The Enugu State Police Command has launched an investigation into an alleged shooting in front of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) secretariat in Enugu, which reportedly left a man injured and damaged five parked vehicles.

The command also disclosed that joint police and military operatives dispersed some NDC members who allegedly engaged in a fight at the entrance to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, while attempting to receive the party’s governorship candidate.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged shooting, which occurred at about 2:30 p.m on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the incident involved unidentified armed hoodlums who allegedly opened fire in front of the party secretariat.

The statement said a man repairing a vehicle parked along the road sustained a suspected gunshot injury, while the windscreens of five parked vehicles were damaged.

It added that police operatives responded to a distress report, restored normalcy at the scene and rushed the injured man to a hospital, where he was receiving treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.

Giwa subsequently directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to identify and apprehend those responsible for the incident.

In a separate development, the command said joint police and military operatives intervened at the entrance to Akanu Ibiam International Airport at about 11:30 a.m. on the same day to disperse suspected NDC members who had gathered in a disorderly manner.

According to the police, preliminary findings indicated that airport authorities had restricted the party members from entering the airport in large numbers to receive their governorship candidate.

The restriction reportedly triggered a misunderstanding among the party members, which escalated into a fight and necessitated the intervention of security operatives.

The police did not disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with either incident.

The Commissioner of Police urged political parties and their supporters to shun violence and conduct their activities in accordance with the law and existing peace accords.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties and called on them to notify the police of their planned activities to enable adequate security arrangements.

The command reiterated its resolve to maintain law and order across Enugu State as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Anambra State, David Chukwudifu, has warned that the party may struggle to win even a single ward in the state for its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, if the lingering leadership crisis is not resolved.

Chukwudifu accused Obi and his associates of sidelining elected party executives in Anambra, alleging that a group of politicians who joined the NDC alongside the former Labour Party presidential candidate had taken over the party’s activities without consulting the existing state, local government and ward structures.

The state chairman made the allegations in an interview with PUNCH, where he spoke about the reported friction between the party’s existing leadership and supporters of Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said he would rather describe the situation as ill-treatment than a personal disagreement, insisting that he had never met Obi or held a direct conversation with him since the former Anambra governor joined the party.

According to him, Obi joined the NDC on May 3, 2026, a day before the state congress that produced his executive committee.

Both subsequently attended the party’s national convention in Abuja on May 9.

Chukwudifu said he and members of his state working committee made several attempts to reach Obi after the convention through telephone calls and WhatsApp messages but received no response.

He alleged that instead of engaging the existing leadership, another group of politicians began selling nomination forms, screening aspirants and conducting primaries without involving the recognised state executive.

Among those he mentioned was Chris McCool Nwosu, whom he identified as an indigene of Anambra South.

He also cited Ikem Uzoezie, a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who reportedly convened a meeting of aspirants in Awka.

The NDC chairman claimed that the group had effectively taken control of the party’s affairs, leaving the existing executives on the sidelines.

He further alleged that some individuals formerly associated with the Labour Party and APGA were now running the party’s activities in the state, while his faction had established a secretariat because, according to him, the other group had been operating from hotels.

Chukwudifu maintained that he had no personal relationship with Obi, explaining that his earlier public comments about the former governor were based on admiration for his political philosophy rather than any personal acquaintance.

He recalled referring to Obi’s popular aspiration for a Nigeria where the son of nobody could become somebody without knowing anybody, saying he identified with the principle because of his own rise from humble beginnings.

The chairman alleged that the style of political engagement adopted by Obi and his associates was similar to what he believed had occurred in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

On whether he had confronted Obi directly over the matter, Chukwudifu said an ally of the former governor had once spoken with Obi over the telephone on speakerphone.

According to him, Obi reportedly said he would not work with the existing executives and that Chukwudifu could seek redress in court if dissatisfied.

He also recalled an alleged encounter on June 27, 2026, when Obi met one of the NDC local government chairmen along the Benin-Asaba Road.

Chukwudifu said Obi denied knowledge of the alleged marginalisation and advised the chairman to contact Senator Tony Nwoye.

However, he claimed that Nwoye subsequently disputed the local government chairman’s position within the party.

He added that neither Obi nor his associates had since reached out to his camp to resolve the matter.

The chairman said the crisis had significantly weakened the NDC’s political activities in Anambra, leaving many supporters uncertain about how to participate in the party.

He explained that people continued to contact him through details obtained from the party’s online portal to inquire about meetings, volunteering opportunities and other activities, but he had been unable to provide clear answers because the dispute remained unresolved.

According to him, party meetings were largely being conducted online, with little effective physical presence on the ground.

Chukwudifu also disclosed that he had written to the party’s relevant authorities on May 26 and 27, 2026, seeking intervention in accordance with the NDC constitution’s provisions on internal dispute resolution.

He said the complaints were sent to the party’s National Chairman, National Secretary and other appropriate bodies through emails, text messages, WhatsApp and courier services.

However, he lamented that no formal response had been received, adding that he believed the involvement of the party’s presidential candidate had complicated efforts to resolve the dispute in the South-East.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Chukwudifu warned that the internal crisis could undermine Obi’s electoral prospects in Anambra, particularly given APGA’s longstanding political dominance in the state.

He noted that APGA had governed Anambra for nearly 24 years and possessed an established political structure that the NDC would have to contend with.

The chairman also argued that the party needed to intensify its grassroots mobilisation efforts, especially in view of the reported political differences between Obi and the state governor.

He stressed that political parties must accommodate different interests rather than alienate members, insisting that every vote counts and that an individual could influence the political choices of several others within a family or community.

Chukwudifu questioned the alleged removal of 326 ward chairmen, 21 local government chairmen and 29 members of the state working committee, warning that such actions could further damage the party’s chances.

He maintained that the NDC would struggle to make meaningful electoral gains in Anambra unless the leadership dispute was addressed and the existing party structures were allowed to function effectively.

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has promised to establish a four-year transitional Government of National Unity if elected president in the 2027 general election.

Makinde, who is also the governor of Oyo State, said the proposed administration would promote inclusiveness, strengthen national unity and address concerns over political representation and the concentration of power.

He made the pledge on Saturday at the APM North-East 2027 Town Hall Meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, where he outlined his vision for addressing Nigeria’s political, economic and security challenges.

According to him, the government, which would take office on May 29, 2027, would be transitional and would not remain in power beyond four years.

“I stand before you today to tell you that the government you will put in place from May 29, 2027, will be a transitional Government of National Unity. Our government will not last beyond four years. And it will be an all-inclusive government,” he said.

The APM flagbearer explained that the arrangement was designed to foster national cohesion and respond to concerns, particularly in Northern Nigeria, about equitable political representation.

He also pledged to pursue solutions to insecurity, poverty and economic hardship through consultation, transparency and what he described as sincere leadership.

Makinde said the party had deliberately postponed the release of its manifesto to allow its presidential candidate to engage citizens and understand their concerns before finalising its policy proposals.

“Our manifesto is on the way. We have deliberately delayed its release because we wanted to hear from you at this level,” he said.

He further declared that the 2027 election should mark a departure from what he described as the politics of false promises and deception.

“2027 will mark the end of the politics of lies and deceit. It is a time when we will all come together to establish a reset agenda and tell Nigerians the whole truth,” he added.

The APM presidential candidate also called on the Federal Government to make its petroleum pricing template public, insisting that Nigerians deserve to understand how the prices of petroleum products are determined.

He argued that releasing the document would promote transparency and enable citizens with relevant expertise to contribute ideas towards addressing the country’s economic difficulties.

Makinde made the demand while criticising the administration’s handling of electricity supply, energy security and petroleum pricing.

He recalled President Bola Tinubu’s campaign promise to resolve Nigeria’s electricity challenges within four years, arguing that the administration had fallen short of its commitments.

“The current administration came in and told us that it had the magic wand to solve the challenges confronting us. As a matter of fact, the president said that if he failed to fix electricity for Nigeria in four years, Nigerians should not vote for him again.

“So, we are all aware that they have failed to provide electricity and other things they promised,” he said.

He also faulted the government’s policies on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), electric vehicles and the Naira-for-Crude initiative, describing them as unsuccessful.

The governor said his engagements across the North-West and North-Central regions had exposed widespread concerns about insecurity and poverty, while participants at the Yola meeting highlighted electricity supply and energy security as pressing issues.

He urged the Federal Government to explain the basis for its petroleum pricing decisions, particularly in light of reported comments by the Minister of Finance on the adoption of price modulation for petroleum products.

“We are asking for only two things. We do not want too much grammar; we just want relief for Nigerians. So, we ask the Federal Government to release its pricing template so that citizens will know how they arrived at the current petroleum price,” Makinde said.

He maintained that public officeholders should not be regarded as the only people capable of developing solutions to the nation’s challenges.

“The fact that you are in government or the Presidential Villa does not make you the only Nigerians with sense. We have other citizens who can dissect issues and proffer solutions,” he added.

Makinde said his proposed administration would prioritise citizens’ welfare and rights while seeking practical solutions to the country’s difficulties.

The National Leader of the APM and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, expressed support for Makinde’s presidential ambition, describing the party as a credible political platform with elected officials and members experienced in governance.

Mohammed welcomed Makinde to the North-East and expressed confidence in the party’s ability to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s political development.

He said the APM was committed to national unity, mutual respect and providing opportunities for Nigerians from different backgrounds.

“We believe in Nigeria. We believe in the Nigerian state. We are patriots. We believe in giving people opportunities from all sections of the country,” he said.

The Bauchi governor also endorsed Makinde’s proposed agenda to reset the country.

Similarly, the APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, said the party would campaign on the principles of honesty, patriotism and a commitment to resolving Nigeria’s longstanding challenges.

Daura said the party would unveil the details of its proposals when its national campaign commenced.

He acknowledged that achieving the proposed national reset would require committed Nigerians willing to serve the country.

“It is not an easy task, and it will only require very serious-minded Nigerians to be in APM. But we are determined to reset Nigeria for the good of all,” he said.

Traditional rulers in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have released documents detailing a 2019 political rotation agreement between Bende North, also known as Umunna, and Bende South, known as Ikwu-Isii, over representation in the House of Representatives.

The documents, made public during meetings of the Bende Council of Traditional Rulers on Thursday, October 8, and the Bende North Council of Traditional Rulers on Friday, October 9, outline a proposed two-term arrangement for the Bende Federal Constituency seat.

The disclosure comes amid renewed discussions over the rotational understanding between the two blocs, with the traditional rulers insisting that the agreement provides for the transfer of representation after two consecutive four-year terms.

Among the documents released are a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Rotation, Equity and Peace, effective from the 2019 electoral cycle, and a separate proposal dated February 4, 2019, bearing the signatures of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and Hon. Emma Trumps Eke, identified in the document as Director-General of Kalu’s campaign council at the time.

The memorandum was read by HRH Ebiri Okoro during Friday’s meeting, where attention was drawn to provisions concerning political rotation, fairness, equity and the duration of representation between Bende North and Bende South.

Titled “Bende Federal Constituency Memorandum of Understanding on Political Rotation, Equity and Peace, Effective from the 2019 Electoral Cycle,” the document states that its primary objective is to promote peaceful and equitable rotation of the federal constituency’s seat between the two blocs.

It identifies Bende North, or Umunna, as comprising Item, Igbere, Alayi and Ugwueke/Ezeukwu, while Bende South, or Ikwu-Isii, comprises Bende, Itumbauzo, Umuhu-Ezechi, Ozuitem, Uzuakoli and Umuimenyi/Nkpa.

Article Four of the memorandum provides that the bloc occupying the seat would ordinarily be allowed two consecutive four-year terms, subject to the Constitution, electoral laws, party processes and the decision of the electorate.

The same article states that, upon completion of the two-term period, “the opportunity rotates to Bende North (Umunna).”

It further provides that “no individual, community, or political party shall treat the seat as a permanent entitlement.”

The agreement also calls for peaceful resolution of disagreements and rejects violence, threats, communal hostility and actions capable of undermining unity and peaceful coexistence.

The second document, dated February 4, 2019, and titled “Proposal Regarding Representation and Rotational Understanding in Bende Federal Constituency,” outlines a proposed arrangement for representation between the two blocs.

The proposal, which bears the signatures of Kalu and Eke, states that Kalu, as a son of Ikwu-Isii, sought to represent the constituency while acknowledging the contributions of Umunna.

“As a son of Ikwu-Isii (Bende South), I wish to place on record my intention to seek the opportunity to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives, while recognising the historical contributions and leadership of our brothers and sisters in Umunna (Bende North),” the document states.

It adds that the proposal was founded on “the understanding of equitable rotation and mutual respect between the two blocs.”

On the duration of representation, the document states: “Under the proposed arrangement, representation would be allowed to move to Bende South for two terms, after which the opportunity would return to Bende North.”

The traditional rulers presented the documents as evidence of the rotational understanding and its provisions on the duration of representation.

However, the release of the documents does not, in itself, establish whether the arrangement is legally binding or whether all parties currently agree on its interpretation.

Traditional rulers insist on fairness
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of the Abia North Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, said he was among those who signed the agreement and described the documents as vindication of his position.

“I want to say today that I have been vindicated. Those who sponsored touts to say that I lied should go and ask God for forgiveness. I, Eze Uwakwe, stand for the truth; I can never tell lies,” he said.

Ukaegbu maintained that, based on the documents, it was the turn of Bende North to represent the constituency.

“With these documents, it is the turn of Bende North to represent Bende Federal Constituency,” he declared.

His position underscores the traditional rulers’ argument that the rotation arrangement should be respected in the interest of fairness, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among the constituent communities.

Also speaking, His Royal Majesty, Eze Joseph Ukaoha Anyanta, the Enyi Ezeji of Ibinaukwu, said traditional rulers had a role in maintaining stability in society, drawing a parallel with the role of kings in the Bible.

He also thanked Ukaegbu for making the documents available.

Fifteen governorship candidates are set to challenge Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s bid for re-election in the 2027 general elections, following the release of the final list of candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The list features candidates from 16 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Governor Mbah, who is seeking a second term on the APC platform, will face 15 other contenders in what is expected to be a keenly watched governorship contest in the state.

According to the list obtained by DAILY GAZETTE, Governor Mbah, 54, will be challenged by Chukwuma Ocho Obodoeze, 53, of the ADC; Sam Ayogu, 62, of the Action Democratic Party (ADP); Ken Ikeh, 54, of the Action Peoples Movement (APM); and Afamefuna Samuel Ani, 49, of the Action Peoples Party (APP).

Other candidates on the list are Edwin Ikechukwu Alor, 62, of the Action Alliance (A); Obioma Nnaemeka Nnamani, 43, of the Boot Party (BP); Nnamdi Ugwu, 52, of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA); Okwudilichukwu Chukwudera Ugwu, 59, of the Labour Party; and Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa, 65, of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

The remaining candidates are Jehu Nnaji, 58, of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Christopher Ndubuisi Okonkwo, 61, of the National Rescue Movement (NRM); Uchechukwu Geoffrey Nnaji, 63, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Friday Iloka, 44, of the Social Democratic Party (SDP); Anthony Ifeanyi Udeani, 52, of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); and Elvis Chinazam Ugwoke, 40, of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The lineup presents voters with a range of political choices, with established parties and smaller political platforms seeking to unseat the incumbent governor.

Mbah’s re-election bid will place his administration’s record, policy direction and campaign promises at the centre of political debate as the contest gathers momentum.

The presence of candidates from 16 parties also sets the stage for a multi-party race in Enugu, although the eventual outcome will depend on the candidates’ campaign strategies, party structures, voter mobilisation and performance at the polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda in its final list of candidates for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, despite questions surrounding the validity of his nomination.

The commission released the final list on Saturday, October 10, alongside candidates contesting various positions in the 2027 general elections.

INEC reportedly based its decision on a Supreme Court judgement concerning compliance with statutory requirements for the submission and use of political parties’ membership registers during primaries, congresses and conventions.

The Supreme Court delivered the judgement on September 24, addressing issues surrounding the validity of party membership records and compliance with electoral requirements.

However, Chinda’s inclusion on the final list has raised questions over the consistency of INEC’s application of the court’s decision, particularly given allegations surrounding his defection to the APC to contest its governorship primary.

The development has drawn comparisons with the exclusion of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopefuls Isa Pantami and Ladi Adebutu, who were reportedly disqualified over similar allegations relating to party membership and nomination procedures.

Meanwhile, INEC also omitted the governorship candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano and Nasarawa states from the final list.

In Kano, former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam, who defected from the APC, emerged as the NDC’s governorship candidate in May.

Similarly, Musa Shugaba-Abdulahi secured the NDC’s governorship ticket in Nasarawa State.

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has reacted to the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election, assuring supporters that efforts are underway to resolve the matter.

INEC released its final list of governorship candidates on Saturday, October 10, with Pantami, who is seeking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket, conspicuously absent.

The former minister resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May before defecting to the PDP amid preparations for the forthcoming election.

In a statement circulated on his social media platforms and signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe, Pantami’s camp described the omission as a temporary setback in the electoral process, urging supporters not to lose hope.

The development reportedly triggered concerns among PDP supporters and members of the Pantamiyya Movement in Gombe State and beyond.

The statement alleged that some individuals were working behind the scenes to frustrate what it described as the pursuit of responsible leadership in the state.

“We are aware of the people working behind the scenes to frustrate good and responsible leadership in Gombe State,” the statement said.

According to the camp, its legal and liaison teams are engaging with relevant organs of the PDP and INEC to address the omission and seek compliance with the court order referenced in the statement.

It expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved within the period permitted by law, while calling on supporters to remain calm and sustain their political mobilisation.

The statement further maintained that the omission should not be regarded as a final determination of Pantami’s political ambition.

It also reaffirmed the commitment of the PDP and the Pantamiyya Movement to their political aspirations in Gombe State, urging members to remain united despite the development.

“No distraction will derail our course, in sha Allah,” the statement added.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has resolved its disagreement over the composition of its presidential campaign council, agreeing to allow its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to select key officials for the campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Under the arrangement, Obi and Kwankwaso will nominate candidates for five strategic positions: Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, Director of Finance, Deputy Director of Finance and Media Director.

The party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, disclosed this on Saturday during a press conference in Abuja, explaining that the decision followed consultations among the party’s leadership and the two presidential candidates.

The disagreement had reportedly involved the party and the OK Movement, a support group within its fold, over the selection of officials for the presidential campaign council.

Cleopas said the consultations had progressed significantly, adding that the party expected to unveil the council on November 20, provided there were no unforeseen complications.

He explained that the delay in constituting the council was deliberate, as the leadership wanted to ensure that the process was properly handled and that the resulting structure would effectively coordinate the party’s campaign.

According to him, the National Working Committee (NWC) had endorsed the arrangement, stressing that Obi and Kwankwaso must be involved in selecting the people who would lead their campaign.

“The constitution and inauguration of the presidential campaign council is a responsibility of the party at the highest level. But the party itself cannot do that without recourse to the presidential candidate and the vice-presidential candidate,” Cleopas said.

He maintained that getting the composition right was more important than rushing to announce appointments that might later create problems.

The NDC chairman also dismissed reports suggesting that the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, was not committed to the Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket.

Cleopas said Dickson had demonstrated his commitment to the party by declining to use his leadership position to emerge as its presidential candidate, adding that he remained invested in the ticket’s success.

He described Obi and Kwankwaso as a combination capable of attracting support across Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and regional divides.

The chairman also defended the party’s decision not to conduct a competitive presidential primary, insisting that its leadership had been clear about its preferred direction.

“We were clear on the direction we were going, and no regrets,” he said.

Cleopas further identified young Nigerians as a significant factor in the party’s confidence in its presidential ticket, citing voting demographic figures presented by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at a recent event.

He said the NDC was positioning itself as a political platform capable of mobilising younger voters while drawing on the experience of older political leaders.