Politics
I’ll address agitations in South East –Tinubu
Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, yesterday solicited the votes of the people of the South East, promising that his administration would address issues fueling agitation in the zone.
He spoke at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, when he led members of his campaign team to officially flag off APC campaign in the state.
He promised to revive the economy of the zone and make it the Taiwan of the country using the rich human resources which he said abound in great quantity.
He noted that his achievements as governor in Lagos remained an eloquent testimony of his capacity to lead the country alright, saying he deplored best the hands from all parts of the country to develop the state.
He reminded the people of the failures and disappointment they suffered during the 16 years government of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) and urged them not to vote for the opposition party.
He commended Governor David Umahi for joining the APC, stressing that his decision was for the best interest of the people of the state and the zone in general.
“In the PDP 16 years of governance, there is no blinker of electricity anywhere in this country. Should they come back to power? No. How will they come back? We don’t want to go backwards, we are progressives. We will move the country forward. We will make the South East the Taiwan of Nigeria. We will do it. It is a matter of rightly deploring the right intellectual which abounds here. We will embark on economic restoration and empowerment. We will ensure electricity and end the extortionist electricity billing. We will address the issues of agitations in South East by bringing agitators to a round table for discussion because we believe that addressing societal challenges does not demand conflict.”
In his remark, Governor Umahi said the APC government under President Muhammadu Buhari has helped the South East more than any other administration before it. He assured the APC candidate that achievements of APC government, both at the federal and state level, would speak for him and ensure his victory in the state and the entire South East in 2023.
At another forum in Abakaliki, Tinubu pledged to review the nation’s reward system to encourage productivity.
The APC flagbearer, who interacted with stakeholders, said it was time to ensure that individuals who contributed to the success of any process benefitted.
“The people of Ebonyi will benefit for their loyalty and commitment to this cause. Together, we would benefit, practice democracy, develop our country and offer our children better days. Ensure that your friends and relations collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and vote on election days.”
He said the country needed friendliness and brotherhood to surmount the numerous challenges confronting it.
“It is the same cooperation that Ebonyi stakeholders gave Umahi that made him record several achievements in office. The same support and loyalty made him jump a sinking ship to join the APC. When one enters this state Executive Council chambers for instance, he or she would think it is the United Nations chambers,” he said.
Governor David Umahi assured him of total support.
“The APC campaigns in Ebonyi will be easy because we have performed wonderfully in office and exceeded people’s expectations. The people are obedient to Tinubu and the APC and are not bothered about the noise on the social media.” HRH Charlse Mkpuma, chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers Council, led other traditional rulers to confer the title of ‘Dike di ora mma’ (Great man loved by the people) on Tinubu.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Mobilisation North Central of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), has promised to ensure Tinubu sweeps 70 per cent votes in the geopolitical zone.
It argued that Tinubu’s capacity, experience, not his age or health status placed him above the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively.
Director of the group, Mike Msuaan, at a press conference after meeting with party stalwarts in Abuja yesterday, cited Tinubu’s antecedents as governor of Lagos State to buttress his assertions.
“We didn’t see Asiwaju contesting with Atiku and Peter Obi. We know what Atiku did to this country. He threw the youths of North Central and this country to the streets. The privatisation exercise that he mishandled drove youths into joblessness. We are still in darkness. Is that the person that should rule us? Or are we talking of Peter Obi who has zero record in Anambra State?
“We are equal to the task. We have somebody who is competent, whose antecedents have been speaking for him and would speak for him. This is somebody other states still copy his economic plan. The two of them are nowhere comparable to Tinubu. Under Tinubu, there would be total liberation for the youths and wealth creation.
“The president of the United States of America is as old as Tinubu. It is not about age, it’s about what you have upstairs. Tinubu has experience better than all of them. The right thing the president would do is to assemble the best hands for the country. He has been tested and trusted. He did it in Lagos and he is going to do it for Nigeria.”
On whether APC is comfortable with the use of BVAS and electronic transmission of election results, he responded: “Why should the APC be afraid of BVAS and electronic transfer of results when the youths are strongly behind us? Why should we be afraid? I told you that if election is conducted tomorrow APC is going to win. They are the ones running after us. We have already given them more than 30 per cent gap ahead. And by tomorrow if elections are conducted we would give them more than 50 per cent. We are very comfortable with the arrangement made by INEC.
“We are going to win with that because that has taken care of the manipulation of those who want to do yahoo yahoo on election day. Asiwaju is the next president of this country by the grace of God,” he stated emphatically.
SUN
Politics
2027 Elections: IPOB Vows to Resist APC Godfatherism in Abia
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.
READ ALSO:
- FG Arraigns Abuja Pastor-Doctor Over Alleged ₦19m Fraud, Sale of Embryos
- Tinubu Hails Wike as APC Dominates 2026 FCT Area Council Elections
- Regina Daniels Takes Delivery of ₦150m 2026 GAC Trumpchi M8 SUV
“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
Politics
Tinubu Hails Wike as APC Dominates 2026 FCT Area Council Elections
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.
READ ALSO:
- Regina Daniels Takes Delivery of ₦150m 2026 GAC Trumpchi M8 SUV
- Dr Sanusi Lafiagi Highlights Ramadan’s Spiritual Blessings, Post-Ramadan Challenges
- Assistant Commissioner of Police Dies in Fatal Road Accident
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
Politics
PDP Heads to Court Over FCT Polls, Cites Video Evidence of Irregularities
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.
READ ALSO:
- FCT Council polls: APC Wins Four Chairmanship Seats as PDP Takes Gwagwalada
- Dangote Opens Refinery Investment to Nigerians With Public Share Sale Plans
- SERAP Urges Tinubu to Repeal ‘Unlawful’ Mass Surveillance Regulations
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
-
Business1 day agoDangote Opens Refinery Investment to Nigerians With Public Share Sale Plans
-
Politics3 days agoPeter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027
-
Education2 days agoUTME: JAMB Clarifies Position on Hijab During Biometric Capture
-
News3 days agoPolice to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim
-
Politics18 hours agoTinubu Hails Wike as APC Dominates 2026 FCT Area Council Elections
-
Education3 days agoOgun Gov Rewards Nigeria’s Best Primary School Teacher with Car, Bungalow
-
Politics2 days agoADC Defeats APC to Win First Polling Unit in FCT Area Council Election
-
Entertainment3 days agoTacha Condemns False Rape Allegations After Mirabel Admits Fabrication