Governor Alex Otti of Abia State hosted former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA), over the weekend.

The meeting, which included Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, some of Otti’s aides, and members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has ignited speculation about a potential political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.

Although Kwankwaso stated that his visit was to condole with Governor Otti on the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the first governor of old Abia State, political observers quickly noted the timing of the visit amid rumors of growing political collaboration between the two leaders.

Onu, who passed away recently, was buried in his hometown of Uburu in Ebonyi State on Friday.

Kwankwaso’s visit coincided with a reception hosted by Governor Otti for 15 Abia indigenes who recently graduated from the Nigeria Police Academy in Kano, further fueling discussions about the political significance of the gathering.

Political analysts suggest that Kwankwaso’s presence in Abia was part of a broader effort to strengthen opposition forces ahead of 2027.

“With 2027 fast approaching, it’s unlikely that two influential figures like Kwankwaso and Otti would meet without discussing the presidential election,” said one analyst.

“They are both aware that the only way to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027 is through a united and formidable alliance.”

The local government elections in Abia last month saw remarkable success for candidates loyal to Governor Otti, who won nearly all chairmanship positions under the platform of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

This success followed a series of legal battles concerning the legitimacy of leadership within the Labour Party (LP), which has been divided into factions, one led by Julius Abure and the other supported by Peter Obi and Otti, with Nenadi Usman, former Finance Minister, at its helm.

Analysts suggest that if key opposition figures—Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi, and Kwankwaso—fail to resolve their political differences and present a unified front with a strong presidential candidate in 2027, they risk missing an opportunity to challenge the dominance of the ruling APC.

During the visit, Otti expressed gratitude to Kwankwaso, recalling how, in May 2022, Kwankwaso had offered him a platform to run for governorship when Otti was still considering his political options.

“Thank you for your guidance, for your patriotism, for everything you did for this country. You encouraged me not to lose hope, even when it seemed like all was lost. That call you made in May 2022, offering me your platform, meant a lot to me.”

Kwankwaso, for his part, congratulated Otti on his successful governorship bid, praising his leadership and the positive feedback he had received about the governor’s achievements.

“From what I have heard and seen, you are doing well. Your projects are evident everywhere,” Kwankwaso said.

Both leaders took the opportunity to address the newly graduated police officers, urging them to serve with dedication and professionalism.

Governor Otti encouraged the officers to work hard and be exemplary, noting that anyone, regardless of their background, could achieve success.

“If people like us, who had no hope in the past, can make it, there is no reason why you can’t reach your goals. Do things the right way—cutting corners doesn’t get you far.” Otti said.

Kwankwaso also offered advice to the new officers, urging them to maintain professionalism in their duties.

“Fear God first, and always be professional in your work. You are now part of a prestigious institution—stay true to the values of professionalism.”

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has condemned the recent visit by its former presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.

The party described Kwankwaso’s meeting with Otti on November 9 as a “deceptive ploy” and linked it to a recent Abia State High Court ruling that affected the party’s internal structure.

The party’s internal crisis has escalated following the expulsion of Kwankwaso, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, and members of the Kwankwasiya group from the NNPP.

This crisis has also intensified within the Kano State chapter of the party, where members have reportedly called for a reduction in Kwankwaso’s influence over the party’s activities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Abdulrasalam Abdulrazaq, reiterated that Kwankwaso and his group had been expelled from the party.

He added that any efforts by the expelled members to claim leadership within the party would be considered “irresponsible” and an act of “impersonation.”

The controversy stems from an Abia State High Court ruling, which mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transfer control of the NNPP to the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, in line with the party’s 2022 constitution.

The NWC urged Governor Otti to stay out of the party’s internal matters and avoid being dragged into what it called Kwankwaso’s attempts to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party also accused Kwankwaso of using his position to create division within the NNPP since joining in 2022, claiming that his ultimate goal was to “hijack” the party for personal advantage, thereby betraying the trust of its founders.

Reaffirming its support for the court’s ruling, the NWC stated that Kwankwaso’s objections to the decision should be pursued through legal channels rather than through political tactics or meetings with state governors.

The statement emphasized that INEC, not Kwankwaso or his group, had the authority to challenge the court’s order.

Furthermore, the NWC criticized Kwankwaso’s recent comments to police officers in Abia, questioning the consistency of his call for a “fear of God” given his actions within the NNPP and in Kano State.

The party argued that if Kwankwaso had truly adhered to that principle, he would not have sought to seize control of the party for his personal interests.

The NWC reaffirmed Dr. Boniface Aniebonam as the legitimate chairman of the BoT and NNPP founder, declaring that the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his group is final and crucial to restoring peace within the party.

The NWC further emphasized that only INEC had the legal standing to appeal the court’s decision, signaling a clear stance on the issue.

Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the newly appointed Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, has outlined his mission to win back Kano State for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Ata made this declaration during his first visit to Kano since his appointment to the Federal Executive Council.

Speaking at a media briefing, Ata acknowledged that the APC had lost ground in the state, particularly in Kano Central, his home constituency.

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He emphasized that his current ministerial position, while important, would not deter him from focusing on his primary political objective.

“My appointment is mainly for political reasons. APC has lost Kano, but I am committed to bringing it back. The key challenge lies in Kano Central, and I am prepared to work tirelessly to turn the tide in our favor.”

Despite his role in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ata vowed to travel to Kano on a weekly basis to strategize and mobilize support for the APC.

Ata also expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council, calling it a chance to contribute to both the development of Kano and the nation as a whole.

Ata made a firm promise to both the president and the APC, stating, “By 2027, Kano will once again be under the control of APC. This is a commitment I’m making today.”

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has shared his belief that the ongoing political crisis in the state is part of God’s divine plan to perfect His purpose of granting the state political freedom and fostering economic growth.

Speaking at a Thanksgiving service on Sunday, Fubara expressed confidence that, despite the challenges, God’s involvement in the state’s affairs was strengthening his administration rather than weakening it.

The service, which took place at the Shepard’s Hill Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Mgbuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, celebrated the appointment of His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, as Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council.

During the event, Governor Fubara was presented with copies of the Holy Bible by the church leadership.

Fubara shared his perspective on the political turbulence in the state, saying, “I also believe that what you are calling trouble is not trouble to me. I see it as God’s purpose for a new direction for our State.”

He added that, rather than feeling overwhelmed, his government had grown stronger and more determined in the face of adversity: “He has taken us higher, right from the first day, which is why, rather than getting weak, we are getting stronger and bolder everyday.”

The governor expressed unwavering commitment to his leadership, attributing his confidence to his faith in God.

“We want to finish our work, and our story will be those who led with the fear of God. We might not be perfect in everything, but in the end, there should be a reason why the angels should not allow our bodies to be taken by the devil,” Fubara stated.

He further underscored the significance of thanksgiving, describing it as a source of divine assurance and guidance

“Thanksgiving brings assurance of abiding presence, and offers a clearer picture of what pathway to navigate through any situation.” Fubara also praised Eze Wodo’s energetic display of gratitude, likening it to the biblical story of King David, who danced before God in joy and humility.

“It is one of the credits that made God to love King David so much. He glorified God in a special way. He was not ashamed, and God loved him,” Fubara said, expressing admiration for the royal father’s continued reverence for God despite his age and status.

The governor pledged his ongoing support for the church’s mission, acknowledging the power of prayer in guiding his administration

“The secret of our administration is just one thing: your prayers. The quiet and secret prayers that you give for us in your closets count. I can tell you, there is no prayer that God does not answer. It is like depositing money in the bank.”

In a gesture of goodwill, Governor Fubara donated ₦100 million to the church in support of their evangelistic efforts, a contribution intended as a memorial in honor of Eze Chike Worlu Wodo.

The Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Eze Wodo, who thanked God for leading him through numerous life victories, also expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his support and the appointment.

“Since my birth 78 years ago, God has led me through one victory to another amidst the challenges of life,” he said, pledging his continued support for the governor’s administration.

Pastor David Adewuye, who delivered the sermon titled “We are ambassadors for Christ,” emphasized the importance of salvation and yielding to the grace of Jesus Christ as the foundation for living a victorious life.

He explained that only those who embrace Christ can truly understand their divine purpose and experience the lasting triumphs that come with it.