Key figures within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and members of the Anambra Coalition Stakeholders Forum have officially endorsed Mr. John Nwosu as their consensus governorship candidate for the November 8, 2025 election.

Drawn from all 21 Local Government Areas and 326 electoral wards of Anambra State, the forum also threw its weight behind the broader coalition strategy being advanced by the ADC’s national leadership.

During a meeting held in Awka over the weekend, the stakeholders, led by ADC’s National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, deliberated on Nigeria’s current political landscape and the way forward.

They lauded the national leadership for initiating the coalition agenda, describing it as a timely response to the nation’s political challenges.

“Only such (a coalition) would galvanize all the incensed and restive sectors, zones and peoples,” the stakeholders declared in their resolution.

The forum, which ended in high spirits, expressed optimism over ADC’s role in leading what it called the “coalition compass” for Nigeria’s next political phase.

Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu emphasized the long-term commitment that laid the foundation for the party’s current role.

“What’s playing out now is a result of above twenty years of painstaking hard work and sleepless nights,” he said.

He also revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has shown strong interest and support in building the emerging coalition, noting that Obasanjo considers the ADC a suitable vessel for a new political structure.

“Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed confidence and played invaluable legwork in anchoring the emerging political structure and for it to be rested in ADC, as a political party with a difference,” he stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Nwosu said Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, also supports the coalition’s direction under ADC’s leadership.

“Just like the ex-President’s views, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was keen to see the coalition galvanized to fruition under ADC, which he said is what Nigeria needs now.”

Chief Nwosu further applauded Anambra stakeholders for their commitment, thanking them for their resilience and dedication to the coalition’s goals.

“I commend the Anambra Stakeholders for being alive to the Coalition dreams,” he said, adding, “thank you for your doggedness.”

ADC’s governorship flagbearer, John Nwosu, spoke confidently about his prospects in the coming poll, unveiling seven key campaign focus areas aimed at revitalizing governance in Anambra State.

To formalize the resolutions of the forum, former Speaker of the Anambra State Assembly, Barr. BenChuks Nwosu, was named Forum Chairman, while Prof. (Mrs.) Zelunjo Igweze was appointed Secretary. Both signed the final communique.

Edozie Njoku (from the right)

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has firmly disassociated itself from a contempt notice reportedly filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing the claim as a baseless and misleading stunt.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Peter Letsuwa, the NRM described the alleged suit as a “huge joke”, clarifying that the party has no grievance with INEC and, therefore, no reason to initiate legal action against the electoral body.

Instead, the party expressed confidence in INEC’s leadership and actions, stating:

“We commend the commission for promoting internal party democracy and enforcing compliance with political party constitutions and the Electoral Act.”

While reaffirming its support for INEC, the NRM condemned what it called the disruptive behavior of Mr. Edozie Njoku, the ousted former chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

According to the NRM, Njoku was removed by a Supreme Court judgment in November 2024 over “forum shopping”, a term used to describe the practice of seeking favorable court jurisdictions to override legitimate leadership decisions.

The party said Njoku subsequently attempted to hijack the NRM by calling what he labeled an “emergency convention,” which the party said lacked legitimacy.

“According to the party’s spokesman, [the convention] lacked legitimacy and failed to comply with the party’s constitution, INEC regulations, or the Electoral Act.”

The statement emphasized that the NRM constitution provides clear guidelines on party leadership eligibility, particularly concerning membership duration.

“The National Rescue Movement Constitution is clear: even if Mr. Njoku registered as a member the same day he was removed by the Supreme Court, he is still not eligible for any leadership position, as party membership must span at least one year before assuming any office,” the statement read.

The NRM also dismissed Njoku’s authority to represent the party in any legal matter and warned against acts of political recklessness.

“Rejecting any suggestion that Njoku represents the party in any legal matter, the NRM warned against what it described as ‘lawlessness and impunity,’ asserting that Nigeria must not become a ‘banana republic.’”

The party’s statement went further, urging the Chief Justice of Nigeria to take action against what it sees as abuse of the judicial system by opportunistic political actors.

“We must all work to protect the judiciary from being dragged into political theatrics,” the statement added.

Ose Anenih, son of the late Chief Tony Anenih, has rejected claims made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, regarding his father’s role in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

The controversy began after former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, accused President Tinubu of backing the annulment of the historic election.

In an interview with Arise TV, Lamido stated that Tinubu’s late mother, Hajiya Mogaji, led Lagos market women to Abuja to show support for then military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida.

Lamido said, “I feel highly entertained by Tinubu’s rhetoric, the way he’s dramatising his role in Nigeria’s democracy.”

He added, “Tinubu became relevant and noticeable after Abacha took over the government; before then, he was in the senate while he was the secretary of the party.”

“He was part of those who supported IBB’s annulment of the June 12 election. His own mother Hajia Mogaji was organising Lagos market women to come to Abuja to pledge support for Babangida.”

Bayo Onanuga responded by accusing Lamido and the late Tony Anenih of complicity in denying MKO Abiola his presidential mandate.

In a statement, Onanuga said Lamido’s comments were “a distortion of history and a regrettable attempt at revisionism.”

He claimed that both Lamido and Anenih, who were top figures in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), failed to resist the military government after the annulment.

He stated, “It is important to remind Nigerians that Alhaji Lamido, as secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the party whose candidate, MKO Abiola, won the June 12 election, was among those who failed to oppose the military’s injustice.”

“The SDP leadership, including Lamido and chairman Tony Anenih, wrote their names in the book of infamy by surrendering the people’s mandate without resistance.”

“To their eternal shame, Lamido and Anenih teamed up with the defeated National Republican Convention to deny Abiola his mandate.”

In a detailed rebuttal posted on his official X handle, Ose Anenih called Onanuga’s account “untrue.” He criticized the tone and substance of the statement, especially given its association with the presidency.

He wrote, “Your account of my father’s involvement in June 12 is, to put it politely, untrue. It is disappointing that you chose to use uncouth language to describe Chief Tony Anenih, and in an official communication from ‘the Presidency,’ no less.”

“I will rise above the emotional baiting that this conversation has clearly sparked and will speak only to the truth. I will also assume that your mischaracterisation of historical events stems from ignorance, not malice,” he added.

Ose Anenih went on to narrate his father’s account of events following the annulment, stating that Chief Tony Anenih had warned Abiola that his close ties with General Sani Abacha could compromise his political ambitions.

“Chief Abiola initially fled the country after the annulment of the June 12 presidential elections by Gen. Babangida. You mentioned that MKO eventually returned.”

“When he did, one of his first visits was to my father, then National Chairman of the SDP, in Benin City. True to form, my father confronted Abiola. He accused him, to his face, of abandoning the party and its supporters in the immediate aftermath of the annulment while they risked life and limb defending his mandate.”

He also acknowledged that his father credited Tinubu for initially speaking out against the delay in releasing the June 12 results.

“Now, I am not aware of any animosity that ever existed between my father and President Tinubu. In fact, my father acknowledged that Tinubu had initially spoken out against the delay in announcing the results of the June 12 election. It was the only time he mentioned Tinubu in his 260-page book.”

Ose further questioned Tinubu’s conduct following the military coup that installed Abacha, implying that Tinubu’s alignment with Abacha at that time was questionable.

“I have no personal knowledge of what role your principal played after that, though I find it curious that you consider his early visit to Abacha, immediately after a coup to remove the ING he (MKO) helped birth, a mark of honour.”

He concluded by stressing that many key figures from the period are still alive and capable of sharing their accounts.

He emphasized that his father had already documented his own in his memoir.

“Like Lamido said, many of the key players in that chapter of our history like IBB, Abdulsalami, Oyegun, Ikimi, Mark, Ayu, Dele Momodu, and others, including Kola, MKO’s son – are still alive. We are also fortunate that my father wrote his own version of events before he passed.”

“It is however unfortunate that I have had to defend my father’s name against a lie, and doubly unfortunate that that lie was issued in the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I had hoped that this level of toxicity left with the former occupant of your office.”

“I am happy to send you a copy of my father’s memoir, My Life and Nigerian Politics, to help you avoid this sort of ahistorical misadventure in future.”

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, who is a prominent figure in the opposition alliance, has expressed skepticism about the timeline for forming a new party.

“There’s insufficient time to register and stabilise a new party before the 2027 election campaigns,” Lawal told newsmen.

He confirmed that the coalition would instead align with an existing party to create a viable platform for 2027.

“We’ve concluded that we are joining an existing party. Critical members have already resigned to make room for new leadership. We’re currently finalising the list of leaders who will occupy key positions such as chairman, secretary, organising secretary, and treasurer.”

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Lawal said:
“We examined several parties. Some had legal issues, others had internal management problems, and a few had multiple court cases pending. Some were unwilling to relinquish their positions to accommodate us, while others simply invited us to join without addressing our concerns. Ultimately, we found one to be the most suitable.”

He also criticised a separate group led by Dr Usman Ardo, who is pursuing ADA’s registration and allegedly misrepresenting support from top politicians.

“Ardo has been using prominent names without authorisation. While we cannot stop him from pursuing the formation of a new party, we are moving forward.”

Lawal emphasized that while notable figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are involved in the coalition, they are not representing their current parties.

“We are joining as individuals, not as a bloc. Many former APC members are with us. Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are also involved, though they are not joining as representatives of their respective parties.”

He pointed to tensions within PDP as an opportunity to recruit disillusioned members, especially if a controversial figure like Nyesom Wike assumes control.

“If Nyesom Wike takes over PDP, 90% of its members, who oppose him, are likely to join us, as they cannot join APC. This will significantly strengthen our position.”

Lawal concluded by reaffirming the coalition’s focus on providing a strong, inclusive alternative for Nigerians.

“We believe this is the most practical and strategic path forward. Any claims to the contrary are either misinformed or deliberately misleading.”