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The Action Peoples Party (APP) has extended an invitation to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to run for re-election under its banner in 2027, despite clarifying that he is not currently a member of the party.

During a solidarity visit from the former leadership of the APP in the state, led by Kenneth Atata, current APP Chairman Sunny Wokekoro made this announcement at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

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He emphasized that, as a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fubara should consider a shift to APP, especially as he views the PDP as no longer a viable option for progressive politicians.

Wokekoro stated, “I was a founding member of the PDP, but recent developments have shown that it is not a party for anyone with morals or integrity. Any politician who values these qualities should have left the PDP by now.”

He clarified that while there is a misconception that Governor Fubara is affiliated with the APP, the party has been established since 2017, long before his tenure.

Wokekoro noted, “No one can claim ownership of this party. Governor Siminalayi Fubara is not a member of our party, but we hope to persuade him to use our platform for his re-election.”

Wokekoro encouraged other notable politicians from the State and National Assemblies to join APP, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to elevate the party’s status in Rivers State and beyond.

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APP National Chairman, Uchenna Nnadi commended Wokekoro for his leadership and efforts in raising the party’s profile in the state.

He noted the increasing recognition of the APP on a national level.

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The Kano Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has officially issued certificates of return to the newly elected 44 Local Government Chairmen.

The presentation took place on Sunday morning, led by the commission’s Chairman, Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi.

In Saturday’s elections, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) secured victory in all 44 chairmanship positions as well as 484 councillorship seats.

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While presenting the certificates, Malumfashi stated, “In accordance with the electoral process, the commission has the duty to issue certificates of return to the elected Chairmen and Councillors, recognizing them as legitimate leaders of their respective local government areas. They are now responsible for addressing the official needs of their LGAs.”

Sources indicate that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is expected to swear in the chairmen at the Government House in Kano.

During a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters, Malumfashi highlighted that the election was conducted smoothly across all 44 Local Government Areas.

He noted that KANSIEC provided all necessary materials to facilitate an efficient electoral process.

Originally set for November 30, the elections were rescheduled to October 26 following a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed local government autonomy.

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Malumfashi welcomed the peaceful conduct of the election, emphasizing its significance in promoting local government independence.

Despite the successful elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has deemed the results illegal.

APC chieftain, Rabi’u Bichi explained that this stance is based on a court order from Justice Simon Amobede of the Federal High Court, Kano, which declared the election null and void due to alleged bias from KANSIEC towards the ruling NNPP.

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Bichi added that since the judgment has not been appealed, the APC considers any election outcome invalid.

He also referenced a recent Federal High Court ruling that annulled all NNPP chairmanship candidates for the elections, further supporting the party’s claims.

He urged party members to remain calm and await the results of ongoing legal actions to contest the election’s legitimacy.

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As Abia State prepares for local government elections on November 2, Governor Alex Otti has called on voters to support candidates who align with his vision for the state, regardless of their political party affiliation.

Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly rebuilt Aba South LGA Administrative office complex and refurbished emergency ambulances at the Aba South Local Government Headquarters, Otti emphasized the importance of effective governance at the grassroots level.

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He stated, “Effective administration at the local governments is very important for our holistic development agenda.”

He encouraged citizens to actively engage in the electoral process by questioning candidates and endorsing those who share in the state’s development objectives.

Otti expressed confidence in the electorate’s ability to choose the right candidates, saying, “Like I have always known, Abia people go for the right candidates despite platform.”

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He assured that the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) would receive the necessary support to ensure a smooth election process on November 2, 2024.

Addressing the challenges of democratic governance, Otti remarked that while violence has no place in a democratic society, effective leadership is essential for addressing crises.

He lamented the failure to restore the symbolic Aba Town Hall and the Administrative Block of Aba South LGA since the 2020 End SARS protests, calling it an unfortunate situation.

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He praised the Mayor of Aba South for completing the reconstruction project in record time.

“The difference between today and yesteryears is that we now have a leadership that appreciates the historical and social importance of these facilities,” he noted.

The event highlighted the Mayor’s commitment to providing the right environment for effective public service delivery, aligning with Otti’s “rebuild and restore” agenda.

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Also present, Abia State House of Assembly Speaker, Emmanuel Emeruwa, thanked the Governor for his support in rebuilding the office complex destroyed during the protests.

He reaffirmed the Labour Party’s leadership in the state and expressed confidence that any internal party differences would be resolved.

Mayor of Aba South LGA, Chief Uche Nwogu, reflected on the dilapidated state of the office complex following the protests and expressed his commitment to the Governor’s administrative style, aiming to transform the council into a self-sustaining entity not reliant on federal allocations.

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Nwogu commended Otti as an advocate for transparency and good governance, while the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, highlighted the significance of the revamped emergency service ambulances.

He introduced the state-of-the-art Abia State Emergency Tripod System, which integrates fire, security, and medical emergency services.

Aba resident and President of Aba Sports Club, Sir Chris Agbo, lauded Otti’s commitment to enhancing the city’s infrastructure and commended the Mayor for the transformative efforts at the council headquarters.

The event was attended by numerous members of the State Executive Council, the Secretary to the State Government, Mayors from various LGAs, industry leaders, and representatives from the Hausa and Yoruba communities, among other dignitaries.

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has distanced himself from the ongoing leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shuaibu, clarified in a statement to The Nation that Atiku is not involved in any way with the current turmoil affecting the party.

The PDP has recently experienced a wave of suspensions and counter-suspensions, prompting intervention from the PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees, and the National Reconciliation Committee.

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Analysts suggest that the turmoil may stem from longstanding tensions between Atiku and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Neither Atiku nor Wike was invited to a meeting on Thursday, which was described by PDP Governors Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed as a gathering of all party stakeholders.

Concerns remain that internal conflicts could resurface during the upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for November 28.

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When asked about any potential involvement of Atiku’s camp in discussions among some PDP members to engage lawyers and challenge Justice Peter Lifu’s order, which prevents the removal of acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, Shuaibu called such suggestions “bizarre.”

Shuaibu emphasized that Atiku Abubakar advocates for due process and is focused on strengthening the PDP as a viable political party.

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He stated, “It is extremely farfetched and unfair to insinuate that Atiku has any involvement with any individual or group’s plans to brief lawyers and go to court regarding Justice Peter Lifu’s judgment.”