Category: News

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria. Speaking in commemoration of Democracy Day on June 12, Jega emphasized that strengthening the electoral process requires transparency and real-time result transmission. He noted that electronic collation would reduce manipulation and build public confidence in the democratic system. Jega, who led INEC during the landmark 2015 general elections, stressed that integrating technology into Nigeria’s electoral framework is crucial for credible elections and democratic consolidation.

By Our Reporters Tensions are rising within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as party leaders are divided over a recent call by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and some stakeholders, for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South. The call, made during a meeting in Abuja on Monday by Wike and a group of “Concerned Stakeholders,” has drawn criticism and conflicting responses from within the party hierarchy. Wike’s group also reaffirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP—a move that has added to internal disagreements following a controversial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in May. Disagreement Among Party Leaders Reacting to the Abuja meeting, PDP Board of Trustees member and former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jones Onyereri, faulted the NEC meeting, alleging that it was not properly convened in accordance with the party’s constitution. According to him, “Only the National Secretary has the authority to issue notices of meetings. Senator Anyanwu confirmed in writing that the NEC meeting was cancelled. Therefore, it was not properly convened.” On the issue of zoning, Onyereri supported the group’s call for the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, stating that the party must uphold its constitutional principles of rotation and fairness. Bode George Urges Restraint In contrast, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, cautioned against airing internal disagreements in public. He warned that such behaviour could damage the party’s unity and reputation. “We have a functional national executive, and family matters are not to be discussed in the marketplace,” George said. “We must all wait for the next NEC meeting scheduled for June 30. This is not the way to run a party.” Party Official: No Contradiction in Zoning Call Speaking on behalf of the party, PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, downplayed the controversy, saying the call for a southern presidential candidate aligns with the party’s broader position. “What they said in the communiqué is not different from what the party believes in,” Bature told Vanguard. “There is no decision from the last NEC meeting that is binding, so there is no need for alarm.” When asked about the claims that the NEC meeting was improperly convened, Bature acknowledged the procedural issues but maintained that no critical decisions were taken. PDP to Respond Formally The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told reporters that the party would formally respond to the Wike-led stakeholders’ position in due course. “There is a process in our party. We have a NEC and a committee responsible for these matters. The party will respond appropriately,” he said. Fayose Warns of Party Collapse Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has warned that the PDP risks becoming a “political carcass” if urgent reforms are not implemented. Speaking during a visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Monday night, Fayose said the party is in decline and requires drastic internal restructuring. “Without urgent action, the PDP is headed for serious decline,” he warned. “I’m not defecting to the APC, but as someone who once led the opposition, I must speak the truth.” He praised President Tinubu for his initial efforts in office, noting that although challenges remain, “there is a clear difference from the last administration.” Background The internal rift within the PDP comes as the party struggles to regroup following its loss in the 2023 presidential election. The battle for control of the party’s leadership and the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket are expected to dominate the agenda at the upcoming NEC meeting.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, is set to commission a total of 18 critical infrastructure and healthcare projects across the state this week, in a major push under his administration’s “New Abia” transformation agenda. According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the commissioning ceremonies will take place between Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11, 2025, covering Abia South and Abia Central Senatorial Zones. Governor Otti will on Tuesday commission 12 completed road projects in Aba, the state’s commercial capital, under the supervision of the Greater Aba Development Authority and the Ministry of Works. The roads include: A public rally will follow the commissioning at St. Joseph’s College (CKC), Asa Triangle, Aba. On Wednesday, June 11, the focus shifts to Abia Central, where the Governor will inaugurate four fully equipped Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) in Isiala Ngwa South, Umuahia South, and Umuahia North LGAs. These fall under the Project Ekwueme PHC Program, which aims to establish functional health centers in all 184 wards across Abia State. Two major road projects will also be commissioned: Both road projects were executed by the Ministry of Works. A rally will be held afterward at Ibeku High School, Umuahia. This marks the first phase of Governor Otti’s larger plan to commission and initiate 55 key projects across the state in the coming weeks, reinforcing his commitment to transparent governance, infrastructure renewal, healthcare enhancement, and socioeconomic revitalization.