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2027: S’East Governors, APC leaders, stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term

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Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East region have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, saying that pragmatic politics based on bridge-building, partnership, and aligning with the centre to sustain the gains accruing from the president’ administration had become an imperative for the Igbo nation.

They vowed to mobilise massive votes for his re-election in the 2027 general election.

They committed to promoting a collective rather than any individual’s interest capable of dissipating Igbo vote and weaken the region’s bargaining power.

The endorsement was the climax of the South East APC Stakeholders’ Meeting, tagged “Izu Umunna), which held at the iconic Presidential Hotel, Enugu, where party leaders, governors, lawmakers, elders and critical stakeholders from across the zone reviewed the region’s political trajectory and resolved to align fully with the ruling party at the centre.

Speaking Saturday at the meeting, Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who doubles as the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum said President Tinubu had entrusted the political future of his re-election to the South East region, saying it was an honour and a responsibility.

According to Uzodinma, the South East could no longer afford political isolation, noting that the region’s meager contribution to APC’s victory in the 2023 presidential poll dealt a great blow its bargaining power at the national level.

He said that while other zones contributed between 34 and 54 per cent of votes to the APC in 2023, the South East recorded about six per cent, a situation he described as politically unsustainable.

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According to him, the political tide in the region has since changed, pointing to the growing strength of the APC in the South East when the party now controls three out of the five states, while its representation in the Senate had risen from six to eight senators, with region’s APC lawmakers in the House of Representatives had moved from eight to 23.

“These numbers give us hope, but they also give us a challenge,” Uzodimma said.

“The growth we see among leaders must reflect at the ballot box in 2027. Politics is pay as you earn. No zone can produce a president alone, and if we continue to vote provincially, we will remain on the sidelines of national power,” he added.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, in his address, described the endorsement of President Tinubu and the increasing alignment of the South East with the APC as a “paradigm shift grounded in pragmatism.”

He said the region had moved from “standing at the crossroads of history to shaping history itself.”

Mbah said the decision to support Tinubu’s re-election was rooted in facts, vision and the tangible benefits already accruing to the region from alignment with the centre.

He cited federal projects such as the revival of the Eastern Railway corridor that is now receiving attention, gas and energy development initiatives in the region, and the approval of the concession of the Enugu Airport, which he said would position the state as an international gateway for the South East.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is beyond a political slogan,” Mbah said. “It is about aligning vision at the centre with delivery at the states. These are not symbolic gestures but strategic decisions that show a federal leadership committed to inclusive governance.”

READ ALSO:  2027: Enugu North Endorses Gov Mbah Over Massive Projects, UNN VC

Also speaking, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State expressed confidence that by 2027 all governors in the South East would be members of the APC.

He urged party leaders to embrace reconciliation and sacrifice, noting that the influx of new members required effective internal management rather than further party building.

“I want to urge our leaders that we need to forgive one another and make a lot of sacrifices so that those that are joining us now will have a place in our party,” Nwifuru said.

The motion endorsing President Tinubu for a second term was formally moved by former Senate President, Senator Pius Anyim, and seconded by former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, who described the decision as courageous and strategic.

He stressed that the complaint about margination could continue longer than necessary if the South East failed to play the right politics, likening it to crying in the rain.

“If you cry in the rain, nobody would notice you. If you want to avoid the rain, you must enter the shade,” he enjoined the South East people.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of a communique signed by the governors, party leaders, and stakeholders, who unanimously declared their total support for President Tinubu as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

They rejected what they termed as ego-driven and divisive politics, suing for unity of purpose among political leaders and the wider Igbo population.

“The people of the South-East Zone categorically dissociate themselves from all activities motivated by the self-serving interests of any individual, however highly placed. We affirm that the progress of our zone and our great party cannot be achieved through narrow personal ambitions or actions that fracture collective unity.

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“Any such conduct shall henceforth be regarded as contrary to our shared aspirations and will receive neither endorsement nor support from our zone.

“The political leadership of the South-East has resolved, in the supreme interest of Ndi Igbo, that never again will we allow personal ego and motivated actions to influence the fate of the Zone. in this regard, the South-East will join other zones in supporting the ruling party, wherein our leaders can effectively negotiate better representation and interests of our people,” they stated.

They urged Ndigbo within and outside Nigeria to embrace the APC as the most viable platform for advancing the region’s political and economic interests, warning that scattering votes across multiple parties had historically weakened the South East’s influence at the national level.

They further pledged to mobilise human, material and political resources to deliver bloc votes for Tinubu across the five South East states in 2027, with specific responsibilities assigned to governors for coordination and mobilisation within and across states.

Other prominent figures at the meeting included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ikedi Ohakim, among several senators, lawmakers and party elders from the zone.

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Lagos Faces Blackout As Egbin Power Plant Shuts Down

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Electricity supply in Lagos has been significantly disrupted following a major shutdown at the Egbin Power Station and a simultaneous fault on a key transmission route feeding the state, according to the Nigerian Independent System Operator.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the operator warned that the combined incidents could lead to prolonged power shortages across Lagos, Nigeria’s largest electricity consumption hub.

The disruption reportedly began late on April 28 when Egbin Power Station experienced a critical operational failure that forced an immediate halt in generation. Power output dropped sharply from about 641 megawatts to zero within a short period.

 

The system operator explained that the plant’s shutdown was triggered by a failure involving its central compressor unit, alongside a malfunction of the circulating water pump system, necessitating a full safety shutdown of all generating units.

 

The statement noted: “The Nigerian Independent System Operator wishes to inform the general public of a significant reduction in power generation currently affecting electricity supply across the country, particularly within the Lagos region.

 

“Egbin Power Station, which is the largest electricity-generating plant on the national grid and a major contributor to daily power supply in Nigeria, experienced a major operational disturbance.

 

“At approximately 8:21 p.m. on April 28, 2026, Egbin Power Station recorded a total loss of generation, dropping from about 641MW to zero output.

 

“This incident was caused by the failure of the plant’s central compressor, in addition to a malfunction of the circulating water pump system, which necessitated an immediate shutdown of all generating units to safeguard the facility.”

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The agency also noted that the disruption has been compounded by an unrelated fault on the Osogbo–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line, a critical corridor responsible for evacuating electricity into Lagos.

 

According to the operator, the transmission failure has further limited the volume of power that can be delivered into the Lagos electricity network, worsening the supply shortfall.

 

“Power supply to the Lagos region is currently further restricted due to the forced outage of the Osogbo–Ikeja West 330kV transmission line, thereby limiting the evacuation of available generation into the Lagos load centre,” the statement added.

 

With both generation and transmission constraints in place, system operators have begun implementing load-shedding measures to maintain grid stability and avoid a wider system collapse.

 

Emergency interventions currently underway include redistribution of available power across distribution companies, with priority given to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, security installations and essential services. Operators are also working to optimise output from other generation plants to cushion the impact on consumers.

 

“Consequently, this loss of generation has created a significant supply shortfall, necessitating immediate load-shedding measures to maintain grid stability and prevent a wider system disturbance.

 

“System operators have since deployed contingency measures, including the reallocation of available load across distribution companies, with priority given to critical national infrastructure.

 

“In addition, efforts are ongoing to optimise generation from other available power plants to mitigate the impact of this development on electricity consumers.”

 

The operator expressed regret over the disruption, particularly its impact on residents of Lagos and surrounding areas, and assured that restoration efforts are ongoing in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

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“We acknowledge the inconvenience this situation has caused electricity consumers, especially within Lagos and surrounding areas, and we assure the public that all relevant stakeholders are working closely to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”

 

The Egbin Power Station, located in Ikorodu, is the largest thermal power facility connected to Nigeria’s national grid, with an installed capacity of over 1,300 megawatts.

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APC Extends Deadline For 2027 Nomination Forms

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended the deadline for the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms and the submission of completed forms for the 2027 General Elections.

The decision was approved by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) at its meeting on Thursday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Durosinmi Meseko, told journalists that the sale of forms will now close at midnight on Monday, May 4, 2026. Submission of completed forms and accompanying documents has been shifted to midnight on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

The previous schedule set the sale of forms from Saturday, April 25 to Saturday, May 2, 2026, with submissions due by Monday, May 4, 2026.

Meseko said the extension was necessary due to the nationwide public holiday observed on Friday and the high level of interest from aspirants.

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Supreme Court Orders Fresh Trial In ADC Leadership Dispute

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The Supreme Court has directed former Senate President David Mark and other parties in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership tussle to return to the Federal High Court for the determination of the case.

The apex court, in a judgment delivered Thursday, voided the “status quo ante bellum” order earlier issued by the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026.

The appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, was filed by Mark challenging the appellate court’s decision, which ordered parties to maintain the status quo in a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe and other aggrieved ADC members.

Mark argued that the dispute concerns the internal affairs of a political party, which courts lack jurisdiction to intervene in. f40e

Following the Court of Appeal’s ruling, INEC had on April 1 removed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as ADC National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, stating it would not recognise any faction until the legal dispute is resolved.

The Supreme Court’s latest decision effectively sets aside that order and directs that the substantive suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, should proceed to hearing. 1e88

The leadership crisis pits Mark’s faction against Nafiu Bala, a former Deputy National Chairman who declared himself acting national chairman after Ralph Nwosu stepped down.

The Mark-led faction had earlier written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria seeking timely delivery of the judgment, warning that delay could exclude the ADC from the 2027 General Election.

 

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Lagos Airport Staff Return $1,700, Passports To Passenger

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A staff member at the Murtala Muhammed International
Airport, MMIA, in Lagos, Frank Omorojie, has been commended for returning a lost purse containing cash and important travel documents to its owner at the departure hall of Terminal 2.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Rwanda Air check-in area, where Omorojie reportedly discovered the misplaced item.

The purse contained $1,700, a Nigerian and British passport, as well as a credit card.

According to airport sources, the discovery immediately raised concerns about tracing the owner, but Omorojie promptly handed the item over to Aviation Security, AVSEC, personnel without hesitation.

Following standard airport procedures, the recovered belongings were properly documented and transferred to the Customer Service unit, which quickly made a public announcement to locate the owner.

Within a short time, a Nigerian passenger scheduled to travel to Kigali, Rwanda, who had already feared the items were lost permanently, was reunited with all her belongings intact.

Airport officials described the incident as a clear demonstration of professionalism and integrity, noting that such actions
reinforce public confidence in airport operations and staff conduct.

Speaking briefly, Omorojie said his decision was guided by simple principles of honesty.

“I just did what was right,” he said.

His action has since drawn praise from colleagues and airport authorities, who described it as a commendable example of responsibility and ethical conduct in public service.

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Witness Links Sylva, Others To Coup Plot

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An army officer on Wednesday testified in a Federal High Court in Abuja, linking some of the defendants and former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva to an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The witness, an officer from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, who testified under protective measures with his identity shielded, told the court that intelligence reports received by the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (now Chief of Defence Staff), indicated that a serving officer, Col. Mohammed Maaji, was coordinating a coup plot involving military personnel and civilians, including Sylva.

“Upon receipt of the intelligence report, it was analysed, processed and found to be credible, and the Chief of Army Staff directed our team to investigate the allegations,” the witness stated.

He said Col. Maaji was arrested, and items recovered from him, including a Samsung Galaxy Z-series phone and a jotter, contained operational plans, names and designations of ranking members of the current administration, as well as officers marked for assassination.

Forensic examination of the phone reportedly revealed communications linking Maaji to some of the defendants. The witness also spoke of “post-coup arrangements,” including proposed changes to government institutions.

The officer further testified that financial investigations uncovered monetary transactions linking Col. Maaji, Sylva, and some of the defendants.

With assistance from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), analysis of bank records showed multiple large transfers running into hundreds of millions of naira between September and October 2025.

Investigators also visited Green Land Apartment and Brookville Hotel in Abuja, where records of meetings allegedly discussing “regime change,” assassination targets, and role assignments were recovered.

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Six suspects, retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru (an electrician at the Presidential Villa), Bukar Kashim Goni, and Islamic cleric Abdulkadir Sani are standing trial on a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose treasonable information, and money laundering.

The defendants, who were arraigned on April 22, 2026, pleaded not guilty to all charges. Timipre Sylva is named in the charge sheet as “still at large.”

The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, also presented three bank officials from Jaiz Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Providus Bank, who tendered documents relating to account correspondences with the EFCC, which were admitted in evidence.

Defence counsel, led by Muhammed Ndayako (SAN), raised objections to some of the evidence and the manner of the witness’s testimony, reserving their full arguments for the final address.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 4, 2026, for continuation of the trial.

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Why EFCC Probed Pastor Jerry Eze For Six Months, Chairman Reveals

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Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has opened up on why Clergyman, Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International was investigated.

Speaking at an event in Abuja in a video shared by Channels TV, Olukoyede revealed that the probe lasted six months and was triggered by intelligence reports showing large inflows of foreign currency into a domiciliary account linked to the pastor.

He said dollars and pounds were coming in from multiple countries, which raised concerns and led the agency to carry out a full investigation.

According to him, after reviewing the financial records and inviting the pastor for questioning, no wrongdoing was established.

“I am going to embarrass you today. I never wanted to say it, but I just felt that was my little way of making this contribution.

“I investigated this man for six months for money laundering. We work by intelligence, we work by petitions.

“At some point, there was an account, a domiciliary account; dollars, pounds were dropping like raindrops from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.

Olukoyede added that he later invited Pastor Eze to commend him after understanding how the funds were received and used, noting that the EFCC will continue to monitor financial activities as part of its mandate.

“I said, ‘Who is this man?’ Yes, I have been hearing about his name. I have seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing; he is a pastor,” Olukoyede said.

“So, they said it’s one Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy. Go and investigate him. So, we went into investigation; we combed the books. Yes, we saw the money coming in.

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“So, my investigating officer came to me one day and said, ‘Sir, this is the preliminary report.’ I said I would like to see this man. Go and invite him.

“So, he (Eze) came to my office. I saw him. I had seen that face, but I didn’t know it was him, because I saw somebody who came in with baggy trousers, a T-shirt, and some punk with a parting.

“I was almost going to say, ‘Go and call your pastor, my friend; go and bring your bishop.”

“So, he told me what happens, how the money came, and how he has been helping people and all of that. I told him, ‘I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We’ve already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he added.

 

The EFCC chairman urged him to continue to keep his hands clean, because the anti-graft agency, according to him, “will always come for you”.

“The only thing that is remaining now is to give you a letter of validation, but I’m not going to give you because I’ll still continue to monitor your finances.”

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Atiku Hails Amaechi As ‘A Statesman’ After Abuja Visit

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a statesman whose contributions to Nigeria continue to have a lasting impact.

Atiku made this known in a post shared on X on Wednesday after visiting Amaechi at his residence in Abuja.

He said the meeting was both engaging and productive.

“Today, I had an engaging and fruitful audience with my dear brother, H.E. Rotimi Amaechi, at his residence in Abuja,” he wrote.

Atiku highlighted Amaechi’s long record in public service, noting that he has served as speaker, governor and minister.

“Amaechi is a statesman whose distinguished service as a two-time Speaker, two-time Governor, and two-time Minister continues to echo in
the annals of our national life,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation for the way he and his delegation were received during the visit.

“I remain deeply grateful for the warmth, grace, and generosity of spirit with which he received me and my delegation,” Atiku added.

Recall that both politicians are reportedly eyeing the presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

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FG Declares May 1 a Public Holiday

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The Federal Government has declared Friday a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani said the minister congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration.

“The Minister commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development. He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.

“He encouraged workers to embrace patriotism, productivity, and dedication to their duties. These qualities are crucial for sustainable development.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to supporting the welfare and security of all workers and creating a favorable environment for economic growth.

“While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Minister urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He encouraged everyone
to use this occasion to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in
building the nation”, the statement added.

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IGP Dismisses Officers, Orders Prosecution Over Delta Suspect Killing

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Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has approved the recommendation of the force disciplinary committee (FDC) for the
dismissal and prosecution of Nuhu Usman, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), and other officers over the killing of a suspect in Efunrun, Delta
state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Anthony Placid, the force public relations officer, said the force disciplinary FDC, alongside other internal disciplinary processes, has concluded its review of the incident and established that the police officer ” acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms.”

“Consequently, the FDC has recommended the immediate
dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable. The Inspector-General of Police has approved the recommendations and forwarded same
to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process,”
the statement reads.

BACKGROUND

On Tuesday, a trending video on social media showed the shooting of the suspect, who had been restrained by a police officer attached to the Delta police command.

In the less-than-two-minute video, the male suspect is seen sitting on the ground with his hands tied behind his back with a rope.

The video has since generated widespread public outrage, with calls for the prosecution of the officer involved and justice for the victim.

In a statement on Tuesday, Bright Edafe, police spokesperson in Delta state, said the officer, identified as Usman Nuhu, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), has been arrested and transferred to the force headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings.

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OFFICERS TO BE PROSECUTED

According to the force spokesperson, the affected officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution for their roles in the extrajudicial shooting upon completion of the administrative procedures.

“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates, in the strongest terms, that the Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions and abuse of power,” he said.

“No uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law. Any officer who violates this fundamental principle will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.

“The IGP extends his deepest and most solemn condolences to the family of the deceased, Mr Mene Ogidi.

“He acknowledges the pain and loss suffered and assures the family that this tragic incident will not be treated lightly.

“The Force is fully committed to ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served, in a manner that reinforces public confidence and institutional accountability.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens while ensuring accountability at all levels.”

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