In a major political move ahead of the August 16 Anambra South Senatorial by-election, Chief Onyemelukwe Eusebius Zonyelu has emerged as the official candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP).

The respected financial expert and prominent native of Igboukwu was declared unopposed after the only other aspirant in the race stepped down voluntarily, citing Chief Zonyelu’s overwhelming popularity and growing grassroots support.

According to party sources, the withdrawn contender acknowledged that the momentum behind Chief Zonyelu’s candidacy made the outcome inevitable.

“The handwriting is clearly on the wall,” the source quoted him as saying, praising Zonyelu’s strong community ties and proven leadership qualities.

Chief Zonyelu’s emergence has energized the APP base and sparked optimism among constituents eager for a change in representation.

Many view his candidacy as a turning point, describing him as a leader with both the vision and the expertise to deliver tangible results.

The businessman-turned-politician has earned a reputation for integrity, financial acumen, and dedication to public service qualities his supporters believe will translate into effective representation in the Senate.

As the campaign gears up for the August 16 by-election, political watchers are keeping a close eye on Anambra South, where the race is expected to shape the region’s political direction for years to come.

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former running mate of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.

Datti made the declaration during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Labour Party held on Monday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The meeting, which was attended by top party leaders, stakeholders, and members of the National Working Committee, reaffirmed the party’s internal unity and set the stage for the 2027 electoral roadmap.

Speaking at the event, Datti Baba-Ahmed expressed deep gratitude for the support he received in the 2023 election and said his decision to contest in 2027 was based on a firm commitment to national development, good governance, and the ideals of the Labour Party.

“I am stepping forward to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria, to build on the momentum we started in 2023. The mission remains the same to rescue Nigeria from corruption, injustice, and economic mismanagement,” Datti stated.

The party’s NEC, in a communique issued at the end of the meeting, welcomed Datti’s ambition and praised his unwavering loyalty to the Labour Party and its vision.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and promised a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the party’s primaries.

The Labour Party also used the occasion to reiterate its rejection of alliances with “politically spent forces,” declaring it will go into the 2027 election independently, with a clear ideological vision and reform agenda.

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, is present at the ongoing National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Labour Party.

He affirmed Julius Abure as the legitimate National Chairman of the party.

Detail shortly…

..Submits Memo To Senate, Reps Committee

A prominent socio-cultural organisation, Nkanu Renaissance Coalition (NRC), has formally called on the National Assembly to initiate the process for the creation of Nkanu State out of the present-day Enugu State.

During a press conference held in Enugu on Monday, the group unveiled the official logo, proposed map, capital city and list of local government areas that would make up the new state, which they say will bring long-overdue justice and balance to the Southeast geopolitical zone.

Speaking at the event, the President of the organization, Dr. Ene Nwannaji said the creation of Nkanu State was not only a constitutional matter but also a moral imperative to address years of political marginalisation.

“We call on the National Assembly and relevant constitutional bodies to give serious consideration to our proposal. The Southeast remains the only region with five states, while others have six or seven. The creation of Nkanu State will bring equity to the federation,” he said.

According to the group, the proposed capital of Nkanu State will be Akpugo, a fast-developing town known for its academic and judicial institutions.

A copy of the memorandum made available to DAILY GAZETTE indicates that the state will consist of 32 local government areas, including Isiuzo, Ndiuno Uwani, Nkanu East, Ndiagu, Enugu South, Agbani, Enugu East and others with strong historical and cultural ties to the Nkanu ethnic bloc.

NRC also presented a comprehensive map of the proposed state, highlighting its territorial boundaries, economic resources and strategic location within the Southeast.

The group emphasized that their agitation aligns with ongoing calls for constitutional amendments and federal restructuring, noting that the process would correct historic imbalances and foster national unity.

“This is a constitutional demand rooted in fairness, justice, and federal character,” Dr. Nwannaji added.

The event drew participation from traditional rulers, youth leaders, political stakeholders and members of the Nkanu diaspora community, many of whom pledged support for the cause.

Nkanu Renaissance Coalition said it would forward its official memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, House of Representatives Committee on State Creation, and other relevant authorities in the coming days.

BREAKING: Babangida’s Son, Muhammed Rejects Tinubu’s Appointment As Chairman Bank Of Agriculture

Below is his resignation letter obtained by DAILY GAZETTE

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has refuted claims suggesting that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, would be ineligible to pursue their 2027 presidential nomination due to his ongoing LP membership.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, clarified this in a telephone interview with the DAILY GAZETTE.

According to him, “Peter Obi is part of the Coalition. Himself and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai were given special concessions by the party because their followers were given tickets to contest elections.”

He explained that the ADC permitted Obi to remain in the Labour Party while his supporters vie for the Anambra State governorship.

“In the case of Mr. Peter Obi, he has candidates for Anambra elections. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has followers contesting by-elections,” he further clarified.

“The understanding is that since their followers had secured tickets in ADC and SDP, they stay back until the processes are completed. They will be allowed to join fully after the elections.”

Speculation had arisen because other key figures like ex-PDP Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former APC aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, had resigned from their parties.

However, Abdullahi insisted that ADC’s special treatment for Obi is because “he has his followers contesting for the Anambra State governorship election” while similarly granting leeway to Nasir El-Rufai in the SDP for the same reason.

Meanwhile, checks at the Labour Party’s national secretariat on Sunday revealed that Obi’s resignation is not under consideration.

At a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Friday, the party reiterated that Obi remains a Labour Party member. They also noted that his association with ADC is personal and flexible.

A representative from Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) affirmed this stance: “Peter Obi, for now, is a member of the Labour Party. When we reach the bridge, we decide how to cross it.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has issued a stern warning to members and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging them to either leave Edo or beware.

“I want to send a message to people who call themselves ADC in this state. They should be very careful. Because we only have PDP remaining, not ADC. If you want to identify with ADC, you have to leave Edo for us,” Tenebe declared.

Capturing the heightened political climate, Tenebe’s remarks came on the heels of his party’s primaries.

He defended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent remarks threatening Peter Obi, former Anambra Governor and ADC chieftain, insisting the Governor acted appropriately.

“Well, since morning, when the primaries are going on, there have been criticisms all over the press over the statement the governor made yesterday when he was receiving the remaining PDP Edo Central, when he said Peter Obi had to take permission for his rallies.”

“I think the governor was right in saying that,” Tenebe said.

“He is correct. We support him in whatever he said. So, whatever anybody is saying, they are just saying rubbish.”

Looking ahead to the local government elections, Tenebe reaffirmed the APC’s resolve to consolidate its influence across Edo.

“We are going to campaign as if we have never campaigned in this state before. Because of the way we have taken this election seriously. We want to affirm that we won the last governorship election overwhelmingly,” he stated.

“We want to prove to the world that we actually won the election. We are not going to leave any stone unturned. We are also sure that anybody who tries to stand in our way, we will smoke that person out.”

His remarks follow Governor Okpebholo’s warning that Peter Obi’s security could be jeopardized should he enter Edo without official clearance.

Cyril Maduabum, the former Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has officially resigned from the PDP and declared his affiliation with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a growing opposition coalition.

In a statement announcing his departure, Maduabum expressed disappointment over what he described as the deteriorating state of the PDP, a party he said he once served with honour and commitment.

“After deep reflection, extensive consultations, and careful evaluation of the current political realities within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to resign my membership of the PDP with immediate effect.”

A two-term member of the House of Representatives, Maduabum said he had devoted a substantial part of his political journey to shaping the PDP into a platform for national progress.

“As a committed democrat, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, and former Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, I have dedicated significant portions of my political life to building the PDP as a platform for democratic consolidation and national development.”

However, he lamented that the core values of the PDP have been compromised by individuals he described as power-hungry and undisciplined.

“However, the soul of the party I once served with pride has been hijacked by self-serving, unscrupulous elements who are more interested in personal power grabs than in party discipline, internal democracy, or national interest.”

He added that the PDP has degenerated into disarray, characterized by internal betrayals and systemic collapse.

Maduabum, now aligning with the ADC, praised his new party as a promising alternative committed to integrity and inclusive leadership.

He described the ADC as “a beacon of hope for good governance, integrity, accountability, and inclusive politics.”