Connect with us

Politics

Anambra 2025: Choose Wisely or Face Regret, Bishop Okoye Tells Electorate

Published

on

Anambra Cultists Brawl Leaves Many Injured

As Anambra State prepares for its November 8, 2025, governorship election, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. (Prof.) Israel Okoye, has urged the electorate to make choices guided by conscience and competence rather than financial inducement.

Speaking at the 3rd Session of the 5th Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Stephen’s Church, Ihiala, Bishop Okoye described the upcoming election as a defining moment that would shape the future of the state.

According to him, November 8 represents “the date for the tomorrow we yearn for,” adding that voters must resist the temptation of selling their votes or allowing themselves to be manipulated by politicians.

ALSO READS: ‘We Serve Democracy, Not Politicians’ — Anambra Police Tell Voters Ahead of Guber Poll

“We must choose wisely,” the Bishop warned. “We have the option of going for the best based on rational judgment or settling for disappointment and regret. God forbid that temporary gains should rob us of a brighter future.”

The cleric decried the growing trend of “rented crowds” and vote-buying during campaign rallies, describing them as practices that dehumanize citizens and weaken democracy.

“Desperate politicians exploit unemployment and hunger to turn vulnerable citizens into political commodities. They buy, use, and dump them after elections,” he lamented. “That practice, disguised as normal politics, denies people the right to hold leaders accountable.”

Bishop Okoye called on candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns, emphasizing that politics should serve as a platform for development, not self-interest.

He also condemned the frequent defections by elected officials, describing it as a betrayal of public trust.

“It is ironic that despite court rulings that votes are cast for political parties and not individuals, politicians still switch parties at will,” he noted. “Such actions insult the electorate and erode confidence in our political system.”

The Bishop further criticized the idea that politicians must join the ruling party to benefit from government, saying it undermines Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

“Many political parties have become platforms for personal ambition rather than service. Until Nigerians defend their right to good governance, true transformation will remain elusive,” he added.

Bishop Okoye concluded by urging both politicians and voters to uphold integrity, accountability, and principle-driven leadership to ensure lasting progress in Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the election will be conducted across 5,718 polling units in the state.

Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

Published

on

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

Continue Reading

Politics

Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

Published

on

There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

Continue Reading

Politics

Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

Published

on

The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x