NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday announced the expulsion of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the party’s factional National Chairman, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, over alleged anti-party activities. Their expulsion was approved during the PDP National Convention currently taking place in Ibadan. The motion, moved by one of the party’s founding fathers, Chief Bode George, received unanimous backing from delegates and was seconded by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. Also expelled were the PDP National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN); Umar Bature; AbdulRahman Mohammed; Mao Chunduabuwa; George Turner; Austin Nwachukwu; Abraham Ammah; and Dan Orbih. The party said the decision was necessary to restore discipline and reposition the PDP ahead of future political contests.

A High Court sitting in Ibusa, Delta State, presided over by Hon. Justice H.O Akpotohwo, has issued a bench warrant for immediate arrest of a popular Asaba based land dealer, Lucky Favour Abuah, aka Bullet; his company, Henric Empire Garden Ltd., and other four accused persons in a criminal charge of forceful acquisition of land belonging to a group of landlords operating under the umbrella body of Fountain City Landlords, Asaba. Chief Abuah, his company, Henric Empire Garden Ltd., and others were dragged to court by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged breach of public peace, obtaining money by false pretenses, criminal forceful entry, dispossession of lands from its true owners, among other charges. Chief Abuah and others were standing trial over alleged breach of public peace, obtaining money by false pretenses, criminal forceful entry, criminal dispossession of lands from their true owners etc, which are punishable under the criminal laws of ...

Former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has dismissed a rumour circulating about his health, describing it as false and mischievous. In a personal message to the public on Thursday, Obiano assured Ndi Anambra, friends, and well-wishers that he is “alive, hale, hearty, and in excellent health,” adding that he remains grateful to God for sustaining him. He expressed concern that some individuals still derive satisfaction from spreading unfounded claims, noting that the motive behind such falsehood remains unclear. However, he emphasized that he would continue to rise above such acts. Obiano also extended heartfelt appreciation to those who reached out to him with calls, messages, and prayers following the rumour. “To everyone who showed concern, your love and goodwill mean more than words can express,” he said, urging the public to completely disregard the speculation. He reaffirmed his commitment to staying focused and guided by God’s grace. The statement was ...

The late Bursar of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Mr. Stephen Udu (Udumili), has been laid to rest in his hometown, Ndiagu Akparata Ugwagba Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. A funeral mass held at Mt. Carmel Catholic Parish, Ugwagba, preceded the interment, drawing a large crowd of relatives, friends, and colleagues. The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, led members of the Polytechnic Management Committee, Governing Council, and staff to pay their final respects. Speaking during the service, Dr. Awuzie described the late Udu as a peacemaker, humble administrator, and a dedicated public servant who executed his duties with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. She extended her condolences to the bereaved family and the Polytechnic community, encouraging them to take solace in the belief that God remains the ultimate comforter. In an emotional vote of thanks, Mr. Emmanuel Uchenna Udu, son of the deceased, expressed gratitude to t...

The youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the recent effort of the Nigerian Government towards the release of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu as heart warming.  National President of the organisation, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike spoke through a statement he made available to journalists on Thursday in Enugu.  Okwu recalled that the Ohanaeze youths pushed severally to secure the attention of then former president, late Muhammadu Buhari for the same purpose, but the government was not interested.  He said it was a thing of delight that President Bola Tinubu’s government has moved towards facilitating the return of Ekweremadu to Nigeria. It could be recalled that President Tinubu’s delegation, led by Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has commenced consultations with the United Kingdom, UK, authorities on the possibilities of securing Ekweremadu's transfer to Nigeria to serve his remaining ...

In a decisive move to strengthen basic education across Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has approved the establishment of 30 brand new public primary schools in communities where none currently exist. The landmark decision was taken at the first Executive Council Meeting after his landmark winning over the weekend, signaling a renewed commitment to equitable educational access and community development. According to a statement from the Anambra State Government House, the governor’s directive aims to ensure that every child in the state, regardless of location, has access to quality primary education, a key foundation for human capital development. Governor Soludo, who was recently re-elected for a second term, emphasized that education remains the bedrock of his administration’s development agenda. He noted that the new schools will be strategically located in underserved and remote communities, many of which currently lack functional public primary schools...

The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has held a valedictory session in honour of its late Bursar, Mr. Stephen Udu, described by colleagues and associates as a man of integrity, humility, and uncommon dedication to duty. Speaking during the special session held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the institution’s Convocation Arena, the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, paid glowing tributes to the late bursar, noting that his passing was a great loss to the Polytechnic community. Dr. Awuzie described Mr. Udu as a consummate professional who served the institution with distinction. “Mr. Udu served this Polytechnic with unwavering dedication, integrity, and excellence,” she said. “He set a standard of loyalty and professionalism, not only in managing the finances of the Polytechnic but also in his civility, humility, and kindness towards people around him. He made a difference, not through noise or fanfare, but by doing his work quietly, faithfully, and consistently.” The Rector, on be...

The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the just-concluded Anambra State election, Chief Jeff Nweke, has congratulated Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on his victory, urging other contestants to accept the outcome and join hands with the governor in advancing the state. Speaking at a press conference in Awka on Monday, Nweke described the election as largely peaceful, credible, and a true reflection of the people’s will. He appealed to those planning to challenge the results in court to reconsider, emphasizing that governance requires collective effort rather than prolonged legal battles. “Our people have spoken, and the voice of the people is the voice of God,” Nweke said. “I have accepted the outcome of the election and already sent my congratulatory message to the governor. It is time for all of us, regardless of party affiliation, to come together and support him in building a greater Anambra.” Nweke commended the Independent National Electoral Commis...

By Raymond Ozoji, Awka  The President-General of Umueri General Assembly in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Amb. Dr. John Metchie has said that he predicted Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo's reelection in September this year during the 2025 Umueri New Yam Festival Celebration.  Metchie said he predicted Soludo's historic reelection victory when he told journalists while responding to questions from them during the community's new yam festival this year that the governor had already won the November 8th governorship election because there is absolutely no one contesting with him or against him.  Metchie who spoke exclusively with this journalist in his country home Ezi-Umueri, recalled that he had made it categorically clear that there is no vacancy for now in the Light House Awka and that anyone else seeking to be governor should go to states like Kaduna and try their luck because Anambra state has been taken by Governor Chukwuma Ch...

.....As Governor hails Tinubu, INEC for ensuring transparent and credible election The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following their re-election for a second term in office. The presentation ceremony, held at the INEC headquarters in Awka, was presided over by the Commission’s Supervising National Commissioner and Chairman, Tenders Board Committee, Dr. Ken Ukeagu. The event was witnessed by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, and their children, as well as top government officials, members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, and supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Notable attendees included the member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Hon. Pascal Agbodike; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike; and Chairman of Awka North Local Governme...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has commenced the second phase of its free prepaid meter distribution under “Tranche B” of the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) metering program, a metering initiative instituted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to close the existing metering gap in the sector and put an end to estimated billing. The Group Head, Corporate Communications of EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday. The metering program, funded through the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) “Tranche B”, is targeted at unmetered customers on service band “A” feeders across the South-East region. According to Ezeh, a total of 13,335 customers of EEDC, including those of its subsidiary companies, will be beneficiaries in this phase of the metering program which began on 2nd November 2025, with the Know Your Customer (KYC) validation exercise. He affirmed that the free metering initiative is funded through the Meter ...

Governor Hope Uzodimma has ordered the immediate suspension of all activities of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) following a tragic incident in Owerri that reportedly claimed one life and left another person critically injured. The suspension, announced on Monday, November 10, 2025, takes effect immediately. According to a statement issued by Oguwike Nwachuku, the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, the decision followed a report linking ENTRACO operatives to the incident. Governor Uzodimma expressed concern over the development and noted that it was not the first time the agency’s mode of operation had drawn public criticism. He said the government could no longer overlook the recurring issues associated with the agency’s enforcement approach. “The Governor is not unmindful of other recent ugly incidents where the mode of operations of ENTRACO has been brought to question by members of the public,” the stateme...

TAF Africa has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts toward ensuring full participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s elections process. The call followed the organization’s observation of the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, which revealed persistent gaps in accessibility and inclusion. In a post election press release made available to this newspaper through the senior communications officer to TAF, Lynn Agwuncha,TAF Africa, with support from the European Union under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN II) Programme, said they deployed 150 trained citizen observers, 25 sign language interpreters, and roving media monitors across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State. The process was coordinated through the TAF Disability Hub Application, a real-time, data-driven platform for tracking accessibility, assistive tools, and the voting ex...

Senator Uche Ekwunife, Ph.D., CON, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just-concluded Anambra State governorship election, has congratulated Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on his re-election, while expressing deep gratitude to her supporters and campaign team for their steadfastness throughout the election period. In a heartfelt message she posted and signed on her official Facebook page, tilted “A Message of Congratulations to Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Gratitude to My Esteemed Supporters,” Senator Ekwunife commended the resilience, courage, and faith of those who supported her and Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, during the campaign. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood with us on this remarkable journey. Your voices, strength, time, and prayers were the cornerstone of our campaign,” she said. While acknowledging that the outcome was not as expected, Ekwunife described the campaign as a victory of faith and unit...

From Mazi Ejimofor Opara  In football, a coach belongs to the same Division or League of the Club he coaches. It matters less if that coach had played in the champions league for donkey years. Once you sign up to a Division 1 club as their coach, you must share in their victories and losses. Most importantly, that is where you belong.  Now, imagine a coach that has in the last 13years coached in the Division 1 and going trophyless every season, coming to brag that he has been going trophyless in Division 1 because he now plays in the Champions League. Meanwhile, the question on everyone’s lips is, “which Champions League club is our ‘division 1 coach’ currently playing for?” The last time I checked, this is someone who has serially failed as a coach and battling relegation at the Champion League level. Yet, rather than learn and reinvent, he keeps on doing the same thing all the time, yet expecting a different result.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has approved the appointment of Dr. Igwenazor Osita Nchekwube as the Acting Head of the Department of Marketing. According to an official statement from the institution, the appointment takes immediate effect. Dr. Igwenazor, a seasoned academic and administrator, is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in advancing academic excellence and departmental growth in line with the institution’s vision for innovation and quality education. The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has extended its congratulations to Dr. Igwenazor and wished him success in his new assignment

From Mazi Ejimofor Opara  Away from the shenanigans of “Vote Buying” that has become the easily adducable excuse for the opposition’s failure yet unsubstantiated, Soludo’s margin of lead to the one nearest to him should excite anyone in the Solution team and worry anyone on the opposing side. A whopping 323,219 votes is like the distance between heaven and hell. From facts available to me, I may not have sought the leave of some of those who regaled me with feedbacks on Saturday’s outing to quote them, however I can conveniently say that these votes are a reflection of live’s touched, destinies changed and the multiplier effects of sustainable empowerments.  In Umunnachi, my brother Emeka Odionu called in this morning to tell me the following;  “Mazi, I may not be of APGA like you already know, but something significant happened at my polling unit. A man came to vote and was besieged by a team of canvassers from different political parties, while they were all...

.....Promises greater transformation as APGA sweeps all 21 LGAs in historic re-election By Chigozie Igbo Jr  Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has delivered an emotional message of gratitude to the people of Anambra State following his emphatic victory in the November 8, 2025 governorship election, pledging to accelerate development and deepen reforms in his second term. Speaking in the early hours of Sunday, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner, Soludo hailed Ndi Anambra for what he described as a “historic reaffirmation of faith and solidarity.” “You have spoken loudly,” he began. “Four years ago, you gave us your mandate with 112,000 votes. This time, you made history. You broke the 20 percent voter turnout ceiling and re-elected us with 73 percent of the votes. Out of 326 wards, we lost only seven. You have spoken — emphatically and clearly.” The governor said the scale of his victory, winning all 21 local gover...

Chief Dr. George Moghalu, the Labour Party governorship candidate in the just-concluded Anambra State election, has rejected the outcome of the poll, describing it as a sham marred by irregularities and systemic failures. Addressing journalists at his country home in Nnewi, Dr. Moghalu said he was still receiving reports from his party agents and supporters across the state and would issue a formal statement after reviewing the full details. He, however, expressed deep concern over what he called “a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise Labour Party supporters,” following the omission and improper representation of the party’s symbol on the ballot papers used for the election. “It is shocking that in an election of this magnitude, INEC could not ensure that the Labour Party’s logo was clearly and correctly represented on the ballot. Many voters could not even identify our party, which is unacceptable and raises serious questions about the integrity of the process,” Moghalu s...

......As Party Commends INEC, Security Agencies, and Ndi Anambra for Peaceful Election By Chigozie Igbo Jr  The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has congratulated the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, on his emphatic re-election victory in the November 8, 2025 governorship election, describing the outcome as “a referendum on performance and a celebration of progressive governance.” In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, PhD, APGA said Soludo’s sweeping win, where he secured 73% of total votes cast and won in 98% of the state’s 326 electoral wards, is clear proof of the people’s unshakable faith in his visionary leadership and reform-driven administration. “Ndi Anambra have once again delivered a clear, unequivocal, and overwhelming mandate, affirming their trust in Governor Soludo’s bold reforms, people-oriented policies, and unwavering commitment to building a liveable and pro...

.....APGA candidate sweeps all 21 LGAs, crushes rivals with overwhelming margin By Chigozie Igbo Jr, Awka In a sweeping victory that reaffirmed his political dominance, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been declared the winner of the Anambra State Governorship Election, securing a decisive win across all 21 local government areas of the state. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the final results in Awka early Sunday morning, declaring Soludo victorious after collating votes from all LGAs. According to the official figures released by INEC, a total of 584,054 votes were recorded across the state, with Soludo polling 422,664 votes, a commanding lead over his closest challenger, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 99,445 votes. Other candidates trailed far behind — ADC: 8,208 votes and PDP: 1,401 votes. The result, observers say, is a landslide victory that ...

.....Only Two LGAs Remaining as INEC Suspends Collation Till Dawn In what appears to be a thunderous political sweep, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has dominated the governorship election, winning all 19 local government areas so far declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The dramatic results, announced through the night at the state collation centre in Awka, showed Soludo maintaining an unassailable lead — leaving his opponents gasping far behind in what analysts are already calling a clean sweep of historic proportions. Among the local government areas where Soludo emerged victorious are: Dunukofia, Njikoka, Ogbaru, Awka North, Awka South, Orumba North, Orumba South, Aguata, and Ekwusigo. Others include Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Anaocha, Idemili North, Idemili South, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Oyi, Ayamelum, and Anambra East. Out of the 21 local government areas in the state, results from 19 have been officially declared —...

The Special Adviser on Media to the Anambra State Governor, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, has raised alarm over an alleged plot by some senior police officers to influence the outcome of the ongoing governorship election in the state. In a statement released on Saturday, Opara called on the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate notice of the development, warning that any compromise in security coordination could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. According to him, there are reports alleging that Commissioner of Police Fidelis Ogarabe, who came into the state with the INEC monitoring team, and ACP Adamu Kaila Babangida, Commander of MOPOL 29 Awka, were allegedly coordinating some divisional police officers in activities capable of compromising the election. “We have credible information that certain officers are allegedly coordinating police commanders for rigging activities in parts of the stat...

Kenechukwu Ofomah Awka The President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Anambra State chapter, Maazi Chukwuma Okpalaezukwu says Saturday’s Anambra Governorship Election is an opportunity for the new Chairman Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, to rebuild the people’s confidence that their votes can actually count. Okpalaezeukwu disclosed this on Friday, after a meeting of the State Executive Council of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, in Awka, where the organization deliberated on developments so far ahead of the poll. Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Okpalaezeukwu said after monitoring pre-election activities, they are satisfied with what the INEC has done so far, but urged the electoral umpire to use the Anambra governorship election to redeem its image. The Ohaneze Ndigbo Anambra President said the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization will set up a situation room to monitor the election, to ensure that all goes as plann...

The Anambra State Police Command has announced a total restriction of vehicular movement within and across the state on Saturday, November 8, 2025, the day of the governorship election. According to the Command, the restriction will be in force from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day and will affect all intra- and interstate routes, including major highways connecting Anambra to neighbouring states. In a statement issued in Awka on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the decision followed a meeting of security service commanders held at the State Police Headquarters on November 5. He explained that the measure was designed to curb the movement of political thugs and criminal elements who might attempt to disrupt the electoral process, as well as to ensure the safety of lives and property during the election. The restriction, according to the statement, applies to all forms of motorized transport, including private cars, commercial vehi...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  As Anambra State heads to the polls tomorrow, Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has called on all stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and voters to ensure a credible, peaceful, and transparent governorship election. Speaking at a pre-election briefing held at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka, on Friday, the Executive Director of CTA, Faith Nwadishi ably represented by Professor Alex Asigbo of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University said the organization remains committed to promoting electoral transparency and accountability through its real-time observation of the election process. According to the CTA, technological innovations introduced into Nigeria’s electoral system in recent years have raised citizens’ confidence and encouraged broader participation, particularly among the youth. The group said this optimism must be sustained through credible c...

As Anambra State prepares for its governorship election on Saturday, November 8, the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) have restated their commitment to promoting transparency, media safety, and credible information dissemination through the Anambra Election Observation Hub. The two media development organisations, supported by the European Union under the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU–SDGN) Programme Phase II, said the hub would monitor the election in real time to safeguard journalists, verify electoral information, and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process. With over 2.8 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas, the organisations have used several broadcast platforms including three radio programmes and one television show to urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to prioritise t...

RAYMOND OZOJI reports  Nurses and midwives in Anambra state have expressed concern over the allegation of contributing money to thank Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for approving the implementation of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).  Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Anambra state council comrade Edith Onwuka told this journalist exclusively that nurses and midwives did not contribute a penny to appreciate the governor for their salary increments and they were not aware of such malicious information intended to pitch the governor against nurses and midwives in the state.  Onwuka who described the purveyors of such fake news as enemies of nurses and midwives bent on destroying the cordial relations existing between them and the state government, maintained that nurses and midwives were happy with the governor because of the massive transformations in the health sector coupled with his worker-friendly disposition.  O...

— Police assure of peaceful, credible polls on November 8 The Nigeria Police Force has announced that Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Benjamin Okolo, fdc, has formally assumed duty as the Supervisory Officer in charge of all police personnel deployed for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 8, 2025. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the DIG officially took charge on Thursday, November 6, 2025, following his earlier representation of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) during the signing of the peace accord among political candidates and at various stakeholders’ engagements. DIG Okolo, alongside the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazhi, mni, had represented the IGP at earlier pre-election activities, underscoring the Force’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible poll in the state. As the Supervisory Offi...

— Assures of smooth traffic, security coordination during polls By Chigozie Igbo Jr  As part of preparations for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 1,500 personnel and logistics vehicles across the state to ensure a seamless and secure election process. The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, fca, fcti, cpfa, made the announcement through his representative, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) S.T. Agure, PSC, JP, of the Federal Operations Department, National Headquarters, Abuja, during an official address to personnel in Awka. Welcoming the Corps Marshal’s representative, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, highlighted activities undertaken in the build-up to the election. These include training sessions conducted by INEC officials, inter-agency security meetings, the signing of a peace accord by governorship candidates, and the inspection and certification ...