POLITICS
Imposition Won’t Work in Ebonyi–Guber Aspirant

Chief Elias Mbam, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi, says imposition of governorship candidate on the party will not work.
Mbam, who is the chairman of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) stated this at a news conference on Sunday in Abakaliki. Mbam was reacting to a statement credited to Gov.Dave Umahi, endorsing Mr.
Francis Nwifuru, Speaker of Ebonyi House of Assembly as his successor and APC candidate for the 2023 governorship election in the state. He said that Umahi’s endorsement and adoption of Nwifuru could cause an implosion in the party and mar its chances of electoral victory in the state in the forthcoming general elections.Mbanu noted that the Electoral Act, APC’s Constitution, and indeed other extant documents on elections in Nigeria did not make provisions for the imposition of aspirants on any political party. According to him, the unilateral decision did not receive the approval of critical stakeholders of the party, and therefore will not be accepted. “I heard the statement like every other person; I wasn’t at the venue where the statement was made, and I haven’t been communicated on that. “But, I’m concerned and worried as a critical stakeholder of our party because if the statement is correct, it means he has closed the political space against potential aspirants.
“Though forms have not yet been sold, I do not think it is good for our party.“INEC and the party have emphasized that there should be no imposition of candidates. “If in the disguise of anointing or endorsement, a candidate is imposed on the party, it will not be in the interest of the party. “And it will close the space against other aspirants, and we will run the risk of losing the 2023 election,” Mbam said.
The RMAFC chairman urged the governor, as the leader of APC in Ebonyi to allow a level playing field for all the aspirants in the race for the party’s governorship ticket.“I know the governor is the leader of the party in the state; and so, all of us who are members of the party in the state are his children.”
I expect, as the father of the party, he will give every child equal opportunity, and allow the people to determine who becomes their governor,” he added. The aspirant, however, assured that the alleged endorsement and adoption of the speaker would not deter him from pursuing his dream to become the next governor of the state. “The endorsement will not stop my aspiration, I’m still in the race, I’m consulting with stakeholders across the state. “I don’t think that, among those who have indicated interest, there is anyone who knows the state more than I do,” Mbam said. (NAN)
POLITICS
No Amount of Political Gang-up can Stop Tinubu’s Re-election – APC Chieftain

Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, has said that no amount of political gang-up can stop President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, stated this in a chat with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo.
The APC chieftain said that the recent defection of some APC members to other political parties was not in any way a threat to the political stability of the President and the ruling party.
Oyintiloye, while noting that defection was a normal phenomenon in politics, said it would be “a grave mistake” for anyone to think that the defection of the “so called APC members” would affect the President in 2027.
He said that those who thought the President would fail to win the 2027 election should bury such thought, adding that Tinubu has “a winning strategy in his blood.”
Oyintiloye also said that the long history of good relationships that the President had established across all the geopolitical zones would continue to work in his favour.
He said that the efforts of the President to retool and advance the course of Nigeria to achieve greatness would continue beyond 2027.
“Take it or leave it, no amount of political gang-up can stop the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.
“Those who are gathering against him ahead of 2027 should try and study the kind of person the President is.
“He has the winning strategy, and he is raising men and women of goodwill across Nigeria.
“His achievements, political sagacity and love for the country will speak for him now and in the future,” he said.
Oyintiloye, also noted that the President was doing everything humanly possible to put the country on the path of greatness, adding that Tinubu’s efforts have started yielding positive results.
“The President will succeed, and his political enemies will realise the mistakes they are making by not supporting him.
“Those who are whipping up sentiments against the President should check his track records, achievements and popularity across Nigeria.
“Tinubu’s political strength, strong connection, influence and resilience which made him triumph over all obstacles to win in 2023, will see him through in 2027,” he stated.
Oyintiloye, however, advised the President to strengthen public engagement and sensitisation on the achievements of his administration in the last few months
He said that this would enable Nigerians to understand, and properly evaluate programmes and policies of the present administration.
According to him, this will enable people in making the right decision which will devoid of sentiment by looking at the positive impacts of the administration’s initiatives on the society at large.
Oyintiloye said “since Tinubu is a man of faith who believes in God, his victory is certain.” (NAN)
POLITICS
Rivers Assembly passes 3 Bills, Adjourns Plenary Indefinitely

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday passed three bills into law before immediately proceeding on an indefinite recess.
The bills include the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025.
Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced the passage of the bills during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Powers and Privileges Bills seeks to grant the state lawmakers the authority, privilege and immunity necessary to carry out their legislative duties.
The RSIEC Bill aims to repeal the RSIEC Bill Law No.
2 of 2018, thereby redefining the establishment, composition, and functions of the commission.The Rivers State Local Government Bill 2025 seeks to repeal the existing Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024.
The Deputy Leader of House, Mrs Lynda Somiari-Stewart, concluded the debate on the three committee reports before their final passage, having scaled the third reading.
Following the passage of the bills, Amaewhule adjourned plenary indefinitely, effectively preventing Fubara from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The governor had earlier written to the House on Thursday, requesting to present the state budget on March 19, following two previous failed attempts to meet with the lawmakers.
It remains uncertain whether the indefinite plenary adjournment is a deliberate attempt to further delay the budget presentation, despite the directive by the Supreme Court. (NAN)
POLITICS
Group Urges Senate to Reverse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

A group, FixPolitics Africa says it is standing in solidarity with Sen.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Nigerian Senate for allegedly violating rules.The Executive Director of FixPolitics, Dr Anthony Ubani, in a statement ,on Thursday, faulted the senator’s suspension, calling for her immediate reinstatement by the Senate.
Daily Asset recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is serving a six-month suspension, had accused the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power.
Ubani said: “We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and commend her courage in speaking out on this matter.
“The Senate’s response sets a troubling precedent that may discourage other victims from speaking out for fear of retaliation or dismissal.
“The FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially – free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”
He urged the civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the Nigerian public to join the group in demanding a legislative environment where all members could perform their duties without fear of harassment or unjust reprisal.
He added, “The integrity of our democracy depends on institutions that serve all Nigerians without bias or discrimination.”
According to him, the FixPolitics is a research-driven, citizen-led initiative committed to addressing the deep-rooted challenges of poor governance by recognising the central role of politics in building effective states and shaping Africa’s development, beginning with Nigeria.
He said that the group remained steadfast in its commitment to advocating an inclusive, transparent, and accountable political system.
“We will continue to monitor this situation closely and support all efforts that promote justice, equity, and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria,” he added.
Ubani described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as a threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law.
According to him, by imposing the suspension, the Senate has not only silenced Akpoti-Uduaghan but also disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central senatorial zone, depriving them of their constitutional right to representation.
“Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.
“Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50 per cent – from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly.
“This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.
“The unconstitutional suspension of a duly elected legislator denied constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly.
“In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised – an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). (NAN)