By Our Correspondent

Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has dismissed allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working to undermine opposition parties through the electoral system, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains an autonomous institution deserving of respect.

Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly lobby in Abuja Tuesday during activities marking his 66th birthday, the former Abia State governor described claims by opposition elements, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as “frivolous” and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic image.

According to him, the APC has no control over INEC, stressing that the electoral umpire, under the leadership of Professor Joash Amupitan , operates independently.

Kalu said: “The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an independent body and we have a lot of respect for the Chairman of INEC. He is an erudite Professor of Law… So, let us stop this frivolity. People should take the electoral process and democracy seriously instead of de-marketing the country ”.

The lawmaker also rejected insinuations that the ruling party is coercing politicians, particularly governors, to defect into its fold. He maintained that party membership remains a matter of personal choice and negotiation, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never pressured anyone to join the APC.

“President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his party or to join our party… If a governor decides to join APC, that is his business. When you come, we negotiate; if it is good, you stay; if not, you go your way. Nobody is forcing anybody,” he stated.

On permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly speculations that the Senate Presidency may be zoned to the South East, Kalu said he was unaware of any such arrangement, describing zoning decisions as the exclusive prerogative of party leadership. While not ruling himself out, he emphasized that he is not lobbying for any position.

“I’m not aware of that. It is for the leadership of the party to decide. If anything is given to me, I will take, but I’m not going out of my way to look for anything,” he said.

Addressing concerns raised by some members of the 1999 class of governors about alleged marginalisation by the current administration, Kalu downplayed the claims, asserting that President Tinubu maintains cordial relations with his contemporaries.

He cited recent interactions between the President and several former governors as evidence of ongoing engagement.

On governance and regional development, the former Senate Chief Whip cautioned against narratives suggesting that the South East has been sidelined in successive administrations.

He noted that both the late Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu have contributed meaningfully to national development, including the South East.

“Every President has something to add. Buhari has contributed his quota, Tinubu is contributing his quota. We are getting what we are supposed to get… maybe even more today. That does not mean Buhari did not do well,” Kalu remarked.

Turning to the economy, the senator offered a nuanced assessment of the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda, stating that while macroeconomic indicators show progress, challenges persist at the grassroots level due to insecurity and sabotage.

“The upper end of the reform is working… investors are coming in. But the lower end has problems because of insecurity and sabotage. Reforms take time; they don’t happen in one day,” he explained, drawing parallels with long-term reform trajectories in countries like China and Singapore.

Kalu further expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027, describing the opposition as weak and lacking viable alternatives. He argued that the APC’s growing membership base and nationwide acceptance position it strongly ahead of the next electoral cycle.

“I don’t think anybody will defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election… APC is like a moving train. Even in places that were not APC before, people are joining. We are rocking like a hurricane,” he declared.

The senator concluded by urging political actors to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and presenting credible policy alternatives rather than engaging in what he described as unproductive criticism.

By Our Correspondent

In a bid to actualize the second term ambition of governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, thousands of supporters from Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday defied a heavy downpour at the Amankanu Development Centre, Owo, to declare their unalloyed support for the re-election of the Governor in 2027.

The supporters who surged in at the grand finale of inauguration of Ward and Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow is Here Movement across the 17 local government areas of the state, described their action as a clear demonstration of confidence in the governor’s performance across key sectors, saying Enugu State had never had it so good.

They said the tradition where each governor got eight years on the saddle would continue with Mbah, whom they said his achievements in less than three years were towering.

The supporters said their resolve was anchored on what they termed visible transformation in infrastructure, effective security response system, education, healthcare, human capital development as well as the robust revamping of moribund assets under the present administration.

Welcoming the crowd, the Coordinator of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Alhaji Friday Sani Nnaji, expressed delight at the massive turnout, noting that the it reflected people’s confidence in the governor’s leadership.

He urged them to sustain the support and ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards to secure victory in 2027.

“There is no better alternative to Governor Mbah,” he said, assuring that the Movement would continue to mobilise support across the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, described the gathering as a consolidation of existing support rather than just an attempt to win new followers.

He noted that the administration’s projects were evident across communities, adding that the government would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy.

He expressed optimism that the governor would record even higher votes in the coming election.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chimaobi Okorie, said the scale of infrastructure development under Mbah was unprecedented, citing the construction of roads, bridges, and other critical projects.

He described the governor as “an inspirational leader whose work had earned the trust of the people,” expressing confidence that residents would overwhelmingly reciprocate his uncommon transformation of the state in 2027.

Traditional rulers also endorsed the governor’s continuity. Chairman of Nkanu East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, said the governor had exceeded expectations, noting that improved road networks had enhanced connectivity across communities. He called on residents to sustain their support.

“Before now, there was no road from this venue, Owo, to Ubahu, Amankanu, Neke, and Ikem. But today, a world class, virgin dual carriageway runs from here in Owo all the way to Neke with over 30 bridges and culverts, and it’s connecting our brothers from the northern senatorial district.

“Before now, we in this part of Nkanu East must go through Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South and Nkanu West LGA to be able to access our Council Headquarters at Amagunze. Today, we have a brand new Amechi Idodo to Amagunze road with three bridges,” Edeani added.

In the same vein, the Patron, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Abel Nwobodo said the people of the state had already resolved to back the governor’s re-election, describing him as a beacon of progress and hope.

Convener of G17 for Peter Mbah, Hon. Chinedu Mbah, as well as founder of Solidarity Alliance for Peter Mbah, Hon Paul Nnajiofor, stated that the governor’s achievements had set him apart, adding that all parts of the state had benefitted from his leadership.

According to them, although the governor’s re-election appeared certain, stakeholders would continue to mobilise support to ensure a resounding victory.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the council area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, said the governor had lived up to his promise to transform the state, urging continued support to enable him complete his development agenda.

Commending the Tomorrow Is Here leadership, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwuweike, said the group is known for its grassroots mobilisation, declaring that the governor’s re-election would be a walkover and that there would be no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027.

The member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, said he was deeply impressed by the level of development across the state, noting that the governor’s projects had significantly improved the lives of the people.

Presenting gifts to the winners of the open quizzes conducted among citizens at the rally ground, the Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Movement, Hon Ezenta Ezeani, said the mammoth crowd had challenged them from the Nsukka zone to further mobilize for the re-election of the governor, stressing that it’s going to be a competition of which local government and political bloc deliver more votes to the governor.

On his part, the Convener of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Hon. Tony Okonkwo, expressed appreciation for the widespread support the group had received across the state during its inauguration of coordinators.

He declared that the enthusiasm shown by the people reflected their belief in the governor’s vision and performance, adding that the movement would continue to expand its reach.

Okonkwo highlighted key achievements of the administration, including extensive road construction, establishment of smart schools, upgrading of healthcare facilities, investments in security and economic growth and the revitalization of moribund industries that have continued to provide employment.

He described the projects as innovative and far-reaching, stressing that they had set a new standard for governance in the state.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of ward coordinators of the movement, who were charged to take the message of continuity to every household.

Wheelchairs as well as scholarships were also presented to persons living with disabilities from Igboeze South Local Government Area and other beneficiaries, underscoring the movement’s commitment to inclusiveness.

By Our Correspondent

Ahead of 2027 election, a group under the aegis of Peter Obi Our President (PETOOP), has thrown their weight behind Obi, urging the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to zone 2027 presidential ticket to the southern geopolitical zone.

PETOOP advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to stop his desperate bid at all costs. Saying, “from 1960 to date, the North has ruled Nigeria more times than the South. The South has the greater claim to produce the next president.”

The group further said ADC must allow it’s presidential flagbearer to come from the South of Nigeria. “Failure to do so is tantamount to gifting the ruling party APC under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a smooth victory in 2027.

National Converner of PETOOP, Magnus Oraka made the declaration on Saturday at the NUJ secretary while speaking to newsmen.

Oraka stated that democracy and governance has become”comic theatre” believe Peter Obi is a brand if giving the opportunity lead will change the narrative taking into account his track record.

He also called on the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan to resign with immediate effect over what he described as”partisan interference in ADC affairs.”

Oraka revealed that Prof. Amupitan exposed tweet-“victory is sure” is a prove that INEC under his leadership cannot be trusted with the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.

“INEC has abandoned its role as an impartial umpire and
has descended into open partisanship. We have the evidence, Oraka noted.

He opined the recent involvement of INEC in the internal party affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is condemnable. By refusing to recognize the legitimate party leadership of Senator David Mark, INEC has
overstepped its constitutional mandate.

“If Amupitan has any remaining sense of honor, he will step down today.If he refuses, President Tinubu must demonstrate statesmanship by removing him immediately.

If the President fails to act, the National Assembly must invoke its constitutional powers to restore the integrity of our electoral management body.

“A partisan INEC is the death of free elections. We will not accept a situation where the umpire wears the jersey of one team.”

Oraka vowed that if the conditions given did not work they will mobilize, and they will not rest until justice is done.