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Wike Consolidates On Rivers, Loyalists Pay Allegiance

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By Abubakar Yunus Ojima-Ojo

Politics of the 2027 general election seems to have begun as t by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, on Sunday consolidated on his support based in Rivers State.

Also, the group of five state governors, who worked against the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, seem to have reactivated their machinery ahead of the 2027 election.

A New Year luncheon organised by Wike at his private residence at Rumueprikom, Port Harcourt, attracted serving and former members of the National Assembly, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to him as well as the famous G-5 governors.

Also in attendance were the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron and the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tony Okocha, as well as Chairmen of the 23 local government areas of the state.

Recall that the minister, who is also the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, had during a private visit to the residence of the APC national vice chairman, South-South, Chief Victor Giadom, at Bera community in Gokana local government area of the state, boasted that very soon, they true political leaders of the state would be unveiled.

Speaking during the laucheon, Wike admonished his supporters not to be pained about the sacrifices they made during the 2023 election in the state, which produced Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He said: Wike: “It is not everything you invest in that you will reap in. People establish company and it crumbles. They have to be alive to make sure the companies stay.

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“So, you cannot say I did this and that. God knows why things happen they way they happen. You cannot. But, what is important in life; to God be the glory. Life continues to see what is happening. When a man is dead, he doesn’t know what is happening.

“So, you should be able to advise your children, you should be able to advise your friends. I was alive and this is what I saw; don’t allow yourself to be a victim.”

Speaking at the event, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who reaffirmed the G-5 loyalty to Wike as the leader of the group, pledged the group’s continuous support to the Presidency of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Ortom said: “All of us are here today to support Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as leader of the G-5. We are here because we recognise Wike as leader of G-5. I am speaking on behalf of G-5 governors.

Governor Ikpeazu is not here because his son is getting married in Lagos today. We have to sacrifice that event with his consent, so that we will be able to honour this invitation, even though belated.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who is the youth leader of thx G-5 governors is in the United States on vacation with his family. Of course, you know if was in Nigeria, he would have done everything to be around because he respects Wike.

“Today, the G-5 governors are going to talk about President Tinubu, Wike and Rivers State. Tinubu, we are very proud of you. The demand of G-5 governors was that a Southerner should emerge as President. All of us supported Tinubu during the election and we are going to continue to support his Presidency

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How mega opposition coalition can defeat Tinubu in 2027 election —Ex-presidential candidate

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The Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo, has said the only unity and emergence of a strong candidate could secure victory for the coalition of opposition leaders in 2027.

Onovo, an activist and Head of Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

He was reacting to the recent announcement of an opposition coalition to challenge the All progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.

Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo,
Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo,

“The coalition of opposition leaders needs a candidate that is vigorous; a strong candidate to brighten its chances in 2027. The coalition needs somebody with a clear agenda and a clear vision.

“The opposition needs a candidate with a strong background of integrity. Nobody is perfect, but you need a strong background of integrity.

“The opposition needs somebody who is morally and mentally competent, and physically fit. The opposition does not need the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any old person if it wants to win.

“The opposition doesn’t need any old person now. It is time to use the energy of the young.

“They must present a strong candidate, who is strong morally, mentally, and physically, with a clear patriotic agenda to move the country forward, ” Onovo said.

He added that the coalition had a lot that could work to its advantage in 2027 and urged members to work with unity of purpose to achieve convincing victory.

Also speaking on chances of the ruling party in 2027, the politician said APC could remain in power if the challenges arising from subsidy removal and other economic issues were addressed by the present administration.

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He also said President Bola Tinubu still had the opportunity to address the security challenges in the country to win in 2027 ,and remain in power ,if interested

Onovo, who noted that he was not part of the organisers of the mega coalition, said that he had always been part of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) since 2019 elections.

He called on all Nigerians to unite for the development of the country, ensuring leadership that would fulfill the country’s aspirations.

NAN recalls that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had recently announced the formation of a coalition, aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027.

Atiku made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members.

Among those present at the even were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. (NAN)

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APC grants Governor Otu automatic ticket for 2027 election

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River on Monday granted Gov. Bassey Otu and his deputy, Mr Peter Odey, an automatic ticket for the 2027 general election.

Speaking at the APC Secretariat in Calabar, the party’s Chairman, Mr Alphonsus Eba, urged other party members aspiring for political positions to begin their consultations.

Eba clarified that apart from the governor and his deputy, no other individual had been given an automatic ticket by the party.

He encouraged other aspirants to return to their constituents and seek their support ahead of the elections.

“The State Working Committee and the State Executive Committee of APC met today and resolved that Governor Otu will be the party’s sole candidate in 2027,” he said.

He explained that the decision was based on the principle of continuity, stating, “Nobody changes a winning team. The governor and his deputy will fly the party’s flag in 2027.”

He added that even if Otu was reluctant to run, the party would still present only one ticket with his name, as was done in 2022.

“We appeal to him to listen to the desires of party members and accept the nomination,” Eba stated.

He also praised the deputy governor, currently acting as governor, for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s actions in Rivers.

Eba noted that some individuals had misrepresented the state’s position. He commended the acting governor for clarifying that South-South governors had not consulted him before opposing Tinubu’s decision.

He applauded the President for restoring peace in Rivers, preventing a political crisis. (NAN)

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Natasha Confirms Sallah Visits Despite Kogi Rally Ban

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The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, announced that she would not back out on her plan to return to her constituency for the Sallah break.

The senator also urged her supporters to disregard speculations making the round that she has cancelled her scheduled visit.

She disclosed this in a statement issued by her media team in the early hours of Tuesday.

The statement read, “We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District will proceed as planned.

“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”

While stating that she has a statutory function in her capacity as the lawmaker representing her constituents, the senator encouraged her supporters to troop out en masse to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her.

“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation.

“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.

“We would like to assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a successful and joyous event. We invite all members of the community to join us in marking this special occasion,” the statement added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming notification comes a few hours after the Kogi State Government banned rallies and public gatherings in the state over security reports.

The government also stopped fishing and other activities, lamenting that they resulted in the loss of two lives in Kasemiya, Katubo and Umozu Ette, all in Kogi Local Government Area in Kogi West.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the move was to prevent any form of security breach that might destabilise the state.

Fanwo added that intelligence reports indicated that some persons were planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central.

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