
Politics
That Legal assault on Peter Obi, Labour Party hurts!
From Chuks Collins, Awka
The legal assault on Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) and Chief Victor Umeh at the instance of our own Senator Uche Ekwunife using the interrogation of Umeh’s eligibility to fly the flag of LP in the coming weekend’s Senatorial election may have exposed an orchestrated attack on Peter Obi’s Presidential aspiration.
While many could not see beyond the facade of tussle for the Anambra Central Senatorial seat, others simply see it as a targeted onslaught on Obi’s unrelenting towering stature in the coming Presidential election. The nation’s politics hall of fame has already dutifully recorded his unprecedented national acceptance, popularity and message to the nation and world as historical.
So, as the final seven days countdown kicks off, fears have risen to a high pitch level especially within other contending political camps, who wished things were completely different, especially the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC); on the likelihood of Obi sweeping the stakes.
The Anambra Central senatorial District appear worst hit, where three long time rivals -Senators Uche Ekwunife, Victor Umeh and Hon Dozie Nwankwo are locking horns for the senate seat. But curiously Ekwunife, for reasons best known to her attempts to shoot Obi, Umeh and LP down using the law courts as springboard. Whereas it’s perhaps a well calculated scheme on Obi and his party, the Obidatti International Movement, as well as the popular Peter Obi Support Network (POSN) and the body of Christ in the state.

The dangerous scheme, according to our sources was being undertaken by some elements in the PDP in conjunction with other stomach infrastructure-driven political elements nationwide who were said to be dangling Senate president seat as a bait.
The plot, we further learnt was said to have been designed to unfold in stages and had commenced long time ago. Its first stage was reportedly successful with the name calling of Obi as a “kindergarten president” It was closely followed by the multiple attempts to downplay/discourage his moves/messages of hope, saying he has no structure and that his supporters were merely on social media alone and none on ground.
Another stage was ignited to key into the previous one by describing his mammoth enthusiastic crowd that greeted the nationwide Obidatti Movement rallies as “rented”.
But when the lies persistently failed to make any impact, the already exasperated antagonists tried violent assault on the self motivated surging crowds,-to see if they would retaliate for them to seize the opportunity to unleash mayhem on the young Obidients who were cheering Obi as their guide compass to recover Nigeria, their common destiny and freedom from the mindless-structured traducers.
This was while some of the antagonists at the corridors of power including Governors Ahmed El-rufai of Kaduna State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State/Presidential running mate of the PDP, as as well as Gov SanwOlu of Lagos State refused any indoor, outdoor advert placement of Obidatti Presidential campaign, rallies and gathering in any part of their States.
But who can fight a vision whose time has come, or God’s anointed? Certainly nobody!
Yet another stage was to use Chief Umeh, the LP’s Anambra Central Senatorial candidate to try to subtly attack Obi and the Obidatti Movement.
Pronto, Umeh was disqualified vide a Federal High Court verdict on Jan 27,2023. And he quickly went on appeal. Already, the Appeal panel drawn from Enugu Division has sat, taken oral and written arguments and final addresses. The judgement was now deferred for a day to be announced soon.
And should he fail, then it would simply become a straight fight between his main traducer, Ekwunife and another political hardhitter, Hon Dozie Nwankwo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the ruling party in the State.
Until the present court verdict, Umeh was one of the top contenders to the coveted Anambra Central Senatorial seat in the fast approaching February 25 general election. He was facing a battery of lawsuits over his candidature, due to the way and manner of his emergence.
While a member of his LP, Chief Solomon Onyekwelu, a senatorial aspirant who claimed he was not given opportunity to prove his popularity in the primary, was dragging him from within the party, Ekwunife, was fighting him from outside.
Ekwunife is seeking an unprecedented third term reelection into the Red Chamber which only very few had attained nationwide. This was in addition to having spent two terms in the Green Chambers earlier. Little wonder many wanted her to willingly step aside to allow a new more active person take over, to avoid monotony, lethargy and rustiness that they claimed have visibly set in already; with the repetition of words and acts, lacking new ideas, creativity and initiatives. Many believe it would be sad for her to be pushed out through election defeat.
But in all these, the APGA candidate, Nwankwo who was described as being on ground with citizens of the area, and burning with desire to impress the constituents is standing by and ready to step in.
The trio have been at it together before now and tested and known each other’s political strength, antics and tactics.
There was also Chief Kodilichukwu Okelekwe of the All Progressives Congress(APC). However it was a bit difficult to decipher why he joined the race.
Because as an experienced political tactician, it was glaring that he has other motives other than victory, that brought him into the race. Surprisingly he surrounded himself with the wrong set of helpers and aides. And apart from the recent NUJ media debate, no one really believed he was contesting.
According to details of the verdict in the suit No FHC/AWK/CS/155/2022 which came vide originating summons brought by the People’s Democratic Party and Senator Uche Ekwunife, as plaintiffs on Sept 30,2022, represented by B.E.I.Nwofor (SAN), leading other lawyers against the LP, Umeh and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), and other lawyers for LP; P.I.N. Ikwueto (SAN), and others, for Umeh, while E.E. Udeh represented INEC as the defendants, Umeh was accused of being a registered member of APGA, and not a member of LP as at the time of picking the senatorial ticket. That he contested for primary in APGA held on 28 May, 2022 before carpet- crossing to LP perhaps without tidying up his documentations.
That he apparently moved over a little bit too quickly to pick the LP ticket even while his name was still sitting pretty at the top of his Aguluzoigbo Ward of APGA membership register. That by inference he was not a member of LP as at the day he claimed to have won and secured the senatorial ticket.
So, Hon Justice Nganjiwa on Jan 27 in his judgement declared that the INEC acted in breach of the provisions of Sec 29(1), 82(5) and 84(13)of the Electoral Act 2022, by publishing a statement on 20/9/22 at its offices at Awka which included the name of the second defendant (Umeh)as a candidate standing nominated by the 1st defendant to contest senatorial election for the Anambra Central Senatorial District scheduled to hold on Feb 25,2023. Also that the LP having failed to comply with the provisions of Sections 29(1), 77(3), 82(1)(2)(4)(b)(c), 5(c)(I)(ii), 8(9)(11) of the Electoral Act Article 27 paragraph 5 of LP Constitution and its Guidelines for primary election.
An order of injunction was also made restraining LP and Umeh from parading or campaigning as a candidate whatsoever for the Feb 25,2023 Anambra Central senatorial election. INEC was also restrained from accepting or recognizing, treating Umeh as a nominated candidate of LP for the purpose of contesting the Anambra Central senatorial election on Feb 25,2023 and from including his names, logo and emblem of LP and Umeh on the ballot paper for the said election.
In the second suit ref FHC/AWK/CS/156/2022 brought against Umeh by Onyekwelu, LP and INEC, it was ruled in the judgement by Justice Nganjiwa dismissed on the ground that it lacked locus since there was nothing to hold on, as Umeh has been found to be an interloper who got a ticket without being member of the party.
In reaction, the plaintiff expressed intentions to sue LP and Umeh for recovery of his Expression of Interest/Nomination fees and other exemplary damages since he was never allowed to participate in any primary.
Sadly, political pundits while acknowledging the beauty of the addition of knowledge through the suit to the nation’s jurisprudence, it hurts that the presidential candidate of the LP, HE Peter Obi may actually be the original target of the whole matter.
Therefore leaves sour taste in the mouth that Ekwunife was the main litigant in the suit against Obi’s LP considering the close affinity between them before now. More so, she has spent about two decades at the National Assembly and clearly stands a good chance of clinching a plum position under an Obi presidency. It was also touted she was eyeing the Senate top job, should she return to the red Chambers of the National Assembly. Consequently she would fight with everything at her disposal to ensure a win.
Rev Fr Isidore Okoye who spoke to journalists in Awka yesterday demanded to know which school of lawmaking Ekwunife went to gather experience when she made her first entry into politics and NASS for her to describe Obi as kindergarten.
This brand of politics hurts, really hurts!
News
2027: ‘Peter Obi must not die’ — Igbo Group warns of catastrophic consequences
Njiko Igbo Forum, an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that it will be catastrophic should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi.
It could be recalled that Obi, on Wednesday, raised the alarm that his life was under threat.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, raised fears that he may not be alive in 2027 to be part of the election.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Rev Dr Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Leader, Njiko Igbo Forum Nigeria, he warned that should anything happen to Obi or he was not in the ballot, the reaction and result would be very catastrophic.
Obioha said the caution was part of the decision taken during an emergency meeting held today, Thursday, in Enugu.

The Forum said, “That we have seen the viral video made by His Excellency, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, speaking on a number of issues, he expressed serious concern that his life is in danger.
“For him to have gone to the extent of saying he might not be alive before the 16th of January 2027, speaks volumes both in our polity and in the country at large.
“We have seen him in the past, spoke about the federal government trying to frustrate and targeting him not to be in the ballot.
“We have also observed over a period of time that the presidency or the federal government led by President Tinubu does not want Peter Obi to be in the ballot.”
While drawing the attention of the Presidency, Nigeria and the world to those allegations, Njiko Igbo Forum declared that “if anything happens to Mr Peter Gregory Obi or finally his name is not in the ballot for the 16th January, 2026 presidential election, the reaction and result will be very catastrophic and may adversely affect the continued unity in diversity of this country Nigeria.”
It further stated that the Igbo had been very quiet, pushed to the wall, segregated against, marked out everywhere, chased about and even tried to take their possessions.
Njiko Igbo Forum cautioned that keeping quiet does not mean the Igbo are cowards.
It said the ruling government should not forget that for any democracy to thrive, there must be a viral opposition in the polity.
“There is no reason, for what we have seen in the process or polity in trailing Peter Obi and going to an extent of chasing him through all the political parties and now wanting to kill him.
“This outcry by Mr Peter Gregory Obi, must not be taken lightly and request as a matter of urgent National importance, that an urgent investigation panel be constituted to verify Mr Peter Obi’s allegations.
“We are strongly stating again that, nothing should happen to Mr Peter Gregory Obi.
“Yes, Chief Awolowo said, before Nigeria he was of the Yoruba Nation. The same way we are saying before Peter Obi is of Nigeria, he is of the Igbo.
“Mr Peter Gregory Obi will live and become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2027,” it declared.
News
I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.
Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.
According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.
The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.
“The way they are going now I might not be alive, I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.
“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.
He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.
Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.
He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.
Politics
Voters reward performance as APC sweeps Ekiti, dominates Bye-Elections nationwide — Yilwatda

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has described the resounding victory of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the Ekiti State Governorship Election and the party’s impressive performance in the recent bye-elections across the country as a clear vote of confidence in the APC, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the ongoing reforms being implemented to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Prof. Yilwatda stated that the outcome of the elections demonstrates that Nigerians are able to distinguish between temporary economic challenges associated with reforms and the long-term benefits of responsible governance, economic restructuring, infrastructure development and institutional renewal being championed by the APC at both federal and state levels.
According to the National Chairman:
“The overwhelming victory recorded by our great party in Ekiti State and our remarkable success in the bye-elections across the country represent a powerful endorsement of the APC’s governance philosophy. These results affirm that Nigerians appreciate leadership that prioritises development, accountability, stability and the welfare of the people.”
“The people of Ekiti State have once again demonstrated that performance remains the most potent campaign message in democratic politics. Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s resounding re-election is a reward for visionary leadership, inclusive governance, prudent management of resources and visible developmental achievements across the state.”

Governor Oyebanji of the APC was declared winner of the Ekiti Governorship Election after securing a commanding victory across the state, reaffirming the confidence of the electorate in his administration and the APC’s developmental agenda. The party also recorded significant victories in five of the six bye-elections conducted across various states of the federation.
Prof. Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, noted that the Ekiti result has further strengthened the APC’s narrative that performance-based governance remains electorally rewarding, even amid difficult economic transitions.
“The Ekiti election has become a national reference point. It confirms that when governments deliver tangible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, security and social development, citizens respond with renewed trust and overwhelming electoral support.”
“This victory sends a clear message that governance, not propaganda, remains the most effective route to political legitimacy. The people of Ekiti have spoken loudly and clearly in support of continuity, stability and progress.”
The APC National Chairman described Ekiti State under Governor Oyebanji as one of the most compelling governance success stories in contemporary Nigeria, citing sustained investments in road infrastructure, rural development, human capital advancement, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, workers’ welfare and ease of doing business.
He said the administration has successfully built broad-based political consensus while maintaining a strong focus on development outcomes, thereby creating an environment of stability and accelerated progress.
“Ekiti today stands as a shining example of how APC governments are translating public trust into measurable development outcomes. The state’s progress under Governor Oyebanji provides a practical demonstration of our party’s commitment to people-centred governance.”
Prof. Yilwatda further stated that the election outcomes should be viewed within the broader national context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which is gradually laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and globally competitive Nigerian economy.
“Despite inheriting deep structural challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated courage and vision in implementing reforms that are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. The confidence reposed in our party by voters across the country indicates growing public understanding and appreciation of these reforms and their future benefits.”
It
“These victories are therefore not only electoral successes; they are validations of a governing philosophy anchored on bold leadership, responsible decision-making and sustainable development.”
The National Chairman congratulated President Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, APC leaders and members in Ekiti State and across the federation, as well as all candidates who emerged victorious in the bye-elections.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the election.
Prof. Yilwatda assured Nigerians that the APC would remain focused on delivering good governance at all levels and deepening democratic dividends for citizens across the country.
“Our message to Nigerians is simple: we have heard your voices, we appreciate your confidence and we shall continue to justify the trust you have placed in our party through impactful governance, economic renewal and inclusive national development.”
“The APC remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and more united Nigeria. The victories recorded in Ekiti and the bye-elections reinforce our resolve to work even harder in service to the Nigerian people.”
-
News2 days agoAnambra Govt arrests woman over alleged illegal surgeries linked to complications and deaths, seals facility
-
News2 days agoNotorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Yellow shot dead by Hybrid forces
-
News3 days agoPeter Obi to Umahi: Become presidential candidate before challenging me to debate
-
News2 days ago27 killed as armed men launch fresh attacks on Benue, Plateau communities
-
News2 days agoSoldiers kill ISWAP cameraman, uncover foreign terrorist trainer, doctor in Borno forest
-
Uche Nnaji
Uche NnajiNews1 day agoEx-Minister Uche Nnaji arraigned over alleged certificate forgery, gets N20m bail
-
News2 days agoEnugu Police launch manhunt for Bus Driver, Conductor over rifle snatching, attempted murder
-
Business2 days agoDangote launches ₦500,000 reward program to encourage whistleblowing






