Ebonyi State government has said that the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), cannot pitch the Minister of Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Nyesom Wike against Governor Francis Nwifuru.

The government alleged that the two factions of PDP have been making every attempt to score cheap political point and cause disaffection between Wike and Nwifuru by twisting a public statement of the Ebonyi Governor on June 15, 2025 at the Abakaliki Township stadium during the endorsement rally of President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in the state, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh stated this in a statement in Abakaliki, the state capital yesterday.

Omebeh said at no time did Nwifuru issue any threat against Wike during the .endorsement rally contrary to PDP statements and some media reports.

“The attention of the Ebonyi State Government has been drawn to press statements by the national leadership of the two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as well as reports in some sections of the media, concerning remarks made by His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, during the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates for the 2027 general elections held on June 15, 2026, at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.

The State Government hereby makes the following clarifications: “at no time did His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, issued any threat against the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

“In his speech at the event, the Governor only cautioned some opposition elements who are fanning the embers of crisis in the State and spreading fake news and propaganda in the name of His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to desist from such acts.

“The word “consume” used by His Excellency was a metaphorical expression indicating that those involved in such acts would face the full weight of the law if they fail to retrace their steps.

“Their Excellencies, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru and Barr. Nyesom Wike, maintain mutual respect. As such, Governor Nwifuru has no reason whatsoever, to make any uncomplimentary remarks or threats against Barr. Nyesom Wike.

“The attempt by the two PDP factions and some paid media hirelings to twist the Governor’s speech for selfish reasons and to create a rift between both leaders is uncalled for and should be discountenanced”, Omebeh said.

He urged PDP to be more concerned about resolving the numerous crises plaguing the party, which he said have rendered it almost non-existent, than commenting on the performance of the Nwifuru’s administration.

He said a party that has been unable to resolve its internal crisis for years lacks the moral rectitude to comment on governance issues.

“On the attempt to cast aspersion on the Governor and government of Ebonyi State by one of the PDP factions, we wish to counsel the party to be more concerned about resolving the numerous crises plaguing the party, which have rendered it almost non-existent, than commenting on the performance of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration.

“A party that has been unable to resolve its internal crisis for years lacks the moral rectitude to comment on governance issues.

“The two PDP factions are almost non-existent in Ebonyi State and pose no threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), in the forthcoming general elections.

“The people of Ebonyi State remain in full support of His Excellency’s administration and will reaffirm this support with their votes in 2027. Opposition elements seeking relevance through fake news and propaganda should be prepared to face the law.

“The Ebonyi State Government maintains that any attempt to create an imaginary misunderstanding between Their Excellencies, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru and Barr. Nyesom Wike, will fail like a pack of cards”, the Commissioner said.

Members of Abia South Senatorial District under the aegis of Asiwaju Tsunami group have declared that the All Progressives Congress, (APC), will defeat Labour Party senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, in the 2027 election.

The group which addressed the press in Aba yesterday, said that APC will record a resounding victory in Abia South and other parts of the state through the leader of Asiwaju Tsunami, Paul Ikonne .

The group which spoke through Chinwe Nwangaga yesterday, said the APC will take over the Abia South Senate seat from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe through Ikonne.

The group argued that the Obingwa section of the Abia South political bloc which produced Abaribe, former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and other politicians, have been dominating the district for over 20 years.

It also pointed to Ikpeazu’s appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain as evidence of the long-standing domination by the Obingwa section.

“Since 2007 when I ran for deputy governor, Abaribe has been in the Senate. We want a fresh person. We want a fresh idea and we have no doubt that Ikonne will beat anybody to win the election,” Nwanganga said.

The APC group while thanking President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for being impartial in Abia South APC primary elections,  maintained that the national leadership of the party reserves the final decision on matters concerning APC candidates in Abia.

… Assures new members of equal rights and zero discrimination

The political landscape of Aboh Mbaise underwent a significant shift yesterday as the Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, officially received a prominent chieftain, Engr. Bedewell Ehiriudu, alongside over 1,000 members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Uvuru Ward 1, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The high-profile defection effectively marks the collapse of major opposition elements in Oke Ovoro and the wider Aboh Mbaise LGA.

The defectors were formally received at the Executive Chairman’s residence, in an event well attended by top government officials, APC leaders, and party faithful.

Addressing the gathering, Barr. Alaribe noted that the entrance of Engr. Bedewell Ehiriudu and his massive following into the APC signifies a total eclipse of the opposition in Aboh Mbaise. He warmly welcomed the newcomers, assuring them that the APC operates on a foundation of fairness and equity.

In his words: “There is no segregation or second-class citizenship within the APC. You will enjoy the same rights, privileges, and benefits as older members. I urge you all to deploy your wealth of experience towards driving the success and dominance of the All Progressives Congress in your wards and Aboh Mbaise in general.”

To immediately demonstrate this commitment to inclusivity, Barr. Alaribe announced the immediate appointment of former ADC Ward Chairmen, Hon. Obinna Njoku and Mr. Innocent Amuchie, as his Special Assistants.

Speaking at the event, the Member representing Aboh Mbaise State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ugochukwu Amuchie, commended Engr. Ehiriudu and the people of Uvuru Ward 1 for making the right political choice. He described their former party, the ADC, as “sinking sand” that is fast fading into political oblivion.

Echoing these sentiments, the Local Government Party Secretary, Hon. Charles Agwulonu, who spoke on behalf of the APC LGA Chairman, Sir Tony Awusaku, described Engr. Ehiriudu as a “big fish” whose administrative and political weight would add immense value to the ruling party.

Expressing his gratitude, Engr. Bedewell Ehiriudu thanked the Executive Chairman for ensuring a seamless integration into the party. He revealed that his decision to cross over was inspired by the transformative leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the developmental strides of the Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the grassroots impact of Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe.

Engr. Ehiriudu further noted that the unending leadership crisis within the ADC catalyzed their exit.

“The ADC is built on a faulty foundation, and the center can no longer hold. As progressives, we consulted widely and decided to collapse the entire ADC structure in Uvuru Ward 1. My supporters and I are fully committed to ensuring that the APC wins convincingly across all polling units and wards in Aboh Mbaise in the upcoming elections.”

The event drew a vast array of prominent political figures, including:

– Barr. Emma Njoku (Former Interim Management Committee Chairman)

– Hon. Kingsley Umunnakwe (Deputy Leader, AMLC)

– Hon. Chinonye Nwaogu (Chief Whip, AMLC)

– Hon. Ugonna Ihenaka, Hon. Bob Ufomadu, and Hon. Eze Oguzie

– Chief Kelvin Anosike (Oke Osisi)

– Hon. Sylvester Ugwuamaka, Hon. Ugochukwu Umunnakwe, and Hon. John Ikewe

– Chief Linus Ogunka, Engr. Leo Njoku

– Hon. Ogbonna Ekperi, Hon. Ogechi Ebegu

– Hon. John Akobundu, Hon. Isinabu Felix

– Hon. Ugwuezumba Onwuemeodo

– Hon. Chekube Ugoala

– Barr. Shedrach Anyalewechi

– Hon. Dennis Adikwuru

– Mr. Chika Iwuamadi (Chairman, Enyiogugu Ward)

– Mr. Samuel Umunnakwe (Chairman, Uvuru Ward 2)

– Mr. Ignatius (Chairman, Uvuru Ward 1)

– Mr. Udochukwu Iwuoha (Lorji Ward Chairman)

– Hon. Cashmire Anyamele (Ngurunwenkwo Ward Chairman)

– Mr. Akagha (Lagwa Ward Chairman)

– Members of the Local Government Working Committee, Ward Officers, and several others.

Piqued by high level of moral decadence in global communities and the need for Nigerian youths to live a life worthy of emulation, former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has admonished the nation’s youths on the need for their adherence to discipline, integrity and developing positive mind set of patriotism as the strategic pathways to sustainable growth, development and transformations of any country and her people.

Prince Madumere, who’s the 2027 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Imo East Senatorial district, ( Owerri zone,) disclosed this, while inaugurating the students wing of ” Journey of Grace” as part of the activities marking his 62nd birthday celebrations, held at the campaign office, Okigwe road, Owerri , Imo State.

The astute politician reminded the students that his Imo East Senatorial ambition, represents holistic paradigm shift to emancipate the citizenry, deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the youths, women and the elderly within the Senatorial zone and the nation at large.

The American trained technocrat urged them to take the Journey of Grace project as their project, preach the message to the populace, embrace residence, tenacity of purpose as they march on to victory in the forthcoming political dispensation.

The icon in human capacity building further enjoined the students on the absolute need to embrace positivity, thinking big , starting small, noting that greatness is achieved through purposeful dream focusing, commitments to vision, mission and having an enduring faith in Almighty God.

Prince Madumere reiterated that the advancement in technological evolution in the 21st century has shifted global needs and values that quickly demands a generation that can think outside the box, key into creativity, erase outdated norms and vigorously pursue excellence through genuine enterprise, rather than shortcuts to success, that erodes societal values.

The frontline Imo East Senatorial hopeful also advised the students to dismiss the pursuant of instant gratifications and the mindset that success comes without sacrifice, reminding them that such thinking often leads to stagnation.

According to the revered philanthropist, “I represents the real deal, I have the capacity , integrity, acumen and dexterity, as well as the reach and contact to deliver. I am one of you, very much accessible, dependable and reliable”.

He insisted that the demands of his people for effective and qualitative representations, will definitely form the bedrock of his Agenda when elected as the Senator, representing the Senatorial zone in the Red Chambers of the National Assembly.

The PDP Senatorial candidate re-affirmed his commitment to sign a social contract with the people of Owerri Senatorial Zone for results oriented representations when elected.

According to him, “I will sign a social contract for quality representation with my people, the stakeholders and the entire citizens of the Senatorial zone.

According to him, “I have a clear vision, I represents the face of fresh hope and aspirations of our people as enshrined in my blueprint, anchored on Journey of Grace, templates. Let’s work together and keep hope alive for a new Owerri zone is possible.

” Am highly perturbed because the good people of of Owerri zone have suffered so much marginalization in socioeconomic and political developments of the area. I will create sustainable youth and women empowerment programmes, job creation opportunities, and create conducive environment for businesses to thrive” he assured.

Prince Madumere, also re-emphasized that the students are the leaders of tomorrow, future hope of the nation and passionately noted that sustainable growth is rooted in integrity, humility, transparency and courage to be different in approach and delivery, saying a new Owerri Zone is possible through the Journey of Grace, paradigm shift mantra.

Responding, the President of the Students Union Government,SUG, Imo State University extolled Prince Madumere’s visionary and examplary leadership qualities , as well as his philanthropic gestures.

The SUG President also reiterated the resolved of the students community and the youths to work for him during electioneering campaigns and the election proper while describing him as a man of indomitable courage, with antecedents and pedigree.

It’s pertinent to recall that Prince Eze Madumere historical 62nd birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry as it featured, feed the street outings, visit to the Red Cross at Emmanuel college, Owerri, visit to orphanage home in World Bank, Owerri, Imo State.

The Senate yesterday defended the passage of the State Police Bill, insisting that 84 of the 109 senators voted in support of the bill during its clause-by-clause consideration, describing the outcome as evidence of broad bipartisan backing for the constitutional amendment.

Defending the Senate’s decision in a statement issued by his media office, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the proposal was the product of years of consultations, public hearings and stakeholder engagements across the country.

Bamidele also dismissed claims that the proposal was driven by partisan interests, insisting that it emerged from extensive consultations with the executive, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the police.

He noted that public hearings conducted across the six geopolitical zones in July 2025 produced overwhelming support for state police.

“The state police bill was subjected to intense debates at the Senate and House of Representatives. Though the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the majority party, opposition legislators actively took part in the process that approved the state police initiative.

“They exercised their discretion in favour of the proposal, mainly in the national interest and not on a parochial basis. In the Senate, for instance, 84 out of 109 members voted clause by clause in support of the bill. This accounted for 77.06 per cent approval at the Senate alone,” he explained.

The clarification comes amid growing debate over the proposed decentralisation of policing, with supporters arguing that state police would improve security at the grassroots, while critics fear governors could misuse the outfit to intimidate political opponents.

SANUSI insisted that traditional rulers and political elite in the North must work together to rebuild the region and improve the lives of the people, adding that God would question each person on what they did to better the society.

The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) gave the admonition, weekend, while speaking at the yearly Dhikr and National Prayers organised by the Tijaniyya sect held at the ancient palace.

“We must first change ourselves before asking Allah to change our situation. We cannot continue waiting for others to solve our problems. Even our own people have come and gone without doing what needed to be done. We must work together to restore the lost glory of our land. There was a time others looked up to us with admiration, but today we are labelled as illiterate, uneducated and lacking peace, though many of these allegations are untrue.

“As traditional rulers and politicians, we must work together because Allah will ask each of us what we did to improve society. Let us pray that Allah grants us the strength and the opportunity to transform this region and improve the lives of our people,” Sanusi added.

He used the occasion to applause Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration.

Responding, Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serving the people of Kano with sincerity, justice and fear of God, pledging to sustain policies and programmes that improve the lives of citizens.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has dismissed a media report alleging that he was offered N500 billion to contest against Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in a bid to split South-South votes.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Media, Ikechukwu Eze, described the report as “entirely false and baseless.”

Eze urged Nigerians to disregard what he called a fabricated report that falsely attributed the claim to the former president.

According to him, the report failed to state where or when Jonathan allegedly made the statement, who was present, or who purportedly made the alleged offer.

He said the publication bore “all the hallmarks of fake news deliberately crafted” to mislead the public and drag Jonathan into unnecessary political controversy.

Eze noted that election seasons are often characterised by a surge in misinformation and false attributions.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the report in its entirety and verify sensational claims before sharing them.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and introduced an online self-service registration platform for eligible first-time voters as part of efforts to expand access to voter registration.

The Commission announced that the exercise, initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, will now continue until Sunday, July 26, 2026.

The decision, according to INEC, followed a review of the exercise and feedback received from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

Haruna said the extension was aimed at providing additional time for eligible Nigerians who had yet to register ahead of future elections.

“The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the Register of Voters ahead of future electoral activities,” he stated.

In a major innovation, the Commission also unveiled an online self-service voter registration platform for first-time voters, which will become operational on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Haruna explained that the platform, accessible through INEC’s dedicated CVR portal, would enable eligible Nigerians to complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting any INEC office.

He added that the technology is equipped with robust identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to protect the integrity, credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to an inclusive and technology-driven electoral process, Haruna urged all eligible Nigerians who were yet to register to take advantage of both the extended registration period and the newly introduced online registration option.

He stressed that the initiative reflects INEC’s determination to make voter registration more accessible while leveraging technology to improve citizens’ participation and experience in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged people of the South-East not to rely solely on the region’s votes to determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at his country home, Camp Neya in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, during a meeting with members of the Reality Organization, OUK Movement and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kalu called on the South-East to work with other regions of the country in the electoral process.

He argued that no geopolitical zone can produce a president without support from other parts of Nigeria, noting that broad national backing is required to win a presidential election.

Kalu urged the people of the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, expressing confidence that the President would secure another term in office.

He also said he believed the South-East would eventually produce a Nigerian president at the appropriate time within a united country.

According to the former Abia State governor, political success depends on building alliances across the country rather than relying on the support of a single region.

Kalu said he would actively campaign for President Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

He also maintained that throughout his political career as a member of the House of Representatives, governor and senator, he had always relied on the mandate of the electorate rather than electoral malpractice.

The senator said grassroots engagement remains central to political success, stressing that effective campaigning requires regular interaction with communities rather than relying solely on social media platforms.

Kalu further called on leaders of the APC at all levels to manage the affairs of the party effectively and avoid actions capable of creating internal divisions and factions.

No fewer than 4,000 members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Ebonyi State have defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the 2027 general election.

The defectors said their move was part of a commitment to strengthening the opposition and promoting inclusive governance not only in Ebonyi but across Nigeria.

The defectors included the Deputy Chairman of the party, Okechukwu Idenyi, the Secretary of the party, Solomon Adum, and other officials of the NDC.

They were formally received on Saturday at a rally in Isu community, Onicha Local Government Area of the state, by the state PDP Chairman, Chukwuma Igwe, former council chairman and former Commissioner for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Felix Igboke, and other stakeholders of the PDP.

Igwe described the defection as a “major boost” to the party’s growing influence in the state, saying the experience and political reach of the new entrants would strengthen the PDP’s structure for the forthcoming polls.

“We assure the defectors of equal opportunities within the party. We urge you to work collectively with existing members to advance the party’s objectives and provide a credible alternative for the people of Ebonyi in 2027,” Igwe stated.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former NDC Secretary, Solomon Adum, said the decision followed extensive consultations with their supporters.

“Our decision was driven by our confidence in the PDP’s vision for democratic governance, unity, and sustainable development in the state,” Adum said.

“We pledge to work with the leadership of the PDP to expand the party’s grassroots support ahead of future political activities. We are committed to promoting peace, internal democracy, and issue-based politics,” he added.

Also speaking, the PDP flag bearer for Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Felix Igboke, described the PDP as “a moving train”.

He charged the defectors to be brave and ensure that the PDP wins the 2027 general election. According to him, those who work shall reap the fruit of their labour.

“PDP is the party that has built sustainability. 2027 elections is the time to work together to ensure that we win. I welcome all the defectors to the party and I believe we will win come 2027. Ours is a moving train,” Igboke said.

The apex leader of the Labour Party in Imo state and senatorial candidate of the party for Imo East (Owerri zone), Sir Basil Maduka has charged all eligible voters in Owerri zone to demonstrate their patriotic love for the zone by obtaining and securing their permanent voter’s cards for the forthcoming general elections.

Sir Basil Maduka who made the charge via a press release issued to news men in Owerri, explained that one of the civic responsibilities of   well-meaning citizens is casting their votes in every election to choose those that would represent them in government.

He further, cautioned against what he described as electoral apathy, a situation where people would neither obtain voter’s cards nor go out to cast their votes on election days but expect to have good administrators in government.

According to the Imo Labour Party apex leader, any eligible voter without authentic voter’s card has lost the opportunity of voting for candidates of his choice.

Basil Maduka, a renowned economist, technocrat and political scientist who hails from Akpodim Community of Ezinihitte Mbaise local government area averred that failure to come out massively to vote for good and suitable candidates in crucial elections leaves the political system with the option of  having incompetent, visionless, selfish and heartless characters in government.

Sir Basil Maduka reminded Imo people and constituents of Owerri zone senatorial district in particular, that the Labour Party is presently, the most stable political party in the country having overcome and resolved its internal leadership tussles.

The LP senatorial candidate for Owerri zone promised remarkable difference and impacts as senator, if mandated by the wise people of Owerri zone to represent them at the upper house of the National Assembly.

A member of the United States House of Representatives, Riley Moore, has said the administration of President Donald Trump will closely monitor how Nigeria conducts its 2027 general elections.

Moore, a Republican representing West Virginia, made the remarks during an interview with NoireTV published on the platform’s social media pages yesterday while responding to questions about Nigeria’s next general election.

Speaking on whether the United States could do more to support credible elections in Nigeria, the congressman stressed that Washington would be paying close attention to the electoral process.

“What I’d say is that we’re certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections unfold and how they’re executed. And that’s something that myself and the administration are going to be paying very close attention to.”

Moore also disclosed that the US House of Representatives was considering an appropriations bill containing provisions affecting Nigeria, particularly on issues relating to religious freedom and US security assistance.

“We’re working on Chris (Smith)’s bill, which obviously I’m a co-sponsor of that bill. But I’d say, more importantly, what people need to pay attention to is the appropriations bill that we’re going to have on the floor today,” Moore said.

According to the lawmaker, the proposed appropriations bill contains provisions that could significantly shape future relations between the United States and Nigeria.

“There’s a lot of language that I put on that bill that’s inside of it that relates to Nigeria and the persecution of Christians and restrictions on security assistance to the government of Nigeria, and steps that they have to take.

“That bill’s likely to become law. We’re about to, hopefully, pass that here today. And so there’s some pretty strong and aggressive language in that bill that’s going to be binding as it relates to our relationship to Nigeria moving forward,” he added.

Moore further stated that he would continue discussions with the Trump administration on developments concerning Nigeria, revealing that he was scheduled to meet with the US president.

“I continue to work with the administration on next steps that we’re going to take. I’m actually going to see President Trump tonight. I’ll be having dinner with him and some other members, so yeah, I continue to talk to him about these issues, and it’s very important to him,” he said.

The congressman is a co-sponsor of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced alongside Congressman Chris Smith in February.

If passed, the proposed legislation would require the US Secretary of State to submit regular reports to Congress detailing efforts to address religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.

The bill also calls for assessments of Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations, reviews of US security assistance and sanctions, evaluations of humanitarian support, and measures taken by Nigerian authorities to protect vulnerable communities and prosecute those responsible for attacks.

A former Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs in Imo state, Dr Ugorji Ugorji has called on Mbaise people to work towards the emergence of one of them as Governor Hope Uzodimma’s successor.

This is even as he claimed Uzodimma, has performed better than any other governor in the southeast zone.

Ugorji stated this at an interactive session with Imo people during the meeting of the Mbaise Association in New York.

The former commissioner in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP said his claims were not spurious but verified with results to show.

He told the gathering not to begrudge the things Orlu zone enjoys which were provided when Imo was governed by people from the area, adding that more can be done through improvement of Uzodimma achievements.

“Uzodimma will run his race and bow out with a superlative record.

If you want the government to do more in Mbaise, you must work to elect a governor from Mbaise. I don’t begrudge the great things governors from Orlu zone have done in the Orlu zone.

“If I am elected as governor, you can bet your last kobo that Mbaise and Owerri Zone will be a priority, not the only priority but a clear and immediate priority,” he said.

The former Commissioner said the Uzodimma’s ‘3R’ government had done better with the introduction of skillup Imo, road construction and other sectors.

“I am a truth teller and a  democratic realist. Whenever we see good governance anywhere, we must applaud it. Governor Otti appears to be doing well in Abia and even though he is not a member of the APC, I have no reluctance to applaud him,” Ugorji said.

According to him, Governor Alex Otti of Abia state was more popular because he enjoyed spontaneous goodwill of the ‘Obidients’ on social media, having been elected on the platform of the Labour Party which had Peter Obi as its 2023 presidential candidate.

“However, I have news for you. As good as Otti maybe in Abia, Governor Hope Uzodimma has done more for Imo than Otti has done for Abia so far.

“Starting with the unparalleled recovery of Imo state from the fangs of manufactured security challenges, to the remarkable construction of roads, to the skillup Imo programme, to establishment of the highest minimum wages and the payment of salaries and pensions… Uzodimma’s strides continue to set the pace in governance in the Southeast,” Ugorji said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission said nine registered political parties have collected access codes to upload their candidates’ particulars for the Presidential and National Assembly elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mohammed Haruna, made this known to the newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

“As of close of work on Monday, nine political have collected the access code for the national elections,” he said.

According to Haruna, the nine political parties are Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), National Democratic Party (NDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP),” he said.

He explained that it was the responsibility of the political parties participating in an election to approach the commission to collect the code, rather than INEC taking it to individual party secretariats.

Haruna added that anyone seeking to collect the code on behalf of a political party must present an authorisation letter from the leadership of the party.

He noted that INEC has issued guidelines for candidate nomination, the national commissioner advised political parties to adhere strictly to the rules, adding that party officials had already been trained by the commission.

Haruna also cautioned political parties against waiting until the last minute before completing and submitting their nomination forms online.

“INEC has been generous by extending the deadline from the close of work to midnight of the deadline date. If any political party decides to wait until the deadline, INEC cannot be blamed for that,” Haruna said.

The reports had it that INEC fixed June 27 to July 11 for political parties to submit nomination forms for the presidential and National Assembly candidates through its designated candidate nomination portal.

The reports  also said that according to INEC timetable and schedules of activities for 2027 general election, the submission of nomination forms for the governorship and State Assembly nomination is scheduled from July 18 to August 8.