NIGERIAN NOTCH

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...