Politics
Rivers PDP Campaign: Wike Rates Obio/Akpor, Khana, Akuku Toru Best In Mobilisation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State on Saturday concluded its campaign rallies in a grand finale at Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The Obio/Akpor campaign rally, which held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, was attended by a mammoth crowd of party supporters and other stakeholders who thronged the venue to register their solidarity with the party.
Impressed by the huge turn out, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, while addressing the crowd, described the Obio/Akpor outing as the ‘Mother of all rallies’.
In his assessment of the entire campaign across the 23 LGAs of the state, Governor Wike rated Obio /Akpor, Khana and Akuku Toru LGAs respectively as the best in organisation and mobilisation and applauded the PDP leaders in these LGAs for their tactfulness and great capacities for coordination.
Governor Wike urged the people of Obio/ Akpor to convert their huge voting strength to victory for all candidates of the PDP in the state.
On the forthcoming Presidential polls, Governor Wike urged Rivers people not to vote for those who arrogate exclusive political powers to themselves without considering other parts of the country.
He reiterated that Rivers State would not trade its votes away without proper recompense and recognition in the scheme of things, noting that those who do not have Rivers State at heart should not expect votes from the state.
In similar vein, the Rivers State PDP last Friday held its campaign rally at Ngo, headquarters of Andoni LGA where Governor Wike used the opportunity to express his discontent over the implementation of currency swap policy by the President Muhammadu Buhari government, stating that the manner of implementation of the policy was insensitive to the plight of the masses.
He pointed out that the President’s decision to flout the orders of the Supreme Court was a threat to the rule of law and a constitutional democracy and therefore a prelude to anarchy.
The Rivers State Governor dissociated himself from the policy which he noted had caused Nigerians severe hardship.
In his campaign message, Governor Wike said a new era of political freedom and liberty that will fast-track development had heralded in Andoni. He urged the people to protect their political freedom from the shackles of bad leadership that previously denied them democratic dividends.
He described the completion of Andoni axis of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road which led to the successful driving to Ngo Town for the campaign as a major breakthrough for the people and urged the people to vote for Siminialayi Fubara and other candidates of the PDP in the area to attract more development projects to Andoni.
The PDP campaign train also landed at Tai LGA on Thursday with Gov Wike insisting that the PDP in Rivers State would refuse to be distracted by opposition forces but galvanize its support base to coast home to victory for all its candidates.
The Governor charged the people of Tai to remain supportive of the PDP by voting massively for Sir Siminalayi Fubara and other candidates of the party in the state to consolidate on the development gains already achieved by his administration.
AkukuToru and Ahoada LGAs also on Monday and Tuesday respectively, hosted the campaign rallies of the PDP, with Governor Wike charging the people to vote for Siminialayi Fubara and other candidates of the party for continuity and consolidation.
The Governor on Wednesday played host to Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his entourage who were on a courtesy call in Government House, Port Harcourt, shortly after the presidential campaign rally of the APC in the state capital.
Addressing the APC Presidential Candidate, Governor Wike expressed concern over the unfolding events in the country which he noted were not palatable to the country’s democratic transition. He called on the APC presidential candidate to prevail on his party to exercise restraint and caution in their policies in order not to derail the present transition process.
Politics
EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
Politics
Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC
Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.
The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.
He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.
Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.
While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.
According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.
It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.
Politics
Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term
The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.
Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.
The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.
Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.
The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.
In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.
He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.
The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.
“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.
“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.
In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.
Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.
Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.
Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.
By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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