2027 Elections: IPOB Vows to Resist APC Godfatherism in Abia

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged plans to impose candidates in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, vowing to resist any action that undermines the will of the people in the South-East.

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, IPOB said political imposition was dangerous, undemocratic, and capable of triggering political tension and instability in the region. The group warned that it would not remain silent if attempts are made to hijack the electoral process in Abia or any other South-East state.

The statement, signed by IPOB’s Southeast Welfare Coordinator, Osinachi Obi, accused some APC leaders of attempting to control political structures in Abia State through what it described as undemocratic and manipulative methods.

According to IPOB, it is closely monitoring political developments across the South-East and will not allow any political party or individual to force candidates on the people, insisting that leadership must emerge strictly through free choice and popular mandate.

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“We have noticed the irresponsible behaviours linked to these individuals concerning the upcoming 2027 elections, and IPOB will not allow them to create chaos in Biafraland in the future,” the group said.
“IPOB will never tolerate any imposition of candidates by APC in any South-East region, particularly in Abia State.”

The organisation directly accused the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, of allegedly working to instigate political unrest in Abia State for personal political gain. IPOB warned that any attempt to manipulate the state’s political process would be strongly resisted.

IPOB also named Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, accusing him of promoting division within his constituency to secure political advantage ahead of 2027.

“The worldwide family and movement of the Indigenous Biafran people is closely monitoring the actions of APC in the South-East and will not accept any attempt to undermine the citizens’ choice,” the statement said, alleging that some politicians were attempting to install political puppets through coercion and division.

The group stressed that Abia State does not recognise political godfatherism, warning that any attempt to use former governors or influential figures to influence election outcomes would be rejected by the people.

IPOB further accused some APC politicians of deliberately instigating conflicts in local government areas to weaken unity, polarise communities, and make elections easier to manipulate.

“Godfatherism is not permitted in the South-East, including Abia State,” IPOB said. “Attempts to ignite conflicts and divide communities for political gain will only undermine the integrity of those involved.”

The group concluded by warning that it would not remain silent if political actors continued what it described as efforts to destabilise the South-East, adding that residents of the region were determined to protect their political space ahead of the 2027 polls.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC and the individuals named had not issued official responses.

2027 Elections: IPOB Vows to Resist APC Godfatherism in Abia

Tinubu Hails Wike as APC Dominates 2026 FCT Area Council Elections

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his outstanding contributions to the success of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recently concluded 2026 FCT Area Council elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted polls across the six area councils of the FCT — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali — on February 21, 2026. The APC secured victories in Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, and Kwali, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in Gwagwalada.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, Tinubu congratulated all successful candidates and praised the peaceful and credible conduct of the elections, noting the efforts of INEC, security agencies, and voters.

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The President singled out Minister Wike — a member of the opposition PDP — for special commendation, saying his work in the FCT contributed to significant political gains for the APC. The statement read:

“President Tinubu commends the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his remarkable achievements in the territory, which have yielded political dividends to the governing APC. He congratulates the APC national leadership, as well as party structures in Kano and Rivers states, for the victories at the polls.”

Tinubu urged newly elected officials to govern with humility, dedication, and patriotism, emphasizing that their mandates are a sacred trust from the people. He also noted that the elections are a boost to Nigeria’s democratic development, reinforcing democratic institutions and culture.

The statement highlighted the importance of continued electoral reforms, calling on INEC to enhance its processes to ensure even more transparent and credible elections in the future.

While the elections were largely peaceful, FCT officials acknowledged that voter turnout varied, being higher in satellite towns than in city centre areas. Minister Wike praised security agencies and residents for maintaining order during the exercise.

The FCT Area Council elections are seen as a significant indicator for the APC’s performance ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the results bolstering the party’s position in key political zones.

Tinubu Hails Wike as APC Dominates 2026 FCT Area Council Elections

PDP Heads to Court Over FCT Polls, Cites Video Evidence of Irregularities

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to challenge the outcome of the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, declaring that it is heading to court with what it described as strong video and documentary evidence of electoral irregularities.

The move follows the conclusion of voting across the six FCT area councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali — with official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showing a clear advantage for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the results, the APC won chairmanship seats in Abaji, AMAC, Bwari and Kwali, while the PDP recorded its only victory in Gwagwalada Area Council.

PDP Sets Up Legal Team

In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, the PDP disclosed that it has constituted a special legal team to prosecute all election-related petitions arising from the FCT council polls. The team is headed by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u.

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The party urged all its candidates dissatisfied with the election outcomes to immediately submit petitions and supporting materials, warning that delays could weaken their cases at the election tribunals.

Claims of Intimidation and Manipulation

The PDP accused security agencies and other actors of interfering in the electoral process, alleging widespread intimidation, vote suppression, and manipulation at polling units and during result collation.

“We specifically congratulate the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors declared successful by INEC,” the statement said.

“This victory, though fewer than expected, is particularly significant given the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics, and brazen executive brigandage witnessed during the elections.”

The party insisted it has visual records allegedly showing armed security personnel carting away result sheets, intimidating voters, and influencing outcomes in several polling units.

Voter Apathy and Electoral Reform

Beyond the legal challenge, the PDP blamed low voter turnout on what it described as declining public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system. The party argued that repeated controversies surrounding elections have weakened confidence among voters.

It warned that the FCT council elections could be a signal ahead of the 2027 general elections if urgent reforms are not implemented.

Call for Intervention

The opposition party called on the President and the National Assembly to urgently intervene by reforming the electoral framework, strengthening transparency, and limiting security interference in elections.

With post-election litigation now looming, political focus in the FCT is shifting from the ballot box to the courtroom as parties prepare for legal battles that could reshape grassroots governance in the nation’s capital.

PDP Heads to Court Over FCT Polls, Cites Video Evidence of Irregularities