NIGERIAN NOTCH

From Chinwe Onuigbo,  Awka  At least 30 young people from Anambra State and other parts of Nigeria have received financial support totaling ₦15 million under a youth empowerment programme organized by the Faithspiration Initiative. The grants were disbursed during the third edition of the group’s youth forum, themed “Ablazed with the Fire of God,” held at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha. The event brought together no fewer than 50,000 youths from across the South-East and South-South regions, alongside religious leaders and public officials. Building on the legacy of its previous editions, the forum has emerged as a major platform for spiritual growth, motivational discourse and youth empowerment. Its inaugural edition, themed “Blossoming Youth, Flourishing Generation,” and the second edition, “Gen Zs: Limitless for Christ,” attracted thousands of participants and facilitated the disbursement of millions of naira in grants. Organizers s...

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and aspirant for the Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb Lotanna Ikebunwa, has launched the Good Governance Initiative group, calling on Nigerians to embrace the party as a credible alternative for accountable leadership. The initiative was inaugurated on Saturday at Anaedo Hall, Nnewi, drawing party faithful, community leaders and supporters from across the constituency. Speaking at the event, Amb. Ikebunwa emphasised the need for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s governance culture, urging citizens to demand transparency, inclusiveness and effective representation at all levels.  “This initiative is designed to awaken the consciousness of our people to demand better governance. Nigeria requires a new direction, and the ADC offers that alternative,” he said. In a major highlight of the event, the aspirant donated a plot of land valued at over N10 million to a women’s support gro...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has formally handed over the site for the construction of a new student hostel, signaling the institution’s commitment to improving student welfare and accommodation. Speaking during the brief ceremony, Dr. Awuzie disclosed that work on the project would commence imminently. Represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Comrade Chibuzor Asomugha, the Rector assured the contractor of the management’s full support and cooperation throughout the duration of the project. She also charged the contractor, Engr. Philip Onome, to adhere strictly to quality standards and deliver the project within the agreed timeline, emphasizing the institution’s zero tolerance for substandard work. According to Asomugha, the Rector places a premium on accountability and due process, noting that the project would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with specifications. Earlier, the project consultant underscored the importance of p...

In what many are already calling a major political turning point, frontline House of Representatives aspirant, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has announced the official inauguration of the Good Governance Initiative (GGI) structure across Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency. The event, scheduled for April 11 at Anaedo Hall, Nnewi, will see the full unveiling of the Local Government and Ward Executives of GGI, now widely recognized as the biggest and most popular support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra State. For many constituents, this is not just another political gathering. It is a strong signal that a new movement has taken over the political space, one that is driven by the people, not monetary inducements. Across the three local governments, hundreds of people have continued to join the Good Governance Initiative willingly. No inducement of any kind, no payments, just pure belief in a leader they trust. Speaking ahead of the ina...

Mounting internal strife within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is forcing key opposition actors to reconsider their political alignment, with growing attention shifting toward the Action Democratic Party (ADP) as a potential coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ADC, once positioned as a rallying point for opposition collaboration, is now grappling with deepening leadership disputes, legal battles, and the looming threat of derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The crisis has been further exacerbated by accusations from founding members who allege a “hostile takeover” of the party’s structure. Amid the uncertainty, multiple opposition stakeholders are said to be quietly exploring alternative political vehicles. The ADP has emerged as a leading option, with its leadership reportedly engaging influential political figures across the country. In an interview in Abuja, ADP National Chairman, Yusuf Sani, confirmed tha...

Frontline aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna, has extended warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Ben Chuks Nwosu following his recent appointment as Chairman of the ADC Congress Screening Committee. Rt. Hon. Nwosu, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Membership Mobilization, Revalidation and Registration Committee (MMRRC) in Anambra State, earned this new responsibility in recognition of his outstanding performance and proven leadership capacity in his previous role. Reacting to the development, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna expressed great confidence in Rt. Hon. Nwosu’s ability to deliver effectively, noting that his track record speaks volumes. He emphasized that the success recorded during his tenure as Chairman of the MMRRC clearly demonstrated his competence, dedication, and strategic leadership, which ultimately paved the way for this higher responsibility. According to him...

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider its handling of the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that failure to do so could trigger a credibility crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections. IPAC also raised concerns over the timing of a proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise and condemned the ongoing killings in Plateau State, describing the developments as threats to democratic stability and national security. In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, the council said recent actions by the electoral body risk undermining public confidence in the political process. Addressing the ADC leadership dispute, IPAC criticised the reported removal of prominent figures, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, from INEC’s official portal, describing the move as premature and potentially destabilising. ...

Nigerian music star, Davido, has said he is no longer enthusiastic about pursuing a career in politics, expressing concern over the challenges celebrities face when transitioning into the political arena. The Afrobeats sensation made the revelation during a recent livestream on Twitch, where he reflected on his long-standing interest in partisan politics and why his perspective has changed. According to him, years of building a global brand, goodwill, and a loyal fan base now weigh heavily on his decision, as he considers the potential risks involved in stepping into politics. “Before, I wanted to go into politics but honestly, now, I see it two ways. All my years of goodwill, my name and my career, all the hard work and the fan base we have built—it is tricky,” he said. Davido noted that his reservations are largely influenced by the experiences of other entertainers who ventured into politics but struggled to achieve success or maintain their public appeal. “The way peopl...

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Chioma Irene Awuzie, for sustaining peace and security within the institution. Orutugu gave the commendation on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Rector at her office in Oko. The police chief lauded the institution’s longstanding reputation, noting that the polytechnic has produced notable personalities across the country. He expressed personal admiration for the school, describing it as one with a rich tradition of excellence. He attributed the prevailing peaceful atmosphere and steady development in the institution to the Rector’s leadership qualities, including her humility, discipline, focus and deep understanding of the institution’s internal dynamics. According to him, Awuzie has effectively deployed her familiarity with the system, having emerged from within, to successfully manage the affairs of the polytechnic. Orutugu also highlighted improvemen...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its protracted leadership crisis, accusing the electoral body of misinterpreting a recent Court of Appeal ruling and yielding to political pressure. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said INEC’s decision to suspend engagement with factions within the party was inconsistent with both the facts of the case and the intent of the appellate court’s judgment. Abdullahi alleged that the commission acted under pressure from a “jittery government” unsettled by the ADC’s growing political influence, claiming there were deliberate attempts to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party state. “We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. The commission’s statement is riddled with contradictions and does not reflect the reality of the situation,” he said. He added that the party is...