Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reaffirmed Israel’s determination to achieve victory as it continues military operations in Gaza and along its northern border with Lebanon, while also preparing for potential action against Iran.

The announcement comes a year after the unprecedented October 7 attack by Hamas, which has left Israel embroiled in two ongoing conflicts.

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During a visit to troops at the Lebanon border, Netanyahu declared that Israel “will win” as it battles militants in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

He also suggested Israel’s military actions against Iran-backed Hezbollah were part of broader regional efforts, including a potential strike on Iran.

Netanyahu asserted that Israel’s forces had “completely transformed reality” over the past year, referencing the defeat of Hamas’s military wing, according to Israel’s army chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi.

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The conflict was triggered last October when Hamas launched a massive surprise attack, killing 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli sources.

Israel’s retaliation in Gaza has led to extensive loss of life, with over 41,870 people killed, primarily civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, a figure corroborated by the United Nations.

Netanyahu also addressed growing tensions along the northern front with Hezbollah. Since September, Israel has intensified military operations in response to rockets fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict.

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Despite the risk of escalation, Netanyahu told French President Emmanuel Macron that Israel’s actions would ultimately bring “stability, security, and peace” to the region.

Meanwhile, international appeals for a ceasefire have intensified.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the global community to pressure Israel for a ceasefire, while U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and other world leaders, including those from Jordan and the UAE, have urged a halt to the fighting in both Gaza and Lebanon.

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Despite these calls, Israel remains on high alert as the October 7 anniversary approaches, and military officials have warned of potential attacks on the Israeli home front.

Critics of Netanyahu have accused him of obstructing truce efforts, particularly in Gaza, where negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages have stalled.

The Labour Party (LP) has expressed its openness to the recent offer by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, to serve as Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential race.

Kwankwaso’s gesture is coming just two years after failed negotiations between both parties ahead of the 2023 elections.

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In a viral post, Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, indicated his willingness to run alongside Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, on the condition that certain agreements are made.

Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso emphasized his readiness to engage in discussions but made it clear that mutual trust would need to be established for the partnership to succeed.

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“I’m politically bigger than Peter Obi. I’m his elder brother, I have a PhD, and I performed better than him as a governor. I have no issue deputizing for him, but only if certain conditions are met,” Kwankwaso said in a video shared on his official account.

In the 2023 elections, Peter Obi came third with approximately 6.1 million votes, while Kwankwaso, despite his influence in the North, secured about 1.5 million votes, placing fourth.

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The two had previously considered a merger before the election, but disagreements over leadership roles derailed the effort.

Kwankwaso, who has been an outspoken critic of the Bola Tinubu administration, has repeatedly condemned the government’s economic policies, which he claims have worsened the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

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Reacting to Kwankwaso’s offer, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Umar Farouk, welcomed the possibility of a renewed alliance between the two political figures.

However, he urged Kwankwaso to drop any rhetoric that could jeopardize future talks.

“As a political party, we are always open to discussions that promote good governance. We are glad Kwankwaso is now willing to serve as Obi’s deputy, acknowledging the over six million votes Obi secured in 2023. Kwankwaso, despite his popularity in the North, garnered less than two million votes. The idea of claiming superiority based on politics or academic qualifications should not be the focus. What we need is unity and a common goal to wrest power from the APC,” Farouk stated.

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Farouk further noted that while the potential collaboration between Obi and Kwankwaso could strengthen opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the government would likely resist any such political moves.

“As we look ahead to 2027, it’s clear that the dynamics will differ from 2023. The real test will be whether both leaders can work together to challenge the status quo,” he added.

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Former Senate President and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has expressed disappointment over the party’s dismal performance in the recent Local Government elections in Rivers State.

Speaking in an interview, Wabara attributed the PDP’s poor showing to internal conflicts and the failure to heed warnings from senior party members.

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Wabara emphasized that the political crisis within the party played a significant role in its defeat, allowing the Action Peoples Party (APP) to claim victory in 22 out of 23 chairmanship seats, according to results announced by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The results for Etche Local Government Area are still pending, and RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd), confirmed that the final results for the 319 councillorship seats will be announced after collation is completed.

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For Wabara, the loss represents a historical setback for the PDP, which has dominated Rivers State politics since 1999.

“This is the first time in recent local government elections where the ruling party and the governor’s party has lost control at the grassroots level. The PDP has effectively sabotaged itself,” Wabara said.

He warned that the loss may signal deeper troubles for the PDP, casting doubt on its ability to reclaim the state in the 2027 elections.

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Wabara revealed that party elders had cautioned against the brewing crisis, but their advice went unheeded.

“We foresaw this outcome and tried to advise the leadership, but instead of listening, we were dismissed. Now, the consequences are evident for all to see.”

The BoT Chairman called for urgent action to repair the party’s internal fractures, stressing that the election result is a stark reminder that political complacency can lead to downfall.

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He urged party members to come together and rebuild the PDP in order to regain its former strength.

“We have learned a tough lesson, but it’s not too late to turn things around. The PDP must unite, resolve its differences, and work as a cohesive unit if it hopes to make a comeback in 2027,” Wabara concluded.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, has expressed openness to becoming the vice-presidential candidate to Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, in the 2027 elections—under certain conditions.

In a video circulating on the X platform, the former Kano State governor made his remarks in Hausa, acknowledging that while he believes he is more politically influential than Obi, he would be open to discussions.

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Kwankwaso emphasized that he holds significant political clout, particularly due to his performance in the last election and his tenure as a governor.

“I am politically bigger than Peter Obi; I am his elder brother. I have a PhD and outperformed him when I was governor,” Kwankwaso said.

He further noted, “I have no issue deputising him, but only if specific conditions are met. We are willing to engage in meaningful dialogue, provided that trust is established between us.”

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Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential race with 6,101,533 votes, garnered significant support, while Kwankwaso had a strong showing in Kano State, winning 38 out of 44 local government areas and securing 1,496,687 votes.

Kwankwaso has also been a vocal critic of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.

Recently, he accused the federal government of politicizing the distribution of rice palliatives in Kano State, claiming that the state’s share was given to members of the ruling APC instead of the Kano State government.

He called this a “gross insult to our democracy” and urged President Tinubu to address the situation immediately, warning against the partisan handling of relief efforts.

The rice distribution controversy arose from the federal government’s initiative to distribute food as a means to alleviate economic hardship across the country amidst growing inflation.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clinched the chairmanship seat in Essien Udim Local Government Area during the local government elections conducted on Saturday, October 5, in Akwa Ibom State.

Essien Udim LGA is notable as the home of Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

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The results were confirmed to journalists on Sunday in Uyo by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).

So far, the commission has announced results from 10 LGAs.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced victories in Uyo, Oron, Ukananfun, Oruk Anam, Ikot Ekpene, Urue Offong/Oruko, Okobo, Nsit Ubium, and Eket LGAs, while the APC emerged victorious in Essien Udim.

Governor Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially sworn in the newly elected chairmen for the 23 local government areas following their success in the recent Local Government Council elections.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Sunday at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, where 22 chairmen from the Action Peoples Party (APP) and one from the Action Alliance were inaugurated into office.

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The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced that the APP won in 22 local government areas, while the Action Alliance captured one chairmanship seat.

In his address to the newly inaugurated chairmen, Governor Fubara extended his congratulations on their electoral achievements and encouraged them to immediately begin their duties.

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The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, demonstrating solidarity with the newly elected officials.

As mandated by the state government, each chairman was allowed to bring a guest, and they are now tasked with focusing on delivering on their campaign promises and enhancing the welfare of their communities.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has praised the people of Rivers State for their strong stand against godfatherism during the recently concluded local government elections on Saturday.

In a post shared on his X handle, Atiku highlighted the election’s successful conduct, noting that it reflects the people’s determination and their firm rejection of political oppression and the manipulations of self-serving political elites.

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The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his dedication to maintaining the integrity of the local government elections despite facing numerous provocations and challenges.

“Now that the local government election in Rivers State has concluded, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial maneuvering have lifted, allowing for a sincere pursuit of governance to begin in the state,” Atiku stated.

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He emphasized that from the vibrant streets of Port Harcourt to the serene shores of Onne, the people have spoken with one voice, underscoring that democracy is paramount.

“As prophesied, it has become evident that the citizens of Rivers are discerning and steadfast, unyielding in their rejection of any form of political oppression or the schemes of self-serving godfathers,” he added.

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Atiku extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected local government officials, urging them to prioritize the welfare of the citizens and to resist tyranny and misguided ambition in their political journeys.

He also commended the resilient citizens of Rivers State for their courage in ensuring that the election was conducted peacefully and with integrity.

“I must also applaud Governor Fubara for his steadfast commitment to the people’s interests, upholding the sanctity of the local government elections amid challenging provocations,” Atiku noted.

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He noted that in the overarching narrative of this election, the true winners are the people, whose sacred right to choose their leaders has been upheld within the framework of democracy.

The National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pledged to handle all complaints and petitions with fairness and transparency, reassuring members and stakeholders of its commitment to integrity in its operations.

Inaugurated on August 21, 2024, the NDC has held preliminary meetings to prepare for the tasks ahead as it gears up to begin hearings.

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High Chief Tom Ikimi, Chairman of the NDC, stated in a release on Saturday that the committee is ready to receive grievances from aggrieved party members through the National Working Committee (NWC) or other appropriate channels.

Ikimi emphasized that the decisions made by the committee will adhere strictly to the PDP constitution, which outlines specific party offenses and their corresponding sanctions.

“We are hopeful that our fairness, firmness, and decisiveness will restore the hope and confidence of our great party,” he said

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The committee’s approach will prioritize transparency and justice as it addresses the internal disputes and challenges facing the PDP.

Ikimi reiterated the NDC’s commitment to keeping the party united and focused on providing the national leadership that the Nigerian populace urgently seeks.

As the NDC embarks on this sensitive task, Ikimi called for the full cooperation and support of all members and party leadership to ensure the successful execution of its mandate.

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The committee’s work is seen as vital for resolving internal disputes and maintaining the integrity of the PDP as it prepares for upcoming elections.

With heightened expectations surrounding the committee’s efforts, many party members are optimistic that its transparent handling of complaints will strengthen party cohesion and help restore public trust in its leadership.

The hearings are anticipated to commence soon.

Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, has called for the establishment of laws and initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy across Africa.

Her remarks were made during a three-day African Conference organized by the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) in Abuja.

Ezekwesili highlighted the need for a transparent political framework supported by capable leaders who can effectively tackle the continent’s pressing social and economic challenges for democracy to thrive.

At the conference, themed “Good Governance In Africa: Leaders and Citizens Driving Systemic Change,” she explained that the gathering was designed to cultivate young leaders from 20 African nations, equipping them with the mindset needed to enhance governance standards.

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“What we are doing is correcting not just the supply side by having a school that raises a new generation of politicians who will govern for the public good, but we are also concentrating on political literacy for the demand side, empowering citizens to recognize their influence in shaping the quality of governance,” Ezekwesili stated.

She urged African leaders to prioritize the continent’s overall development in their decision-making processes, emphasizing that governance should extend beyond immediate communities.

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“When governing, whether at local, state, or national levels, you do not just serve the people you see; you govern for Africa. It is crucial to adopt a mindset that seeks African solutions that are both impactful and interconnected,” she asserted.

Ezekwesili pointed out that academic research has consistently demonstrated that Africa’s development issues stem largely from a lack of good governance.

“If research identifies poor governance as the root of our challenges, sensible action must be taken to address it. The primary step involves fostering a completely new political culture and mindset,” she concluded.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in the Benue State local government elections, sweeping all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship positions.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Richard Tombowua.

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Speaking at the commission’s headquarters on Naka Road, Tombowua confirmed that the election, held on Saturday, was conducted smoothly across the state.

He noted that five out of the eight political parties that submitted candidates participated in the election, including the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

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“The election was free and fair, with no major disruptions. The results from all local government areas have been submitted by the returning officers, showing that the All Progressives Congress won all chairmanship and councillorship seats,” Tombowua stated.

Ibrahim Idoko, the state chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council and a representative of the Labour Party, praised the commission for organizing a peaceful election.

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He also acknowledged the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia in ensuring a level playing field for all parties.

However, Idoko added that the Labour Party would review the election results and announce its stance in the coming days.