications that major political parties in Rivers State including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives People’s Party (APP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), may abstain from participating in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for August 30.

The ADC’s State Publicity Secretary, Egila Luckyman, confirmed that the party has yet to decide on whether to participate, noting that a stakeholder meeting will determine their final position.

“In the coming days the critical stakeholders of the ADC will meet, deliberate and share our position on whether we will be partaking in the forthcoming LG election or not. That is our position. It is after the meeting that we will tell everyone our position.”

The Rivers APC is also reportedly in disarray, grappling with an internal leadership dispute between two rival factions.

The faction led by Emeka Beke is legally recognised at the lower court level, while the Tony Okocha-led camp is appealing the judgement in higher courts.

The APC’s State Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, stated that participation in the election hinges on resolving these internal conflicts, as well as gaining full recognition from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC).

“We have taken a position based on some of the missteps that the RISIEC had made in terms of recognising the duly validated leadership of the APC in Rivers.”

“But with the interaction we had with the National leadership of the APC, I think we will have some rapprochement to ensure that the fortunes of the party are not endangered because of vested interest of some individuals who are politically desperate.”

Nwauju added that Beke had urged the national leadership of the APC to assume control over aspects of the local polls, to prevent potential litigation and ensure the party’s smooth participation.

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Special Duties and Focal Person for Ebonyi Indigenes in Diaspora, Mr. Valentine Okike‑Uzor, has defended Governor Francis Nwifuru’s decision to suspend 87 senior government officials, including commissioners, senior and special assistants and permanent secretaries.

Okike‑Uzor explained that the suspensions were due to chronic absenteeism at official state functions, dismissing circulating claims that they were punished for missing a birthday party.

“Opposition voices have taken to social media to twist the facts and post lies about the official engagement that led to the suspension of some state officials, myself included.”

“Some claimed it was a birthday party, while others pushed various shades of falsehood to suit their mischief. These claims are untrue. The suspension was not because of a birthday celebration as reported online.”

He emphasised the governor’s prerogative in determining what constitutes an official engagement:

“Once the governor designates an event as official, that’s final. He doesn’t need to consult any book to do that. It is his exclusive discretion.”

Okike‑Uzor noted that many of the affected officials had developed a pattern of skipping key state functions arriving late, leaving early, or failing to turn up altogether despite repeated reminders from the governor.

“Some officials just show up briefly and sneak out, even while the governor is still present. Others arrive at events after the governor is already seated or leave before he departs. These actions are clearly against government protocol.”

Although describing the suspension as unfortunate, Okike‑Uzor accepted it and considered it necessary for enforcing discipline:

“It’s unfortunate that a few who rarely miss government functions were caught in this particular web, but we must accept the punishment in good faith. We erred.”

He praised Governor Nwifuru’s leadership style as measured, patient, and inclusive:

“Governor Nwifuru is the only governor who would tolerate such an attitude for this long. Not because he is weak, but because he believes in building Ebonyi together. He finds it difficult to punish people; he prefers to correct. He has been very encouraging and patient with members of the exco.”

On the seriousness of public duty, the commissioner stressed that absenteeism amounts to a breach of trust:

“Not attending government functions is a major breach of trust and responsibility. The proper sanction could have been more severe.”

“Other governors might have simply dismissed the affected officials outright. But Governor Nwifuru chose the path of discipline with compassion, a carrot-and-stick approach, like a father nurturing his children.”

No fewer than 573 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Sabuwar Dan Masara, Dutse Local Government Area in Jigawa State, have formally defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The mass defection ceremony took place on Friday, where the newcomers were received by top PDP officials.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mustapha Adamu (Shugaba) explained that their decision was motivated by a shared desire for positive change:

“We can no longer continue to be part of a party that has abandoned the principles of fairness and justice.”

“We are convinced that the PDP is the party that truly cares about the welfare of Nigerians and will work tirelessly to address the challenges facing our state and country.”

He called on other dissatisfied APC members to follow their lead:

“We invite all like-minded individuals to join us in this journey towards a brighter future for our state and country. Together, we can achieve greatness.”

PDP’s deputy State chairman, Umar Danjani, welcomed the defectors, emphasizing their significance in strengthening the party’s position in the state:

“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards building a stronger, more united party.”

“We are thrilled to welcome our new members and look forward to working together towards a brighter future for our state.”

A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana, has declared that while former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is a strong political figure, the PDP has an even more capable candidate in mind for the 2027 presidential election.

Gana made the remark during an interview on Arise News, where he also stressed that Obi’s chances of winning the northern part of Nigeria would increase significantly if he were to return to the PDP.

“The PDP is on the ground. I’m a researcher, and I research opinions. In the northern states, Peter Obi under the PDP will defeat any candidate because our people are very fair-minded and just,” he said.

The elder statesman has in recent weeks renewed his call for Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), to rejoin the PDP. Gana believes the main opposition party provides Obi with a better platform to mount a serious challenge against the current administration in 2027.

“We are reaching out to Peter Obi. Because I’m leading a search team and there are many brilliant people. Peter may be good, but we have somebody better. So, we are searching,” he added.

Reflecting on the events leading up to the 2023 election, Gana said a major political opportunity had been missed.

“We made a mistake in 2023. If I were Atiku, I would say, ‘Peter, it is now your turn; I would give you a vice-president,’ but he didn’t,” Gana lamented.

Obi, who left the PDP in May 2022 to pursue his presidential ambitions under the Labour Party, has maintained his membership in LP.

He has also been working in alignment with the ADC-led coalition, although he has not ruled out future political alliances.

“I’m still a member of the Labour Party,” Obi said recently, reaffirming his current political position.

Also speaking on the matter, Jacob Mark, a former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, said Obi is welcome to return if he so chooses.

He argued that aligning with the PDP would give Obi the best chance at clinching the presidency in 2027.

“The PDP is the best bet for Obi to win the 2027 presidential election,” Mark asserted.

The Benue State House of Assembly has called for the immediate suspension of the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, for a period of six months, citing accusations of financial impropriety and abuse of office.

This recommendation came during Friday’s plenary, which was presided over by the Speaker, Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.

The decision followed the submission of findings by the Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs, which reported that Ogiri allegedly diverted public funds into his personal bank account and unlawfully shut down the local government’s legislative chambers.

Lawmakers condemned what they described as the “misappropriation of funds”, along with “the harassment of councilors” and the “closure of the legislative chamber.”

As a result, the Assembly advised that the Deputy Chairman should be sworn in immediately to assume leadership of the council.

To further probe the allegations, the House constituted a five-member investigative panel headed by Bemdoo Ipusu.

Other members include Michael Audu, Cyril Ekong, Solomon Gyila, and Berger Alfred, while Mr. Bem Abunde will serve as the panel’s secretary.