NIGERIAN NOTCH

Nigeria’s opposition landscape appears to be entering a new phase of strategic realignment following indications that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be reconsidering their continued participation in the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their positions, insiders within the alliance insist that the coalition remains structurally solid and politically viable. The emerging formation is said to be anchored by prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke. Also central to the coalition’s recalibrated structure is the political bloc historically aligned with the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The bloc, known for its grassroots appeal across northern Nigeria, is reportedly being coordinated by former Osun ...

From Mary Obi   The wife of Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for stronger protections, improved welfare and sustained recognition for Nigerian workers, urging authorities to prioritise policies that safeguard labour rights and dignity. In a statement issued on Friday to mark International Workers’ Day, Soludo said workers across all sectors remain central to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development, stressing that the 2026 May Day celebration should prompt renewed commitment from government, employers and citizens. “Labour is the foundation of every great society,” she said. “Behind every road, every school, every harvest and every institution stands the tireless dignity of the Nigerian worker.” She described workers as the backbone of national progress and called for concrete steps to ensure they are protected, respected and fairly rewarded for their contributions. “To every hand that has ever held a tool, carried a load, typed through...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has extended warm greetings to members of labour unions within the institution, commending their dedication and contributions to the growth and stability of the polytechnic. In a solidarity message to mark Workers’ Day, the Rector lauded staff for their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to duty, noting that their efforts remain central to sustaining the institution’s vision and mission. She emphasized that Workers’ Day serves as a reminder of the dignity of labour and the critical role every staff member plays in driving institutional development, especially in the face of ongoing challenges within the academic environment. Dr. Awuzie also called for continued cooperation between management and labour unions, stressing the importance of unity, mutual respect, and constructive engagement in maintaining industrial harmony on campus. According to her, prioritizing dialogue over conflict and collaboratio...

From Mary Obi  The Anambra State government has begun full operations from a newly completed administrative complex in the capital, Awka, marking a significant upgrade in public infrastructure after more than three decades of reliance on temporary government facilities. The complex, known as Light House Awka, was developed under Governor Chukwuma Soludo and commissioned by President Bola Tinubu.  It replaces a prefabricated structure that has served as the state’s seat of government since Anambra’s creation in 1991. For 34 years, successive administrations, including those of Governors Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Chris Ngige, Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, operated from the same provisional structure originally erected for construction workers, a situation widely criticised as unsuitable for a modern state capital. The new complex spans about 23 hectares and comprises more than 50 buildings. These include the main government house, offices for the deputy governor...

From Mary Obi   Authorities in Anambra State say a newly completed leisure complex in the state capital marks a notable step in efforts to expand tourism and drive economic growth in southeastern Nigeria. The facility, Solution Fun City, spans about 12.7 hectares and is described by officials as the largest combined amusement and water park in the region. It was developed under Governor Chukwuma Soludo and commissioned on May 8, 2025 by President Bola Tinubu. State officials say the project is designed to stimulate activity across multiple sectors, including hospitality, transportation, retail and entertainment, as part of a broader push to diversify the local economy beyond federal allocations. In a statement released on Thursday, the governor’s media aide, Daniel Ezeigwe, said the park had already begun attracting visitors and generating demand within the tourism value chain. He added that tourism offers potential for job creation, poverty reduction and more incl...

Atiku, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, others converge on Ibadan summit The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a proposed power-sharing framework aimed at preserving unity within Nigeria’s opposition ranks ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid concerns that competing ambitions could trigger divisions after party primaries. The proposal, described as a “collegiate system,” seeks to move away from winner-takes-all politics by promoting a shared governance structure in which key actors retain influence even after the emergence of a single presidential candidate. Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV, ADC chieftain Lukman Salihu said the initiative is designed to entrench collective decision-making and prevent the concentration of power in one office. “The framework we are putting together is collegiate in nature. It is not one where a single individual takes everything,” he said. “Our leaders are committed to ensuring that if we form the next government, it will not...

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in a suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), until May 5, 2026. The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, also targets the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA), alleging violations of Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution. Presiding over the matter, Justice Peter Lifu granted the plaintiffs leave to amend their originating summons to formally include additional political parties accused of breaching constitutional provisions. In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu directed all parties yet to respond to the amended processes to do so without delay, stressing the urgency and public importance of the case. He ordered that all necessary filings be completed by May 1. The judge noted that with party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections approaching, the court must act swiftly to ensure clarity on the legal ...

Nsukka Local Government Area on Wednesday last week rolled out high-powered motorbikes to neighborhood watch officials, prioritizing border communities grappling with security flashpoints. Over 200 neighborhood watch officials were present for the distribution exercise, including 36 Community Security Officers (CSOs) drawn from 56 communities across the 20 wards in Nsukka LGA. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the Area Commander also made early appearances in support of the initiative before departing due to other pressing operational matters. Addressing attendees, the Council Chairman, Hon. Engr. Jude Chinedu Asogwa, KSJI, explained that the initial phase of the distribution prioritizes border communities due to their heightened vulnerability.  The first batch of beneficiaries includes Anụka, Agụ Ama-Agụ, Agụ-Opi, Eha Ndị Agụ, and Agụ-Obimo, which shares a boundary with Ụzọ-Uwani. The Chairman added that the next phase will extend to additional commun...

Tension gripped parts of Anambra State on Sunday following an attack on a House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), during which two of his security aides sustained gunshot injuries. The incident reportedly occurred in Idemili North Local Government Area while the aspirant was holding a political engagement with stakeholders as part of his consultations ahead of the next general elections. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the meeting was underway when armed men invaded the venue, triggering panic and forcing attendees to scamper for safety. In the ensuing chaos, gunshots were fired, leaving two security operatives attached to the aspirant wounded. The injured aides were quickly evacuated to a nearby medical facility where they are currently receiving treatment. Their condition has not been officially disclosed at the time of filing this report. The aspirant was reportedly unharmed during the incident but condemned the attack, d...

The Enugu/Ebonyi Staff Welfare Association of Federal Polytechnic Oko has commended the institution’s Rector, Chioma Irene Awuzie, for what it described as significant strides in infrastructure development, staff and student welfare, and academic advancement. The commendation was conveyed during a courtesy visit to the Rector at her office, where the association expressed solidarity with her administration and acknowledged her contributions to the growth of the institution. In a letter jointly signed by the association’s Chairman, Emeka Icha Ituma, and Secretary, Ursula Nkechi Ugwoke, the group said the visit was also to identify with the Rector, who spent part of her early life in Ihe, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The association noted that within a relatively short period, Dr. Awuzie has repositioned the polytechnic through a series of impactful projects and reforms. Among the projects highlighted were the construction of a security building, the activation ...