Politics

Obiano denied me of my entitlement as deputy gov –Okeke

Published

4 years ago

April 3, 2022

Dr Nkem Okeke

The immediate past deputy governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke, has said he dumped the All Progressives Grand Alliance because he needed to serve at the national level.

Okeke, who left the APGA shortly before the state governorship election in November 2021, expressed gratitude to the people of Anambra and his former boss, Willie Obiano, for the opportunity to serve the state.

Addressing journalists in Awka on Friday, Okeke said he had no regrets defecting to the All Progressives Congress at the time he did, because he was no longer enjoying the goodwill and confidence of Obiano.

Okeke, who revealed that he knew that Anambra was not in a good shape, regretted that the advice he gave on critical issues concerning the state were not taken.

He said, “The governor is the all and all. The deputy dances to the whims and caprices of the governor. I have always believed in giving my best in whatever capacity I find myself. It has always been my plan to join the APC. It is the question of what I do next after serving as deputy governor.

“I don’t have any regrets joining the APC. I joined the party, because I needed to play my politics at the national level and the two parties at the national level are the APC and the PDP. I have really gained national limelight since joining the party. The APC has welcomed me with open arms as I have been participating in the activities of the party at all levels. I just hope that more opportunities will come.”

Okeke commended the former governor for not replacing him when they were going for the second term, despite the huge pressure on him to do so.

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“There was massive pressure on Obiano to replace me as we were going for the second term, but he did not do so and that made me the only two-term deputy governor of the state. The eight years have come and gone although things did not really work out the way it was expected, but looking back, I have no regrets; I can only thank God and the people of Anambra,” he stated.

Okeke lamented that as a deputy governor, he was not getting his entitlements because the former governor refused to approve them, adding that he hopes that the current governor would look into the matter at the right time.

He stated, “I was not even receiving my entitlements while I was serving and I am not sure I will get any severance allowance. I don’t even know what is there for me. In the last couple of months, before our administration came to an end, I wasn’t getting my overhead as the governor refused to sign the warrant for my overhead.

“But I am hoping that Governor Chukwuma Soludo will do that when the time comes. For now, I don’t want to add to his problems and if they don’t come eventually, life goes on. I didn’t join politics for entitlements, but to contribute my quota.

“I thank God that I left the party as of the time I did. People blaming me for leaving or accusing me of betraying the party are not being fair to me.”

Okeke added, “I felt that after serving as deputy governor, what the next is. Would I continue to be in state politics or go to national politics and the question was if I wanted to go to national politics, would it be the APC or the PDP? Two of them are really the same, but I chose to join the party in power at the national level.

“I knew some people were not happy with that decision, but I look at things from all perspectives. I put into consideration what the APC has done for the people of Anambra, particularly the Second Niger Bridge, and I know what that bridge will do for our state when it is completed.”

On the issue of the huge debt incurred by the last administration, the former deputy governor said some of the projects that contributed to that like the airport and the international convention centre were not necessary and he advised against them.

He said, “That you saved N75bn or N100bn does not mean anything if you do not invest it in productive ventures. As of the time the airport project and the convention centre were going on, I advised against them, but my advice was not followed.

On the issue of Obiano and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Okeke said he knew things would end up that way, though he did not expect them to happen the way they did.

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Related Topics:deputy gov entitlement Obiano Okeke

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Bala Mohammed Rejects APC Pressure, Says He Won’t Be Criminalised

Published

12 minutes ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Bauch State Governor, Bala Mohammed

Bala Mohammed Rejects APC Pressure, Says He Won’t Be Criminalised

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has strongly rejected alleged political pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the federal government of President Bola Tinubu, insisting he will not be intimidated or “criminalised” for refusing to defect to the ruling party.

Speaking at a press conference, Governor Mohammed accused federal agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the courts, of being used as tools to target political opponents. He described the alleged actions as politically motivated harassment aimed at forcing him and other opposition figures to align with the APC.

“The APC-led federal government thinks they can use the court and the EFCC to prosecute Nigerians who are not in their party,” Mohammed said. “If they don’t stop, we are prepared to declare a war. I assure you, we will not keep quiet any longer. I will not allow anybody to criminalise me because I refuse to join their party.”

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The governor reaffirmed his decision not to defect, highlighting that some of his commissioners have already faced pressure and what he calls unjust scrutiny by anti-graft agencies. He warned that continued coercion could provoke stronger public responses from himself and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership.

Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, accused the APC-led administration of deploying “gestapo tactics” to weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said these actions undermine democratic principles, politicize state institutions, and threaten the independence of officeholders.

Political observers note that his comments underscore rising tension between the federal government and opposition governors, as speculation continues about party realignments and alliances ahead of upcoming elections. Supporters argue that his stance represents a firm defense of political freedom, while critics warn that the rhetoric could further heighten partisan polarization in the country.

Governor Mohammed’s position highlights broader concerns over federal influence on state affairs, the impartiality of anti-corruption agencies, and the use of state institutions in partisan politics, raising urgent questions about Nigeria’s democratic and governance frameworks.

Bala Mohammed Rejects APC Pressure, Says He Won’t Be Criminalised

Politics

US Firm to Engage Trump, Congress Over INEC’s Suspension of ADC Leadership

Published

7 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan

US Firm to Engage Trump, Congress Over INEC’s Suspension of ADC Leadership

A U.S.-based policy and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C., has announced plans to brief members of the U.S. Congress and officials linked to former President Donald Trump over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to withdraw recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership. The move has raised concerns about Nigeria’s electoral credibility and the ability of the opposition to participate fully in the 2027 presidential election.

INEC had earlier this week removed recognition of the ADC leadership from its official portal and suspended all formal engagement with the party, citing ongoing litigation over a leadership dispute. The commission said its action was in compliance with a Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo until the legal matter is resolved.

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In a statement, Von Batten-Montague York L.C. said INEC’s action has effectively frozen one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties at a critical time, potentially undermining political participation, democratic processes, and election integrity. “This situation could hinder the opposition’s ability to organise and participate fully in the democratic process,” the firm stated.

The U.S. firm also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance to the United States in areas including regional security, economic stability, and counterterrorism, adding that the integrity of Nigeria’s elections has direct implications for U.S. interests and global stability. Accordingly, the firm plans to present its concerns to U.S. lawmakers and Trump administration officials to ensure that free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria remain on the international agenda.

The firm further called on President Bola Tinubu to guarantee that the upcoming elections are beyond reproach, transparent, and reflective of the will of Nigerians. It urged that no political party or faction should be disadvantaged in a manner that could compromise electoral fairness or democratic participation.

The ADC leadership dispute, involving rival factions led by Senator David Mark and others, has drawn sharp reactions locally. While INEC maintains it is acting to comply with court directives, critics argue that the decision could weaken the opposition and create uncertainty in the lead-up to the presidential elections.

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended INEC’s actions, describing the crisis as self-inflicted by the ADC and urging compliance with the law to resolve leadership disputes ahead of election preparations.

Analysts warn that the situation underscores the importance of institutional neutrality, transparency, and timely resolution of party disputes to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

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Politics

Wike: PDP Not Financially Ready for 2027 Presidential Election

Published

7 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike

Wike: PDP Not Financially Ready for 2027 Presidential Election

Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) currently lacks the financial resources to sponsor a credible presidential campaign for the 2027 general elections. Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike emphasised that structural, strategic, and financial readiness must come before any aspirant can seriously pursue the presidency.

“As a party, the PDP does not have money,” Wike declared, highlighting the importance of personal capacity for any presidential hopeful. “Nobody alone can stand and win the presidency. Supporters and financial backers will only align with candidates who demonstrate seriousness and a realistic chance of success,” he added.

Wike stressed that the PDP’s participation in the 2027 elections remains certain, but premature declarations of ambition without planning, structure, and funding amount to a lack of seriousness. He cautioned aspirants to ensure their campaigns are properly prepared before entering the race.

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Addressing claims of internal factionalism within the PDP, Wike dismissed them, noting that disputes following the party’s national convention have been resolved. “It’s you people that are always talking about factions. We don’t know any faction,” he said. The minister also invited former party members to return, emphasising that reconciliation and unity are critical for rebuilding the PDP ahead of 2027.

On preparations for the next election, Wike revealed that the party has established a committee to assess the viability of its presidential bid, ensuring that any aspirant or strategy is supported by grassroots structures, party cohesion, and strategic planning. “You cannot just stand up and say you want to contest for president. The primary is starting soon — do you see any seriousness in that?” he asked.

Wike also defended the PDP against allegations that the ruling party is weakening opposition parties, insisting such claims are exaggerated. Drawing from his personal experience under previous administrations, he said: “If there was anybody tormented by a government, it was me. I never ran away and relied on the courts to assert my rights. That is how democracy works.”

He further criticised politicians who blame INEC or the judiciary for internal disputes, stressing that adherence to due process is essential to maintaining the integrity of democratic institutions. “Many party crises are self-inflicted,” Wike warned, urging leaders to respect laws and rules to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Wike concluded by likening politics to a competitive but cooperative exercise: “Politics is not a fight to finish. It’s like football. We have had our differences, but if you are sincere, there is nothing left we cannot resolve together to move the party forward.”