By Our Correspondent

A former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has been entrusted with coordinating the activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a move seen as part of broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalu, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, disclosed that the directive followed a recent visit to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Confirming the development via his official Facebook page, the former Senate Chief Whip expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him.

“I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he stated.

He further outlined his strategic focus, emphasising party cohesion and electoral preparedness in the state.

“As the most senior Governor in the state, I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders, in line with the President’s directive, to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose, and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the President’s re-election, while advancing the best interests of Abia State and Nigeria at large,” Kalu added.

The assignment underscores ongoing efforts by the APC to strengthen its grassroots structure in Abia State, a region where the party has historically faced stiff competition, while positioning itself for improved electoral performance.

Meanwhile, in a related development that further highlights the administration’s political calculus ahead of 2027, there are strong indications that President Tinubu may be favourably disposed to granting automatic Senate tickets to a select group of lawmakers.

This was hinted at by the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, popularly known as Kauran Gwandu, during an interaction with political stakeholders in the state.

According to the governor, the lawmakers under consideration for continuity include prominent figures such as Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), Kalu (Abia North), and Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), among others.

Also listed are Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar (Kebbi North), Idiat Oluranti Adebule (Lagos West), Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), and Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East).

Governor Idris noted that the senators being considered have played a pivotal role in stabilising the National Assembly by providing steady leadership, fostering synergy with the executive arm, and ensuring the seamless passage of critical policies and reforms under the current administration.

He stressed that their contributions have strengthened governance and reinforced legislative-executive cooperation, factors believed to be influencing the consideration for automatic return tickets.

Although there has been no official confirmation from the Presidency or the APC’s national leadership regarding the proposed automatic tickets, the development has already generated significant debate within political circles, with analysts viewing it as a strategic effort to retain experienced lawmakers while consolidating political loyalty ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Taken together, Kalu’s new coordinating role in Abia and the reported plan for automatic Senate tickets reflect a broader consolidation strategy by the Tinubu administration aimed at reinforcing party structures at the state level while maintaining stability and continuity within the National Assembly.

By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has charged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term to enable him continue the implementation of his “bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development” of the country.

Governor Fubara gave the advice on Thursday while declaring open a meeting of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In statement by his Chief Press Secretary,Onwuka Nzeshi the governor described President Tinubu as a “dedicated and highly patriotic” leader, who should be given a second chance, stressing that with him in the saddle, Nigerians should be rest assured that the nation is in safe hands.

He recalled the various achievements of the Tinubu administration in the last three years and projected that a lot more will be achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda, if Tinubu is re – elected in 2027.

“We are all witnesses to the transformation of our battered economy and the ongoing infrastructural revolution, including the remarkable coastal road project in the southern and other parts of the country in just three years.

“Although challenges remain in certain regions, we all trust in Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and dedication to safeguarding our nation, transforming the economy and delivering equitable development to all regions.

“In football, the saying goes that no coach changes a winning team. Therefore, Nigerians have no choice but to support President Tinubu at this crucial time and work together to re-elect him in 2027 to continue implementing his bold, daring and ambitious vision for the inclusive and sustainable development of our nation,” he said.

Welcoming the royal fathers to the meeting, Governor Fubara said their presence in Port Harcourt is a testament to the fact that Rivers State is very peaceful and ready to host high profile visits, meetings and events as well as a confirmation of the unity of the people of Southern Nigeria.

“Although we are ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse to some extent, the beauty lies in the fact that we are all committed to being part and parcel or an ever- indivisible Nigeria, despite our differences.

“As a region, we have a duty to build our future together and promote the collective interests of our people for a better life which we can achieve more rapidly through collaboration with the Federal Government.

“Similarly, southern cooperation and solidarity will offer a clearer and more practical pathway for sharing knowledge and ideas, working together to realise the common goals and aspirations of our people for sustainable peace, security, and development,” he said.

Governor Fubara who acknowledged the strategic position of the traditional rulers in Nigeria, stated that by being the closest to the grassroots, they serve as a link between the people and the government, wielding capacities and influence that extend beyond their ceremonial roles.

He commended their commitment to peace and progress of southern Nigeria and urged them to stay vigilant and focused on pursuing their cultural, economic and political goals for the region and its people.

Fubara further charged the traditional rulers to dwell on productive discussions that will foster peace, security and progress in Southern Nigeria and the country at large.
The meeting which had in attendance traditional rulers from the South -South, South-East and South-West zones of Nigeria, was billed to discuss the roles of traditional institutions in promoting unity peace, cohesion and development across Southern Nigeria.

Among the royal fathers present at the meeting were the Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; the Co- Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Obi Obinugwu;
Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, the Eze Oha Apara IV and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, amongst others.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

As political consultations are rife for the choice of consensus candidates for the All Progressives Congress across Bayelsa State, political stakeholders from the Ogbolomabiri axis of Nembe Local Government Area, have intensified calls for fairness and strict adherence to zoning principles in the allocation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded position emerging from a consultative meeting in Nembe, leaders, youth groups, and community influencers from Ogbolomabiri (Nembe Constituency I) insisted that the time has come for their axis to produce the next member of the House of Representatives under the APC platform.

Historical Imbalance Since 1999

Stakeholders highlighted what they described as a “longstanding structural imbalance” in representation since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

According to them, all individuals who have represented the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives have emerged from the Nembe-Bassambiri axis.

“Before the Fourth Republic, one Prof Telimoye Oguara, of Bassambiri served in the 3rd Republic. At the start of the Republic in 1999 to 2003, another Nembe Bassambiri son succeeded him, in the person of Barr. W.W. Wuku.

“Then followed by Hon. Michael Kalango (2003-2007) and Hon. Foingha Jephthar (2011-2019) who represented the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency for two tenures. Anytime it had been zoned to Nembe; it is the Nembe Bassambiri enclave leaving that got selected leaving out Ogbolomabiri completely from the political equation since 1999 till date.

“Now is the time for a son of Nembe Ogbolomabiri to pick the APC party’s ticket to win the general election. They might argue that Bassambiri is only constituency 2 and not 3.. But we are not micro zoning. Mini/Ikensi,/ Oluasiri are all part of the bassambiri stock . Just as Okoroma /Tereke are part of the Ogbolomabiri enclave.”The stakeholders reiterated.

They argued that, despite Ogbolomabiri constituting Nembe Constituency I and playing a significant role in the political and electoral strength of the federal constituency, it has never produced a federal lawmaker.

“This pattern has persisted for over two decades,” a community leader stated. “From before 1999 till date, representations at the National Assembly for Reps have consistently rotated within Bassambiri blocs, leaving Ogbolomabiri completely excluded. That is neither equitable nor sustainable.”

Call for Zoning in Line with Senatorial Precedent

The stakeholders drew parallels with the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, where zoning among Ogbia, Nembe, and Brass Local Government Areas has been largely respected since 1999, contributing to relative political stability and inclusiveness.
They emphasized that the same principle should now be applied to the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency, particularly as it is widely acknowledged that it is Nembe’s turn to produce the next representative.

“For equity, justice, and political balance, zoning must not only be preached—it must be practiced,” a youth leader noted. “Just as the senatorial district has rotated successfully among the LGAs, the federal constituency must now reflect internal equity within Nembe itself.”

Demand for an Ogbolomabiri Candidate

The group unanimously called on the APC, as the dominant political force in the state, to ensure that its ticket is zoned to Ogbolomabiri and that a consensus candidate emerges from the axis.

They stressed that beyond zoning, the choice of candidate must reflect competence, credibility, and a verifiable track record of service to the people.

“We are not asking for tokenism,” another stakeholder said. “We are demanding fairness backed by merit. The candidate must be someone with proven social capital, grassroots connection, and a history of commitment to public service.”

Warning Against Imposition of Unpopular Candidates

Stakeholders also warned against the imposition of aspirants who, in their view, have previously held public office but failed to inspire confidence or deliver meaningful impact.

They cautioned that recycling individuals with weak public trust—particularly those who have served as former state lawmakers or commissioners without tangible goodwill—could jeopardize the APC’s chances in the general elections.

“The electorate is more aware now,” a civil society representative remarked. “Candidates who have been tried and found wanting will face rejection at the polls. The APC cannot afford to gamble with unpopular figures.”

Again, it was hinted that some of those aspirants for the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency Seat in the APC are yet to teder their resignation from their political appointment as required by the law.

“Since they have failed to put in their resignation letters before attempting to contest for the seat, that’s a sign that they are only waiting to be endorsed from above instead of showcasing their agenda for a better Brass Nembe Federal Constituency. This can be used against the party in post primary litigations if these persons are cleared to contest.” The statement averred

A Test for APC’s Internal Democracy

Observers say the unfolding situation represents a critical test of the APC’s internal democracy and its commitment to fairness ahead of the primaries.
Stakeholders insist that adopting a consensus candidate from Ogbolomabiri with broad-based acceptance would not only correct historical imbalances but also strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.

“The path to victory is clear,” a party chieftain concluded. “Respect zoning, choose a credible Ogbolomabiri candidate, and carry the people along. Anything short of that risks division and electoral setback.”

As consultations continue, political watchers note that the decisions taken by the APC leadership in the coming week for expression of interest and nomination form sales, could significantly shape the party’s fortunes in Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency—and test its ability to balance power, equity, and electoral strategy.