The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across all 326 political wards in Anambra State in preparation for the upcoming November 8 governorship election.

According to the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, the registration exercise will run until July 17.

However, she clarified that the updated voter register from this round of CVR will not be applied to the forthcoming by-elections for the Anambra South senatorial zone and Onitsha North 1 constituency, which became vacant due to the deaths of the former representatives last year.

Dr. Agwu noted that a second phase of the voter registration exercise will follow the by-elections, starting on August 16 and concluding on August 26.

“All preparations for both the by-election and the November 8 governorship election are ready,” Agwu assured. “The BVAS have been charged and tested.”

Emphasizing the importance of voter participation, she urged residents to take advantage of the CVR:

“We are ready for the elections, everything has been supplied to us. I’m only begging the residents of the state to come forward for the CVR because you’re doing disservice to yourself, the state and the nation if you do not come out and vote on the election day.”

Dr. Agwu also revealed that INEC has received 326 scanners from its national headquarters for use in the registration process, which will be deployed alongside configured Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS).

She added that INEC’s ad-hoc personnel have already begun training, and the commission has organized a sensitization campaign to ensure widespread public awareness of the registration process.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has announced plans to bring two prominent South-East governors; Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Alex Otti of Abia State into its ranks, as part of a strategic effort to consolidate the party’s influence in the region.

This move comes amid the recent formation of a political coalition made up of high-profile figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), who have converged under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ejimofor Opara, disclosed the plan in a statement following a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). According to him, APGA is determined to offer a more robust and inclusive platform for progressive governance in Nigeria.

“The National Working Committee’s decision is a testament to APGA’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive platform for progressive governance in Nigeria,” Ejimofor stated.

He explained that the party’s leadership, during its 16th NWC meeting held at the national headquarters in Abuja, resolved to actively reach out to the two governors. A delegation led by Chief Uche Nwegbo, the Deputy National Chairman (South), has been tasked with initiating the engagement process.

“At the 16th NWC Meeting held at the Party’s National Headquarters in Abuja, the NWC resolved to reach out to Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Alex Otti of Abia State, with a view to welcoming them into the APGA family,” he said.

The proposal, Ejimofor revealed, stemmed from a motion moved by the Party’s Vice Chairman for the Southeast, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere. According to Ehiemere, current political developments in the country make it crucial for APGA to expand its base and influence in the region.

“This development was sequel to a motion moved by the Party’s Vice Chairman Southeast, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, who noted that the current political landscape makes it expedient for the party to take this step,” Ejimofor added.

He further highlighted the party’s enduring values and vision: “APGA is known for its commitment to the welfare of the poor and vulnerable and remains steadfast in its mission to leave no one behind. The Party’s leadership believes that the inclusion of these governors will further strengthen its resolve to make a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians.”

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a stern rebuke to leaders of the newly announced opposition coalition, demanding they share their performance records from when they held public office.

Reacting to the Tuesday announcement that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would serve as the coalition’s platform for the 2027 general elections, Wike questioned the timing and seriousness of the alliance.

“If this coalition started 18 months ago, it means barely six months after President Tinubu assumed office, some people were already scheming for a takeover,” he remarked.

He argued that the coalition’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu is hypocritical, pointing out the leadership failures of its key figures.

“Somebody came into office and in six months, they started a coalition saying that the man has not performed. What kind of people are you?

“You had an opportunity to be Senate President for eight years, Speaker for four years, Minister of Transportation for eight years, yet you never made angry Nigerians happy.”

Wike insisted that the complaints leveled by former officeholders are unwarranted:

“I have said, everybody should show their scorecard. God gave you an opportunity to be in office to make Nigerians happy, but you refused. Now that you’re out of office, you’re angry and claiming Nigerians are angry.”

He further declared that the coalition’s ambition to return to power is unrealistic.

“You want to come back to power? You won’t come back. You will not come back to power,” he stated firmly.

Nigerian activist and co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has sparked heated debate online following her defense of a political alliance with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, a figure she has fiercely criticized in the past.

In a series of bold tweets on Thursday, Yesufu acknowledged El-Rufai’s controversial nature but argued that his qualities could be channeled for the nation’s good.

She described him as someone with “nuisance value,” marked by anger and vindictiveness, traits she believes can be strategically utilized for Nigeria’s progress.

“Nasir El-Rufai @elrufai has a nuisance value: his anger and vindictiveness, and you think I will not use that? Let me laugh in 3D!!!!!!” Yesufu tweeted.

“You think Nation building is a romantic affair? I am okay with looking bad while you look good.”

The statement drew backlash from critics who pointed out her past condemnation of El-Rufai.

In an October 17, 2022 tweet, she wrote: “Nasir El-Rufai is evil! He is the typical example of politics without principles.”

Despite the apparent contradiction, Yesufu stood her ground, insisting her core values remain intact.

She explained that her alliance with El-Rufai and others in the emerging opposition coalition is a strategic move aimed at confronting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

“It is inferiority complex that makes some of you think that Aisha Yesufu has joined them. Excuse you! They joined Aisha Yesufu!” she tweeted, asserting her long-standing commitment to opposition politics.

“I have been on the side of opposition since 2014 when I decided to start focusing on Nigerian issues. They have joined me on the side of opposition! Everyone one of them is what I called them in the past,” she declared.

Prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Atedo Peterside, came to Yesufu’s defense on Friday.

He urged Nigerians to consider the broader context of political coalition-building.

“If @AishaYesufu was in opposition and some politicians from APC and PDP decide to join her for exploratory talks about a Coalition of Opposition forces, is she now supposed to abandon Opposition and run in the other direction? If you do not explore, you will not discover,” Peterside posted on X.

“Methinks exploration by itself can never be a crime. Indeed, it might be an act of courage. Please give the lady a break.”

However, not everyone agreed. Another X user, Chigozirim Aliyu, sharply criticized both Yesufu and Peterside.

“I disagree with you sir. In fact I think you stay away from this conversation. Aisha Yesufu is a shameless hypocrite, a dirty politician portraying herself as an activist,” he wrote.

“Can’t believe she’s now hanging out with the same group of individuals she addressed as ‘criminal structure.’ How is she going to feel campaigning alongside El-Rufai, Malami and Atiku? Shame on her!!”

DAILY GAZETTE had previously reported that key opposition figures, including El-Rufai, adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their new political platform during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday.

Former Senate President David Mark was named interim national chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was selected as interim national secretary.

Others at the meeting included Rotimi Amaechi, John Oyegun, and Abubakar Malami, all prominent figures from Nigeria’s recent political history.

Meanwhile, a faction within the ADC voiced strong opposition to the coalition’s use of the party as a political vehicle.

In a statement released by national publicity secretary Musa Isa Matara, the group rejected the move, accusing the coalition of hijacking the party without proper consultation.

“The ADC is not a ‘private coalition platform’ to be hijacked by political elites,” Matara said, warning that the decision was made without input from the party’s state executives, youth and women leaders, and ward coordinators.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to see the rise of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as a critical moment for self-reflection and course correction in governance.

Speaking from Abakaliki on Friday, the National Deputy General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated that the emergence of the ADC should not be dismissed as a mere political movement but rather embraced as an opportunity for the Tinubu administration to tackle Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, growing insecurity, poverty, and hunger.

According to Isiguzoro, “The inefficacy of certain ministers responsible for the dismal performances observed in critical sectors, including the economy, security, agriculture, health, and rural development, must be addressed as we approach August 2025, marking two years since the appointments of his cabinet ministers.”

He acknowledged progress in specific areas, such as infrastructure and the transformation of the Federal Capital Territory, but insisted that broader reforms were long overdue.

“The unspeakable truth remains that while we commend the progress made in road infrastructure and revolutionary policies within the Federal Capital Territory spearheaded by Ministers David Umahi and Nyesom Wike, it is now mandatory for President Tinubu to reevaluate his cabinet.”

“He must prioritise clinical reforms and policies driven by esteemed Nigerian economists, experts, and technocrats, discarding political loyalty that no longer serves the interests of the nation, and such recalibration is vital for restoring public confidence and salvaging the integrity of his administration.”

Isiguzoro emphasized that the ADC’s emergence helps challenge the drift toward a one-party system, offering Nigerians a genuine alternative.

“The ADC coalition will halt Nigeria’s drift to a one-party system.”

He also called on the President to view the rising opposition not as a threat, but as an opportunity to adjust his leadership direction.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu must view the ADC’s ambitious plans to unseat him as an unintended blessing, an opportunity to recalibrate his strategies and refocus his efforts.”

However, Isiguzoro did not hold back in criticizing some of the new coalition’s key players.

“It is imperative to be forthright, and while the ADC may present itself as a viable opposition, it is essential to recognise that many of its coalition leaders bear direct responsibility for the overwhelming suffering endured by Nigerians under APC governance over the last decade.”

“Reports indicate that approximately 80 per cent of ADC coalition leaders are individuals of questionable character, primarily interested in state capture—leveraging the Federal Government’s inadequacies for personal gain.”

He also raised concerns over political developments in the North, warning of possible shifts in allegiance that could have serious implications for the President’s political future.

“Further reports indicate that some Northern governors are engaged in secretive discussions with the ADC and are facing increasing pressure from Northern political leaders and traditional rulers to abandon the APC, and they are closely monitoring the presidency’s anxiety.”

“The Northern region stands poised to undermine his political interests should he decide to replace his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, with another Northern nominee for the upcoming elections.”

Ohanaeze warned that time was running out for Tinubu to correct his course.

“Now is the time for President Tinubu to confront his shortcomings; the current trajectory is foreboding, suggesting dire consequences should he fail to adjust his strategies in a timely manner. The moment for decisive action is nigh.”

Air Vice Marshal Shehu Adamu Fura (retd.), the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee in Gombe State, has formally parted ways with the party.

In a resignation letter dated July 3, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Pantami Ward in Gombe Local Government Area, Fura announced his decision to quit the PDP and align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The retired senior Air Force officer, who was a prominent figure in the Gombe PDP, particularly after coming third in the 2023 gubernatorial primaries, is expected to bring political weight to his new party.

His departure marks a significant development in the state’s political landscape as parties begin early preparations for the next election cycle.

“I wish to formally tender my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” Fura wrote in his letter.

“This decision comes after deep personal reflection and wide consultations, and is born out of my desire to continue my political journey under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where I hope to contribute more effectively to the advancement of democratic values and good governance for national development.”

Reflecting on his time in the PDP, Fura expressed gratitude for the opportunities the party provided him over the years.

“My time with the PDP has been one of valuable experience and service. I had the privilege to contest for the PDP 2023 Governorship ticket during the primaries, where I emerged third, an experience that deepened my understanding of grassroots politics and party democracy,” he said.

He also highlighted his role in efforts to strengthen internal party cohesion in Gombe State.

“Also I had the honour of serving as the Chairman of the Gombe State PDP Reconciliation Committee where I worked alongside committed party members to strengthen unity and internal cohesion with the party.”

“These experiences, political exposure, and support I received from the PDP at all levels, particularly from Pantami Ward, will always be remembered and appreciated.”

Fura concluded his resignation letter with words of appreciation and goodwill for his former party.

“I sincerely thank the leadership and members of the party for the trust, collaboration, and camaraderie over the years. I wish the PDP continued progress and success in its future endeavors. Please accept this resignation as a mark of respect and appreciation, and kindly convey my regards to the entire ward executive and members.”