The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) organized a significant event on Thursday, a one-million-man march, aimed at demonstrating unwavering support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Led by Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the APC caretaker committee in the state, the rally brought together a massive crowd to convey their solidarity with President Tinubu.

The primary objective of the one-million-man march was to reassure President Tinubu of the continued backing he enjoys from the people of Rivers State. This event served as a platform for party members and supporters to visibly display their allegiance to President Tinubu’s leadership and agenda.

Chief Tony Okocha, speaking on behalf of the Rivers APC, reiterated the significance of the rally as a tangible expression of support for President Tinubu’s administration. By organizing such a large-scale gathering, the APC aimed to send a clear message of unity and commitment to the President’s vision and policies.

The march, which likely traversed prominent streets and locations in Rivers State, attracted widespread attention and participation, underscoring the enthusiasm and dedication of APC members and supporters in the state. The visible turnout of one million individuals symbolized the depth of support for President Tinubu within the party’s ranks in Rivers State.

Overall, the one-million-man march served as a powerful demonstration of political solidarity and loyalty, highlighting the strong backing that President Tinubu enjoys from the Rivers State chapter of the APC. Through such collective displays of support, the party aims to strengthen its position and influence, both within the state and nationally, under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“PDP Chieftain Calls for Shared Responsibility in Addressing Northwest Insecurity”

Abubakar Dingyadi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged Nigerians not to lay the blame solely on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the escalating insecurity in the North-west region. Instead, Dingyadi believes that governors in the region should bear the primary responsibility for the unfortunate situation.

Speaking at a gathering organized by the Northern Coalition Group for Transparency and Justice in Kaduna, Dingyadi presented a paper titled “Insecurity, Politics, and Democracy in Nigeria: A Reflection of Yesterday and Our Challenge Today.” In his address, he emphasized the need for accountability among governors, particularly in the North-west, for their alleged failure to demonstrate full commitment to addressing insecurity.

Dingyadi criticized what he perceived as the lax attitude of some governors, accusing them of neglecting their states’ security concerns and resorting to remote participation in meetings while their constituents suffer from incessant attacks and kidnappings. He questioned the effectiveness of security votes and lamented the failure of governors to implement solutions learned from their visits to developed countries.

The PDP chieftain also raised concerns about the absence of some governors from regional forums aimed at addressing insecurity, highlighting the importance of collective action in finding lasting solutions. He commended the efforts of Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, in addressing insecurity but noted the emboldenment of bandits in the region.

Dingyadi’s remarks underscore the complex dynamics of governance and security in Nigeria’s North-west region, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to tackle the pervasive insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods.

“Rivers APC Affirms Support for President Tinubu, Seeks Alliance with Wike for 2027 Elections”

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This affirmation came during a one-million-man march organized by the party, led by Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in the state, in collaboration with members of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The rally, which commenced from the GRA Junction on Aba Road and culminated at the APC state secretariat in Port Harcourt, was intended to demonstrate Rivers State’s steadfast support for President Tinubu. Okocha emphasized the significance of the event as a display of solidarity with the President.

Notably, the rally also aimed to express support for Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Okocha clarified that despite Wike’s presence on the rally’s banners, the event was not exclusively an APC affair but rather a gathering of “Mr. President’s family in Rivers State.”

Acknowledging Wike’s pivotal role in securing President Tinubu’s victory in the state during the last election, Okocha referred to him as “001” and the “leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Rivers State.” He indicated that efforts were underway to persuade Wike to join the APC to bolster President Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

Reflecting on challenges encountered during the 2023 elections, Okocha highlighted obstacles faced by President Tinubu’s supporters within the APC in Rivers State, including alleged threats from the party’s leadership. Despite these challenges, Okocha asserted that they were able to ensure President Tinubu’s victory in the state.

Regarding the Nigerian economy, Okocha defended President Tinubu, stating that the President cannot be expected to resolve decades-long problems within a year. He emphasized the ongoing process of addressing issues such as fuel subsidies and infrastructural development under President Tinubu’s leadership.

In summary, the Rivers APC’s rally served as a platform to reiterate its support for President Tinubu while also signaling a potential alliance with Nyesom Wike’s camp for future electoral endeavors.

“The Transition Committee of the Labour Party (LP) sets forth its ambitious agenda to transform the party into a formidable player within Nigeria’s political landscape. Led by Mr. Abdulwaheed Umar, a former president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the committee vows to address the internal challenges that have plagued the LP and hindered its progress.

Inaugurated officially in Abuja by the Political Commission of the NLC and other stakeholders, Chairman Abdulwaheed Umar asserts that the committee’s formation signals the end of the party’s internal crises. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a robust foundation for the LP, which includes conducting transparent and credible elections from the grassroots level up to the national convention. This groundwork, Umar explains, is crucial for the LP’s preparation for both off-circle elections and the highly anticipated 2027 general elections, especially in the context of challenging the incumbent government.

Umar underscores the committee’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, aiming to garner support from Nigerians by demonstrating that the Labour Party is on the right trajectory. With aspirations to secure various electoral positions across Nigeria, the committee plans to organize congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels, culminating in a national convention to elect new leadership.

The committee’s resolve to address the leadership crisis within the LP is evident, particularly in the dismissal of Julius Abure as the party’s chairman due to alleged procedural irregularities. Umar assures LP members of a peaceful transition and calls for patience during this transformative period, emphasizing that the ongoing changes are temporary and aimed at establishing a stronger LP.

Notably, the LP’s national convention held in March saw the election of Julius Abure as National Chairman, a decision later rejected by the NLC. In response, the Transition Committee, spearheaded by Umar, has been tasked with revitalizing the party within a 90-day period. Alongside Umar, committee members such as Sam Amadi and Abiodun Olamosu have been appointed as co-chairmen to assist in the party’s overhaul, with Nnawuihe Nwauwa serving as the secretary.

The LP’s commitment to reform and renewal under the guidance of the Transition Committee underscores its determination to emerge as a potent political force, ready to contest and influence Nigeria’s political landscape in the upcoming years.”

“Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) publicly extends its apologies to the people of Abia for not meeting their expectations over the years, citing these shortcomings as contributing factors to its defeat in the recent gubernatorial election. Speaking at a press briefing held at the PDP secretariat in Umuahia following a stakeholders’ meeting, Abraham Amah, the Vice Chairman of the party and Acting Publicity Secretary, acknowledged the party’s significant errors and emphasized its commitment to correcting them.

Amah emphasized the party’s determination to adopt a different approach moving forward, leveraging the lessons learned from past mistakes to chart a new course. He expressed satisfaction that the party’s structure across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state remains intact despite challenges. Furthermore, he expressed optimism about the party’s resurgence, particularly with the anticipated inclusion of prominent political figures in the coming days.

Addressing recent defections from the party, Amah likened the situation to the shedding of dried leaves by an Iroko tree during the dry season, noting that such changes are necessary for growth. He assured that new members would fill the void left by departing ones, reaffirming the party’s strength and determination to emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.

Prior to Amah’s remarks, Okezie Ikpeazu, the immediate past Governor of the State, emphasized the end of the era of imposition within the party, pledging to allow members to choose their leaders democratically. Additionally, Asiforo Okere, the Abia State Chairman of the PDP, encouraged members to remain steadfast in their support for the party.

This stakeholders’ meeting marks the first gathering following the party’s defeat in the 2023 polls, signaling a renewed commitment to introspection, accountability, and grassroots engagement.”

A former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Deputy Chairman, Bode George, says the party must stick to its power rotation grundnorm between the North and South to win in 2027.

George said this while fielding questions from newsmen during his address to the nation, titled “My Thoughts on The State of Our Country in the Last 25 Years: A Time to Chart A New Direction”.

He was reacting to a recent statement made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and PDP 2023 Presidential candidate that he would drop his ambition in 2027 if the party picks the Labour Party Presidential candidate in 2023, Mr Peter Obi.

George said power rotation must be sacrosanct, adding that the PDP should have learnt its lessons from the defeat of 2023.

He said: “Our party has a grundnorm. The constitution of our party as compiled by the founding father, Baba Ekwueme (former Vice President Alex Ekwueme) and his team will remain a guiding light.

“We have paid a big price for not following the rule. We have made mistakes, let us learn. It has cost us too much.

“Section 7 sub section 3C states very clearly that the party must adhere to the zoning and rotation procedures for party positions and elective positions simultaneously for things to work well.”

According to him, power rotation, as embedded in the party’s constitution, was to guard against any situation that might bring back the military to power.

He said that the party’s founding fathers divided the country into six geo-political zones to capture the majority and minority tribes and give all a sense of belonging.

“This is because the problem since 1960 is between majority tribes and minority tribes.

“The majority tribe will have their way, but the minority will just be mere onlookers. That was the major cause of coups and counter coups,” he said.

George added that the party’s founding fathers came up with the idea that the top six positions in the land be shared by the six geo-political zones for equity and justice.

He listed the positions as offices of the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the party.

He added: “They (founding fathers) agreed that every eight years, all the positions held by northern zones should come to the south zones, vice versa, for rotation.

“The moment we (the PDP) started tinkering with that idea officially against our grundnorm, that was what created division in PDP.”