By David, Torough Abuja

The National Working Committee of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Enugu state working committees are at the verge of losing out in the 2027 Governorship elections in the state as political parties commence the process of uploading the Governorship and state Assembly candidates .

The fears are on the back of a six count-charge against its candidate for the Governorship election and former minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned the former Minister on a six-count charge for alleged certificate forgery, money laundering, and abuse of office.

Although Nnaji pleaded not guilty and was granted a ₦20 million bail.

His charges, outlined in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, include the following key allegations were Certificate Forgery .

According to the charge sheet, Nnaji allegedly forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which he submitted during his 2023 ministerial screening.

ICPC also charged him for fraud and money laundering, ICPC claiming he fraudulently received N29.58 million in salaries and allowances while in office and conferred corrupt advantage upon himself.

The former minister resigned from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet in October 2025 when the allegations refused to varnish .

Following his arraignment by the ICPC, the court adjourned the trial to September 21, 2026.

Some civil society groups and supporters of the party have continued to express concerns that the integrity of the party in Enugu state should be protected by fielding credible candidates in all the elections .

The concerns also centered on a possible weak moral ground that would confer additional advantage to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu state should the former minister remain on the ballot .

The concerns are equally that should the PDP wins the Enugu Governorship elections in 2027 , the victory will be upturned in the court .

Those concerned cited the case of David Lion of Bayelsa state who’s victory was upturned by the supreme court hours before he was sworn in on the grounds of forgery .

The Defence for Democracy has being in the fore front of that caution and declared that ,”opposition parties have a duty to field candidates that have clean records”.

The civil society in a press statement by Dr Emeka Nwachukwu said ,”the risk the PDP is taking in Enugu is not the kind of risk that an opposition should take and they should learn from what happened in Bayelsa state.”

By David Torough, Abuja

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State to embrace reconciliation, unity and mutual respect as the foundation for strengthening the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Technical Assistant (Research & Strategy) to the Minister Saidu Ahmed in Abuja.

The Minister made the call on Saturday at the Niger State APC Stakeholders’ Meeting convened by the Governor of Niger State, Rt.

Addressing party leaders and members, Idris urged stakeholders to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of the party, the state and the nation.

“Let us heal our divisions and strengthen our democracy. Political differences should never be allowed to undermine our collective interest or the progress of Niger State. We must close ranks and work together in the spirit of unity, brotherhood and shared responsibility,” he said.

The Minister noted that democracy thrives when leaders place the common good above personal interests, adding that the APC’s continued success at both the national and state levels depends on dialogue, inclusiveness and internal cohesion.

He commended Governor Bago for convening the meeting, describing it as a timely opportunity for consultation, reconciliation and renewed commitment to the ideals of the APC.

Idris also highlighted key achievements of the Tinubu Administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has enabled over one million Nigerian students to access higher education, the growth of Nigeria’s foreign reserves to about $50 billion, and the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of more than 2,000 kilometres of roads nationwide, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway.

He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a strategic intervention that will unlock economic opportunities, particularly in Northern Nigeria, while boosting agriculture, livestock production and food security.

The Minister urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu and Governor Bago in their efforts to deliver sustainable development and improve the lives of citizens.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has congratulated Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan on his re-election as Secretary General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his professionalism, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the public relations profession in Africa.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim.

According to the statement, Ibietan was re-elected at the APRA General Assembly held in Swakopmund, Namibia, alongside Mr Arik Karani of Kenya as President and Professor Michele Mekeme of Cameroon as Vice President.

In a congratulatory message, the Minister said Dr Ibietan’s re-election reflects the confidence that public relations professionals across Africa have in his leadership and in his capacity to advance the Association’s vision.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I congratulate Dr Omoniyi Ibietan on his well-deserved re-election as Secretary General of APRA. This honour is not only a recognition of his professional excellence but also a source of pride for Nigeria and the entire communications community,” the Minister said.

Idris expressed confidence that Dr Ibietan would continue to provide purposeful leadership as APRA deepens collaboration across the continent and supports Africa’s digital transformation agenda.

The Minister also commended APRA for its commitment to strengthening the public relations profession and promoting ethical communication across Africa, noting that Nigeria looks forward to hosting the 37th APRA Annual Conference alongside the World Public Relations Forum in Abuja later this year.