Politics
Fubara Has Calmed Rivers State’s Political Storm – Mohammed
The political sagacity of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, which saw his loyalists clinch 22 out of the 23 local government areas in the state’s recent election has been lauded as a proof of democratic mastermind, which transcends partisan politics.
The Chairman, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), Senator Bala Mohammed made the assertion in Port Harcourt on Sunday, after the swearing-in of the 23 democratically elected Rivers State Local Government Council Chairmen at the Executive Chambers of the Government House.
According to Mohammed, Fubara has against all odds, pushed through with decisions and actions to deepen democracy.
The Bauchi State Governor noted that his Rivers State counterpart has pushed democratic frontiers-on by open minded and proactive, and deploying his democratic instincts.
Mohammed’s position was conveyed in a statement in Port Harcourt, on Monday, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
He insisted that Rivers State remained a PDP state, though the just sworn-in local government chairmen and councillors were of different political parties.
ALSO READ: Gov Fubara Installs 23 New LG Chairmen In Rivers State
He bemoaned the situation, describing it as the problem that they have found themselves both as a party and as governors.
However, Mohammed said Fubara, who is the Vice Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, is still an avowed member of the PDP even though other parties constitute the body of elected officers at the local government level.
He said, “Of course, he is still with us. He’s still a PDP man, and I have to come, on behalf of the Governors, to show solidarity with him for his very proactive democratic instincts that he developed, which is a new manifestation in the political arena in Nigeria; where he had to intensify, and he has to develop strategy to be able to deliver governance, irrespective of party allegiance or party consideration.”
Mohammed stated further, “He didn’t have a structure of the party in the state, for certain reasons, and he had to go out to make sure he allowed other parties to participate within the political space so that there wouldn’t be any vacuum.
“And, I think this is very auspicious, that is very creative and I am very proud of him. And I said, yes, we have lost as a party, and that is why we want to be running away from this.
“Again, he has established himself as a Governor and the pride of all the governors in Nigeria.”
Mohammed pointed out why it is inadvisable to ignore a sitting governor at the sub-national level because of the role he plays and the following he commands.
This is why, he insisted, the effrontery to undermine the office and person of Fubara as the Governor of Rivers State is largely not acceptable.
He added, “A Governor is the Chief Executive. He can do anything. He can spring surprises because the Nigerian State is run by governors at the sub-national level. Even the Federal Government is a tenant. Nigerians live in the States and Local Governments, and that is why what he did today is very proactive and creative, irrespective of the fact that he knew his party would lose.
“And certainly, because of his deep democratic instincts, he had to allow the other parties to win, and I will just wish that those who have won will see it in their own modesty and willing to give him support. Because he is not doing it with any strings or asking them to do anything. Let the APP and him have that relationship so that he can govern”, he explained.
Mohammed recalled that as a person in 2019, he encountered a similar situation that Fubara was being confronted with, but braced and was able to navigate through it safely.
The Chairman of PDPGF said, “I had a similar situation in 2019. I governed a state where only nine PDP persons were members of the state Assembly and he (Fubara) is still doing that.
“So, his political sagacity has come to a level where he has become a specimen for democratic studies in Nigeria.”
On how soon the PDP will resolve its festering crisis and achieve the desired unity, Mohammed assured that it may seem prolonged but quickly added that true reconciliation was in view.
Mohammed emphasised, “And that is the more reason I am here. Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the Vice Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. All the governors are with him, and certainly, we are taking steps to ensure reconciliation.
“Reconciliation with somebody who they had started with; the former Governor of this State and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory is a must because, certainly, they have come a long way. We didn’t want to throw the baby away with the bad water.
“And certainly, the governors are with the Governor (Fubara) because this is our tradition and fraternity; at the same time, out of our political history as a party that has a history of governance. We are still stretching our arms of reconciliation to his mentor, to his friend and brother, and also our colleague.”
Politics
2027: ‘Let Tinubu Finish the Good Work’ — Oba of Benin Backs President
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be allowed to continue in office, saying the President deserves the opportunity to complete what he described as his good work.
The monarch made the remarks on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’azeez Yari, led a delegation of leaders of the ruling party to the Benin Palace for consultations and prayers.
SEE MORE: Sunday Dare Highlights Tinubu’s Key Achievements, Fires Back at Steve Osuji
The delegation included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former governors, senators and other senior party leaders.
The remarks were disclosed by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications and Spokesperson to the President, in a post on X.
The Oba appeared to tacitly back Tinubu’s bid for a renewed four-year mandate, saying it was the prayer of the people that a leader who was doing well should be given the opportunity to continue.
“For somebody who is doing well, it is our prayer that he gets a renewed mandate,” the monarch said.
He added in Pidgin English, “As he Dey pain them. He Dey sweet us…”
The Oba also urged Nigerians and political leaders to focus on the President’s achievements and support areas where his administration was making progress.
“If one is doing well, why not join hands with the President to do what he is doing well. Let President Tinubu finish the good work,” he said.
The traditional ruler further quoted the Bible in making his case, saying, “Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.”
The monarch also asked the delegation to convey his best wishes to President Tinubu and thanked him for receiving him warmly in Abuja.
“Convey my best wishes to Mr. President. Give my appreciation to the President receiving me so warmly in Abuja,” he said.
The Oba’s comments come amid increasing political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with President Tinubu’s potential second-term bid expected to remain a major issue in the coming political season.
Politics
NDC Condemns Attack on Members in Enugu, Accuses APC of Sponsoring Thugs
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned an alleged attack on its members during a peaceful grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, the party described the incident as an “unprovoked and dastardly attack” and alleged that its members had been repeatedly targeted by state-sponsored thugs.
SEE MORE: 2027 Election: Obi–Kwankwaso Group Warns of Plot to Divide NDC in Enugu
The NDC said its members, as a registered political party, have a constitutional right to participate in the democratic process through peaceful assembly.
“This incessant assault on our members by state-sponsored thugs must stop,” the party said.
“No amount of intimidation will silence this constitutionally guaranteed right.”
The party alleged that the violence against its members in Enugu and other parts of the South-East amounted to an attack on democracy and the freedom of association guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
The NDC also accused security agencies of being complacent and slow to respond to attacks against opposition members in Enugu and across the South-East.
“We also condemn the complacency and lackadaisical attitude of the security agencies towards the opposition in Enugu and across the South-East,” the statement read.
According to the party, the alleged failure of security agencies to act promptly had emboldened those behind the attacks.
The NDC further claimed that it had previously suffered two attacks in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation involving its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha.
The party alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu was “jittery and disturbed” by what it described as the growing momentum of the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the party vowed to continue its political activities despite the alleged attacks.
“The NDC will not be cowed. We will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space,” it said.
The party also called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible, including their alleged sponsors, are brought to justice.
“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instil fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully,” the NDC said.
It added that the incident would instead strengthen its resolve to mobilise support for the party and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Politics
2027: I’ll Pay ₦500,000 Monthly Living Wage If Elected — Sowore Tells Nigerians
African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has promised to introduce a ₦500,000 monthly living minimum wage for Nigerian workers if elected president in 2027.
Sowore disclosed this in an interview with Independent Newspaper on Sunday, as he outlined his economic agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
SEE MORE: Defamation Trial Takes Twist as Sowore Withdraws DSS DG Subpoena
He said the proposed wage would address the economic hardship facing Nigerian workers and reduce the gap between ordinary citizens and political office holders.
“We intend to change that fundamentally. We are proposing a ₦500,000 monthly living minimum wage because Nigerian workers cannot continue receiving starvation wages while senators, governors and political appointees consume millions every month,” Sowore said.
The AAC candidate said the wage proposal was part of a broader plan to ensure that Nigeria’s wealth benefits ordinary Nigerians.
He also promised to deliver 24-hour electricity, arguing that reliable power was necessary for economic growth and industrial development.
“We will deliver 24-hour electricity because no serious industrial economy can operate permanently on generators,” he said.
Sowore further pledged to make education free and accessible at all levels, construct one million public mixed-income homes, reform tenancy laws, improve healthcare and expand agricultural production and processing.
On the economy, he said his administration would focus on raising wages, reducing transportation and energy costs, supporting domestic manufacturing and agriculture, and investing in productive infrastructure.
“Economic policy must answer one basic question. Does it improve the material condition of the Nigerian people? If it does not, it has failed,” Sowore said.
He also promised an “uncompromising war against corruption” and vowed to recover public resources stolen by political office holders.
Sowore, who is contesting the presidency for the third time, said he believed AAC had a stronger chance in the 2027 election, with Nigerians serving as the party’s greatest strength.





