NIGERIAN NOTCH

By Theo Rays  It was a movement of pomp, excitement and carnival of some sort at Akanano village in the ancient town of Ogidi in Anambra State just as Vitel Wireless, the first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) pulled the strength as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSO) to lights up the 2025 edition of the annual Akanano Ogidi New Yam festival with colourful activities and business opportunities.  The event which attracted massive turn out as a carnival of sort was described as an ancient culture and tradition of Akanano Ogidi when the people settle down after harvesting their new yam, to relax and make merry and appreciate God after the tedious months of farming. In attendance were High Chiefs, Ndi Ichie Akanano, the women and the children including Umu Ada na Ndi Inyom (the daughters of the family and the wives) with assorted masquerades performing in turns and conviviality. Our correspondent reports that the occasion which is known ...

In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari have pledged their support to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dealing a significant blow to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The development followed a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Thursday, where state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC)—Buhari’s original political platform—met with Atiku at his residence to chart a new course. Atiku, who is currently spearheading coalition-building efforts under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), welcomed the delegation, pledging to work with them in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape. The CPC bloc, long regarded as Buhari’s most steadfast support base, accused the APC-led administration of straying from the ideals that brought the party to power in 2015. One of the CPC leaders declared: “We are the true followers of Buhari, and we are here today to affirm our loyalty. ...

RAYMOND OZOJI reports  As the November 8th Anambra governorship election approaches, Umueri community in Anambra-East Local Government Area has declared total acceptance of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo as their consensus candidate for the governorship election and rejected other candidates.  The public declaration of acceptance and endorsement of the Soludo-Ibezim 2025 second term mandate was the hallmark of the grand reception for Governor Soludo at Ama-Umueri on Thursday, where the entire three political wards in the community trooped out en masse to assure the governor that Umueri is APGA and that he would get the entire votes in the community.  Speeches by the President-General of Umueri General Assembly Amb. Dr. John Metchie, the Anambra-East Local Government Chairman Hon. Sir Ifeanyichukwu Chinweze, the State Commissioner for Transport Dr. Patricia Igwebuike, the traditional ruler of Umueri His Royal Highness Igwe Sir Bennett Izuchukwu Emeka and a ho...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command, has decorated three of its officers with new ranks, charging them to approach their new roles with a higher sense of responsibility. The decoration ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Command Headquarters in Awka, saw Mrs. Chioma Ndulue elevated to the rank of Chief Route Commander, while Mrs. Margaret Onabe and Mr. Kingsley Iloduba were promoted to Superintendent Route Commanders. Speaking at the event, the Sector Commander, Mrs. Joyce Alexander, congratulated the officers and commended their dedication and hard work. She described the promotions as both recognition of their past service and a call to greater duty. “Promotion is a mark of progress and recognition of dedication and hard work,” Alexander said. “This achievement is well deserved, and I am confident you will meet and exceed the expectations that come with your new responsibilities.” In her response, Mrs. Ndulue pledged to uphold the standa...

Tinubu landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 6:45 pm, on Tuesday and was received by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, and other senior government officials. Tinubu had departed Nigeria on September 4, 2025, for France to observe part of his annual leave. He was initially expected to split the vacation between France and the United Kingdom but eventually concluded it in France.

A legal tussle challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under former Senate President, David Mark, has suffered a setback at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suit, instituted by the party’s former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, was stalled on Monday following questions over the service of court papers on the defendants. Presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, held that the case could not proceed because David Mark, former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and ADC’s immediate past National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, had not been personally served in line with legal requirements. Although counsel to the plaintiff, Michael Agber, initially6 argued that processes had been served through the party, the court found no evidence of valid service in the case file. Justice Nwite explained that proper service required either direct delivery to the defendants or a court order authorising substituted service. Following this clarification,...

Odozi Obodo Anambra-East and West Support Group deeply rooted in the Omambala region of Anambra State is currently galvanizing locals in Anambra-East and West federal constituency for Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his Deputy Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.  The support group which was founded by Ife Omambala who is the President-General of Umueri General Assembly, Chief John Metchie is currently preaching as well as spreading Governor Soludo's developmental strides in the state with particular emphasis on the Anambra-North senatorial zone where the group acknowledged Soludo's efforts in the building of five new general hospitals, provision of road infrastructure and other social amenities.  Members of the support group comprising men and women of Anambra-East and West local government areas have taken the Soludo-Ibezim second term reelection campaign to the wards and villages where they reminded the people of the dire need to return Governor Soludo and his Deputy o...

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...