NIGERIAN NOTCH

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed a viral report claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had confirmed a list of its state chairmen nationwide. In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the report—circulating under the title “Coalition Update: INEC Confirms ADC State Chairmen Nationwide”—as fake news deliberately fabricated to create confusion within the party and mislead the public. Abdullahi clarified that INEC has not released or validated any such list, whether officially or unofficially. According to him, the constitution of state leadership in any political party is an internal matter, carried out through due process, after which the party submits its recognized officials to INEC for record purposes. “As of today, no such comprehensive list has been submitted or confirmed by INEC,” he stated. The party therefore urged its members, stakeholders, and the...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) UK and Ireland Chapter has extended heartfelt congratulations to the party’s leadership on its formal recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement jointly signed by Hon. Segun Akinyemi, Chairman, and Prince Collins Enwere, Secretary, the chapter described the development as “a milestone that reaffirms the place of the ADC in Nigeria’s democratic space.” The statement noted that the recognition by INEC was a testament to the resilience, unity, and democratic values that the ADC stands for, adding that the leadership remains committed to transparency, inclusiveness, and service to the Nigerian people. “We commend our national leaders for their steadfastness and visionary direction. This recognition not only strengthens the foundation of our party but also inspires confidence as we prepare for the tasks ahead,” the chapter said. The ADC UK & Ireland Chapter further pledged its unwavering loyalty a...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  As Nigeria inches towards the 2027 general elections, the shadows of 2023 still loom large. That election, hailed as a turning point, exposed deep truths about who holds power, how votes are won, and what narratives dominate. With two years plus to go, analysts say the same forces will resurface,but with sharper edges shaped by worsening economic realities, rising youth discontent, and the digital revolution. In 2023, governors and party leaders proved themselves as kingmakers, dictating zoning arrangements and controlling nominations. The choice of party chairmen and presidential flagbearers emerged from closed-door negotiations, not open contests. Observers predict this dominance will persist in 2027. However, internal party splits and growing resistance from reformist blocs may challenge governors’ grip. As defections and new alliances emerge, power may no longer remain as predictable as in the past. The 2023 elections marked Nigeria’s first true...

​Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly questioned President Bola Tinubu's path to victory in the 2027 presidential election. In a recent statement, El-Rufai asserted that even with his support, he couldn't secure a victory for Tinubu in Kaduna State during the last election, and that Tinubu himself failed to win his home state of Lagos. ​El-Rufai was quoted saying, "I was governor of Kaduna State and one of Bola Tinubu’s strongest campaigners, yet I couldn’t deliver Kaduna to him. Even Tinubu himself couldn’t win his own state despite having his governor in place. So, these things are not as straightforward as people assume." ​He went on to predict a difficult road ahead for the president, stating, "in the 2027 elections, the worst-case scenario is a runoff—and Bola Tinubu will not be on that ballot. At best, he will place third. He has no viable pathway to victory. I’ve do...

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, on Thursday convened a high-level security meeting with Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) as part of renewed efforts to bolster safety across the state. The strategic session, held at the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, focused on reviewing operational frameworks, strengthening intelligence-driven policing, and assessing the progress of ongoing investigations. Addressing the officers, CP Orutugu emphasized discipline, professionalism, and community partnership as essential pillars of effective policing. He charged commanders to intensify visibility patrols, surveillance, and intelligence sharing, with a view to consolidating recent gains in the fight against crime. A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of cheques worth ₦59,186,177.62 under the Inspector-General of Police’s Group Life Insurance/Family Welfare scheme to 38 families of offi...

The leadership tussle rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken another turn, as the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Senator David Mark–led interim leadership to appear before it on Monday, September 15, to show cause why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not be barred from recognising it. The order followed an ex-parte application filed by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Gombe, who is laying claim to the chairmanship seat. Justice Emeka Nwite, however, declined to grant the ex-parte request to immediately restrain Senator Mark and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, from parading themselves as leaders of the party. Instead, he directed that the defendants be put on notice. The defendants in the matter include the ADC, Senator Mark (Chairman), Aregbesola (National Secretary), INEC, and the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Nwosu. Justice Nwite held: “The plain...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its official website to reflect the newly constituted leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The development, confirmed on Tuesday, follows recent changes within the party’s hierarchy. With the update, INEC has formally recognized the new executives, bringing the commission’s records in line with the current leadership structure of the ADC. The move is expected to end speculation about the party’s leadership status and provide clarity for stakeholders ahead of upcoming political activities.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has restated her administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in resource management. Dr. Awuzie gave the assurance on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the institution’s Stores Unit. The Rector, accompanied by some officials, was received by the Head of the Unit, Mr. Wilfred Agbo, who conducted her round the facility. During the visit, Dr. Awuzie examined available stocks, assessed supply levels, and noted areas that require replenishment to strengthen the unit’s operations. She commended the staff for their diligence and urged them to remain dedicated to duty, stressing that every department must operate optimally for the polytechnic to achieve holistic growth. Responding, Mr. Agbo hailed the Rector’s proactive leadership, particularly her prompt provision of essential supplies. He noted that the timely delivery of large quantities of multi-purpose paper had greatly enha...

The Youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has charged the CEO of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Olasijibomi Ogundele, to stop whipping up emotions over his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Sujimoto has been in the news after he was declared wanted by the EFCC over his alleged failure to deliver 22 Smart School projects belonging to the Enugu State Government. He was later captured in video weeping, after which the Enugu State Government alleged that he defrauded the state of nearly N6bn. Reacting to the controversy, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said no form of public display of emotion would stop the government from recovering public funds. While describing Governor Mbah as “game changer”, Okwu said time had gone when people collected money for contracts from the government only to abscond later.  The Ohanaeze Youth Pres...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has inaugurated the newly elected executives of the institution’s Students Union Government (SUG), urging them to serve with integrity and leave behind a legacy that future generations of students will celebrate. The inauguration, which took place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Mass Communication Complex, was conducted by Engr. Barr. Ezeilo Joseph. In the recent SUG election, Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph of the Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering emerged President, while Comrade Nweke Kosarachi was elected Vice President. Other executive members include: Comrade Chukwurah Munachi – Secretary General Comrade Dimejesi Marydoris – Assistant Secretary General Comrade Okafor Ifechukwu – Financial Secretary Comrade Chinedu Meshark – Treasurer Comrade Nwokpuru Eugene – Public Relations Officer Unegbu Chinwoke – Provost Okolo Isaac – Director of Transport I Ezechukwukaeme Emeli...

The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has appointed Mr. John Omaliko as the institution’s Acting Chief Internal Auditor. The Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, officially presented the appointment letter to Mr. Omaliko on Tuesday, describing his selection as a demonstration of the administration’s resolve to entrust sensitive positions to competent professionals. Mr. Omaliko, a Chief Accountant in the Bursary Unit, holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and is a member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). He is married with children. In her remarks, Dr. Awuzie expressed confidence that the new appointee will strengthen the culture of diligence, accountability, and transparency within the institution. Staff members have also described Mr. Omaliko as “a round peg in a round hole,” citing his years of experience and professional track record.

It was a day of shock and sorrow at Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after a clash between traders and personnel of the Ocha Brigade, the state environmental enforcement outfit, ended in tragedy. By the time calm returned, seven traders were injured and one young woman, 22-year-old Chinwe Igwe, had lost her life. Eyewitnesses said panic spread quickly through the usually bustling market when gunshots rang out during a heated altercation. Traders abandoned their stalls, and some fled for safety as confusion took over the market square. The victims, identified as Mr. Ebuka Orakwe, Orum Oluebube, Anthony Kosisochukwu, Ifeoma Ezema, Miss Chinwe Igwe, and two others yet to be named, were rushed to hospital. While doctors worked to save lives, Miss Igwe was confirmed dead on arrival, leaving her family, friends, and fellow traders devastated. Her body has been placed in the morgue for autopsy and preservation. In the midst of the chaos, police officers, led by t...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has taken decisive steps to strengthen healthcare delivery in the institution by supplying a wide range of essential drugs, medical equipment, and test kits to the school’s medical centre. The items delivered include anti-malaria and antibiotic drugs, allergy medications, Amodiaquine, cartons of oral rehydration solution (ORS), syringes, and deep pain relief creams. Medical equipment supplied also comprises stethoscopes, blood pressure machines, thermometers, weighing scales, Accu-Chek glucometers and strips, cholesterol testing machines and strips, as well as malaria, typhoid, and Hepatitis B and C test kits. Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Awuzie explained that she had received numerous complaints from staff and students over persistent shortages of drugs at the medical centre. She expressed concern that some members of staff, who registered the institution’s medical centre under their National Health I...

The President-General of Umueri community in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, High Chief Amb. Dr. John Metchie has assured Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his Deputy Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim of resounding victory in Anambra-East and West come November 8th this year.  Metchie who gave the assurance after being decorated as Prominent Solution Marshal General by the leadership of the organization who paid him a courtesy visit in his Umueri residence, maintained that there was absolutely no need changing a performing governor.  The renowned President-General therefore praised the giant strides of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in transforming Anambra into a model state of peace, progress and innovation.  He reaffirmed his assurances to the governor and his deputy that Anambra-East and West will deliver overwhelmingly on November 8th because he deserved to be reelected.  As part of his immediate contribution, High Chief Metchie promi...

Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has warned Nigerians against patronizing online loan applications, describing them as dangerous platforms that lead to debt bondage and humiliation. Speaking during the Sunday service in Abuja, Enenche described loan apps as “agents of the devil bound by a covenant with the spirit of debt,” urging Christians to steer clear of them. According to him, beyond the temporary financial relief they appear to offer, digital loan providers often subject borrowers to harassment, public shaming, and exploitation through their aggressive recovery methods. His warning comes amid growing public concern over the operations of many digital lenders in Nigeria, several of which have been accused of breaching privacy, charging exorbitant interest rates, and employing extreme debt recovery tactics. Authorities, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), have in recent years intensified cr...

An international non-governmental organization (NGO) Gladys Onyekwere social foundation GOSF held a vocational training program in confectionery and household hygiene products production.  The event also marked the formal launch of the organization's branches in two states.  The program ran for two days with both theoretical and practical training components. The Founder of the organization in her goodwill message to the participants, delivered by the National Coordinator, GOSF Nigeria Chapter , Mrs Chioma Emmanuel Cynthia expressed her hope and optimism for the participants future and wished them better days ahead and encouraged them to make the most of the training opportunity. The program received overwhelming support from some members, who contributed in various ways. According to the Founder, some members donated cash to support the program's operational costs and others provided materials and equipment necessary for the training and experienced...

RAYMOND OZOJI  The President-General of Umueri General Assembly in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Amb. Dr. John Metchie, a United Nations Peace Ambassador and an international business mogul, has admonished other contestants in the November 8th governorship election to go to Kaduna State and contest for the governorship seat because Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has taken Anambra State.  Metchie who is currently mobilising the grassroots for Governor Soludo and his Deputy Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, stated without equivocation that there is no vacancy in the Government House because the entire state has agreed that the governor and his Deputy are returning again on November 8th this year to continue as well as consolidate on their developmental strides in the state.  Metchie who spoke to journalists at the 2025 Umueri New Yam Festival over the weekend, restated his position that no one is contesting the governorship election with So...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) United Volunteers have risen in defence of party stalwart, Sir Azuka Okwuosa, following criticisms trailing the recent Anambra South senatorial rerun election. In a statement signed by Ogbonna Egenti and Cyril Okoronkwo on Tuesday, the group described the attacks against Okwuosa as “opportunistic and unfair,” particularly from individuals who allegedly failed to contribute to the party’s electoral effort. The group accused some critics of supporting rival parties during the elections. They singled out Emeka Anohu, whom they alleged worked for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Joy Emordi, who was said to have openly supported the Labour Party in 2023 but now poses as a “super stakeholder” in APC. They further criticized Reverend Uche Ibeabuchi, Golden, and Phil Agbasi for demanding accountability despite not participating in the election. In addition, the volunteers accused the APC gubernatorial candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, of s...

The Nigerian Consultative Forum (NCF) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant unconditional release to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP, rtd) Abba Kyari and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who have been in detention for several years. Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, NCF Chairman, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, and Secretary General, Dr. Frank Udemadu, said the appeal was borne out of security concerns and the influence both men wield in their respective regions. The group noted that before his arrest over two years ago, DCP Abba Kyari played a major role in tracking down hardened criminals, including bandits, kidnappers, and other violent groups across the country. His release, NCF argued, would allow him to once again deploy his expertise to help tackle the worsening security situation. On Nnamdi Kanu, NCF stated that his continuous detention has fueled tension and insecurity in parts of the Sout...

The ancient town of Ozuzu in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State was aglow with colours, music, and dance as the people gathered to mark their annual New Yam Festival, a sacred tradition that pays homage to their ancestors and celebrates the blessings of harvest of Yam.  The festival, presided over by His Royal Highness, Eze Fyneface Amaechi, remains one of the most significant cultural events in Ozuzu. It serves as a thanksgiving to the ancestral progenitors for the gift of life, prosperity, and abundance. Speaking at the occasion, Eze Amaechi reaffirmed the centrality of tradition in the life of the kingdom. “We uphold our culture and tradition. Before the advent of colonial Christianity, Amadi Oha Ozuzu was our Chi, and we revered our practice in honour,” he said, stressing that the New Yam Festival is both a spiritual and cultural renewal for the people. The day was marked by age-long rituals, traditional dances, and vibrant communal feasting. Sons and daugh...

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on Friday inaugurated the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Gubernatorial Campaign Council ahead of the November 8 governorship election, declaring that his administration’s achievements make his re-election inevitable. The ceremony, attended by top APGA officials and political stakeholders, saw the appointment of Professor Osita Chukwudobelu as Director-General of the campaign council. Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; APGA National Chairman, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa; National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Dr Ejimofor Opara, former governors and deputy governors; House of Representatives members; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi; Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Chinedu Nwoye, among other dignitaries, graced the inauguration, demonstrating party unity and cohesion ahead of the polls. In h...

As Anambra gears up for the November 8 governorship election, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed confidence that the people of the state will return Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for a second term. In this interview, the National Publicity Secretary of APGA and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, outlines why the party believes the coming poll will be a “win-win” for Ndi Anambra and the Solution Movement. Q: As the National Publicity Secretary of APGA, how do you assess the chances of Governor Charles Soludo’s re-election bid, given the current political climate in Anambra State? A: Anambra is APGA land. Governor Soludo has done exceedingly well in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and human capital development. So far, he has awarded contracts for over 900 kilometres going to 1000. And over 600 kilometres of the roads have been completed and alshpated.  He has built 5 brand new hospitals across the n...

The management of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has announced the appointment of Mr. Sam Okonkwo as the Acting Bursar of the institution. Mr. Okonkwo received his appointment letter from the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Until his new role, he served as the Chief Internal Auditor of the Polytechnic. A seasoned administrator, Mr. Okonkwo holds both a B.Sc. and an MBA in Business Administration. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Internal Auditors of Nigeria (FIIA) and a member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). With over 15 years of experience as a Chief Accountant in the institution, Mr. Okonkwo is expected to bring his wealth of expertise and professionalism to the financial administration of the Polytechnic.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has paid a condolence visit to the widow of the institution’s late Bursar, Mr. Stephen Udu, who passed away recently while in active service. During the visit, Dr. Awuzie described the late Udu as a dedicated administrator whose virtues and commitment to duty left a lasting impact on the Polytechnic community. She assured his widow and family of the management’s continuous support during their period of grief. The Rector further disclosed that the institution would set up a burial planning committee to work in collaboration with the Udu family to ensure a befitting farewell for the late bursar. Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Clement Udu, elder brother of the deceased, expressed gratitude to the Rector and the management for their solidarity and support since the passing of their brother. He also prayed for God’s guidance and protection over the Polytechnic leadership. The Rector was accompanied on...

By Chigozie Igbo In a remarkable gesture of compassion, Hon. Afam Ezenwafor, founder of the Afamation Movement Worldwide, has donated nine newly built bungalows to widows drawn from the nine villages of Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area. The project, executed in collaboration with the Ositadinma Foundation, was commissioned at a colourful ceremony attended by government officials, political leaders, and community stakeholders. Each of the beneficiaries, carefully selected from one of the nine villages, received keys to a two-to-four-bedroom bungalow, depending on land availability. Speaking at the event, Hon. Ezenwafor said the gesture was inspired by love and a commitment to service, rather than politics. “The driving force is love. The first and last commandment of God is love. The only way to worship God is by loving your neighbour as yourself,” he said. “I have always been a giver, and I pray for the grace to build at least 50 houses for widows within the next eig...

The serene Moonshine Residence, Uru Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State, came alive recently as the 1983 set of Queen of the Rosary College (QRC), Onitsha, held its 2025 reunion and convention. The four-day event, which ran from Thursday, August 21 to Sunday, August 24, was a colourful celebration of unity, philanthropy, recognition, fitness, entertainment, thanksgiving and camaraderie among the old girls who have sustained their bond 42 years after leaving secondary school. In her welcome remarks, the president of the association, Prof. Viola Chinenye Udeze, lauded members for their consistent support and commitment, noting that the reunion was aimed at rekindling bonds and sustaining ties with their alma mater. “We are gathered today to reconnect, share and celebrate individual achievements, inspire one another, and reaffirm our collective commitment to building a better future for ourselves and humanity,” Prof. Udeze said. Highlights of the convention included the conferment of...

A District Court in Finland on Monday sentenced Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Government in Exile, to six years imprisonment for terrorism-related offences. Ekpa, who has been a central figure in the agitation for a separate Biafra state, was arrested by Finnish authorities on November 21, 2024, following a probe by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The investigation linked him to incitement of terrorism and promotion of violence through social media, activities that were believed to have contributed to unrest and insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region. The Päijät-Häme District Court found Ekpa guilty of “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” covering offences committed between August 2021 and November 2024. In addition to the custodial sentence, the Finnish authorities had earlier frozen his assets as well as those of his associates and related companies. Ekpa, a Finland-b...

A former Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, is dead. According to available information on Sunday, Arase, who was born on June 21, 1956, was reported to have died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja. The 18th Inspector-General of Police of Nigeria served as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) after his retirement from the force. As at press time, there has been no official confirmation by the Nigeria Police Force. Calls to his mobile number went unanswered This was unlike Arase, who personally takes all his calls. His wife also did not pick her calls. However, some top shots in the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the death of Arase to The Eagle Online. One of them said the news had been posted on the WhatApp platforms to which some top police officers belong.

By Law Mefor Anambra State was created 34 years ago. The governor of the state, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, in a media chat in Awka, to commemorate the anniversary, noted that "Anambra has always punched above its weight”, which points to a state destined for greatness.   Anambra can be likened to China, which was once seen by the world as a sleeping giant. When China was tagged as a sleeping giant, Napoleon Bonaparte said: “Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world!”   Some critics used to rile Anambra State for not having a befitting Government House since her creation. Today, Anambra State has the best Government House in Nigeria, named “Light House”, thanks to the visionary leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, who built the one-stop for all executive actions.   Soludo deserves all the tributes for awakening the sleeping giant by working to turn the state from a departure lounge to a destination of cho...

High Chief Dr. Chinedu Anthony Umeadi, founder of the Dr. Chinedu Umeadi Foundation and recipient of the 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Man of the Year Award, has been commended for his exemplary service throughout his tenure as the award holder. Dr. Umeadi, who officially handed over to the 2025 award winner at the International Conference Centre, Awka, on Thursday, August 28, expressed gratitude to the NUJ Anambra State Council for their unwavering commitment to the development of the state and their wider role in nation-building. In his valedictory remarks, Dr. Umeadi described his recognition in 2024 as an honour that spurred him to deepen his contributions to society. He also congratulated the 2025 Man of the Year, Architect Okey Ezeobi, describing him as “a passionate humanitarian committed to service for the good of humanity,” while urging him to sustain impactful initiatives. As a mark of appreciation, the Anambra State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Od...