Politics

How Akpabio ‘Deceived’ Nigerians On His Senatorial Ambition

Published

3 years ago

June 10, 2022

On Thursday, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Akwa Ibom North West Constituency in the 2023 elections.

The former minister represented the constituency between 2015 and 2019, but he lost his reelection in 2019.

Akpabio clinches APC senate ticket
Fayemi, Akpabio, Amosun, 4 other aspirants step down for Tinubu
Shortly after, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him into his cabinet, a move seen as a compensation for Akpabio, who had defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as two-term governor of Akwa Ibom.

In the buildup to the 2023 elections, Akpabio resigned from the Buhari administration and obtained the N100 million expression of interest and nomination forms.

Last month, there were reports that he had obtained senatorial form as a backup in the event that his presidential ambition hit the rock.

But the former minister denied this and accused the newspaper which exposed the development of spreading falsehood.

“The rumour making the rounds that I have withdrawn from the Presidential race is indeed laughable. I have not withdrawn, neither have I obtained any Senatorial Nomination form, as published by a newspaper today. I am very much in this race and I am in it, to WIN.

“Rumours of my purported withdrawal are signs of fear of my person in the race. I have not withdrawn, I will not withdraw. I will win this race and be sworn in as your next President, by God’s grace, in 2023,” Akpabio had said in a post on his verified Facebook post.

But he alongside six others stepped down for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the just concluded presidential primary of the ruling party.

Two days after this, Akpabio clinched the senatorial ticket after defeating DIG Ekpo Udom (rtd) who won the senatorial primary conducted when Akpabio was involved in presidential campaign.

The State APC Chairman, Mr Stephen Ntukekpo, said he was directed by the party at the national level to carry out a re-run over alleged infractions.

According to the result of the rerun senatorial primary election, Akapbio emerged winner with 478 votes, while Udom secured just three votes.

Speaking shortly after he was declared winner of the exercise, which held at Godswill Akpabio Empowerment Centre, Ikot Ekpene, Akpabio said, “I thank the Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district for finding me worthy to be given another opportunity to represent you in the Nigerian Senate. I recall when you gave me the first mandate in 2015 to 2019, I recall that there is no Senator ever that did the kind of empowerment I did for you.

“I know a lot of projects were done across the ten local government areas, from markets to water projects, to electrification project, to building of classroom blocks.”

DAILY TRUST.

Politics

Anambra Guber: No Competition, Other Candidates Just Raising Funds – Soludo

Published

5 hours ago

July 26, 2025

Editor

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says his opponents in the upcoming Nov. 8 governorship election are merely using their candidatures as a means to raise funds.

Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made the assertion on Saturday during an endorsement rally organised by party faithful from the Anambra Central Senatorial District.

The political rally held at Ekwueme Square in Awka was organised to show support for the re-election of Soludo.

He said, “To ensure order, equity, and fairness in Anambra politics, the people came together and agreed on a zoning system among the three senatorial zones.

“Anambra Central started it with Mr. Peter Obi, followed by Anambra North under Dr. Willie Obiano, and now it is the turn of Anambra South, and we will have it for eight years.

“After Soludo, power will shift back to Anambra Central. So, there is no contest or vacancy in Anambra State Government House.

“As far as we are concerned, nobody else is contesting. The other contenders are just doing fundraising, meeting with state governors, and seeking support.”

Soludo expressed gratitude to the people for their solidarity and support, promising to sustain the transformation and development agenda of his administration.

“You have not seen anything yet; this is just the beginning. We are already putting plans in place for a rail network in the state, and it will be unveiled soon.

“We applied for this job, and we will continue working to improve the welfare of our people. With your continued support, Anambra will be transformed. A new Anambra is on the rise,” he said.

Soludo urged APGA faithful to go to their wards and mobilise the electorate to vote massively for APGA on Nov. 8.

Earlier, Mr. Chukwuma Okoye, Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, read a communiqué on behalf of Anambra Central, endorsing Soludo’s candidacy and reaffirming support for the zoning formula to promote peace, equity, and progress.

The event also featured the conferment of the chieftaincy title “Olu Atu Egwu” on Governor Soludo by the traditional rulers of the Anambra Central Senatorial District.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Anambra governorship election for Nov. 8, 2025, with 16 candidates in the race.
(NAN)

Politics

‘Your Gov Dancing Hip Hop In Port Harcourt’ – Wike’s Aide Mocks Atiku [VIDEO]

Published

6 hours ago

July 26, 2025

Editor

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday mocked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Olayinka said while Atiku is preoccupied with what he termed “run kitikiti with kolision,” his state governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, was in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, dancing hip hop with Wike.

The University of Port Harcourt awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science degree to Wike on Saturday.

During and after the award ceremony, the FCT Minister, in the company of Fintiri and his other friends, was seen dancing to a variety of songs.

Posting a video on his Facebook wall of Wike dancing, Olayinka wrote: “Another Pepper Dem dance from Nyerisi and his friend.

“While one permanent presidential candidate dey run katakata kitikiti for Kolision, the governor of his state, Ahmadu Fintiri, dey Port Harcourt, dey dance Hip Hop with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.”

Click link below to watch:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BWjJJeDu3/

Politics

Why Peter Obi Should Inform Okpebholo Before Visiting Edo – Oshiomhole

Published

12 hours ago

July 26, 2025

Editor

Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has stated that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, should extend the courtesy of informing Governor Monday Okpebholo before visiting Edo State.

Oshiomhole made the remarks on Friday during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, amid growing controversy over Governor Okpebholo’s recent warning to Obi against entering the state without prior notification.

The governor had linked Obi’s earlier visit to a security incident that allegedly led to the deaths of three people, an assertion that has sparked backlash and accusations of political intimidation.

Defending the governor’s position, Oshiomhole argued that notifying state authorities before visiting state-owned facilities is a matter of protocol and mutual respect, especially for high-profile figures.

“Let’s be clear, the assets of Edo State are managed by the governor on behalf of the people,” the former Edo State governor said. “If I were to visit a public institution in another state, I would consider it proper to notify the authorities, this is just standard decency.”

Oshiomhole revealed that Obi was planning to visit a state-funded educational institution, noting that such a visit requires coordination with the appropriate government channels.

While acknowledging his long-standing acquaintance with Obi, Oshiomhole clarified their political divergence:

“Peter Obi and I have known each other for years. I respected him then, and I still do. But we don’t align politically, and I don’t agree with many of his positions.”

He maintained that the issue is not about politics or party affiliations but about observing protocol and showing respect for governance structures in any state.