Former governors from Nigeria’s South-East region have declared their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also unveiling a new political platform to coordinate their engagement on regional and national issues.

The decision was announced in Enugu after a high-level meeting where the ex-governors inaugurated the South East Forum of Former Governors.

The gathering, held at the Presidential Lodge, was convened by the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi.

Reading from a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Umahi stated that the forum would serve as a non-partisan advisory body to support sitting governors in the region on key developmental and governance matters.

He explained that the endorsement of Tinubu’s second-term bid was based on what the group described as significant strides in infrastructure development and the inclusion of South-East indigenes in strategic national appointments.

Umahi also commended current governors in the zone for their efforts in improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting economic empowerment across their respective states.

According to him, the President’s financial interventions to states have played a vital role in enabling governors to execute projects and deliver on their mandates.

He further clarified that membership of the forum is open to all former governors from the South-East, regardless of political affiliation, with the aim of fostering unity and providing guidance on issues affecting the region.

Umahi noted that some former governors were absent due to health-related travel and prior commitments but are expected to attend subsequent meetings.

Those anticipated at the next session include Orji Uzor Kalu, Chimaroke Nnamani, Ikedi Ohakim, and Theodore Orji.

Attendees at the inaugural meeting included Martins Elechi, Sullivan Chime, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Chris Ngige.

Following the meeting, members of the forum paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, where they discussed the need for closer collaboration between former and serving governors to drive development and strengthen regional cooperation.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned President Bola Tinubu that distributing food items as palliatives will not secure electoral legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that items such as rice, spaghetti, and noodles may provide short-term relief to citizens but cannot replace public trust or determine the outcome of elections.

He further alleged that despite the ruling All Progressives Congress expanding its political influence across the country, there are signs of unease within the government.

According to him, this reflects apprehension about opposition forces and the electorate.

Atiku claimed that the administration’s growing control over political structures and institutions has not translated into confidence but instead suggests concern over credible opposition and free political competition.

He also expressed worries about what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties through internal crises and the use of judicial processes.

According to him, some court decisions have created confusion and raised questions about the integrity of legal procedures.

The former presidential candidate criticised what he termed the misuse of state power against opposition figures, citing instances of controversial detention orders and actions that could undermine democratic principles.

Warning against a potential drift toward a one-party system, Atiku said Nigeria risks eroding democratic values if the current trend continues, where elections may exist but genuine competition is limited.

He stressed that leadership should be determined by the will of the people rather than through institutional control or suppression of dissent.

He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively engaged as the next general elections approach.

Atiku concluded by questioning why a government with significant political control would still be wary of free and fair elections, insisting that Nigerians deserve both transparency and real choice at the polls.

The African Democratic Congress in Anambra State has announced the indefinite suspension of all scheduled and proposed congresses across the state.

The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the state leadership, signed by Chairman Patrick Obianyo and Secretary Lawrence Okeke, and made available to journalists in Awka.

According to the statement, the move reflects the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, due process, and respect for judicial authority.

Party members and stakeholders were urged to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding during this period.

The leadership also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise any actions or activities carried out by unauthorised individuals or groups claiming to represent the party in the state.

It further clarified that the tenure of the current ADC Executive Committee in Anambra, as well as in other states, remains valid and constitutionally recognised by INEC.

The public was advised to disregard any directives or announcements from individuals allegedly posing as party leaders without proper authority.

The party assured members that new dates for congresses and conventions would be communicated after the conclusion of ongoing consultations at the national level.

It also urged supporters to maintain unity and discipline as the situation unfolds.

This latest development adds to the growing internal tensions within the ADC, coming shortly after INEC reportedly withdrew recognition of a factional National Working Committee linked to David Mark, in compliance with a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has called on key opposition figures to defect to its platform as part of efforts to build a strong coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the party invited prominent political leaders including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

It also extended the invitation to former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The party stressed that uniting influential opposition figures under one umbrella is critical to mounting a formidable challenge against the APC in future elections, particularly ahead of the 2027 general polls.

According to the NDC, the move is aimed at consolidating opposition strength and presenting a viable alternative to the current administration.

The party described the appeal as a national duty that requires collective commitment from major political stakeholders.

The invitation comes amid ongoing internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress, where the invited leaders are currently aligned.

The NDC suggested that the crisis within the ADC presents an opportunity for realignment in Nigeria’s political space.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has taken steps in response to the ADC leadership tussle, including plans to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official records as party leaders due to an ongoing legal dispute.

INEC also announced that it would suspend recognition of any faction within the ADC until a final judgment is delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The electoral body cited a Court of Appeal order directing all parties involved to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case.

The commission further revealed that it had received conflicting legal communications from different factions within the party, prompting its decision to refrain from engaging with any group until the matter is conclusively resolved.

The developments highlight growing uncertainty within the ADC, even as opposition realignments continue to shape the political landscape ahead of future elections.

The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress has intensified following the emergence of a third faction that has rejected both the camp associated with David Mark and that of Nafiu Bala.

The newly formed group led by Don Norman Obinna, claims to be the authentic National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

It insists that it has assumed responsibility for steering the party’s affairs ahead of its next national convention.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the faction argued that the tenure of Ralph Nwosu had expired in August 2022.

It further alleged that Nwosu became entangled in multiple legal disputes after failing to vacate his position at the end of his term.

The group also dismissed claims surrounding Nafiu Bala’s role in the party, stating that he never served as National Vice Chairman.

In addition, it clarified that Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s former presidential candidate, remains a member of the ADC.

As part of efforts to stabilise the situation, the faction announced the appointment of interim leaders to oversee party operations until a national convention is convened.

Details shortly…

The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress has intensified following the emergence of a third faction that has rejected both the camp associated with David Mark and that of Nafiu Bala.

The newly formed group led by Don Norman Obinna, claims to be the authentic National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

It insists that it has assumed responsibility for steering the party’s affairs ahead of its next national convention.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the faction argued that the tenure of Ralph Nwosu had expired in August 2022.

It further alleged that Nwosu became entangled in multiple legal disputes after failing to vacate his position at the end of his term.

The group also dismissed claims surrounding Nafiu Bala’s role in the party, stating that he never served as National Vice Chairman.

In addition, it clarified that Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s former presidential candidate, remains a member of the ADC.

As part of efforts to stabilise the situation, the faction announced the appointment of interim leaders to oversee party operations until a national convention is convened.

Details shortly…

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has praised operatives of the Department of State Services for successfully apprehending suspected high-profile kidnappers and gunrunners operating within the state.

The governor gave the commendation during a visit to the DSS state headquarters in Enugu on Monday, where he acknowledged the agency’s efforts in tackling insecurity.

According to the DSS, the arrested suspects—Kelvin Azodo, David Chukwuonso, and Arinze Kalu—have been linked to a string of attacks on security personnel as well as kidnapping activities across Enugu and surrounding areas.

Authorities believe their arrest will significantly ease the security challenges faced by residents.

Mbah expressed concern over the suspects’ actions, noting that it was troubling to see individuals engage in such serious crimes.

He assured that the law would take its full course against them.

The governor also commended the DSS for its professionalism and dedication, particularly highlighting its role in maintaining peace during the Easter period.

He noted that the calm atmosphere enjoyed by residents was a direct result of the coordinated efforts of security agencies.

He further encouraged the agency to maintain its current momentum, emphasizing that ensuring security remains a fundamental responsibility of government.

Mbah expressed optimism that the suspects would face justice and that their criminal operations would be dismantled.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to eliminate crime and position Enugu as a safe destination for tourism, investment, and everyday living.

Former Bayelsa State governor and current senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has stated that the Nigeria Democratic Congress is ready to welcome politicians affected by internal crises in other parties, especially those caught up in the ongoing turmoil within the African Democratic Congress.

Dickson described the NDC as a stable and crisis-free platform, positioning it as an attractive option for political actors seeking a fresh start.

According to him, the party is “clean and unencumbered” by the disputes and legal battles currently troubling some other political groups.

His remarks come amid continued uncertainty within the ADC, where internal disagreements and regulatory issues have created tension among members and leadership.

He emphasized that the NDC is open to Nigerians who feel politically displaced and are looking for a new direction.

The party, he said, is also reaching out to politicians nationwide who have been affected by shifting political dynamics and need a reliable platform.

The NDC, which was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission in February, has begun expanding its presence across the country.

Dickson officially joined the party on March 5 in Abuja and has since helped launch a digital membership registration system to boost its growth.

Highlighting the party’s vision, he noted that the NDC is built on ideology and aims to promote a new style of politics focused on ideas and service rather than personalities.

Dickson also dismissed criticisms directed at the party, describing them as baseless and driven by misinformation.

He expressed strong confidence in the party’s future, insisting that it will continue to grow and mobilize support nationwide.

Addressing comments by Umar Ardo, Dickson said the criticism was unexpected and clarified that the NDC has no connection to disputes involving the Advanced Democratic Alliance (ADA).

He explained that those issues are internal to the ADA and unrelated to the NDC.

He further noted that the party resumed its registration activities after INEC lifted restrictions on political party registration, adding that all necessary stakeholders were duly informed.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised serious concerns over the federal government’s repeated approvals of trillions of naira to settle power sector debts, questioning their effectiveness and transparency.

In a post on his official X handle on Tuesday, Obi highlighted the latest ₦3.3 trillion approval as a “full and final” settlement for power liabilities, noting that similar disbursements had been made in the past without yielding tangible results.

“Let us reflect, sincerely and without sentiment,” he wrote, referencing previous approvals of ₦3.3 trillion on May 17, 2024, and a ₦4 trillion bond on July 25, 2024, for the same purpose.

Obi expressed frustration over the state of electricity supply despite these interventions, reminding Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 campaign promise that failure to deliver stable electricity would make him ineligible for re-election.

“Today, the reality is that power supply has worsened,” he noted, citing reports that even the Presidential Villa could face grid disconnection.

He criticised what he described as a pattern of repeated policy announcements without measurable outcomes.

“Each time legitimate concerns are raised, what we see appears more like policy pronouncements than tangible progress,” Obi said.

Linking the mounting debts to previous administrations, Obi questioned fiscal management and accountability.

“These debts were largely accumulated under successive APC administrations between 2015 and 2025. This raises serious concerns about transparency, effectiveness, and responsible financial management,” he stated.

He further questioned why government institutions, including the Presidential Villa, have not cleared their electricity obligations despite budgetary allocations.

Obi also sought clarity on whether the recent ₦3.3 trillion approval differs from prior approvals, asking: “Is the ₦3.3 trillion approved on April 6, 2026, the same as that in May 2024, and how does it relate to the ₦4 trillion bond approved in July 2024?”

The former presidential candidate urged the government to move beyond repeated announcements and implement decisive reforms.

“Nigeria must confront the power sector crisis with sincerity, transparency, and effective reforms. Until we do so, we remain trapped in a cycle of debt and darkness,” Obi warned, while expressing optimism that improvements remain possible through accountability and discipline.