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Okpebholo Blames Opposition For Deteriorating Security, Governance Situation

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The Edo State Government has issued a clarification statement on the worrisome state of governance and insecurity it has been grappling with under Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The state government’s position, which claims the deplorable state of things was political motivated and exaggerated, was communicated by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua on Monday in Benin City.

With the state drifting towards becoming ungovernable, Itua assured that his principal “remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and has taken decisive steps to enhance security across the state”.

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He offered the following explanations, “Recent claims that Edo State is “under siege” and that “lawlessness is now the order of the day” are exaggerated and misleading. While no society is entirely free from security challenges, it is important to distinguish between genuine concerns and politically motivated narratives.

“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and has taken decisive steps to enhance security across the state.

“Key initiatives include the reorganization of the Edo Security Network, improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and increased investment in modern security infrastructure. These measures are already yielding positive results, as security personnel are better equipped to tackle emerging threats and ensure peace in Edo communities.

“Additionally, concerns about market disruptions and illegal revenue collection are being addressed through structural reforms in the transport and revenue sectors. Unlike previous administrations that tolerated extortion and intimidation of traders, this government is actively working to eliminate multiple taxation and illegal toll collection. To ensure proper enforcement, the state government has engaged Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd. As an enforcement compliance consultant, reinforcing its commitment to transparent and lawful revenue collection.

“It is also worth noting that Edo State has made significant progress in curbing insecurity. The current administration has procured modern security equipment, deployed personnel to identified hotspots, and established a rapid response mechanism to address security concerns swiftly. These proactive measures contrast sharply with the past, when crime rates, including kidnappings and cult-related violence, were at alarming levels.

“Governor Okpebholo welcomes constructive criticism and values diverse perspectives on governance. However, public discourse should be grounded in facts rather than politically driven misinformation. Edo residents can see the tangible improvements taking place, and efforts to discredit the progress made will not alter the reality of a state moving towards greater security, economic stability, and improved governance.

“The administration remains focused on fostering a safe and conducive environment for businesses and residents alike. With continued commitment to security, economic development, and accountability, Edo State is on the path to lasting progress.”

Politics

2027 Election: Obi–Kwankwaso Group Warns of Plot to Divide NDC in Enugu

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The Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement in Enugu State has raised concerns over an alleged attempt to create division and destabilise the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The movement urged party members and supporters to remain united and disregard directives or announcements that do not come from recognised party leadership.

In a statement issued by its Chief Press Secretary, Ani Ifeanyi Moses, the group alleged that some individuals were working to create what it described as a “non-existent faction” within the NDC.

SEE MORE: “Nobody Forced Obi to Leave Any Party” — APC Chair Fires Back at Critics

It said the alleged plot involved impersonation, unauthorised claims of leadership and the circulation of misinformation intended to cause confusion among party members.

According to the movement, the alleged activities were coming at a critical period when members should be concentrating on preparations for the 2027 elections rather than internal disputes.

The group specifically accused some individuals of impersonating party officials and attempting to undermine the NDC’s structure in Enugu State.

“It is intentional to create division and confusion, knowing that Enugu is the support base of Mr. Peter Obi, and we must resist it,” the statement said.

The movement described the alleged actions as a threat to democratic principles and called on those behind them to immediately stop.

It urged all parties involved in any disagreement within the NDC to rely on the party’s internal mechanisms and legal processes for resolution.

The group also appealed to political actors to respect constitutional democracy and the rule of law, warning against actions that could further deepen divisions within the political movement.

The OK Movement equally cautioned against involving young Nigerians in political conflicts, stressing that individual political ambitions should not be allowed to overshadow the broader objective of building what it described as a credible political alternative ahead of 2027.

It called on NDC members and supporters of the Obi–Kwankwaso movement in Enugu to remain calm, united, vigilant and resolute.

The movement further advised members to disregard any directives that were not issued through recognised party leadership or official communication channels.

It also urged supporters to verify political information before acting on it, particularly information contained in unauthorised announcements or messages circulated through unofficial channels.

Describing the political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections as a “New Nigeria project,” the movement maintained that the initiative was greater than individual political ambitions or the pursuit of public offices.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, accountability and good governance, while pledging to continue mobilising support for what it described as a competent and people-centred government in 2027.

The movement concluded by appealing to its members to remain focused and united, warning that internal divisions could weaken their collective political aspirations as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

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2027 Race Begins as APC Completes 100% Candidate Upload to INEC

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a major milestone in its preparations for the 2027 general elections after successfully completing the upload of all its governorship, deputy governorship and State House of Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Candidate Nomination Portal.

The announcement was made on Friday by the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, in a statement shared via his official X handle, where he congratulated party leaders, members and candidates nationwide on the successful completion of the nomination process.

SEE ALSO: ‘Nobody Forced Obi to Leave Any Party’ — APC Chair Fires Back at Critics

According to Yilwatda, the APC achieved a 100 per cent upload of its candidates across the country, submitting 56 governorship and deputy governorship candidates alongside 1,015 State House of Assembly candidates to the INEC portal ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Congratulations to our leaders, members, and candidates across the country on the successful completion of the nomination process for the 2027 General Elections,” he said.

“I am pleased to announce that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully achieved a 100% upload of all our 56 Governorship and Deputy Governorship, and 1,015 State House of Assembly candidates on the INEC Candidate Nomination Portal.”

The APC chairman described the achievement as a clear indication of the party’s organisational capacity and readiness for the next stage of the electoral process.

“This milestone reflects the organizational strength of our great party,” Nentawe stated.

With the nomination process now concluded, the ruling party said it would shift its attention to engaging Nigerians while highlighting the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“With this phase successfully concluded, we remain focused on engaging Nigerians with our vision, and building on the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda as we prepare for victory in 2027,” he added.

The completion of the candidate upload marks a key requirement in the electoral process and positions the APC among the first major political parties to conclude the nomination phase ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested 2027 general election.

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Why Fubara Couldn’t Seek Re-election — Wike Reveals Inside Story

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Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has opened up on the political events that led to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara abandoning his bid for a second term, blaming the outcome on poor advice from political associates and external interests.

Speaking during the August edition of his monthly media chat aired on Channels Television on Tuesday, Wike said he repeatedly warned Fubara against abandoning the political structure that brought him to power.

SEE MORE: Fubara Corrected His Mistakes, Returned to the Right Political Family – Wike

“I said, look, don’t derail. I came as governor, I had crisis. When I came as governor, there was nothing. They didn’t even relocate the Government House,” Wike said.

The former Rivers governor recalled inheriting an administration with limited resources, revealing that he had to borrow ceremonial vehicles from former Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko.

“When I came, I had to borrow vehicles from the former governor of Ondo, Mimiko, these parade vehicles. Nobody kept any vehicle; I didn’t have one vehicle.

“But before I left as governor, I packed out from Government House one and a half years before. I renovated Government House. I bought vehicles for the governor, the deputy governor and the governor’s wife. I did that,” he stated.

Wike said he expected Fubara to consolidate on the foundation he laid instead of distancing himself from the political family that supported his emergence.

“Somebody had laid a foundation. Look, this is where I stopped. If you continue this way, our dream is to be able to compete with Lagos. What is wrong with that?” he said.

According to the minister, some individuals who had initially opposed Fubara’s emergence as governor later became his close allies and allegedly encouraged him to confront those who backed his political rise.

“Somebody comes, and that’s why you have to be careful. Those who didn’t want you to be governor now became your friends. Obviously, they will destroy you, thinking that coming closer to you is to fight us.

“At the end of the fight, I have not lost anything. What have I lost? Nothing. But you have lost. Your intention was to go for a second term, is it not correct? And you are not going,” Wike said.

Asked whether he still loved Fubara despite their political differences, Wike responded:
“If I don’t love him, why would we support him? That’s the point I’m making.”

The FCT minister disclosed that both camps had at one point considered reconciliation, but political considerations ultimately stalled the process.

“There was a time we all thought, we all agreed, and said, ‘Look, can we allow bygones to be bygones?’ But something fundamental came up in politics.

“They said, ‘Look, if you allow this now, there are those who are here who want to see that we are no longer politically relevant,'” he said.

Wike further alleged that external interests sought to hijack Rivers State for financial gain, claiming some influential individuals advised Fubara to resist his political camp.

“When this thing happened, they were so bitter that they started giving the governor wrong advice: ‘Don’t worry, the law says this, the law didn’t say this.’

“They were sending them aircraft, then they would relax in the jet. To them, they were king. So, for him to continue to be there, they would exert that kind of influence.

“We said no, this cash cow must end now. You won’t have it again. Take as much as you can, but you have to stop,” Wike added.

The political rift between Wike and Fubara began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023 and later escalated into a prolonged power struggle involving the Rivers State House of Assembly, impeachment threats and a state of emergency.

Although Fubara later obtained nomination forms to contest the All Progressives Congress governorship primaries for a second term, he withdrew from the race in May 2026.

Wike maintained that the political crisis and the decisions taken by the governor during the dispute ultimately cost him the opportunity to seek re-election.

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