The Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Hon. John Ogbodo, has congratulated the newly elected Enugu State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Martin Chukwunwike, describing his emergence as a reflection of unity and renewed strength within the party.

Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday, Ogbodo said the peaceful and transparent conduct of the ward, local government, and state congresses across Enugu State demonstrated the growing cohesion and organisational capacity of the APC.

He also commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for what he termed visionary and inclusive leadership, noting that the governor’s role as leader of the party in the state was instrumental to the smooth and credible exercise.

According to Ogbodo, the successful congresses have repositioned the APC in Enugu for greater political engagement and electoral competitiveness ahead of future contests.

“The seamless conduct of the congress across the 17 local government areas and 260 wards is a clear indication that the party is united and focused. It reflects the maturity of our internal democracy and the confidence members repose in the leadership of Governor Mbah,” he said.

The council chairman further expressed confidence in the capacity of the new state executive under Chukwunwike to consolidate the gains of the congress and strengthen the party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts.

He urged party faithful across the state to rally behind the new leadership, stressing that unity and discipline remain critical to achieving the APC’s broader political objectives.

Ogbodo assured that stakeholders in Nkanu West would continue to support initiatives aimed at deepening internal democracy, expanding membership, and positioning the party for greater success in subsequent elections.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has asserted that the ruling All Progressives Congress is poised to win all elections in 2027, both in the state and nationwide, describing the party as the “workhorse” of Nigerian politics.

Zulum made the declaration on Tuesday in Maiduguri while addressing thousands of APC delegates and stakeholders during the state congress elections.

He emphasised that the state chapter of the party operates a unified system, free of internal divisions, which facilitated the peaceful election of 38 executive committee members who will oversee party affairs over the next four years.

The congress, chaired by Mr. Jones Erue, drew 1,560 delegates to the defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education (KICE).

Zulum highlighted that the seamless process demonstrated party unity in Borno and reinforced the state’s position as one of the most cohesive APC chapters in the country.

Acknowledging the support of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Zulum congratulated the newly elected executives and assured that former party officials would remain integrated into the APC structure as ex-officio members, leveraging their experience and contributions.

“We will not permit anyone without the required capacity to take over the affairs of the party. The party will remain resolute under my leadership and, Insha Allah, we shall succeed,” Zulum said, praising both the Congress Committee and party delegates for their commitment and loyalty.

The event was attended by former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senators Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan, former deputy governors, members of the House of Representatives and State Assembly, APC officials, other stakeholders, and officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, who supervised the congress elections.

APC Deputy National Chairman North, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, noted that the consensus-based election process reflected careful consultation and adherence to the party constitution, while the new State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, pledged to manage party affairs transparently and accountably under Zulum’s guidance.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described himself as a target of political persecution, alleging that ongoing investigations into his tenure are linked to his membership of the African Democratic Congress.

El-Rufai made the claim in written statements submitted last month while in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which is probing multiple corruption allegations connected to his administration between 2015 and 2023.

In the statements, the former governor reportedly argued that the investigation was politically motivated, insisting that his association with the ADC—after defecting from the ruling party—was the real reason behind the scrutiny.

He described the ADC as the “only surviving opposition political party” in the country.

El-Rufai left the All Progressives Congress last year following a political rift with President Bola Tinubu, which deepened after his failed ministerial nomination in 2023.

Aside from the ICPC investigation, he is also facing prosecution by the State Security Service over allegations of illegally tapping a phone conversation belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The documents containing his statements were attached to the ICPC’s counter-affidavit opposing a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit he filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suit challenges the legality of a February 5 search conducted by ICPC operatives, with police support, at his Abuja residence.

In his first statement, El-Rufai confirmed that a cautionary statement was read to him and outlined his educational and professional background, including his past roles as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and two-term governor of Kaduna State.

He informed investigators that, on the advice of his counsel, Ubong Akpan, he had chosen to exercise his constitutional right to remain silent and would only respond to the allegations when formally presented before a competent court.

In a subsequent statement dated February 20, he reaffirmed his position, maintaining that he would not answer further questions or address additional documents outside judicial proceedings.

El-Rufai has remained in ICPC custody since February 19, following his release from several days of detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after he honoured an invitation on February 16.

The France chapter of the All Progressives Congress has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in the 2027 general elections, pledging to galvanise Nigerians in the diaspora in support of their re-election bid.

In a statement signed by the chapter chairperson, Hajia Amina Suzuki, the group commended the administration for steering the country through economic headwinds, describing Tinubu’s leadership as bold, reform-oriented and focused on long-term stability.

The chapter highlighted what it called measurable progress in stabilising public finances, revitalising the oil and gas sector, attracting foreign investment and restoring international confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

It added that the Renewed Hope Agenda has laid the groundwork for sustainable growth, inclusive development and national recovery.
“As Nigerians in the diaspora, we closely track global economic trends. Nigeria’s outlook is improving steadily.

The administration’s resilience and commitment to infrastructure expansion, social investment, security enhancement and youth empowerment reflect purposeful and strategic governance,” the statement read.

The group also praised Vice President Shettima for his role in policy coordination and implementation, noting that the partnership between the president and his deputy has demonstrated competence, vision and determination to reposition Nigeria competitively on the global stage.

Looking ahead to the 2027 polls, the APC France chapter pledged to intensify mobilisation efforts, including grassroots engagement, voter education and strategic advocacy both within Nigeria and among diaspora communities.

It urged Nigerians at home and abroad to support continuity in leadership, arguing that sustained reforms and policy consistency are essential to consolidating recent gains and advancing the country’s transformation agenda.i

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has convened a strategic meeting with leaders of the African Democratic Congress from the South-East, alongside influential Igbo political figures, in what observers see as early coalition-building ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primary.

According to a statement issued by the ADC on Wednesday, the closed-door meeting was described as “crucial” to shaping the party’s strategic direction and exploring potential alliances as preparations intensify for the 2027 electoral cycle.

The meeting reportedly took place on Tuesday night at the Abuja residence of Chikwe Udensi and attracted a strong delegation of party stalwarts and regional leaders.

Among those present were Senator Augustine Akobundu; Chief Chekwas Okorie; former Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba; Dr Osita Oruche; Prof Onyi Nwagbara; Chief Uchenna Okogbuo; former ADC National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu; Hon Uzoma Abonta; Hon Uko Nkole; Etigwe Uwah; Dr Steve Nwadiuko; Chief Morris Eboh; Senator Frank Ibezim; and Dr Dave Eboh.

The development comes amid heightened political activity following the release of a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for Presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Assembly polls are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The commission also set a 91-day window—ending May 30, 2026—for political parties to conduct and conclude their primaries.

In a statement, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained that the revised timetable followed amendments to the Electoral Act 2026.

The commission further clarified that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and must be concluded by May 30, 2026.
INEC reiterated that in line with the Electoral

Act 2026, political parties are mandated to submit their digital membership registers at least 21 days before conducting any primary, congress, or convention, warning that failure to comply may lead to disqualification from fielding candidates.

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Taiwo Oyedele as the new Minister of State for Finance, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The nomination was conveyed in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Oyedele, who previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, is expected to replace Doris Uzoka-Anite in the finance ministry.

Uzoka-Anite has now been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning as Minister of State, marking her third portfolio since joining the administration.

Uzoka-Anite was initially appointed Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment in August 2023 before being reassigned in October 2024 to serve as Minister of State for Finance.

From Tax Reforms to Cabinet Nominee
Oyedele, a fiscal policy expert and tax professional, was appointed in July 2023 to head the presidential tax reforms committee. Before that role, he was a fiscal policy partner and Africa tax leader a tPricewaterhouseCoopers, where he built a career spanning over two decades after joining the firm in 2001.

A public policy specialist, accountant, and economist, Oyedele holds a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and Finance from Yaba College of Technology and a BSc in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.

He has also completed executive education programmes at globally renowned institutions, including the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School.

In academia, Oyedele is a professor at Babcock University and serves as a visiting scholar at the Lagos Business School.

His nomination follows President Tinubu’s assent in June 2025 to four landmark tax reform bills drafted by the committee he led.

The bills — the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill — were passed by the National Assembly after months of debate and public scrutiny.

The new tax laws, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, are aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s tax administration framework, boosting revenue generation, improving the business climate, and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

Despite facing opposition and criticism from some quarters, the reforms marked a significant shift in Nigeria’s fiscal policy direction, with Oyedele widely regarded as the chief architect of the new tax regime.

…Credits ex-caretaker chairman with repositioning party, attracting governor

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, has said the immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in the state, Dr. Ben Nwoye, fundamentally changed the political narrative of the APC and rescued it from decline.

Speaking with journalists in Enugu on Wednesday in the aftermath of the party’s congresses, Dr. Okafor described Nwoye as a formidable grassroots politician whose leadership stabilised and repositioned the party at a critical moment.

According to him, the former caretaker chairman took a bold political risk that eventually transformed the fortunes of the APC in the state by facilitating the smooth entry of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah into the party.

“I thank God for the gift of Dr. Ben Nwoye to APC in Enugu State. At a time when the party was drifting and heading towards collapse, he stepped in decisively. He took what many considered a huge political risk by reaching out to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to join the APC. Many doubted the move and described it as impossible, but he remained focused and intentional about what the party needed to survive and grow,” Okafor said.

He noted that Nwoye committed his time, energy, and personal resources to the project of rebuilding the party, adding that his efforts have earned him a place in the political history of the state.

“As someone who had worked tirelessly for the party over the years, he understood that certain challenges were temporary and that strategic alignment was necessary for Enugu to connect to the centre. He worked relentlessly and achieved that goal. It is not an exaggeration to say he has rewritten the political narrative of the APC in Enugu,” he added.

Okafor also commended Nwoye’s inclusive leadership style, which he said ensured that members were carried along throughout the transition process that culminated in the successful ward, local government, and state congresses.

“For the first time in the state, the APC enjoyed positive engagement from the media and other political actors. That was not by accident. It was because the party had a leader who understood grassroots mobilisation, dialogue, and reconciliation. He engaged widely, responded to issues with maturity, and rebuilt confidence in the party,” he stated.

On the future of the former caretaker chairman, Okafor expressed the view that Nwoye would be well-suited for a national assignment within the party, given his experience and understanding of APC politics at both state and national levels.

He pointed out that as a former state chairman, foundation member of the party, and former secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, Nwoye possesses the institutional knowledge required to contribute meaningfully at the national stage.

“He understands the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the development roadmap being pursued in Enugu State. He has the capacity to represent the state effectively at the national level and further strengthen the party’s structure. That is my personal opinion as a foundation member and stakeholder in the party,” Okafor said.

He also praised Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for the confidence reposed in Nwoye during his tenure as caretaker chairman, despite opposition from certain quarters.

According to him, the governor’s decision to support Nwoye’s leadership demonstrated trust, reciprocity, and a commitment to unity — qualities he said define strong and visionary leadership.