Politics
Disquiet among Ndigbo as Ohanaeze elects new leaders today
- Factional heads emerge
There is tension among Igbo leaders in the South-East and others parts of Nigeria over the election of a new president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other executive members of the group scheduled to hold today, January 10, 2021.
Already, opposing interests are said to have elected or are warming up to elect parallel officials of the organisation.
A former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Prof. George Obiozor, is favoured to emerge as the next PG of the group in the election holding today in Owerri, Imo State.
Obiozor’s chances became brighter when other top contenders for the office reportedly withdrew on allegation of irregularities in the process.
Before now, the electoral committee set up by the outgoing executive led by Chief Nnia Nwodo had thrown up six aspirants jostling to take over the baton of leadership from Nwodo when his tenure ends on January 21. They include Prof George Obiozor, Dr Joe Nworgu, Dr Chris Asoluka, Prof Chidi Osuagwu, Chief Goddy Uwazurike and Prof Nnaemeka Obiaraeri.
It is said to be the turn of Imo State to produce the next PG of the organisation. So, all the known aspirants for the top position are from the state.
An indication that all is not well came on Saturday when Uche Okwukwu led a faction to elect a parallel executive.
Also on Saturday, a report came that a former commissioner in Imo State, Engr Chidi Ibeh, had emerged the factional President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
According to the report, Ibeh emerged during a parallel election organised by the Prince Richard Ozobu-led election committee.
They also claimed to have elected Dim Uche Okwukwu as the Deputy President General and Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, from Abia State, as the Secretary General.
Okwukwu from Rivers State was the Secretary-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation who had resisted his alleged suspension.
Many other aspirants have also reportedly disassociated themselves from today’s main election.
A top contender, Prof Chidi Osuagwu, said today’s election would outcome amount to a nullity.
He stated this at a press conference on Saturday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, adding that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo election process did not follow constitutional guidelines.
He said, “There is no official statement on nomination forms, yet some people have paid and names drawn up for LGA elections that did not hold anywhere. There are no official lists of national General Assembly statutory members and the ones that are associated with states, as required by the Ohanaeze Constitution.”
According to him, the election will be held outside the constitution, adding that any election held in contravention of the provisions of the constitution is illegal, null and void.
He said, “I’ve bought the forms for the candidacy at N500,000 which is very strange, considering that this is a socio-cultural organisation that service should be voluntary.
“Unfortunately, they have turned the exercise to a political party thing. We have a situation where people no longer distinguish between Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a socio-cultural organisation and political parties.”
A former Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Joe Nworgu, was quoted as saying, “I am disassociating myself from the election because it is fret with irregularities and capable of putting Ohanaeze Ndigbo into crisis. I wouldn’t want an organisation we have laboured so much over the years to build to go down.”
But Nwodo has maintained that “no amount of innuendos and blackmail will deter Ohanaeze from bequeathing a virile leadership to Ndigbo.”
He once also said through his Media Adviser, Emeka Attama, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, under the leadership of Chief Nwodo, is committed to the inviolate tradition of conducting a free, fair and transparent election to usher in its successors in January 2021.”
Politics
El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP
El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dismissed claims that he has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A close associate of the ex-governor informed Channels Television that the allegations are baseless and the work of detractors. The aide emphasized that El-Rufai, as a prominent political figure, would not join the PDP without making such a decision public.
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El-Rufai also addressed the speculation on his verified X account, formerly known as Twitter, urging the public to ignore the rumors and asserting that legal action has been initiated against those spreading falsehoods.
“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai posted on Sunday.
El-Rufai speaks on report of defection to PDP
Politics
Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
In Delta State, some PDP elders have queried Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over alleged anti-party activities.
The elders under the aegis of ‘Concerned Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State chapter, urged Oborevwori to either confirm or deny rumours of his alleged romance with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group, in a statement by Mr. Theophilus Ekiyor, Mr. Ochuko Oghenekome and Mr Ezekiel Chukwudi, also urged the governor to either confirm or deny his defection plan.
The statement reads in part: “The rumour mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the centre, the APC
“You have been secretly romancing top aides to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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“Top presidential aides and allies of the president are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda.
“Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC. In this regard, we are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumours.
“We, therefore, demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture.
“A delayed response could be considered as glaring evidence of your compromised position.”
However, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Festus Ahon, dismissed the query, which he attributed to opposition politicians in the state who are afraid of the governor’s landmarks.
He said: “Those people are not from the PDP. They are elements who want to heat up the polity. The governor is comfortable in his party and has no plan to defect to the APC.”
Delta Gov Oborevwori under fire for hobnobbing with APC
Politics
CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term
CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has sounded a warning over the fractured state of Nigeria’s opposition parties, cautioning that their lack of unity could allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the organization expressed fears that Nigeria may drift towards a one-party state if opposition parties fail to align their efforts.
“The opposition parties are currently working at cross-purposes, scheming to undo each other ahead of the 2027 presidential election,” Ezema said. “This lack of unity and focus is detrimental to the democratic process and the future of Nigeria.”
The CNPP also advocated for a rotational presidency, emphasizing the need for each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to have a constitutionally guaranteed turn at the presidency. The group believes such a system would promote fairness and ensure stability.
“The presidency must rotate between the northern and southern regions to ensure equitable representation,” Ezema stated. “This is crucial for the long-term stability of our nation.”
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The CNPP underscored the importance of unity among opposition parties if they hope to challenge the APC effectively. “The opposition that can win the 2027 presidential election must be united, strong, focused, purposeful, and daring,” Ezema stressed.
“They must demonstrate a commitment greater than what the APC displayed in 2014.” he noted.
Ezema further described the APC as “a very hard nut for the opposition to crack,” warning that a divided opposition would make the ruling party’s victory inevitable.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s New Year message, the CNPP urged the President to go beyond rhetoric. “Words alone are not enough. The President must take concrete steps to address the pressing issues facing the nation,” Ezema said
The CNPP called on opposition parties to bury their differences and form a united front to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. “Unity is not just desirable; it is essential,” Ezema concluded.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the CNPP’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved and the urgent need for political cohesion among opposition parties.
CNPP urges opposition to unite against Tinubu’s second term
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