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Shettima declares Mbah APC leader in Enugu after defection to ruling party

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Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah after receiving the APC flag
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•Mbah ends PDP’s 26-year reign in Enugu, says devt vision guided decision to defect

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, has become the new leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state following his defection to the ruling party on Tuesday.

Shettima spoke during Mbah’s formal reception into the APC at Okpara Square, Enugu where thousands of former members and supporters of PDP converged to identify with the governor and the new party.

The vice president said, “As for the APC convention and constitution, the governor is the leader of the party in the state.”

“Your Excellency, you are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu state. I am the vice-president, but the leader of the APC in Borno is Governor Babagana Zulum.

“The president of the senate is the number three citizen, but the leader of the party in Akwa Ibom is Governor Umo Eno.

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“The speaker of the house of representatives is the number four citizen, but the leader of the party in Kaduna is the governor of Kaduna state.”

He lamented that the south-east had been politically marginalised for over a decade, calling for greater inclusion under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“For the past 12 years, the Ndigbo, one of the most vibrant ethnic groups in Africa, had been on the margin of Nigerian politics,” he said.

“But with the coming of Mbah and the continuous energy being exhibited by governors Hope Uzodimma and Francis Nwifuru, I believe the Ndigbo have come to the mainstream of Nigeria.”

Vice President Shettima, who led delegation of the party, said Mbah’s entry into the APC had “removed the South-East from the margin of Nigerian politics” and assured the region of greater inclusion in federal development plans.

He described the Igbo people as one of the “most economically enterprising, educationally ambitious and vibrant tribes in Africa,” lamenting that the region had “lagged behind in national affairs” in the past decade.

“Now with the coming of Governor Peter Mbah; with the continuous energy being exhibited by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, I believe the Ndigbo have come to the mainstream of Nigerian politics,” he said.

Shettima described President Bola Tinubu as “a man for all seasons” who would ensure that the South-East’s interests were advanced. Turning to Mbah, he quipped: “I believe you had a broom hidden in your umbrella all these years, waiting for the right moment to bring it out.”

The APC has a broom as its symbol while the PDP features an umbrella. Shettima assured Mbah that he would be treated fairly in the party.

Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said Mbah’s movement to the APC would bring more development to the South-East, noting that “the entire Southeast senators have turned to the APC.” He added humorously that Enugu “is even more beautiful than Abuja,” praising the state’s infrastructure and potential.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also pledged equal treatment for Mbah, stressing that “no party can give you the platform to achieve all you want for your people better than the APC.”

Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, described Mbah’s decision as “bold and wise,” saying it had further strengthened Igbo reintegration into national politics.

APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, commended Mbah’s record in office, declaring that the governor had “taken the people from Egypt to the Promised Land.”

“Today we are seeing the new Enugu State. The PDP cannot house the kind of progressive mind that you have,” he said.

Mbah described his defection as a “collective decision” by the political family in Enugu, including all 17 local council chairmen, 260 councillors, 24 members of the state House of Assembly, National Assembly members, and over 80 per cent of PDP executives.

“We thought carefully about the path forward,” he said. “After much soul-searching, we concluded that we must stand for principles and institutions that honour transparency, trust, and above all, the people we serve.”

He said Enugu’s long loyalty to the PDP had yielded little benefit for the state and the South-East region.

“For decades, we stood by the PDP, showing loyalty and patience, but our voices were often disregarded when it mattered most. We are confident of our future in the APC; we move not from fear or resentment, but from conviction and fairness.”

Mbah added that the switch was not about personal ambition but about aligning with “a federal platform that reflects our development vision.”

“President Tinubu has shown the courage to make hard choices that ensure lasting prosperity. Our visions align, that roads, railways, and industries must connect the South-East with the rest of Nigeria. This move is bigger than politics; it is about Enugu’s place in the national reform agenda,” he said.

The governor commended the President’s focus on grassroots governance and youth empowerment, describing Tinubu as “a leader who understands that renewal must reach the farmer, trader, and entrepreneur.”

The rally was attended by 12 sitting governors; former governors, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, and Rochas Okorocha, as well as senators Adams Oshiomhole, Ned Nwoko, Orji Uzor Kalu, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Osita Ngwu, among others

 

 

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24,000 security personnel 7 Armoured Personnel Carriers deployed for Anambra guber poll

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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan.
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A total of 24,000 security operatives have been deployed to Anambra state ahead of the November 8th gubernatorial election in the area.

Also seven Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC ) have arrived Anambra state as part of efforts to ensure free fair and transparent election in the state.

Similarly, eleven brand new Hilux trucks have been added to the fleet of operational vehicles for the conduct of the election.

According to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), the vehicles would be used to monitor activities in the 21 local government areas of the state.

He revealed that INEC has fine-tuned deployment plans for 24,000 personnel and election materials across the state’s 5,718 Polling Units and hundreds of collation centres. “Voters should therefore expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics,” he affirmed.

The Commission has approved a final register of 2,802,790 eligible voters and extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) until Sunday, November 2, to ensure maximum participation. The Chairman also reaffirmed INEC’s resolve to firmly combat vote-buying, warning that “any individuals or groups planning to subvert the will of the people will be firmly confronted within the strong hands of the law.”

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On the critical issue of security, the INEC Chairman disclosed that the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has instituted robust measures. He confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force will deploy 45,000 personnel and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will deploy 10,250 officers to secure the electoral process.

With the Peace Accord in place, the proactive efforts of security agencies, and the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, Professor Amupitan expressed strong confidence that the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election will be both peaceful and successful.

Concluding his message on an optimistic note, he declared: “Let us work together to ensure that the upcoming election is remembered not for division or discord, but for its spirit of unity and the pursuit of common goals.

“Let us demonstrate to the world that Anambra State is a beacon of hope, resilience, and democratic values” he said.

Also speaking at the state police command, the Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu noted that all is now set for the election adding that in the past two weeks he has been on sensitization tour of the Area Commands educating officers and men of integrity and professionalism during the conduct of the election.

 

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Tinubu heats up Ukachukwu’s Anambra Nov 8 Guber hopes

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By Chuks Collins, Awka

The effort of Gov Chukwuma Soludo to pass off himself as a true progressive, hence an ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have been punctured.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters, political enthusiasts, party faithful at St Mary’s Catholic Church Field Ugwu-na-adagbe, Aguleri Anambra East Council area Tuesday afternoon, the Governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu exposed what he described as a false and dubious narrative.

According to the APC flagbearer, “President Tinubu is a reputable politician and party man. He cannot abandon his party to cavort with any other.,.”

That the other governors- Edo, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and others saw something very good in APC. Therefore he has sworn to lead Anambra as heartland of the East to connect to the center.

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He therefore appealed to all the electorates to troop out en masse on Nov 8, 2025 to vote for APC in the all 326 electoral wards in the 21 Councils of Anambra State.

He pointed out that the same political lie was sold years back to the former President Muhammadu of blessed memory. But at the end of the day it turned out a mere hoax.

“So, for those now making similar childish and outlandish promises just to have their way on Nov 8, it will surely not fly.

“One wonders where those promising to bankroll President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign as a dead-on-arrival matter. Where would they get the funds from?, he asked rhetorically. And that it was a mere booby trap to accuse the president of being responsible for the poor performance being witnessed presently in Anambra,” the APC guber candidate said.

Ukachukwu therefore assured Nigerians, especially Mr President and Anambra citizens to remain focussed on the Nov 8, 2025 goal, assuring that immediately after winning, his next major political assignment would be to team up with other Governors and progressives to deliver President Tinubu in 2027.

The APC flagbearer therefore charged the rabble-rousers to tender their four year scorecard as a fulfilment of initial promise, before making another promises.

He charged all Anambra citizens to trust him that he shall honor all Councils that identify with him with worthy packages to reciprocate their support for him in the coming Guber poll.

Earlier, while addressing people of Anambra West at Umueze Anam, the people collectively left their seats and canopies and assembled at center of the arena and swore in their honour to give Ukachukwu one hundred percent voting support to him. In reciprocity, he assured them massive life-enhancing projects, appointments, road network, security and quality electricity and many more.

He spoke in like manner at the St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ugwu-na-adagbe, Aguleri venue for the Anambra East rally, the Governorship hopeful lamented the general state of affairs in every part of Anambra State.

According to him, “my coming is to salvage the state.

“I have come to take responsibility of fixing Anambra State, especially Anambra West and Anambra East Councils respectively.”

He promised to undertake the construction of the roads, hospitals, schools and other life transforming projects they highlighted as their pressing needs in their formal addresses.

The APC candidate wondered how the incumbent governor and other duty bearers sleep at night with the squalor they abandoned the citizens in.

He consoled them promising to live his word
once they vote him to victory on Nov 8, 2025.

The Omambala area, he stated will be a priority of his administration.

Ukachukwu’s reassuring words brought a wave of renewed confidence which swept through the citizens. He vowed to not only get Anambra for the APC on November 8, 2025 election but also deliver a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

He said his mission goes beyond contesting for office, ”it is about rebuilding a broken state and setting a new course of progress in all parts life in Anambra rooted in fairness, unity, and purposeful governance.

According to him, “We are not just running to win an election; we are running to win in other to fix what has been broken. We will restore the lost glory of Anambra and create a state that truly works for everyone,”

He described his campaign as a movement for transformation, pledged to rebuild the state’s institutions, empower the people, and usher in a leadership that places citizens’ welfare above politics. “This election is about meaningful change, restoring hope, and building a future where every Anambra son and daughter can thrive,” he said.

Ukachukwu further said that under his leadership, Anambra would experience a revival that would serve as a model of progressive governance in the South East.

“When we win this election, we will stand solidly behind President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Together, we will prove that APC represents true leadership, competence, and development,” he affirmed.

President Tinubu, he noted, has consistently shown loyalty to the ideals of progressivism and remains committed to ensuring a credible, free, and fair election in Anambra. Prince Ukachukwu added that the growing momentum of the APC in the state reflects the people’s readiness for a new era of honest and visionary leadership.

Prince Ukachukwu said his mission goes beyond contesting for office, it is about rebuilding a broken state and setting a new course of progress rooted in fairness, unity, and purposeful governance.

“We are not just running to win an election; we are running to fix what has been broken. We will restore the lost glory of Anambra and create a state that truly works for everyone,” Prince Ukachukwu declared to a cheering crowd.

He described his campaign as a movement for transformation, pledging to rebuild the state’s institutions, empower the people, and usher in a leadership that places citizens’ welfare above politics. “This election is about meaningful change, restoring hope, and building a future where every Anambra son and daughter can thrive,” he said.

Prince Ukachukwu expressed confidence that under his leadership, Anambra would experience a revival that would serve as a model of progressive governance in the South East. “When we win this election, we will stand solidly behind President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Together, we will prove that APC represents true leadership, competence, and development,” he affirmed.

President Tinubu, he noted, has consistently shown loyalty to the ideals of progressivism and remains committed to ensuring a credible, free, and fair election in Anambra. Prince Ukachukwu added that the growing momentum of the APC in the state reflects the people’s readiness for a new era of honest and visionary leadership.

In his words, “The tide has changed. Ndi Anambra now understands that the APC is the party of progress. We are here to build bridges, unite communities, and deliver prosperity that will outlive political cycles.”

Chief Evaristus Obiano in a brief remark said the people of Anambra East are fully ready to embrace change. “We helped the current governor into office, but he turned his back on us. Now, it’s time to correct that mistake. Prince Ukachukwu represents the change we need,” he stated.

Marcel Iferika, APC Chairman for Anambra East, assured that the local government council was fully aligned with Prince Ukachukwu’s vision and would deliver decisive victory for the APC on Nov 8, insisting that Prince Ukachukwu will win Anambra East.

“The people have spoken, and they stand firmly with him,” he declared.

Hon. Oby Ndigwe exhuding confidence, affirmed that the local government has resolved to vote massively for Ukachukwu as the candidate of integrity, competence, and vision.

Comrade Simon Itali Okoye, criticized the current administration for neglecting the area despite their earlier huge support. “Our people have been abandoned, and key projects meant for us are being moved elsewhere. Our hope now rests with Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC,” he said.

He however rattled those tugging at the helm of Ukachukwu’s dress. He insisted that all appointments, State and National Assembly hopefuls must be a collective choice, or else it would not be accepted. He lamented over such persons who he named openly chosen in recent past but performed woefully and disappointed everyone.

Innocent Nduanya, Deputy President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and Legislative Assistant to the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, said the youths of Anambra East were ready to deliver for the APC.

“We are armed with our voter cards, prepared and determined. Anambra East has accepted that Prince Ukachukwu will be the next governor. We are tired of APGA; it’s time for change, and APC is the answer”.

Ukachukwu used the opportunity of the campaign rally to receive those who defected in large numbers from APGA, YPP, PDP and Labor Party to APC.

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Anambra 2025: Ukachukwu unleashes dev plan, roads, scholarships

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…insists on dev Omasi Gas deposit

By Chuks Collins, Awka

There shall no longer be any more rhetorics on development and insecurity to citizens of Anambra State especially the Anambra North senatorial zone once the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu takes over as governor on Nov 8,2025.

This were the main message Prince Ukachukwu delivered to the zone at Anaku, and Omo communities respectively at the massively attended campaign rally late afternoon Friday .

Giving snippets from his Development Agenda for the area while addressing the visibly excited crowds at Omo and Anaku communities both in Ayamelum Council Area of Anambra State, the governorship candidate urged them to give him their all see the massive transmission he would unleash to the area.

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He assured them of his commitment to providing security, agricultural development through the Agric chain revolution, reliable power supply and the tapping of the Omasi Power Plant, which would provide 24-hour electricity to their full benefit.

He also plans to set up a university and to grant scholarships to students from the area.

Lamenting on the very poor dilapidated condition of virtually all their roads, Ukachukwu promised to construct good motorable network of roads, and to create employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the area, protection of their farm from herdsmen, creating an industrial park to generate employment opportunities.

He will equally create livable environment conducive for Ndi Anambra.

Key stakeholders from the area including Chief
Ikechukwu Maduka Nebuife, who is an APC stalwart, John Anigbogu icheke, past deputy Chairman Ayamelum; Eziagulu Offodile, former Social Democratic Party Chairman ( SDP) who led his members into APC at the venue encouraged Ayamelum people and all Anambra citizens to embrace and support Ukachukwu on Nov 8 , 2025.

They reiterated that Ukachukwu has vowed to improve and build roads in Ayamelum and the entire senatorial zone to enable them have a sense of belonging.

That the were fully convinced that he would fulfill the promise to create employment opportunities to stimulate growth in the state, promising security measures to ensure a safe environment for bussiness and investors.

They lamented that “we are not comfortable with the All Progressive Grand Alliance ( APGA) government anymore.

“We are like people forgotten, they kept giving us empty promises , we dont have roads in our community, we believed ikukuoma because he is a man that stick to his promises, everybody should work hard come together to deliver him to government house , time of deceit from APGA government has gone , a new era has emerged and that is Ukachukwu”

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