Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, has declared his intent to unseat incumbent Governor Charles Soludo in the upcoming November 8, 2025, election.

Speaking after receiving the party’s flag from President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Ukachukwu emphasized the strength of his candidacy, stating,

“When I left APGA, I left with all my supporters. That makes APC stronger.”

He expressed confidence in the APC’s readiness to challenge the status quo, asserting,

“I ran on a joint ticket with the current governor. I was a former APGA senatorial candidate. Now we’ve all joined APC, myself, my deputy, and other leaders across the zones.”

Ukachukwu claimed that the APC now has a formidable presence across all senatorial zones in Anambra, adding,

“It means nothing is left of APGA in the state.”

He revealed that over 80 support groups, including members from the Labour Party and the Young Progressives Party, have aligned with the APC in a growing coalition to defeat the incumbent government. Ukachukwu noted,

“People from Labour, YPP, even APGA, are joining us.”

Reflecting on his meeting with President Tinubu, Ukachukwu shared that the president was impressed with the level of preparation and the warm reception he received during his recent visit to Anambra. He added,

“He gave us the charge to bring Anambra to the centre. He was happy with how ready we are. Now it’s time to deliver.”

Addressing internal party unity following the APC governorship primaries in the state, Ukachukwu noted that the party’s National Working Committee, led by its chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, had successfully reconciled nearly all factions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped in to grant a 14-day reprieve to owners of 4,794 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) whose titles were recently revoked over longstanding ground rent debts ranging from 10 to 43 years.

The enforcement, which began on May 26, 2025, affected properties owned by government agencies, companies, and individuals, underlining what the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) described as its “commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.”

However, in a significant policy reversal, “the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened.”

“Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (TWO WEEKS) to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties.”

The penalties vary by location. “For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed,” the statement read.

“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.”

Meanwhile, “Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the Ground Rent owed.”

The FCT also addressed property buyers who have not formalised ownership.

“All those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (TWO WEEKS) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.”

Additionally, the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has given another 14-day window to all property holders to settle outstanding bills linked to their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O).

“Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people,” the statement concluded.

The Convener of the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), also known as “The Alternative,” Segun Sowunmi, has predicted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could face unexpected challenges in the 2027 presidential election if it continues to rely on assumptions rather than data-driven strategies.

Speaking in Katsina after a tour of the northern region, Sowunmi questioned the level of support President Bola Tinubu commands in the area.

He said, “I checked the acceptability of President Bola Tinubu in the region, those who boast without research will be shocked. You cannot win by assuming numbers will just be added up.”

He expressed worry over the APC’s overconfidence and issued a fervent plea: “Oh Lord, don’t let Nigeria regress.”

Sowunmi further urged political actors to unite behind a credible, widely accepted candidate, free of bias or narrow interests.

“That is what ‘The Alternative’ is here to do. We will use the platform to promote a candidate of the people’s choice,” he stated.

He acknowledged the grassroots nature of political mobilisation, stressing that building genuine public support requires time and dedication.

He praised supporters for turning out in large numbers and welcoming the movement’s message.

Additionally, the NOMC leader voiced concern about the country’s persistent security challenges and called on Nigerians to seek divine intervention.

He urged, “pray to Allah to prevail over the wickedness of those perpetuating evil.”

Sowunmi’s remarks follow the November 2024 launch of “The Alternative” in Abuja, a political movement aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s democratic process and offering a viable alternative to the current leadership.

The Labour Party (LP) has stated that its 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, appears uncertain about his political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, through the National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, clarified that recent reports suggesting the LP celebrated Obi’s declaration to recontest on its platform were misleading and inaccurate.

“The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has said that its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, is confused about his intentions ahead of the 2027 polls,” the statement read.

Obi, while addressing young supporters in a video shared on the party’s WhatsApp platform over the weekend, declared: “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.”

However, the party insists that the narrative of celebrating Obi’s decision is far from reality.

“The impression conveyed by the news on celebrating Obi’s declaration was erroneous, inaccurate and did not in any way reflect the position and mood in the party,” Ifoh said.

He stressed that while the LP does not oppose any member running in 2027, the process must follow internal rules.

“First, while we are not opposed to anybody running under the platform of the Labour Party in the 2027 general elections, we need to make it categorically clear that the party has a long standing rule on how its candidates shall emerge and automatic ticket is not one of the routes.”

Referring to past decisions, Ifoh added: “Recall that at the party’s National Convention in 2024, the party had erroneously granted automatic tickets to our former presidential candidate and the only governor of the party.

However, that decision has since been rescinded and reversed after consulting the statute books.”

The party also questioned Obi’s simultaneous involvement in a pro-coalition group.

“Second, His Excellency, Peter Obi, hours after he spoke of his intention to run under the Labour Party, was on Sunday seen in a meeting of a pro-coalition group in Abuja without the permission and consent of the Labour Party leadership.”

“This to us is really confusing and we think that Peter Obi has not come to terms with his intentions for the 2027 presidential race,” Ifoh remarked.

He reaffirmed that the Labour Party will not align with any coalition, saying, “Labour Party would not go into any coalition or merger of any sort ahead of 2027 general elections,” and described Obi’s association with such efforts as “distasteful” and “unacceptable.”

“It is also an affront to the party leadership and we view his position as a total disregard to the party’s right to make decision bidding its affairs,” Ifoh continued.

Concluding the statement, he declared, “We are therefore by this statement letting Nigerians know that the presidency for 2027 is open to anyone who wants to run under the platform of the party.”

The Enugu State House of Representatives Caucus has commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his impressive performance over the past two years, describing his development strides as transformative.

In a midterm assessment statement issued on Sunday by the Caucus leader, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, the federal lawmakers highlighted Mbah’s achievements in key sectors including road infrastructure, security, revitalisation of dormant state-owned enterprises, and completion of previously abandoned projects.

The Caucus expressed admiration for the governor’s efforts, particularly his commitment to agricultural development and education, noting that these investments are crucial to boosting the economy and creating job opportunities.

“We are further satisfied that the state government’s programmes and projects, be they in education, agricultural investments, and road infrastructure, health sector, among others, are being evenly spread across the 260 wards in the state in line with the governor’s inclusive development model,” the statement read.

Citing specific ongoing initiatives, the Caucus pointed to the wide-reaching infrastructure projects taking shape across Enugu.

“The ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools, 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, the 260 Farm Estates, transport infrastructure, roads, tourism infrastructure, and numerous other foundations being speedily laid are clear signs that the governor’s promise to grow the state’s economy from $4.5 billion to $30 billion in eight years are realisable.”

The lawmakers also hailed the Mbah administration for prioritising both local and foreign investments, crediting the improved security and infrastructure as major enablers for business growth in the state.

“We equally commend the governor’s drive for local investment and foreign direct investment, which are yielding good results because of the security and infrastructure that have been put in place to make Enugu safe and conducive for business,” they said.

They further praised the urban transformation taking place in the capital, noting the extensive construction activity underway throughout the city.

The Caucus acknowledged “an ambitious and aggressive programme of urban renewal across all the zones of Enugu metropolis, which have turned the entire Enugu metropolis into one massive construction site.”

The lawmakers urged Enugu residents to continue supporting Governor Mbah as he advances his developmental vision for the state.