Ahead the 2027 Presidential election, the leadership of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) the umbrella socio-cultural organization in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) strongly refutes and rejects the recent statements made by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Minister of Works David Umahi, and Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi claiming that the South-East electorate is fully united behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

President General of the Igbo ethnic body, Nze Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe stated in a press Statement on Monday emphatically stated that the three of them are neither spokespersons of Igbos in the FCT. He added that, “these three are merely being sent out to talk for Tinubu against the interest of Igbos. The South-East considers the Tinubu administration as a failed administration and for this reason will not vote Tinubu.”

The ICA President noted for the avoidance of doubt, that it wishes to set the record straight for the public and the political establishment that the mandate to speak for the Igbo People neither lie in the hand of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Minister David Umahi, nor Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi who under Tinubu arrogate to themselves as the spokespersons for the Igbo ethnic group.

Nze Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, further agued that elected political appointees and ruling-party actors do not hold a mandate to declare a political consensus on behalf of millions of Igbo citizens.

The statement reads further, “These endorsements represent the personal political preservation strategies of a few office holders seeking to retain favor with the presidency. They do not reflect the true political stance, socio-economic realities, or grassroots sentiment of the South-East region.

“The grassroots population across the South-East considers the current federal administration to have failed on key economic and administrative metrics.

“The assertion that President Tinubu will sweep all five South-East states in 2027 is completely detached from the prevailing conditions on the ground.”

Meanwhile, The Igbo Community Association (ICA) FCT urges public officials from the South-East to focus on their constitutional duties, governance, and the immediate economic needs of their constituents, rather than attempting to trade away the political sovereignty of the Igbo electorate for personal leverage.

The Anambra State Government has demolished over 200 makeshift shops and structures blocking road setbacks in Ozubulu and Nnewi.

During the demolition exercise carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, some of the traders pleaded with the government to provide them with alternative places to relocate their businesses, as many complained of their inability to afford the high cost of rent in the major markets.

At the Ugwuoye Market axis in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, about 100 shanties attached to the wall of the popular Joint Hospital were demolished amid panic among the occupants.

About 100 makeshift and illegal shops were also demolished at Traffic Light Nnewi, in line with the Operation Zero Shanties introduced by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration.

A two-storey building built on top of a drainage channel was also pulled down around the Nkwor Nnewi Triangle.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Chijioke Ojukwu, said the exercise was part of the government’s effort to evolve a prosperous, liveable homeland that everyone will be proud of.

Mr Ojukwu said the government received several complaints from some members of the public over the defacing of the Joint Hospital axis by illegal structures and shanties.

He confirmed that the occupants were issued proper notification at different times and warned that the state will no longer tolerate the situation where government directives are not adhered to, especially as regards physical planning.

Mr Ojukwu noted that the ministry was serious about urban regeneration and restoring sanity to the major cities across the state.

At least 42 personnel of the Niger Armed Forces (FAN) have reportedly been killed in a fatal road accident involving two buses near Doukou Doukou, about 55 kilometres from Madaoua on the Maradi-Madaoua axis.

The accident occurred on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, according to a security source cited in a report received by Zagazola Makama.

The victims were reportedly SOA military personnel who had completed their training on Thursday and were travelling when the two buses were involved in the crash.

The report further indicated that 18 other personnel remain in critical condition and are reportedly in comas following the accident.

The circumstances surrounding the crash were not immediately clear.

The incident has also raised questions over the transportation arrangements for military personnel, particularly claims that the soldiers were being conveyed in buses operated by a private company despite the army reportedly having its own troop transport vehicles.

However, allegations of corruption surrounding the use of the private transport service could not be independently verified.

The tragedy is expected to trigger renewed scrutiny of military logistics, troop transportation and safety standards, particularly for newly trained personnel.

Zagazola Makama could not independently verify the reported casualty figures or the allegations concerning the choice of transport at the time of filing this report. (Zagazola)