POLITICS
Delta Mass Defections Painful, Disappointing, Says Damagum
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described mass defection involving Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, other elected and party leaders in Delta to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as painful and disappointing.Acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum, made this known in Abuja at a ceremony for the issuance of Certificate of Return to Mr Jude Ezenwafor, the party governorship candidate for Anambra Governorship election.
Damagum described the mass defection as disappointing given the kind of support the party gave to the state. “It is very sad and unfortunate because to me, if there’s any state that should think that way, not Delta, because the party is very magnanimous.“I thank God that in their message, they didn’t say that the party did anything wrong to them other than good.“It’s a decision taken by them, but the pains will be in us not because of anything, but because we gave Delta all our support, from the emergence of the governor to his predecessor, who also doubled as our vice presidential candidate.“We least expected this action from them. All the same, this is a party that have seen more than that, but it’s still standing,” he said.Damagum noted that the party leadership was taking stock to set up a caretaker committee for the party in the state.“I want to use this opportunity to say, we’ll take over our structures immediately,” he said.He said that the election in 2027, would not be about how many governors a party has but it will be about Nigerians.Damagum urged all party members to close ranks and rescue Nigeria, saying no challenge is insurmountable.HeHe congratulated Ezenwafor for emerging as the party’s candidate in Anambra, express confidence of victory in the election.“I want to encourage you. You have started well. From the evolution of the state executive to your emergence as our candidate.“I think what you need to do is to go back and consolidate. I’m going to make sure that everyone is back on board. I assure you of our total support and commitment,’’ Damagum said.In his remarks, Ezenwafor expressed optimism that he would win the state election, describing Anambra as a PDP state.“All of us contesting the governorship election in Anambra State today, including the serving governor were once governorship aspirants within the PDP but as a bridge-builder, I will consolidate and move forward,” Ezenwafor said.He pledged to tackle insecurity in Anambra.“As a former senior special assistant to the governor on security, I will not take things for granted.Ezenwafor was accompanied by his wife, members of in PDP State Working Committee Anambra and campaign officials, among others. (NAN)
The Labour Party has fixed its national convention for April 28 in Umuahia, Abia.
The party also officially released the list of chairmen and members of its electoral sub-committees for the forthcoming congresses in all the states of the federation.
Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, made these known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
The party had earlier announced the timetable for its congresses, with ward congresses scheduled for April 23, local government congresses, April 24 and state congresses April 26.
According to Asogwa, the sub-committees, made up of experienced and respected party members, have been constituted to oversee the conduct of the congresses in their respective states.
He listed the chairmen to include: Iheanacho Obioma (Abia); Francis Kim (Adamawa); Ekong Solomon (Akwa Ibom); Chief Tony Asuoha (Anambra); Malam Mustapha Adamu (Bauchi); Beredugo Ebimonyo (Bayelsa) and Chief John Ochoga (Benue).
Others are: Urom Iyang (Cross River); Chuks Onitsha (Delta); Chief Mitchell Nwabueze (Ebonyi); Dr Saliu Edogiawerie (Edo); Usman Mohammed (Niger); Owolabi Ezekiel (Ogun); Charles Afolabi (Ondo); Balogun Ibrahim (Osun); Babatunde Yusuf (Oyo); Fakorede Matthew (Ekiti) and Dr David Ogba (Enugu).
Also included are: Adoga Knaabayi (Gombe); Chinagorom Nwankpa (Imo); Mustapha Garba (Jigawa); Dr Emmanuel Barau (Kaduna); Kabiru Said (Kano); Pastor Ishaku Izang (Plateau); Amaobi Ogah (Rivers); Prof. Muhamuda Muhammad (Sokoto); Jesse Williams (Taraba); Mukhtar Hassan (Yobe) and Haila Baja (Zamfara).
Also, Ismail Bello (Katsina); Muh’d (Birnin Kebbi); Samuel Ajare (Kogi); Bodunde Adebayo (Kwara); Chukwuemeka Ogbanna (Lagos); Dr Muttaqa Yushau (Nasarawa) and Rose Uba-Anarah (FCT).
Asogwa quoted the National Chairman of the party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, as urging the chairmen and members to carry out their responsibilities with utmost fairness, transparency and integrity.
Usman reminded them of the party’s core values of equal opportunity and social justice, urging them to reflect these principles in the discharge of their duties.
She stressed the need for diligence and commitment, noting that the credibility of the party must be upheld throughout the congress process.
The statement assured that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth, successful, and hitch-free convention.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
The Amir and National Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alatoye Abdulazeez, has urged Nigerian youths to unite politically and strategically, identifying Adewole Adebayo as a potential leader capable of driving national transformation if given collective support.
Speaking during an interview, Abdulazeez emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges largely on the ability of young people to organize themselves beyond tribal, religious, and financial inducements, and to rally behind credible leadership.
According to him, while several young candidates have emerged in past elections, their failure to build strong alliances allowed older political forces to maintain dominance.
He noted that the case of Adebayo, a lawyer and businessman who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), presents an opportunity for a different political direction if youths can act in unity.
“If the younger generation is sure that Adewole Adebayo can deliver, they should team up with him, get things right, and encourage other youths across tribes to see themselves as one,” Abdulazeez said.
He stressed that Nigeria is currently in what he described as a “storming stage” of nationhood, where divisions along ethnic and regional lines continue to hinder development.
He warned that unless a “national norm” is established—where citizens prioritize unity over sectional interests—the country may struggle to reach its full potential.
The cleric further advised youths to avoid electoral inducement and reject divisive politics, urging them instead to focus on long-term nation-building.
“We must move from where we are to the next stage. Otherwise, we will keep moving in the same direction,” he added.
Beyond politics, Abdulazeez reiterated the Ahmadiyya motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None,” as a guiding principle for national cohesion, stressing that religion should be a force for peace rather than division.
He condemned terrorism and violence carried out in the name of religion, insisting that such acts contradict Islamic teachings.
On governance, he acknowledged efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that while progress has been made in some areas, more attention is needed in critical sectors such as power and economic management.
Abdulazeez concluded with a call for collective responsibility among citizens, particularly the youth, to reshape Nigeria’s future through unity, moral discipline, and active participation in governance.
“Leadership is not just about those in office,” he said. “It is also about those who choose them.”
End
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) have released a revised timetable for the 2026 local government elections.
ENSIEC Chairman, Prof. Christian Ngwu, presented the updated schedule to journalists in Enugu.
Ngwu said the framework outlines activities leading to elections on Sept.
26 and re-run polls on Oct. 10.He explained the adjustments followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
“The revised timetable aligns with the new law and other relevant statutes guiding elections in the state,” he said.
He recalled ENSIEC earlier issued a notice on Aug. 20, 2025 alongside an initial timetable.
According to him, party primaries will be held from Jan. 23 to May 26.
“Campaigns will begin on April 29 and end on Sept. 25, 24 hours before polling,” Ngwu added.
He said submission of nomination forms closes on May 29, while candidates’ particulars will be published on June 19.
“The final list of candidates will be released on July 27,” he stated.
Ngwu added that submission of polling agents ends on Aug. 31, while the official notice of poll comes on Sept. 11.
He confirmed elections will be held on Sept. 26, with voting from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. using the open secret ballot system.
“In case of inconclusive results, re-run elections will be conducted on Oct. 10,” he said.
Ngwu stressed the timetable was issued under the commission’s constitutional mandate and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
Grant Pardon to Henry Okah, Niger Delta Activists Tells Tinubu
ShareBy Raphael Atuu, Abuja Popular Niger Delta activist Nengi James OON, alongside other youths under the aegis of Advocates for...
NCoS Places Facility on Red Alert over Alleged Attack Threats in Niger
ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Niger State has placed all custodial centres across the state on red...
FIBA WWC: D’Tigress Land in Tough Group B with France, Hungary, Korea
ShareNigeria’s D’Tigress will face France, Hungary, and Korea in Group B at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. The draw set up the D’Tigress for...
Pope Decries Wealth Inequality as He Roundup African Tour
SharePope Leo on Wednesday spoke out against wealth inequality in Africa urging believers to work to bridge the gap between rich and poor as he traversed oil-rich...
Edun, Dangiwa Resigned, not Sacked, Says Presidency
ShareThe Presidency on Wednesday said former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, resigned from office and was not removed. It...
Cocoa, Coffee Farmers Seek Support amid Price Volatility
ShareAfrican Cocoa and coffee farmers are calling for urgent support from global stakeholders to mitigate the impact of price volatility, despite a promising outlook for the commodities on...
FAAC Shares N2.036trn March Revenue to FG, States, LGCs
ShareBy Tony Obiechina, Abuja A total sum of N2.036 trillion, being March 2026 Federation Account Revenue, has been shared to...
FG Unveils Aviation Sector Emergency Rescue Plan
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Federal Government has unveiled a set of emergency and long-term measures aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s...
CAN Denies Split, Says No Relief Funds Missing, Warns Against False Claims
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday, denied alleged division within the Association along Northern...
NBA Makurdi Condemns Detention of Lawyer, Demands Immediate Action
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch, has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of...