Politics
Ibas Confirms Fulfillment Of Presidential Directive In Rivers State
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has affirmed that the Emergency Rule declared by President Bola Tinubu has accomplished its intended purpose in the state.
Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, during a ceremony where the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) presented its comprehensive report on the recent local government elections, Ibas stated that the presidential mandate handed to him has been “sufficiently achieved.”
READ ALSO: Rivers Crisis: Court Blocks Ibas From Swearing In New Commission Members
The administrator highlighted that the successful conduct of elections across all 23 Local Government Areas, coupled with the swearing-in of democratically elected Chairmen and Councillors, represents the direct fulfillment of the presidential directive issued to him on March 18, 2025.
He praised RSIEC for conducting a “fair, credible, and transparent” electoral process, which has earned recognition both within and beyond the state.
“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilize the state, create an enabling environment for the re-establishment of its institutions, and return Rivers State back to full democratic governance.
“With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have decisively achieved the mandate that we were given,” Ibas said.
He added: “For once, an election was conducted where nobody was harassed, where people went out freely to express themselves and to select whom they wanted as their leaders. This is a testament to the peaceful and enabling environment we have collectively fostered.”
Ibas also assured that his administration would carefully examine the RSIEC report and issue an official government white paper in due course.
RSIEC Chairman Dr. Mike Odey, who presented the detailed election report, described the exercise as a “historic achievement” for the state and the nation.
He noted that the document provides a full account of the entire process, from the initial election notice to stakeholder engagement, polling, collation of results, and the final announcement of winners.
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.
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.
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.
NGA Calls for Risk Reduction Policies to Lift Oil, Gas Industry
Middle East Crisis Sparks Most Severe Supply Shock in History — IEA
Political Earthquake Brewing? Peter Obi, Bala Mohammed in Closed-Door Talks
JUST IN: Nigeria’s Debt Profile Set to Rise as Tinubu Requests Fresh $516m Foreign Loan
Shock as Court Rejects El-Rufai’s Bail Application, Orders Continued Detention
JUST IN: Senate Grills Tinubu’s Ministerial Nominee Darma in Heated Screening Session
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
hhwtki
hij9cw
Enjoyed examining this, very good stuff, appreciate it.
That is very fascinating, You’re an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to searching for extra of your great post. Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever work and coverage! Keep up the superb works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!
I am incessantly thought about this, appreciate it for putting up.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
Generally I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.
Good post. I learn something tougher on different blogs everyday. It’s going to always be stimulating to learn content material from other writers and follow slightly one thing from their store. I’d choose to use some with the content on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a link in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Greetings! Very helpful advice on this article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Thanks for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.
Thanks for any other informative web site. The place else may I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now running on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
Very interesting details you have observed, regards for putting up.
Respect to post author, some excellent selective information.
you’ve an ideal weblog right here! would you wish to make some invite posts on my blog?