Politics
Groups uncover fresh shortcomings in Enugu guber tribunal’s verdict, seek review of judgement
Groups uncover fresh shortcomings in Enugu guber tribunal’s verdict, seek review of judgement
A new twist has been added to the controversies trailing the decision of Enugu election petition tribunal to uphold the election of Peter Mbah as governor of the coal city state.
Mbah of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was narrowly declared winner of the 18 March, 2023 election by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a move which prompted the candidate of Labour Party, Chijioke Edeoga to challenge the results in the tribunal.
But addressing a press conference in Abuja at the weekend, Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria (HURIWA) in Clconjunction with Patriotic Defenders of National Institutions, faulted the decision of the tribunal to uphold Mbah’s victory.
National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said issues raised by Edeoga, which range from alleged forged National Youth Service Corps certificate to over-voting, among others were enough to nullify Mbah’s election.
The groups, which called for the review of the tribunal judgement based on new findings that it was a miscarriage of justice, expressed concern over the decline of judicial integrity in the country.
The text of the press conference reads : “We, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), in conjunction with the Patriotic Defenders of National Institutions, gather here today to address a matter of utmost importance to the foundation of our nation’s democracy.
We are deeply concerned about the recent judgment handed down by the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal regarding Petition No.: EPT/EN/GOV/01/2023.
This petition, filed by Chijioke Edeoga and the Labour Party, challenges the outcome of the gubernatorial election held on March 18, 2023, in Enugu State.
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This case brings to light crucial issues surrounding the integrity of certification, justice, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
*Key Issues:*
The Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s decision has raised serious questions about the conduct of the tribunal, the credibility of our institutions, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the Department of State Security (DSS), the Judiciary and the broader implications for the certification process in Nigeria.
The tribunal swiftly dismissed allegations of NYSC certificate forgery against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Peter Mbah, and rejected the Labour Party’s claims of over-voting and bypassing the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). The tribunal’s conclusion was that Peter Mbah was legitimately elected as governor based on the majority of valid votes in the election.
However, the Labour Party and its gubernatorial candidate are appealing this decision, firmly believing that justice was not served in this case. We are deeply troubled by the apparent decline in the integrity of our judiciary, where questionable rulings frequently emerge from our esteemed halls of justice.
The case before the tribunal, led by Honourable Justice Kudirat Akano, points to a clear instance of electoral malpractice. The petitioners presented evidence that after the collation of 16 out of the 17 local government areas in Enugu State, Labour Party candidate Chijioke Edeoga was leading by over 11,000 votes. Shockingly, the PDP in Enugu, possibly with the involvement of INEC, awarded the PDP a staggering 30,000 votes in Nkanu East LGA, which happens to be the PDP candidate’s LGA.
The Labour Party alleged that the INEC BVAS data for Nkanu East LGA showed a total of 15,000 accredited voters on Election Day. However, when the results were declared, the PDP was credited with a total of 30,350 votes, while the Labour Party received only 1,855 votes. How could INEC report over 33,000 votes in a location where only about 15,000 voters were accredited?
Legal experts have analyzed the judgment and found it to be delivered with a disregard for the Constitution and Supreme Court precedents. Section 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly outlines the penalties for forgery, regardless of the perpetrator’s status.
The tribunal also erred in failing to reevaluate the figures awarded to the PDP. It is a miscarriage of justice for the court to rule in favor of an individual who as alleged, blatantly violated Section 182(1)(j) of the Constitution.
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Furthermore, it was erroneous for the court to assert that a petitioner must produce a certificate they did not create. Additionally, describing the evidence of witnesses subpoenaed by the court as “incompetent” because the witness statements were not filed at the time the petition was initially submitted is a grave mistake.
The Supreme Court, in the case of Agi vs PDP, defined forgery as presenting a document not created by the agency purported to have made it. In this petition, the tribunal called five witnesses, including a Director from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) responsible for Corps Certification, and a Managing Partner of a law firm who sought NYSC certificate verification under the Freedom of Information Act to confirm the authenticity of Peter Mbah’s NYSC certificate presented to INEC.
The tribunal’s assertion that the forged certificate was not submitted to support Mr. Mbah’s qualification to contest the election contradicts the law and Supreme Court precedent. The tribunal’s decision that the NYSC certificate is not a prerequisite for a gubernatorial election, or that both the forged and original documents must be presented to the court, is a gross miscarriage of justice.
The court was also incorrect in declaring that the NYSC certificate, not having been mentioned in Form EC9 (the affidavit of personal particulars), is merely an attached document and does not impact the qualification of the second respondent.
Section 177 of the constitution outlines the qualifications for running in a gubernatorial election in Nigeria. Anyone eligible under Section 177 can be disqualified under Section 182(1) (j) if, as specified in subsection (j), they present a forged certificate to INEC.
The Supreme Court, in the case of Ucha v. Onwe (2011), ALL FWLR (PT 580) 1227 @ 1295; (2011) 4 NWLR (PT 1237) 386 @ 427, upheld the provision of Section 66(1)(h) of the 1999 Constitution as a disqualifying factor. The tribunal’s finding that the NYSC Certificate is not covered by Section 66(1) (h) of the 1999 Constitution is incorrect.
Hence, the judgment delivered by the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal can only be described as a miscarriage of justice and a fundamental jurisprudential flaw.
*Key Concerns:*
A central issue in this case revolves around the serious allegation of NYSC certificate forgery against Peter Mbah, the PDP candidate. This allegation gains weight through NYSC’s testimony as contained in a sworn affidavit in the Federal High Court case between Peter Mbah and the NYSC, which formed part of the evidence NYSC submitted to the tribunal in further proof that NYSC never issued any certificate to Mr. Mbah, let alone the purported certificate of National Service No. A808297 dated January 6, 2003, was not given due cognizance by the tribunal.
The revelations from the NYSC is alleged to cast serious doubt on the authenticity of the NYSC certificate presented by Peter Mbah, raising significant questions about the eligibility of the governor for the gubernatorial race.
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Again, the implications of the tribunal’s judgment are deeply troubling. They undermine the integrity of the Nigerian certification process, not only for the NYSC but also for other certifying bodies. The tribunal’s decision, seemingly disregarding critical evidence presented by the NYSC, raises serious concerns about the credibility of our institutions and the rule of law.
On the one hand, there is confusion surrounding the appearance of the Department of State Service (DSS) at the Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. The question arises: Why did the DSS appear at the tribunal? The DSS is not the issuing authority for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, and they are not typically involved in NYSC matters. Their unexpected presence at the tribunal has raised concerns and cast doubt on their role because it falls outside their usual mandate.
The DSS does not have a mandate to appear before election petition tribunals in political cases and provide testimonies in favor of one candidate over another, especially when it involves a government institution like the NYSC. So, the critical question is, who authorized or procured their appearance at the tribunal?
Furthermore, there is a troubling conspiracy theory yet to be verified unless thoroughly investigated by an independent body of experts to ascertain if there a connection between the DSS hierarchy, as it were, and Peter Mbah, the individual involved in the dispute with the Labour Party. Peter Mbah, the owner of Pinnacle Oil, had his certificate issue, and the DSS even testified that it was valid.
Notably, there is the urgent need to further investigate why the DSS featured in that tribunal matter which is unprecedented.
Moreover, the individual, Isa Yahaya Mohammed, who represented the DSS at the tribunal has been alleged as someone who is no longer associated with the DSS. Mohammed had at the tribunal, while giving testimony reportedly claimed that he was a serving deputy director in charge of operations at the DSS and later contradicted himself in his written deposition where he wrote that he was Deputy Director (Strategy).
However, it’s essential to note that he appeared to have the blessing of the DSS, as they did not arrest him for falsely claiming to represent their organization. In typical situations, the DSS would swiftly apprehend someone falsely claiming to represent their agency. This has resulted in a situation where the DSS appears to have undermined their own institution’s credibility and also cast doubt on the NYSC’s integrity.
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The larger question remains: What motivated their involvement in this matter? Were financial incentives or other factors involved? There are various coincidences surrounding the strange appearance in a partisan political litigation by the DSS and the fact that they gave testimony regarding what is considered their secret internal investigative activity when in actual fact there is absolute no need for their appearance since the DSS is not an agency under the Enugu state’s chapter of the People’s Democratic Party which sponsored Peter Mbah in that contentious gubernatorial election.
HURIWA and Patriotic Defenders of National Institutions are profoundly concerned that the NYSC, a pivotal institution in Nigeria tasked with certifying the completion of national service for graduates, is facing questions about the authenticity of a gubernatorial candidate’s NYSC certificate. This threatens the trust and credibility of the NYSC. We insist on a comprehensive investigation into the authenticity of NYSC certificates issued to all individuals in public offices, particularly those in elected positions.
The rule of law is a fundamental pillar of democracy. In this case, it appears that the tribunal’s judgment may have departed from established legal principles. The rule of law guarantees that justice is administered impartially, without bias. We demand a thorough review of the judgment to ensure the rule of law prevails.
Moreover, the independence of the judiciary is crucial for the smooth functioning of a democratic society. A judiciary perceived as compromised or biased erodes public confidence in the judicial system. We call for an evaluation of the Justice Akano-led tribunal’s decision to determine if it aligns with the principles of judicial independence.
The credibility of elections is paramount for democracy. The accusations of over-voting and bypassing the BVAS during the election in Nkanu East local government area, as raised by the Labour Party, demand a comprehensive investigation to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
*Our Stance and Demands:*
In light of the issues outlined above, HURIWA and Patriotic Defenders of National Institutions firmly call for a thorough and impartial review of the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s judgment to ensure that justice is served. The evidence presented by the NYSC and the allegations of certificate forgery warrant a comprehensive reexamination of the case.
Furthermore, we demand a nationwide investigation into the authenticity of NYSC certificates issued to individuals holding public offices. The credibility of these certificates must be verified to maintain public trust and uphold certification integrity.
In addition, the rule of law must be upheld without exception. The tribunal’s decision should align with established legal principles, and justice should be administered impartially. The judiciary must remain independent and free from bias.
HURIWA and Patriotic Defenders of National Institutions emphasize the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations of over-voting and BVAS bypass during the election. Electoral integrity is paramount for democracy.
In conclusion, we remain resolute in our commitment to defending human rights, upholding the rule of law, and protecting the integrity of our democratic institutions. We will closely monitor developments in this case and continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and justice in our democracy.”
platinumpost
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Politics
BREAKING: Iyabo Obasanjo Quits APC, Alleges Persistent Disrespect, Maltreatment
BREAKING: Iyabo Obasanjo Quits APC, Alleges Persistent Disrespect, Maltreatment
Abeokuta, Nigeria – Former Senator and daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) , citing what she described as persistent disrespect, rejection, and unfair treatment by the party leadership in Ogun State.
The former governorship aspirant announced her decision in a resignation letter dated May 31, 2026, addressed to the Ogun State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi. The resignation comes barely six months after she joined the party and just two months after she lost the APC’s governorship ticket for the 2027 election.
In her resignation letter, Obasanjo quoted a famous saying to drive home her point: “A famous person once said that when disrespect is the only dish served, then one should leave the table. I am therefore leaving the APC table where I am not welcomed. This is my resignation from the party.”
The United States-based Associate Professor of Epidemiology expressed strong dissatisfaction with the consensus arrangement that produced Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Ogun State. According to her, while she had agreed to support any candidate that emerged through a consensus process, she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was announced as the party’s preferred candidate.
“When I started the journey to get the party’s nomination for Governor, I came to see you and I said to you and everyone both privately and publicly that I will honor the party’s consensus decision once it has been made,” she stated in her letter.
Obasanjo further alleged that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the consensus candidate was unveiled and were subjected to intimidation during the exercise.
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“When that day came, even as violence was perpetrated against my supporters to stop them from entering the venue, I maintained my calmness,” she said.
She also lamented that her presence and contributions were not acknowledged despite her extensive grassroots mobilisation efforts across Ogun State.
“No one acknowledged my presence at the meeting given that I was the most prominent opposition to the candidate chosen and I had traversed the state mobilizing and encouraging grassroots APC support,” she added.
Despite her reservations, Obasanjo said she accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and immediately issued a statement congratulating the consensus candidate that same night.
The former Ogun State Commissioner for Health disclosed that Senator Adeola subsequently contacted her and requested a meeting with her supporters. During that meeting, her supporters made three requests, which she described as non-compulsory. Adeola reportedly promised to respond within one week.
However, more than two months later, Obasanjo expressed disappointment that she had received no feedback.
“Unless he gets back to me after I send this letter, he has not reached out to me after two months. This is just part of the general treatment I have received from APC of disrespect and rejection as if I was not there making contributions that increased support for the party in Ogun Central and across the state,” she said.
Despite her decision to leave the ruling party, Obasanjo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some party leaders for the cordial relationship she enjoyed during her brief stay in the APC.
“Through you, I want to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for receiving me warmly as usual, and I thank you and our Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Chief Soremi, as both of you treated me well and I will always remember that,” she wrote.
Obasanjo’s political comeback was brief but eventful. She formally joined the APC in January 2026, registering as a member in Ward 11, Ibogun, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, signaling her return to active politics after years away from the political scene. Her return had sparked political discussions across the state after campaign billboards bearing her image surfaced in Abeokuta in late 2025, signalling her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.
Obasanjo had previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health from 2003 to 2007 and represented Ogun Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2007 to 2011. After losing her re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States and largely stayed away from partisan politics until her recent return.
The APC had adopted Senator Adeola as its consensus governorship candidate on April 13, 2026, at a party congress held in Abeokuta. Governor Dapo Abiodun, who announced the decision, revealed that the consensus was reached to break the long-standing 50-year barrier affecting Ogun West, while ensuring fairness and equity across all senatorial districts. Senator Adeola, who represents Ogun West at the National Assembly, was formally presented as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 election.
Obasanjo’s departure marks a significant political development in Ogun State and has sparked fresh conversations about internal democracy and inclusiveness within party structures. Her resignation comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, and political analysts suggest that the former senator’s exit could have implications for the APC’s efforts to consolidate support in Ogun Central Senatorial District, where she maintains considerable political influence.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership and Senator Solomon Adeola had not issued any official response to Obasanjo’s allegations. The party has also not commented on the claims of violence, intimidation, and unfulfilled promises made by the former governorship aspirant.
BREAKING: Iyabo Obasanjo Quits APC, Alleges Persistent Disrespect, Maltreatment
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Politics
2027 Election: Babachir Lawal Tells ADC to Dump Atiku, Questions Ex-VP’s Silence on Insecurity
2027 Election: Babachir Lawal Tells ADC to Dump Atiku, Questions Ex-VP’s Silence on Insecurity
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, has released an explosive new statement titled “Kachalla 2,” in which he defends his record over the controversial grass-cutting scandal, names those he claims orchestrated his removal from office, and renews his call for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to drop former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate. In the lengthy statement released on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Lawal said he has faced a barrage of insults and threats following an earlier post in which he criticised Atiku. According to him, many of his critics focused on what has popularly been referred to as the “grass-cutting scandal,” while ignoring what he described as the substantive issues he raised about the former vice president’s suitability for the presidency.
Lawal maintained that his removal from office as SGF was politically motivated and not based on any genuine wrongdoing. “I find this amusing because it was clearly a setup to get me out of office on account of my very close relationship with Gen Muhammadu Buhari,” he said. He claimed that his relationship with the former president, dating back to 1971 when Buhari became his mentor, made him a target of political opponents who were uncomfortable with his influence. According to Lawal, some political actors feared that Buhari was grooming him for a higher position, while others objected to his appointment as SGF simply because he is a Christian from the small Kilba tribe in Adamawa State.
In a dramatic revelation, the former SGF alleged that a high-powered delegation was sent to Buhari to complain about his appointment, but the former president refused to listen. Consequently, he said, “they had to get me out of the seat of the very powerful SGF at all costs.” Lawal claimed that the contract to remove him was awarded to some Northern Senators who subcontracted the assignment to legislative hatchet men, recruiting sympathizers and collaborators in the executive branch and the press. He notably stated that the main contractor later apologized to him in the presence of three mutual friends, and that as a Christian, he forgave him.
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Lawal further alleged that despite an initial Senate report recommending his dismissal, then-President Muhammadu Buhari rejected the recommendation on the advice of the Attorney General, who found the report lacking in substance and fair hearing. However, he claimed that the matter would not die because the then Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, for reasons best known to him, decided to pursue the matter with the president, incessantly pestering him until the president gave in and permitted Osinbajo and two others to investigate the matter. “It was this report that without a shred of evidence recommended my removal,” Lawal stated.
Lawal insisted that the matter was eventually investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and that he was later discharged and acquitted by the court. According to court documents, a Federal High Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted Lawal and five others from the N544 million contract fraud charges brought against them by the EFCC. “During the trial, EFCC called 14 witnesses. Interestingly all of them testified to my innocence as if they were my own witnesses. Not one of them implicated me either in the contract award process or its execution,” he said. The court held that the anti-graft agency failed to establish a prima facie case against the ex-SGF and the co-defendants, ruling that no ingredient of any offence was made out by the 11 witnesses who testified for the EFCC.
Providing his most detailed account yet of the controversial contract at the centre of the case, Lawal said the consultancy contract awarded to a company he once owned, Rholavision Engineering Limited, was worth N7.2 million and emerged through a competitive bidding process of which he was not even aware. He explained that the main contract, worth approximately N540 million, was won by Josmon Technologies Limited, a company whose owners he had never met until they met in court. He argued that both the main contract and the consultancy services were fully executed, and payments were effected only after the Auditor-General’s Office and the Internal Auditors certified that the contracts were fully executed according to specifications. “What the Kachalla Goebelian propagandists and liars are calling ‘grass cutting scandal’ was actually clearing of over 320 kilometres of Komadugu Yobe River,” Lawal stated. He detailed that the river, which sustains the livelihoods of millions through fishing, agriculture, and pastoralism, was facing significant environmental and water scarcity concerns through blockage by Typha grass. He said the contract involved the reconstruction of 500 hectares of irrigated farmlands along the river bank, each provided with irrigation canals, a wash borehole, and a petrol pump. The project also included the purchase and distribution of 25 dugout canoes, fishing nets, and 25 speed boats for transportation. Lawal noted that the project employed over 1,000 displaced villagers and refugees from the camps daily for the four-month duration of the programme.
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Turning to contemporary politics, Lawal accused supporters of Atiku of attacking him for expressing concerns about the former vice president’s presidential ambition. “No, it is my right to interrogate the character and competence of someone who seeks to be my President,” he said. The former SGF questioned Atiku’s response to insecurity and banditry across the country, asking why the former vice president had allegedly not spoken strongly enough against attacks carried out by armed groups in several communities. “Why has Atiku Abubakar never publicly sympathized or empathized with the victims of these mostly Fulani bandits? Why has he never lent a voice to those condemning Kachalla Bello Turji and his colleagues after burning, kidnapping and killing thousands of Hausa victims, sometimes happening in Mosques and markets?” he queried. Lawal also raised concerns about some businesses associated with Atiku, including Gotel Communications, Adama Beverages, Rico Gado Nutrition Company, and his university, arguing that Nigerians should scrutinise the competence and character of anyone seeking the nation’s highest office. “Should we feign nonchalance to someone who once said he will ‘enrich his friends’?” he asked.
The former SGF urged opposition politicians to consider presenting an alternative candidate ahead of the next presidential election, arguing that doing so would improve their chances at the polls. “Indeed I would urge ADC to replace this man with a more qualified candidate if they want to have any hope of winning the presidential election before INEC time table runs out on them,” he said. Lawal also disclosed that he has effectively withdrawn from active partisan politics and is undecided on whom to support in the next presidential election. “I have now retired from politics. I’m not canvassing for votes for anybody. I have one vote to myself that I keep to myself. I might even vote for Omoyele Sowore,” he said. Lawal added that he had ruled out supporting both the APC and ADC and was waiting to see other candidates that may emerge ahead of the 2027 election. He also reiterated his support for Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, whom he described as the most qualified among the presidential aspirants.
The former SGF defended earlier comments that attracted criticism for their ethnic and religious undertones. “If pointing out the danger an Atiku presidency will pose to the country amounts to insulting the whole Fulani race, and if that is how the Fulani race chooses to see it, so be it,” he said. He linked his views to experiences of discrimination he claimed to have faced as a Christian from the Kilba ethnic group in Adamawa State. He concluded by insisting that his interventions were motivated by concern for Nigeria’s future and vowed not to be intimidated by critics. “I mean well for my country,” he said. “I will not lie low and allow his goons to lynch me be it physically or on the social media.”
Atiku Abubakar’s camp has strongly dismissed Lawal’s allegations. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President’s camp described Lawal’s accusations as unsubstantiated and politically motivated. Shaibu said Lawal “maligned a democratic process” and failed to present any verifiable proof, including documents, witnesses, or facts, to back his claims of irregularities in the ADC primary. The statement questioned Lawal’s consistency, alleging that he accepted similar processes in other party contests but only raised objections in the presidential primary after the outcome did not favour his preferred candidate. “If the ADC primaries were truly the sham Mr. Lawal now portrays them to be, intellectual honesty would require him to reject every outcome arising from that exercise, including the emergence of his cousin,” the statement said, referring to Omar Suleiman, who emerged as the ADC governorship candidate in Adamawa State. The Atiku camp further accused Lawal of resorting to ethnic and religious prejudice after failing to persuade ADC members to embrace his preferred candidate. The statement described such rhetoric as divisive and warned against it, adding that Atiku remains focused on national issues ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement concluded that the 2027 election would not be decided by tantrums, ethnic dog whistles, recycled grievances, or revisionist history, but by the Nigerian people.
2027 Election: Babachir Lawal Tells ADC to Dump Atiku, Questions Ex-VP’s Silence on Insecurity
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Entertainment
Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC
Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC
UMUAHIA, Abia State – Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State ahead of the 2027 election, Doris Ogala, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, on Friday after she lost consciousness and collapsed during a consultation earlier in the day. The incident, which quickly spread across social media, has drawn a flood of reactions — from concern and prayers to skepticism and accusations of a publicity stunt. Within hours of her hospitalization, Ogala took to Instagram to confirm the episode, reassure her followers, and even share videos of herself praying with other patients at the facility. Reports also later emerged that she paid medical bills for several indigent patients while receiving treatment. This health scare comes at a pivotal moment in her life, just weeks after she secured the AAC governorship ticket, positioning herself to challenge incumbent Governor Alex Otti in the fiercely competitive Abia 2027 gubernatorial race.
According to reports accompanied by a video circulating online, Ogala lost consciousness while attending a consultation in Umuahia on Friday. She was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where medical personnel attended to her and successfully stabilised her condition. Details of the specific medical emergency have not been officially released, but unconfirmed online reports suggested the collapse may have been linked to a recent surgery relapse. Neither Ogala nor her campaign team has issued a formal medical statement addressing the cause.
Shortly after being stabilized, Ogala took to her Instagram page to update her followers. She posted a video showing her seated in a wheelchair at the hospital, interacting warmly with patients and healthcare workers. “I was rushed to FMC Umuahia. I lost consciousness. Glory to God I am stabilised now,” she wrote in the caption. In the footage, the actress was also seen praying alongside some patients at the facility, a gesture that drew praise from many of her supporters.
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Beyond her own recovery, reports emerged that the AAC governorship candidate extended financial support to other patients at the hospital. According to multiple social media posts and unconfirmed reports, Ogala paid medical bills for a number of indigent patients who were unable to settle their hospital expenses. Some posts claimed she acted after receiving “direct instructions from God” to assist them. While the reports have not been independently verified, the gesture generated significant positive commentary, with supporters describing it as compassionate, thoughtful, and encouraging.
Ogala’s hospitalization comes just weeks after she emerged as the African Action Congress (AAC) flagbearer for the 2027 Abia State governorship election. She secured the party’s ticket following a primary election and has since positioned herself as a challenger to Governor Alex Otti, who is widely expected to seek another term under the Labour Party. Her political message has centered on people-focused governance, economic development, and employment opportunities. She has also been vocal in criticizing the current administration, promising a fresh direction for the state. Political observers note that her sudden health scare could affect campaign momentum if not properly addressed, though her rapid return to social media and hospital interactions suggest an effort to remain visible.
The incident generated widespread reactions across social media platforms, with opinions sharply divided. Many fans and political supporters expressed genuine concern for her health, urging her to prioritize recovery over political activities. Those who praised her for praying with patients and paying medical bills described the gestures as thoughtful and encouraging. “Despite her own condition, she still thought of others. That is leadership,” one commenter wrote. However, a significant number of social media users questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident. Some described the episode as a possible publicity move linked to her political aspirations, citing her background in the Nollywood movie industry. Several commentators labeled the situation as “acting” or “drama,” suggesting the collapse was staged to generate sympathy and media attention ahead of the 2027 election cycle. “She is an actress. This is just a script,” another user posted. Others simply expressed worry about her physical fitness for the rigors of political office, arguing that she should focus on her health before proceeding with her governorship ambition.
As of the time of this report, no official medical statement has been released by Doris Ogala, her campaign team, or the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, regarding the exact cause of her collapse. Indications suggest she remains under observation while continuing her recovery.
For readers seeking a quick summary of the key details, the following information has been confirmed. Doris Ogala is a Nollywood actress and the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2027 election. She collapsed and lost consciousness during a consultation in Umuahia on Friday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where she was stabilized. She confirmed the incident on Instagram, writing, “I was rushed to FMC Umuahia. I lost consciousness. Glory to God I am stabilised now.” Unconfirmed reports suggested the collapse may be linked to a recent surgery relapse. She was also seen praying with patients and reportedly paid medical bills for several indigent patients at the hospital. Social media reactions have been mixed, ranging from genuine concern and praise to accusations of a publicity stunt, with some commentators citing her Nollywood background. No official medical statement has been released as of this report.
Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC
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metro2 days agoAbducted General, Wife Beg Gov’t for Rescue in New Video
