By Dr. Jeff Ejiofor,

Politics, when examined beyond emotion and sentiment, is fundamentally about interest, opportunity, and development. Communities and regions must align themselves where their collective aspirations stand the best chance of being realised.

It is within this context that the decision of Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the amiable Governor of Enugu State, to lead the South-East away from the People’s Democratic Party toward the All Progressives Congress should be carefully understood.

For more than two decades, the South-East remained one of the most accommodating regions for the PDP in Nigeria.

From the return to democratic rule in 1999, the zone consistently produced PDP governors across the region, except in Anambra State, which elected a governor under the All Progressives Grand Alliance from 2006.

In every practical sense, the PDP dominated politics in Igbo land, particularly in Enugu State, which has never produced a governor outside the party since 1999.

During this period, the PDP practically determined the political direction of the South-East. The party decided political opportunities and influence in line with the famous definition of politics by Harold Lasswell as the process of deciding “who gets what, when, and how.”

It also played the decisive role in distributing political values and opportunities within the region, reflecting the democratic description offered by David Easton as the authoritative allocation of values in society.

In simple terms, the South-East remained loyal to the PDP more than most other regions in Nigeria.

The people sustained this loyalty in the hope that when the presidential ticket of the party rotated to the South, the zone would finally be given the opportunity to produce a president. Unfortunately, that expectation was shattered in 2023.

However, after waiting patiently for twenty-two years, the PDP not only denied the South-East its presidential ticket but also abandoned its long-standing zoning principle.

Instead, the party handed its ticket to Atiku Abubakar from the North at a time when power was expected to rotate to the South.

Even more painful was the manner a potential South-East aspirant within the party, Peter Obi, was politically frustrated and eventually forced to leave the PDP for the Labour Party, a party that lacked the nationwide political structure necessary to win the presidency.

This development left many in the South-East with the painful realization that despite decades of loyalty, the PDP had little regard for the political aspirations of the region.

Obviously, the signs of neglect were visible in governance. Throughout its sixteen years of leadership at the federal level, the PDP never considered an Igbo son fit to head the crucial Federal Ministry of Works despite the glaring infrastructural deficit in the South-East Instead, the region was often assigned ministries such as information that had little direct impact on solving the infrastructure problems confronting the zone.

As a result, many federal roads in the zone became dangerous death traps. The Enugu–Onitsha expressway, Enugu–Port Harcourt road, Enugu–Abakaliki highway, and the strategic 9th Mile–Obollo Afor road were neglected for years without meaningful intervention.

Today, however, the situation appears to be changing. Under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, the relationship between the federal government and the South-East is beginning to take a different direction.

For the first time since 1999, an Igbo son now heads the Federal Ministry of Works, an appointment that is already making visible impact in the region.

Consequently, major federal roads across the South-East such as Enugu–Onitsha, Enugu–Port Harcourt, Enugu–Abakaliki, and the 9th Mile–Obollo Afor road are now receiving accelerated attention.

Beyond infrastructure, the current administration has also extended significant strategic appointments to the region. Under President Tinubu, an illustrious son of Enugu State, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, became Chief of the Naval Staff of Nigeria.

Upon his retirement, another Enugu indigene, Sunday Aneke, assumed the position of Chief of the Air Staff in the Nigerian Air Force.

These appointments reinforce the sense of inclusion of a region that had long felt politically marginalised.

Against this background, the decision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to reposition the South-East politically should not be misunderstood. The real question is:
What exactly is so special about the PDP that should prevent the region from reassessing its political alliances?

What measurable benefits did the South-East obtain from sixteen years of PDP leadership at the centre that would justify continued loyalty despite clear neglect?

It is therefore surprising when some politically naïve voices criticize the calculated decision of Governor Mbah to align the region strategically with the APC.

It suffices to say that politics should be viewed through the lens of development and opportunity, not blind sentiment.

As we observe the renewed pace of federal road construction across the South-East today, it becomes evident that strategic political engagement with the centre can produce tangible results.

For this reason, Governor Peter Mbah’s political calculation should be seen as a bold step toward repositioning the South-East within the national power structure.

Sometimes, leadership requires courage, the courage to make difficult decisions in the interest of the people.

As the APC state congress has come and gone successfully, I heartily congratulate the amiable governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for taking the right step in the right direction.

Indeed, Tomorrow is Here.

A former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State, Ben Nwoye, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Deputy National Chairman (South) of the ruling All Progressives Congress at the party’s forthcoming national convention.

Nwoye made his declaration during a telephone interview on Sunday, where he also unveiled members of his campaign structure and outlined his plans for the party if elected into the position.

According to him, Hon. Timothy Amah has been appointed as the Director-General of his campaign organisation, while directors have already been named across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“Hon. Timothy Amah will serve as the DG of the campaign team. I have also appointed directors for all the six geopolitical zones, including Directors-General responsible for youth and women mobilisation,” Nwoye said.

He disclosed that his campaign office has already been established in Abuja and is currently operational as he continues consultations with party stakeholders ahead of the convention.

“Our campaign office is already functioning in Abuja. We are ready to serve members of the APC and ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates of the party,” he stated.

The former state chairman explained that his ambition is driven by a desire to strengthen the party’s political structure across Southern Nigeria and ensure stronger electoral performance in future elections.

“We will deploy our political network to mobilise the entire Southern region in support of the APC,” he said.

Nwoye also appealed to party leaders and stakeholders across the country to rally behind his bid and work together to build a stronger and more united party ahead of future electoral contests.

“I am calling on governors, members of the National Assembly, and all members of our party to join hands so we can build a formidable team capable of decisively defeating the opposition in the South,” he added.

He further disclosed that he and members of his campaign team would soon obtain the party’s nomination forms to formally enter the race.

“We will be picking up our nomination forms soon. I am confident of the support of my state, and I also seek the backing of APC members nationwide,” he said.

Speaking on his experience within the party, Nwoye noted that his years of service in different leadership positions have equipped him for the national assignment.

“We have the experience and exposure, having served as state chairman of the party and also as Secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen for eight years,” he explained.

He also referenced his recent role as caretaker committee chairman in Enugu State, noting that it helped stabilise the party and ensured a smooth internal process leading to the state congress.

“I returned to serve as caretaker committee chairman where we reunited the party and conducted the most peaceful state congress. I believe the time has come to step up and serve the party at a higher level,” Nwoye said.

The All Progressives Congress is expected to hold its national convention later this year, where new members of the party’s National Working Committee will be elected.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has officially registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress, declaring his intention to challenge the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026 in court.

Obi completed his registration on Saturday in his hometown of Agulu, located in Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Speaking after the exercise, the former Anambra State governor criticised aspects of the new electoral law, alleging that certain provisions were designed to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

He argued that the law contains elements capable of undermining the credibility of future polls and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of exceeding its constitutional mandate by attempting to influence how political parties conduct their internal affairs.

According to him, INEC’s primary duty is to organise and supervise elections, not to interfere in the process through which political parties select their candidates.

“I am going to challenge the decision in court. INEC has no reason to assume processes in how political parties elect their candidates. Its responsibility is to conduct elections,” Obi said.

Drawing a football analogy, he added that the electoral body should act strictly as a neutral umpire.

“You don’t tell a team how to prepare its players before a match. As a referee, INEC’s role is to officiate, not to determine which players a team should field,” he said.

Obi further alleged that the swift passage of new electoral regulations was aimed at giving the ruling party an unfair advantage ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“All the laws being hurriedly created are simply aimed at enabling the ruling party to snatch the 2027 presidential election and run away with it,” he alleged.

He urged supporters and party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, particularly in voter registration efforts, as the next general election approaches.

“We have about 2.8 million registered voters in Anambra, and I urge everyone to go to the grassroots and mobilise people to register and be ready to vote,” he said.

The former presidential candidate also stressed the importance of unity among opposition forces across the country, noting that leaders from the South-East were already engaging with counterparts from other regions to build a formidable alliance ahead of the next polls.

“In this journey of 2027, we in the South-East are working as a family and discussing with other regions. The goal is to unite the opposition and create a new Nigeria. The South-East is part of Nigeria and no region is more Nigerian than the South-East,” he said.
Obi also expressed concern over Nigeria’s economic situation, lamenting the country’s rising poverty levels despite its natural and human resources.

“We cannot continue in an era where Nigeria has become one of the worst five countries in the world and the poverty capital of the world,” he said, adding that the vision of the movement he represents is to build a country where merit and opportunity prevail.

“We are committed to building a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” Obi stated.

Speaking at the event, the National Organising Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Chinedu Idigo, said the party’s membership registration exercise would be conducted both physically and online.

He encouraged prospective members to complete their online registration before visiting designated centres to obtain their membership cards.

Idigo also revealed that the party had adopted the direct primary system for selecting candidates in future elections and disclosed that about 50,000 membership cards had already been delivered to Anambra State, with more expected.

Also addressing party members, the ADC candidate in the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election, John Nwosu, described Obi’s registration as a major boost for the party.

“This is a day of joy. The journey of Obi to the presidency begins today,” Nwosu said.

He urged members of the party to remain united and avoid internal divisions that could weaken their chances in future elections.

Nwosu also reflected on the party’s performance during the 2023 general elections, noting that issues such as vote buying, voter apathy, and inadequate deployment of polling agents had affected the outcome.

He, however, assured members that steps were being taken to address those challenges ahead of future contests.

The Kwankwasiyya political movement in Kano State has pushed back against allegations of financial misconduct leveled against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, presenting documents which it says prove that the controversial N1.1 billion fund was released with the approval of Governor Abba Yusuf.

The Kano State House of Assembly had earlier issued an impeachment notice to Gwarzo, accusing him of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The notice, endorsed by 38 out of the 40 lawmakers in the Assembly, alleged that the deputy governor was involved in financial impropriety both during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and in his current role.

However, the Kwankwasiyya movement insists that official records dated between April and June 2024 contradict the allegations.

Documents released by the group indicate that the N1.1 billion allocation was approved as an intervention fund meant to address water shortages and improve drug supplies across the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

According to the records, the process began on April 15, 2024, when the Kano State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria wrote to the Ministry for Local Government requesting financial support to tackle acute water shortages and provide essential drugs.

The request was reportedly endorsed by the deputy governor before being forwarded to Governor Yusuf for approval.

One of the memos submitted to the governor explained that each of the 44 local governments proposed an allocation of N25 million, to be sourced from the State and Local Government Joint Account, bringing the total to N1.1 billion.

Subsequently, on May 14, 2024, the deputy governor formally sought the governor’s consent for the release of the funds through a memo referenced MLG/INS/MEE/1-2 and dated May 20, 2024.

The memo explained that the funds would help resolve the problem of acute potable water shortages in the local government areas while also supporting the supply of quality drugs for residents, particularly the less privileged.

Approval for the release of the funds was eventually granted on June 10, 2024, through a letter signed by Abubakar S. Dabo, Director of Local Government Inspection, on behalf of the commissioner.

The approved allocation provided for N10 million per local government area for the maintenance and repair of boreholes and open wells, while N15 million was designated for the supply of drugs and medical equipment.

This brought the total allocation to N25 million per local government area, amounting to N1.1 billion for the 44 councils.

Leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement argue that the documents clearly show the deputy governor acted within the bounds of his official responsibilities and with the governor’s full consent.

They have therefore described the allegations by the Assembly as politically motivated.

The impeachment process is unfolding amid heightened political tensions in Kano State following Governor Yusuf’s recent defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Political observers believe the move against the deputy governor may also be connected to the shifting political dynamics in the state, particularly after Gwarzo reportedly declined to follow the governor to the APC and instead chose to remain with the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The deputy governor has been given two weeks by the Assembly to respond to the allegations against him.

If lawmakers are not satisfied with his response, an investigative panel may be constituted in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Kano State Government were unsuccessful as the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, had yet to respond to inquiries as of the time this report was filed.

The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has described his continued detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission as unlawful, insisting that the legal order authorising his custody has already expired.

In a statement issued on Friday and shared on Facebook by his son, Mohammed El-Rufai, the family said the 14-day remand order earlier obtained by the ICPC from a magistrate court on February 19 had elapsed without the anti-graft agency filing any formal charge against the former governor in a court of competent jurisdiction.

According to the family, the failure to secure a fresh court order or arraign him within the period provided by law makes his continued detention illegal.

“As of today, March 6, 2026, Nasir El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody under circumstances that have no basis in law. We state categorically that there is currently no valid legal instrument authorising his detention,” the statement said.

The family’s reaction comes as El-Rufai marks his 18th day in the custody of federal anti-corruption agencies.

The former governor had earlier honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16. He was initially detained by the EFCC before being released shortly afterwards.

However, he was subsequently transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on the night of February 18, where he has remained since.

The family is now demanding his immediate release, maintaining that holding him without a valid court order amounts to a violation of his rights under the law.

Suspected gunmen on Friday reportedly attacked the convoy of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, shortly after he arrived to register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Witnesses said sporadic gunshots rang out in parts of Ubima community as the former Rivers State governor’s convoy approached the venue of the registration exercise.

The incident caused panic among residents and party supporters who had gathered for the event.

Security operatives swiftly intervened and restored calm in the area, preventing the situation from escalating further.

Despite the attack, Amaechi proceeded with the registration exercise in his hometown and later addressed supporters and residents.

The Rivers State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Speaking after the event, the former governor condemned the attack but praised security agencies for their prompt response and professionalism in managing the situation.

Amaechi commended operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for acting swiftly to stabilise the situation.

“I want to commend the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the DSS for their cooperation. They showed a lot of professionalism. Immediately I made contact with them, they responded. In fact, I wasn’t expecting that level of cooperation,” he said.

“All of us will agree that the police came out, the NSCDC came out, and the DSS also came out. We are grateful to them.”

However, he insisted that those responsible for the attack must be identified and prosecuted to deter future occurrences.

“They must show that this will not continue by prosecuting those involved in this crime. I have been a governor, and I know the consequences of not protecting the lives of people.

“When people feel unprotected, they may begin to defend themselves because they don’t want to die,” Amaechi stated.

He also urged residents and his supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could heighten tensions in the community.

“For now, everybody should calm down and remain peaceful. We should thank the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS, and the Commandant of the NSCDC. Our goal is to remain calm and peaceful,” he said.

Amaechi also used the occasion to criticise the current economic situation in the country, saying widespread hardship and hunger have pushed citizens to demand greater accountability from those in power.

“We are marching to Aso Rock. What I do may not put food on your table, but the truth is that we are hungry. If you are not hungry, tell them that I am hungry.

“People are dying every day because of hunger, yet a few individuals are stealing our money and expect us to keep quiet. We can no longer keep quiet,” he added.

The former minister further urged members and supporters of the ADC to mobilise and register in large numbers ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the strength of the party would depend largely on its membership base.

“The more we are, the more difficult it will be for them to intimidate us. Let the people choose who they want. What democracy provides is an opportunity for the people to decide who the right leaders are,” he said.

Amaechi also challenged the current administration to present tangible achievements comparable to projects executed during his tenure as Minister of Transportation.

“I was Minister of Transportation, and I can show you evidence of what I did. Let this government show one thing it has done, either in the North or in the South,” he said, urging Rivers residents to remain politically engaged as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

Former Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, has explained the reasons behind his decision not to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while also commenting on the defection of his predecessor to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dickson spoke with journalists during the unveiling of his newly formed political platform, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where he outlined the principles guiding his political choices.

According to him, his political philosophy is rooted in national development, institutional reform, and a commitment to governance driven by clear ideas rather than party convenience.

Addressing questions about why he declined to join the ADC, Dickson said he holds the party’s leadership in high regard but believes that political affiliation must be guided by well-defined priorities.

“I have great respect for the leaders of the ADC. They have contributed to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. However, joining a party is not about convenience or simply positioning oneself in opposition politics. It must be based on principles and a clear agenda for governance,” he said.

He stressed that any political platform he associates with must demonstrate a strong commitment to national security, education, healthcare, devolution of powers, youth and women empowerment, and the protection of citizens’ rights.

According to him, the ADC, despite its contributions to Nigeria’s democratic space, does not provide the level of clarity he seeks in those areas.

Dickson said the Nigeria Democratic Congress was established to promote a broader national vision focused on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring inclusive governance.

“The NDC is pan-Nigerian. Our goal goes beyond winning elections. We want to build institutions that serve all Nigerians, respect the country’s diversity, and ensure leadership that is accountable and visionary,” he said.

He added that the party would provide a platform for capable Nigerians from all regions of the country who share a commitment to national development and inclusive leadership.

Speaking on the recent defection of his successor in Bayelsa politics to the APC, Dickson maintained a philosophical tone, noting that individuals are free to make their own political decisions.

“I guided and mentored him during his tenure, but everyone must follow their own path. How individuals exercise the authority and responsibility given to them is ultimately between them and God,” he said.

While noting that he would have preferred continuity in principle-driven governance, the former governor acknowledged that political realignments are common in Nigeria.

“Politics is dynamic. People make choices based on their convictions and circumstances, and my focus remains on stability, peace, and the building of enduring institutions,” he added.

Dickson also addressed concerns about internal party cohesion, explaining that the NDC has put structures in place to ensure transparency and prevent factional divisions.

“We have established mechanisms that promote inclusivity and transparency. Our objective is to build a party where credible leaders can emerge, where elections are fair, and where citizens truly believe that their votes count. This is not a short-term strategy but a long-term commitment,” he said.

Reaffirming his decision not to join the ADC, Dickson emphasised that his political history has always been driven by loyalty to ideas rather than political expediency.

“My history has always been about loyalty to ideas, not convenience. I cannot belong to a party whose vision is unclear or whose priorities do not align with the urgent needs of Nigeria,” he stated.

He explained that the NDC would prioritise federalism, accountability, and investment in human capital as central pillars of its governance agenda.

Reflecting on his leadership style, Dickson said tolerance, discipline, and inclusion remain key elements of his political philosophy.

“In Bayelsa, we showed that principled politics works. Whether mentoring successors, collaborating with colleagues, or building institutions, my focus has always been on strengthening systems rather than promoting personalities,” he said.

He concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s political future, noting that the NDC aims to attract competent leaders from across the country and promote policies that respect diversity, equity, and democratic values.

According to him, the party’s mission is to reshape political engagement in Nigeria by strengthening institutions, promoting credible elections, and advancing policies that support long-term national development.

By Dr. Malachy Chuma Ochie

As the political temperature gradually rises ahead of the 2027 elections, conversations across Nigeria’s political landscape are intensifying. In many states, the opposition senses opportunity.

Yet in Enugu State, the story appears remarkably different. The question increasingly echoing in political circles is simple: who can truly dare Governor Peter Mbah?

Since assuming office in 2023, Mbah has pursued governance with an urgency that has surprised even his critics.

In a relatively short period, his administration has set an ambitious development tone, one that has rapidly begun to reshape the political narrative of the state.

At the heart of his agenda lies a bold economic vision, and that is to transform Enugu into a $30-billion economy and more.

While such a target initially sounded aspirational, the governor’s aggressive policy direction, spanning infrastructure, education, security, agriculture, and digital innovation, has lent credibility to that vision.

Perhaps the most visible symbol of his governance reforms is the sweeping overhaul of the education sector.

The Smart Schools initiative, designed to embed digital learning and modern teaching methods into public education, signals a commitment to preparing the youths of Enugu State for a competitive global economy.

Infrastructure development has also been relentless. Road construction and urban renewal projects have expanded mobility and stimulated commercial activity across the state.

Simultaneously, the administration’s push for enhanced security architecture has strengthened public confidence; encouraging investment and restoring faith in government.

In agriculture, the government has begun repositioning the sector as a serious economic driver rather than a subsistence activity.

By opening up farm clusters, attracting agri-business investment, and empowering rural communities, the administration aims to transform agriculture into a pillar of economic growth.

These achievements have inevitably altered the political equation in Enugu State.

For the opposition, the challenge is not merely to criticize but to present a credible alternative to a government that has already established a strong performance narrative.

Politics, of course, remains unpredictable. Alliances shift, sentiments evolve, and electoral contests can produce surprises.

Yet as 2027 approaches, one fact stands out: Governor Peter Mbah has placed performance squarely at the center of Enugu’s politics.

And in a political environment where results increasingly speak louder than rhetoric, the real question may not simply be who will challenge him, but who can convincingly out-perform him. Without sounding immodest, I am yet to see that person. Gov. Peter Mbah remains the code for Enugu State.