The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has refuted claims that it invited former President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the presidency in the 2027 election under its banner.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, dismissed the rumors, clarifying that the party had not extended its presidential ticket to Jonathan.

He explained, “The reports claiming that PDP has given its presidential ticket to former President Goodluck Jonathan or invited him to contest are false. What happened was that I was interviewed by a journalist who asked about our view on Jonathan, as there were speculations about his potential candidacy. I replied by stating that Jonathan is eligible to run for the presidency, as he is a Nigerian and has the legal right to do so, with one more term available to him.”

Abdullahi emphasized that PDP had already contributed significantly to Jonathan’s political career, and as a member of the party, there was no need to actively court him for another run.

He further noted that the party had other qualified individuals, including 12 governors, who could contest in the upcoming election.

He also pointed to a recent statement from Jonathan’s wife, who had declared that the former president had no intention of seeking another term, saying he had “nothing left behind in the Villa” that would prompt him to return to power.

Abdullahi said PDP would only offer its ticket to someone who has shown a clear interest in running.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo group, has distanced itself from former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar following his endorsement of a Northern presidency in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Abakaliki, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, expressed that Atiku’s comments have severed any potential alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and the Igbo people.

Isiguzoro argued that Atiku’s remarks have fueled longstanding concerns within the Nigerian political landscape, particularly among the Igbo, regarding the critical principle of rotational presidency.

He condemned Atiku’s pursuit of Northern political dominance, stating it had irreparably damaged his relationship with the Igbo, signaling an affront to their calls for political inclusion and fair representation.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes Atiku’s statements reflect an exclusionary agenda that disregards Southern candidates, especially Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), as legitimate contenders for leadership in 2027.

Isiguzoro pointed out that Atiku’s rhetoric undermines Obi’s status as a capable opposition leader and implies that he should only be considered as a running mate, further marginalizing the Igbo people.

The Igbo group strongly rejected any political partnership with Atiku, asserting that it would be inappropriate to align with someone who dismisses the principle of power rotation.

Ohanaeze emphasized that the completion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-term Northern presidency (2015–2023) marked the necessary shift of leadership to Southern Nigeria, specifically from 2023 to 2031, and that Atiku’s push for a Northern presidency in 2027 contradicted this consensus.

Isiguzoro further stated, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally rejects any suggestion of an alliance with Atiku Abubakar, who continues to ignore the established agreement for a rotational presidency. We firmly believe that the time has come for leadership to move to the South, as agreed after President Buhari’s tenure.”

Beyond the issue of the presidency, Ohanaeze Ndigbo focused on the ongoing infrastructural developments in the Southeastern region, which they credited to the current administration under President Bola Tinubu.

Isiguzoro noted that, under the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi, significant federal road projects were underway, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, the Calabar-Abakaliki-Benue-Abuja Road, and the Sokoto-Lagos Superhighway, all contributing to the region’s growth and development.

The statement also reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s commitment to advancing the interests of the Igbo people and ensuring their rightful place in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.

Isiguzoro made it clear that the Igbo would not support any agenda that seeks to diminish their aspirations, adding, “We stand firm in our resolve to mobilize and support those who genuinely represent our interests and ensure that our dignity is respected.”

Isiguzoro underscored that Atiku’s insistence on a Northern presidency in 2027 had alienated him from the Igbo community and further distanced him from the political realities and needs of the people.

Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, a former National Vice Chairman (South East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been appointed as the new President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

He succeeds Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness.

Chukwu’s election took place during the Ime-Obi meeting in Enugu on Saturday.

The announcement was made by Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in a statement released later that evening.

The statement explained that Chukwu would complete the remaining 27 days of the Imo State tenure, which expires on January 10, 2025.

The process of Chukwu’s emergence followed a series of unfortunate events, beginning with the death of Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, CON, in 2022.

Subsequently, Chief Iwuanyanwu was appointed to complete Obiozor’s term, but he, too, passed away in July 2024.

Following Iwuanyanwu’s death, the Imo State Chapter of Ohanaeze, led by Barrister C.J. Ihemedu, nominated Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu to complete the remainder of the term.

The motion to adopt Chukwu was moved by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of the Imo Council of Elders, and seconded by Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo).

In his speech, Eze Ilomuanya praised Chukwu as a brilliant thinker with outstanding leadership qualities.

Chukwu, who has an extensive academic background, attended prestigious institutions such as Templeton College (Oxford University), Harvard University, University of Bristol, and several others. He holds multiple degrees, including an MSc and an MBA.

Chukwu has held various high-profile roles, including director at Inland Bank Plc, Managing Director of Nigeria Merchant Bank, and member of the Technical Committee for Privatization and Commercialization (TCPC).

His numerous contributions to both public service and the Catholic Church have earned him knighthood titles such as the Worthy Knighthood of St Mulumba (KSM) and the Papal Knighthood of Saint Sylvester (KSS).

Chukwu is also recognized for his involvement in key development initiatives, including the South East Development Council (SEDC) and the South East Development Initiative (SEDI).

His leadership in various public and private sector organizations has solidified his reputation as a dedicated and forward-thinking leader.

Many dignitaries present at the Imeobi meeting, including Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, and numerous other leaders, expressed support for Chukwu’s election.

Notably, Dr. Lucky Ekeji, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of Ohanaeze, expressed his joy that the next President-General of Ohanaeze would hail from Rivers State.

Ambassador Okey Emuchay MFR, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, described the event as a historic moment for the Igbo nation, thanking the people for their unwavering support during difficult times.

Imeobi members commended Chukwu for his integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to principle, citing his exceptional organizational skills and his reputation for honesty and transparency.

Hon. Enema Paul, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and representative for the Dekina 11 constituency, has passed away.

He died on Saturday at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja.

Reacting to the news, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Yabagi, the Speaker described Paul as a humble, dedicated, and collaborative lawmaker who served his people and the state with commitment.

“The late Hon. Enema Paul was an embodiment of unity and progress, consistently working for the betterment of his constituency and the state,” said the Speaker.

“He was not just a politician but a devout Christian, a man of integrity, and a family man who held strong moral values.”

The Speaker also prayed for strength and courage for Paul’s family during this difficult time.

Hon. Enema Paul, who hailed from Egume in Dekina Local Government Area, was married and a father of three children.

He had previously served as a commissioner in the first tenure of former Governor Yahaya Bello.

At the time of his passing, he was serving his second term in the Kogi State House of Assembly.

The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has revealed that the Federal Government will save over N640 billion by terminating Julius Berger’s contract for the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project.

Speaking before the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee, Umahi explained that the contract was recently revoked due to the contractor’s failure to adhere to the terms of the agreement.

He added that the project would be re-awarded for a concrete road, which he claimed would cost significantly less than the N1.5 trillion Julius Berger had requested due to variations.

Umahi further assured that the new road would be of superior quality and completed within a shorter time frame.

He expressed his dissatisfaction with the handling of the project over the past seven years and emphasized the savings of N640 billion by terminating the contract.

“Had we accepted the N1.5 trillion demand from Julius Berger, we would have been in a far worse situation. Now, we’re saving over N640 billion and improving the road’s structure,” he stated.

The Minister also noted that the project’s conditions required completion within 14 months, with no variations unless the exchange rate exceeded N2000 per dollar.

However, Julius Berger reportedly refused to meet these conditions, leading to the termination of the contract.

He defended his decision, stating that it was within his right to choose the type of pavement for the road and expressed confidence that concrete was the more cost-effective option.

Umahi highlighted the poor condition of the road, which had led to incidents of kidnapping, and said that despite requests to Julius Berger to fix potholes, the company had failed to act.

Addressing concerns about the possibility of awarding the contract to Julius Berger again, Umahi clarified that the project would be open to all bidders, including the contractor, if they chose to participate.

The Committee Chairman, Rep. Aminu Sani Jaji, pointed out discrepancies in the figures presented by the Ministry and the contractor.

He directed the Ministry to provide all relevant documents related to the project for further review.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that his party is determined to take control of the Rivers State Government House in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the inauguration of Chief Tony Okocha and 22 other new executive members of the APC in Rivers, Ganduje emphasized the party’s resolve to secure victory in the upcoming gubernatorial race.

His remarks came as he visited Port Harcourt, accompanied by 16 members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party.

Ganduje urged APC members in the state to work tirelessly to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 elections.

He noted that although the South-South region has been historically dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC has been making significant inroads.

He pointed to the party’s success in securing control of Cross River and Edo states during the Buhari and Tinubu administrations, respectively, and stated that Rivers is the next target for the APC’s expansion.

“We have already taken two states from the PDP in the South-South: Cross River during the Buhari administration and Edo in the current Tinubu-led government. Now, Rivers is our target, and we are here to ensure that we take Rivers in 2027,” Ganduje stated.

He also congratulated the newly elected members of the APC’s state executive, noting that the inauguration ceremony was held in Rivers to emphasize the party’s commitment to grassroots engagement.

He explained that the move was part of efforts to bridge the gap between the national and state levels of the party, ensuring that both work in harmony for the benefit of the state and the party.

“We are here to embrace Rivers. The state is our constituency, and we need to be in constant contact with the people. We must synergize with the state and build a strong connection with the grassroots,” Ganduje said.

Addressing the newly inaugurated members, Ganduje outlined their responsibilities, including promoting internal democracy, recruiting new members, and ensuring the growth of the party in their constituencies.

He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and resolving conflicts within the party to strengthen its position in the state.

“As leaders of the party, your task is clear. You must use your political skills to move the party forward and ensure that it thrives in your areas. I am confident that you are all up to the challenge,” Ganduje added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected as false a social media report claiming that its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had passed away in a hospital in London.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, issued a statement on Saturday clarifying that Yakubu is alive and in good health. He urged the public to ignore the baseless rumor.

Oyekanmi further emphasized that Yakubu had not traveled to London in the past two years, contradicting the claims in the fabricated report.

He highlighted Yakubu’s recent public appearances, including his participation in an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on December 11, 2024, and his role in chairing the INEC’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners the following day, December 12, 2024.

These events were widely covered by the media.

This is not the first time such rumors have circulated.

A similar fake story about Yakubu’s death was spread in 2021, and now, three years later, the same false narrative is being revived.

Oyekanmi warned those involved in spreading such misinformation to consider the negative impact it could have on individuals and society at large.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to collaborating with responsible media outlets to tackle the spread of fake news, which poses a serious threat to society.