Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has said he will again work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, insisting that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), appears not to have learnt from past political decisions.

Wike made the remarks yesterday during a media parley in Abuja, where he defended his continued support for Tinubu and candidates aligned with the President.

According to him, his position was neither new nor unexpected, noting that he had publicly declared his support before the 2023 general election.

“I told you in 2023 that even as a PDP man, I was going to work for the President. That is what I did because I believe, and rightly so, that the other parties did not present serious candidates,” Wike said.

The minister maintained that his political stance remains unchanged ahead of the next election cycle.

“My position has not changed,” he said, adding that the PDP did not consult him when selecting its candidates.

“As a minister, my party did not consult me on the candidates they were going to present,” Wike stated.

He further explained that his political support would cut across party lines, as long as the candidates involved are working towards Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“I said I would support candidates who support Mr President for his re-election. It does not matter which party they belong to. If they support Mr President, then of course I will pitch my tent with them,” he said.

Wike also took a swipe at the opposition, insisting that his party had failed to reflect on previous political outcomes.

According to him, the PDP “appeared not to have learnt”, stressing that his continued alignment with the President is driven by what he described as the quality of leadership and political choices available.

The Independent National Electoral Commission , (INEC), has identified the inclusion of deceased individuals on the current voters’ register, prompting plans for a nationwide verification exercise.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made this known yesterday during the Commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations, (CSOs).

According to Amupitan, the review became necessary after analysing figures from the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election held in November, which revealed a sharp contrast between the number of registered voters and those who actually cast ballots.

“When we look at the voters register for Anambra State during the off cycle elections in November, we discovered that the number of registered voters stood at over 2.9 million, but only about 600 came out to vote.

“This is just about 20 percent of the registered voters. So, we decided to take another look at the register and we discovered names of prominent Nigerian politicians who have died still on the register.”

“That impacts on the integrity of the register and we have to do a clean up because we don’t expect the dead to come from the grave to vote”.

According to the commission, the verification process is required for sanitising the database and rebuilding public confidence in the electoral process.

The INEC chairman said the findings have raised serious questions about the reliability of the register currently being deployed for elections across the country.

He stressed that credible elections cannot be achieved without an accurate and up-to-date voters’ register, noting that the presence of ineligible names undermines confidence in the democratic process.

Amupitan disclosed that the planned verification exercise would focus on removing the names of deceased persons, correcting data errors, and working with relevant government agencies to authenticate records.

He added that the clean-up exercise is part of broader efforts by the Commission to improve electoral credibility and ensure that only eligible Nigerians are captured on the voters’ register.

…Commends Gov Uzodimma’s achievements

The Orlu Regional Assembly (ORAUSA) a socio cultural organisation of indigens of Orlu zone resident in the United States of America has felicitated with Imo State on the auspicious anniversary of 50 years of its creation.
In a congratulatory message signed by their national president, Prince Charles Duru and other executive officers, the assembly commended Gov Hope Uzodinma for his laudable achievements in office as the executive governor of Imo State which they said included the restoration of peace and security, provision of quality road infrastructure, inclusion of Imo State in the Nigerian Gas Master Plan and recovery of the previously lost oil wells which undoubtedly has boosted the economic fortunes of the state.
The ORAUSA expressed delight in the ongoing establishment of the Orashi Electricity Company aimed at providing constant electricity power across Imo State noting that their organisation is proud of partnering and supporting the Imo State Ministry of Health in the provision of quality and accessible health care delivery services in the state.
The felicitation message further extolled and applauded Her Excellency, Barr Chioma Uzodimma for what they called her compassion and strong advocacy for women, children and the vulnerable.
ORAUSA congratulated Imolites on the 50 years of it’s creation anniversary and prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, and strength for Gov Uzodimma and his team as they lead Imo State to greater heights.

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has urged his supporters in Rivers State to watch out for his anointed candidate for the state’s governorship election in 2027.

Wike spoke yesterday in Ahoada East Local Government Area, LGA of Rivers State, while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He urged the supporters to observe the movement of APC and PDP chairmen, as well as other leaders loyal to him to know his anointed candidate.

The minister appealed to the supporters to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He said, “The other one as it relates to the State, we will come back. Watch where your council chairman is going.

“Watch where the PDP and APC chairman are going, anywhere you see them, that is where we are”.

Wike had vowed to ensure that his estranged political godson, Siminalayi Fubara, was not re-elected in 2027.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has said the administration of late President Mohammadu Buhari was like hell for him.

Wike, who addressed members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ahoada East Local Government Area, LGA of Rivers State yesterday, said a minister from the state tried to frustrate his government.

Wike was apparently referring to Rotimi Amaechi, who served as the Minister of Transportation during the immediate past administration.

The FCT minister said despite the moves, his administration remained focused and committed to the people of Rivers State.

He said, “When I was governor, the administration of our late President Mohammadu Buhari was hell for me.

“A minister who is from here, tried to make sure we didn’t move forward but by the grace of God, we were focused and made more impacts.

“Governance is not just about awarding contracts, it is about relating with people. Anybody can award a contract but the capacity for you to settle issues and meander when there is a problem.”

The member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Action Peoples Party (APP)

The State Chairman, Hon. Ernest Njesi, on behalf of the entire members of the State Executive Committee and all members of the Action People’s Party (APP), Imo State Chapter, proudly announced the formal defection and declaration of Rt. Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the distinguished member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, into the progressive fold of the Action People’s Party.

This historic event, scheduled to take place at St. Peter’s Field, Akokwa, marks a defining moment in the political history of Imo State. It is not merely a change of political platform but a bold and courageous affirmation of faith in the power of the people, the supremacy of democratic ideals, and the urgent need for genuine transformation in governance. This move underscores Rt. Hon. Ugochinyere’s uncommon political dexterity, unwavering principles, and deep-seated commitment to the welfare and liberation of the good people of Imo State from the grip of misrule.

Rt. Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere is widely recognized as a frontline democratic advocate, an exceptional parliamentarian, and a passionate political activist. His contributions to national discourse and constituency development have earned him respect across party lines. His legislative excellence, fearless advocacy for good governance, and consistent defense of the rights of ordinary citizens have made him a beacon of hope for many. The Action People’s Party is therefore profoundly honored and privileged to now count him among our most distinguished leaders.

With Rt. Hon. Ugochinyere now proudly flying the banner of our party, our march towards Douglas House—the seat of power in Imo State—has received a powerful and decisive boost. His presence among our ranks as one of our foremost frontline leaders strengthens our collective resolve and reinforces our confidence in the impending liberation of Imo State from political banditry, impunity, and underdevelopment that have held the state hostage for far too long.

This strategic realignment sends a clear signal to all lovers of progress in Imo State that the time for meaningful change has arrived. The Action People’s Party, under the visionary leadership of our State Chairman, Hon. Njesi, remains committed to building a coalition of credible, courageous, and people-centered leaders who will deliver accountable, transparent, and inclusive governance to the citizens of Imo.

The Action People’s Party calls on all well-meaning citizens, stakeholders, and political actors in Imo State to identify with this growing movement for the genuine liberation and transformation of our dear state by joining our party.

Together with Rt. Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and our entire membership, we are poised to reclaim the destiny of Imo State and place it firmly on the path of prosperity, justice, and good governance.

The Obidient Movement has dismissed moves by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to court former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, insisting that the party’s unresolved internal crisis weakens any attempt to lure him back ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The position was articulated by Dr. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, who spoke to our correspondent yesterday in Abuja while reacting to reports of planned consultations by the PDP leadership.

Yunusa questioned both the logic and credibility of the outreach at a time the party is grappling with internal disputes.

“Well, they are making overture to him, but you know, the problem is that the party has issues at the moment now,” Yunusa said.

He argued that extending an invitation to a key political figure to return to a party facing internal challenges raises fundamental questions about coherence and direction.

“And so if you say you are making an overture for him to go back to where, where there’s problems, how do they fly that those are the issues. So you have to consider that, all right,” he added.

The reaction followed confirmation that a faction of the PDP is planning to reach out to both Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The planned consultations were disclosed by the PDP South-South Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi, who spoke on the party’s ongoing engagements with influential political figures.

Ogidi said the outreach includes former Anambra State governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi, alongside other prominent opposition actors.

While the PDP faction views the move as part of a broader strategy to rebuild and strengthen the opposition, Yunusa highlighted lingering concerns that internal instability could undermine such efforts and blunt the party’s appeal to high-profile political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has ruled out stepping down in the race for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket, while accusing President Bola Tinubu of alleged interference in the internal affairs of the opposition coalition.

Atiku, in a statement released on Tuesday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, called on Nigerians to resist efforts by the All Progressives Congress to intimidate and weaken the opposition.

The former Vice President’s comments came amid speculation that he is facing pressure to step aside for a southern candidate to emerge as the ADC’s flagbearer in the upcoming election against President Bola Tinubu.

Recently, former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, formally joined the ADC and there are reports Atiku may be planning a joint ticket with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to clinch the ADC ticket.

But while rejecting any call to step down from the presidential race, Atiku accused Tinubu of deliberately weakening the opposition parties in order to have a smooth sail in 2027.

He accused Tinubu of misgovernance, labelling his administration  a growing national liability.

He said, “For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured one of the harshest periods in recent history, an era defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“True to form, this administration has not only inflicted widespread hardship but has pursued a calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives. The objective is clear: a creeping, de facto one-party state.

“Perhaps the Tinubu administration’s most disturbing achievement has been the systematic weakening of opposition parties, leaving the All Progressives Congress—despite its manifest failures—standing alone by default, not by merit. Thankfully, patriotic leaders saw this danger early and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress as the nucleus of a credible national alternative.

“Predictably, agents aligned with the Presidency are now attempting to destabilise the ADC from the outside, issuing reckless prescriptions about its internal affairs, particularly the choice of a presidential candidate.

“Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to step aside is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.”

He added that the ADC is committed to ending the alleged misfortunes brought about by the Tinubu-led APC, stressing that no form of intimidation, manipulation, or sabotage will derail this mission.

“The ADC has consistently affirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer. APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.

“At present, the ADC is focused on building strong ward, local government, and state structures nationwide. Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do this essential work without interference.

“The party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures. This inclusiveness—not coercion—is the soul of democracy. When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability.

“The recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, the political heartbeat of the Southeast, triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party. Their fear is evident.

“Let there be no ambiguity: the ADC is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC. No amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail this rescue mission. Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.”

Activist Aisha Yesufu has been appointed as deputy chairperson of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, membership revalidation committee.

The national chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, while inaugurating the 20-member committee yesterday, described the exercise as a major step toward repositioning the ADC for growth, unity, stronger cohesion and improved electoral competitiveness nationwide ahead.

The reports said  that the committee is chaired by Kashim Imam, with Dr Sekonte Davies serving as secretary.

Mark said the initiative underscored the party’s founding principles of justice, equity, accountability and people-centred governance, stressing that credible, verifiable membership data remained essential to legitimacy, relevance and national political success.

The former Senate President explained that the committee, created by the NWC, would oversee nationwide revalidation, fresh registrations, grassroots mobilisation, data harmonisation and deployment of electronic and manual platforms to ensure transparency and documentation.

He added that new membership cards with state-specific security features would be introduced, urging committee members to act with integrity, fairness and inclusiveness while collaborating with state and local leaders nationwide.

Accepting the assignment, committee chairman Kashim Imam, pledged diligent and transparent service, describing the exercise as a turning point aimed at rebuilding the ADC into an inclusive, people-driven movement nationwide.

Imam said the committee had 30 days to submit its report, assuring members that work had begun immediately to mobilise and register Nigerians across cities, rural communities, deserts and creeks nationwide.

Former Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has formally declared interest in contesting the presidency in 2027 general elections.

Baba-Ahmed made the declaration at a rally held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The declaration announcement is coming barely one week after Obi announced his departure from the Labour Party, LP, for the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Speaking to party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed said his aspiration was neither reactionary nor dependent on Obi’s political decisions, adding that his presidential ambition predates the 2023 election.

“I have made myself available to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes.

“Can I please remind you that before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency before him? The records are there for you to see,” he said.

The Julius Abure-led Labour Party (LP) yesterday dismissed insinuations that the defection of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had affected the LP’s fortunes.

Rather, Abure claimed that the party remained intact and would grow stronger with Obi’s exit, noting that those who held such views had forgotten that the LP was already doing well on its own before Obi’s arrival in 2022.

Addressing party faithful during a rally held at its National headquarters in Abuja, he recalled that before Obi joined the LP, it had been “strategically-positioned” as a viable opposition party.

He added that the strength of the party at the time encouraged the former governor of Anambra State to register for membership.

“LP is intact, and people thought that when some people leave the party the party will die. But, no, we are stronger and we will continue to win elections”, Abure told the rally.

Abure acknowledged Obi’s contributions after he joined the party, but insisted that it would be wrong to agree with the narrative that without Obi’s influence, there would have been no LP.

He spoke further, “We had laundered the image of our party with several people of influence coming to us to say they want to join, some actually joined.

“Only recently, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, told the world that he joined the party before Peter Obi did; this is true.

“He also said he was not going to defect with Peter Obi. On the night Peter Obi defected, I received a telephone call from our Vice-Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed.

“He said he is not leaving the party because it was the platform upon which he, along with the former candidate, received 10 million votes from Nigerians, which was reduced to 6 million votes. We all know what happened.”

Baba-Ahmed, who also addressed the rally, assured the members that he remained a member of the LP and was ready to make himself available to serve Nigeria in 2027.

Although he did not officially declare that he would run for the presidency during the rally, Baba-Ahmed promised to make his intentions known when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for the 2027 polls.

However, findings by the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday indicated that the party had positioned Baba-Ahmed to pick the presidential ticket for 2027.

Baba-Ahmed, while making a comparison between himself and Obi, said that, although he served as his running mate in 2023, he had long aspired to be president before Obi joined the race.

He explained, “I am my own boss. I contested for the presidency in 2019 before Peter Obi.

“I agreed to partner with Peter Obi in 2023 because I saw an opportunity to unite Nigerians, and I accepted it.

“I am a Nigerian and will make my decision known when the whistle is blown. Yes, I’m Nigerian, I am a Hausa man and Muslim. Bola Tinubu is a human being, and there are human beings in the Labour Party.”

Meanwhile, the LP promised free tickets for Nigerian youths willing to contest the 2027 polls on the party’s platform in line with its philosophy of social democracy.

“If you have capacity and character but you don’t have money, we will give you a ticket and campaign for you.

We did it in 2023.

“We are ready to do the same from now to 2027. We are going to mentor the youths and even give those who are good, free tickets,” Abure told the young people at the rally.

According to him, the party does not condone godfathers or allow anyone to dictate its affairs by imposing the personal interests of some individuals on members.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has continued to drum up support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, saying supporting the President for a second term bid was in the best interest of the Igbo nation.

Kalu, who spoke while taking the President’s New Year message to political leaders in Abia state, said the people of the southeast must extend a hand of fellowship to the southwest by investing their votes wisely so they can expect the dividends of democracy.

He said the people of Abia State and Ndi Igbo in general should invest in their political future by supporting President Tinubu.

The Deputy Speaker said, “One of the messages I would like to pass to the people of Olokoro, to the people of Abia State, and to the Ndi Igbo is that it’s about time we started investing our votes, not wasting our votes. So, this is Operation Invest Your Votes, Don’t Waste Your Votes.

“It is about time the Igbos began to buy shares in our democracy, so that we can ask for dividends; and you buy shares in democracy through the number of our votes. The currency with which we purchase dividends in our democracy is called votes. The number of votes determines the number of dividends.

“Let us sow, so that we can reap. And at the moment, the best fertile ground for us to sow, as we enter into 2027, is the one that is within the southern political corridor. At the moment, what is in the southern political corridor is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We should not make the mistake of fighting ourselves. Let us have a handshake today, so that tomorrow they will return it.

“So, this is the message of the new year that I want us to take because by the next New Year, it will be too late. Let us have that mindset, the clarion call now is let us have a handshake with the south west, so that when our own time comes, we will ask them to return the match. If we fail now, it will be difficult.

“I know Ndi Igbo, the same strategy we have used in our businesses, in our trading, if we can adopt into our politics, we will go far, and I’m urging you, Ndi Olokoro, to stand with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man who rewards hard work and loyalty.”

Speaking while visiting a former member of the Abia state House of Assembly, Chukwudi Apugo, Kalu asked the former Abia lawmaker to formally join the APC, saying it will boost the support base of the party in the State.

“I want to use this opportunity as well; I know you are not politicking now because you are back to your business, to invite you to join me in my party, the APC. That is where your father is. He is one of the Board of Trustees, one of the founding fathers of APC.

“We can’t do it alone. So, I’m inviting you to this ancestral land and saying, come, let us honour your father in APC. Come, let us change the narrative. We are inviting people. Those who listen to us will come. Those who will not listen will stay back. But the train has started moving. Like you said, only those who are wise must get there. Let us do this together,” he said.

In his remarks, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abia state, Senator Chris Adighije expressed his appreciation for the visit, pledging the support of Olokoro Umuahia clan for the administration’s efforts to develop the country.

He said, “I am surprised, it really took me off guard. I’ve never been so taken before. Olokoro is made up of 17 autonomous communities; 16 of them are here; the overall President General of Olokoro is here.

“This message of goodwill from President Bola Tinubu has penetrated the entire Olokoro, and by the way, Olokoro is one of the three clans that make up Umuahia South. Olokoro has 4 large electoral wards. Ubakala, which is the other clan, has 3 wards. God has made it possible for you to come and visit me.

“Last time, we got it wrong, and we should not repeat the same mistake. The only thing I will say to you is thank you very much, God will bless you, and He will prolong your life.”

Similarly, the former Abia State House of Assembly member, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, commended Kalu’s legislative efforts, saying the federal lawmaker has impacted the people of Abia State and Ndi Igbo in general, especially through the South East Development Commission Bill, which led to the establishment of the Commission.

He also pledged support for Kalu, encouraging him not to be deterred by any circumstances.

“You have done well as a person. You have done well. I’m not saying it because you are here. If you are not doing well, I will say it. You have empowered a lot of people. I watch you on television everyday and I see what you do. Perhaps, we wouldn’t have benefited if you were not from Abia State. That is the truth. You are highly respected in Nigeria. You are amongst the Igbo speaking for the region. Don’t be deterred. Continue with your good works.

“You have changed the narratives in Abia’s political landscape by galvanizing old and new politicians, paying courtesy visits to them. That is the right thing to do. I want to assure you of my support anytime, any day. You are doing well. You have attracted appointments for our people. We will follow you because you are on the right track,” Apugo said.

A political pressure group known as Abia Patriots, has fired back at a former Governor and the Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, over his recent outburst that the support of Goveror Alex Otti was not needed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to win election in Abia.

Kalu boasted that he was enough to deliver the APC without Gov. Otti’s help.

Senator Kalu in a statement via his Media Aide, George Maduka, criticized Governor Otti for “overestimating his political relevance”, claiming that key stakeholders had to intervene to rally support for him during the 2023 governorship election.

The former Governor questioned Otti’s claims of political strengthen, recalling his alleged visit to Senator Kalu’s residence in Igbere on the eve of the election, as well as interactions between Otti’s campaign team and Senator Kalu.

But Abia Patriots, in a swift response, expressed disappointment over the comments credited to the former Governor, cautioning him against distracting Gov. Otti.

The group in a statement by its Secretary, Mazi Adindu Madumere, expressed shock at Kalu’s sudden support for President Tinubu after allegedly working against his presidential bid in 2023.

“We’re amazed at Senator Kalu’s bootlicking politics, given his public rejection of APC’s presidential candidate in 2023, when he deliberately voided his vote. So, what has changed?”

“The Abia Patriots is shocked and disappointed by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s recent comments, aimed at distracting Governor Alex Otti from his developmental agenda. We urge APC stalwarts to refrain from turning Abia into a theatre of political battles, when other states prioritize socio-economic development.”

The group advised Senator Kalu to focus on his legislative mandate of quality representation to Abia North, and stop heating up the Abia polity.

“We advise Senator Kalu to focus on representing Abia North effectively, initiating laws that benefit indigenes. As a former two-term governor, he should prioritize Abia’s development as a patriotic statesman, not a party opportunist.

“Abians are tired of meaningless rhetoric; they deserve peace, progress, and development. The time to support the present government is now.”

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has received assurances from Abia State leaders that the Igbo will correct past electoral mistakes in 2027 and rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Kalu received the pledges during a New Year courtesy visit to Senator Chris Adighije, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State on Tuesday evening.

Senator Adighije expressed gratitude for the visit, pledging support from the Olokoro Umuahia clan for the Tinubu administration’s development agenda.

He said, “I am surprised; it really took me off guard. Olokoro comprises 17 autonomous communities, 16 of which are represented here today. The message of goodwill from President Tinubu has penetrated the entire Olokoro. Last time, we got it wrong, and we should not repeat the same mistake. God has made it possible for you to visit, and for that, we are grateful.”

In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Kalu urged Abians and Ndi Igbo in general to invest in their political future by supporting President Tinubu.

He stated, “It’s time we started investing our votes, not wasting them. The currency with which we purchase dividends in our democracy is votes. As we approach 2027, the southern political corridor presents fertile ground, and currently, that is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We should not fight among ourselves but extend a handshake today, so that tomorrow it can be reciprocated. If we adopt the same strategy we use in business for our politics, we will go far.”

In a separate New Year visit, former Abia State House of Assembly member Hon. Chukwudi Apugo commended Kalu’s legislative efforts, particularly his role in the South East Development Commission Bill, which led to the establishment of the Commission. He pledged his support and encouraged Kalu to continue his work.

“You have empowered many people. You are highly respected in Nigeria and among the Igbo. Continue your good works; we will follow you because you are on the right track,” Apugo said.

Kalu also urged Apugo to formally join the APC, highlighting that it would strengthen the party’s base in Abia State.

He said, “We invite you to join the APC, the party where your father serves as a Board of Trustees member and one of the founding fathers. Let us honour his legacy and change the political narrative together. The train has started moving; those who are wise will join us.”

Ahead of the 2027 general election, a Niger Delta group, the Ijaw National Congress, West Africa Chapter, has asked President Bola Tinubu to redeploy Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to the Ministry of the Niger Delta.

The Ijaw group made the request in a pre-action notice contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu, and made available to journalists yesterday.

The letter, dated January 6, 2026, is signed by Rev. Dr. Perry Aperela, Chairman, INC West African Chapter.

In the letter titled, ‘Pre-action notice requesting redeployment/transfer of the Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike from the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the Ministry of Niger Delta’, the group said the minister needs to be closer to Rivers State due to his continuous campaign activities in the state ahead of the 2027 election.

“This serves as a formal pre-action notice to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the redeployment/transfer of Nyesom Wike from the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the Ministry of the Niger Delta.

“The reason for this request is that Nyesom Wike needs to be closer to Rivers State due to his continuous campaigning activities ahead of the 2027 elections in Rivers State. He has been traveling from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Rivers State every weekend in recent times, which clearly indicates that his political engagements are more centered in the Niger Delta region.

“In view of this, it is only appropriate and administratively reasonable that he be redeployed/transferred to the Ministry of the Niger Delta to align his ministerial responsibilities with his political activities and regional proximity,” the letter read.

The minister has, in recent days, held series of political engagements with different stakeholders in Rivers State, where he vowed total support for President Tinubu amid renewed hostilities with the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike’s alleged opposition to Fubara’s second term bid has led to a face-off between him and All Progressives Congress, APC, National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, who advised him to resign his appointment as minister and face the politics of Rivers State.

Wike had warned Basiru against interfering in Rivers politics, stressing that he will get his hands burnt if he persists.

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State has said Governor Ademola Adeleke may no longer be interested in seeking the nomination of the party for the 2026 governorship election.

The party, however, said Adeleke’s decision may change with the resolution of crises ravaging the party, which must be recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission and reached within the commission’s timeline for the Osun governorship poll.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the state capital, yesterday, Osun PDP Chairman, Mr. Sunday Bisi, said the crises ravaging the party have made the conduct of the party’s governorship primary earlier slated for December 2 impossible.

Bisi affirmed that Adeleke fully complied with all requirements set out in the PDP’s timetable for nomination, adding that he

“purchased and submitted the expression of interest and nomination forms within the stipulated window of October 13th to 25th, 2025, being the deadline for submission.”

He further explained that Adeleke appeared before the duly constituted screening committee of the party on October 30, was screened, and cleared without reservations, with the Certificate of Clearance issued to him in accordance with the party’s procedures.

“However, soon after these pre-primary processes were concluded, the internal imbroglio rocking the national leadership of our party escalated.

“The suspension and counter-suspension of key national officers, officers who are statutorily central to the conduct of congresses, primaries, and the transmission of our candidate’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), created a level of uncertainty that directly impacted the planned schedule.

“This crisis reached a point where the statutory ad-hoc ward and local government congresses, scheduled for November 24th and 29th respectively, could not hold.

“These are the very congresses where delegates to the primaries are elected. As you are all aware, the issues leading to these disruptions are presently before various courts across the country,” Bisi said.

He added, “In the light of the foregoing, it has become inevitable, indeed unavoidable, that the PDP governorship primaries earlier slated for Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, can no longer hold as scheduled.

“However, because of the internal crisis rocking the national leadership of our party, the information at my disposal is that Governor Ademola Adeleke may no longer be interested in seeking the nomination of the PDP for the 2026 Osun Gubernatorial Election, except a resolution recognised by INEC is reached within the INEC timeline.”

The reports had it  that the crises ravaging the PDP at the national level have polarised the party into factions.

According to the timetable released by INEC detailing activities towards the August 8 Osun governorship poll, parties fielding candidates have till December 15 to submit the names of their candidates.