Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia has called for unity in the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging aggrieved members of the party to embrace reconciliation and work together for the progress of the state.

“There are differences within the party but unity is important for collective success,” the governor said during an interview on Arise News.

“I think every service has to go back to the people. It is the people who get you on board. “We can’t be here without the people,” he said.

He added that leaders must be accountable to citizens and carry everybody along in governance.

“It is very critical that as they are very vital in putting us in those positions, they are the government in a way and we must be listening to them. “We have to work for them and with them,” he said.

Alia admitted there are divisions within the APC in Benue State but said efforts have been made to reconcile stakeholders.

“I know it is one APC in the state but we cannot deny the fact that there are some differences. That is a fact,” he added.

He said a number of reconciliation meetings have been called involving major stakeholders to ease tensions in the party.

“As the state leader of the party, I led the way in calling and inviting all major stakeholders to be part of our reconciliatory meetings. They came, we talked,” he said.

The message during the meetings was clear, he said, urging both aggrieved and satisfied members to prioritise unity.

“Those who are wounded must let go and those who are aggrieved must show restraint so that we can move forward and support this movement,” he said.

Alia also said that unity is needed to boost the party’s prospects in the upcoming elections and governance goals in the state.

Recall that the APC governorship primary election conducted on Thursday has announced the winner as Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.

The announcement came after the conclusion of voting and collation of results from various centres across the state, with party officials confirming his victory after the exercise.

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Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on the South-East to massively support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, warning that neglecting to do that could endanger the continuation of major federal infrastructure projects across the region.

Umahi made the comments on Wednesday during an inspection visit to ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Ebonyi State.

The minister said that the projects were unprecedented in the history of the South-East, adding that no previous government had invested so much in the region’s infrastructure.

One of the inspected projects was the ongoing Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, which Umahi said was one of the administration’s legacy projects.

According to him, the stretch from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Ebonyi–Benue boundary covers a distance of about 123 kilometres and is being constructed with reinforced concrete pavement and solar-powered streetlights at an estimated cost of N454 billion.

He said that the Federal Government had already released 50 per cent funding for the project, while approvals were being processed for the dualisation of critical sections of the route.

The minister further explained that the contract value of section two of the corridor which runs from Ebonyi – Benue boundary through Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States to Oweto Bridge is about 178 kilometres with a contract value of N685 billion.

Umahi said that despite the funding challenges facing contractors, the Federal Government was still committed to meeting its obligations.

“We have been assured by the President that all contractors owed money will be paid. “There is no state in Nigeria today without a construction site under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, he said.

“Communities that benefit from federal projects should support Tinubu in the next election,” Umahi said.

Afikpo people did not vote APC last time. If they want this bridge done, I’m going to need 100 per cent of the votes. I am not asking for 99 per cent, he said.

“Only through federal intervention can projects of this size be realized,” he said.

Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can build these roads and bridges. “Past politicians used this bridge as campaign promises but this President came and started the work without making noise about it,” he added.

According to Umahi, the South-East has regained relevance in national politics under the current administration, adding that his appointment as Minister of Works and the scale of projects spread across the region were testament to this.

“We were shouting marginalisation before but today, no ministry is bigger than the Ministry of Works and it is being headed by an Igbo man. The President has brought the South-East into the mainstream of Nigerian politics, he said.

The minister called on political leaders in the region to publicly endorse the President and educate residents on the administration’s accomplishments.

I call on all the leaders who support the President to speak out openly. “Our people must know the truth of what this administration is doing in the South-East,” he said.

Umahi said large parts of the project will be completed before the end of the year and urged South-East voters to avoid sentiment during the 2027 elections.

This is not a lottery election. Presidency is won not by sentiments but by strategic planning. “We have to back the President to complete these projects and also to get more opportunities for the South-East,” he said.

The ex-Ebonyi State governor said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated commitment to infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.

“We will shock the nation in Ebonyi State because we are going to give 95 per cent of our votes to President Tinubu. “The last election result was an accident of history and it will not repeat itself,” Umahi said.

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North still strongly backs President Bola Tinubu ahead of next year’s general elections, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement in the Northwest, Abdullahi Yakasai, has insisted.

Yakasai, speaking on Arise Television on Wednesday, dismissed speculation that Tinubu has lost Northern support.

Such claims, he said, were political posturing of opposition parties ahead of 2027 elections.

“For somebody to say that the political base and the support that Mr. President has been enjoying is no more there in the Northwest, I think these are just political negative statements.

“Honestly, I think the northern part of this country should be happy with what Mr. President has done,” he said.

Yakasai said President Tinubu had taken key steps to strengthen governance and development at the grassroots level in response to concerns over the deteriorating living conditions.

“A lot of responsibility for citizen welfare is not just on the federal government, but also on the state and local governments,” he said.

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With only two weeks until the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) National Assembly primaries, people in the Abia Central Senatorial zone have asked the party’s leaders to back Sam Onuigbo for the 11th Senate.

Onuigbo was the sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021. He served in the Eighth and Ninth House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South federal constituencies.

After a meeting in Umuahia, Chief Augustine Anyaegbu led representatives from the six Local Government Areas of Abia Central Senatorial District. They said they met to carefully look at the backgrounds, track records, and political power of everyone who wants to represent the zone in the 11th Senate.

Chief Anyaegbu said, “We have therefore decided to advise the leadership of our great party, APC, to support the aspiration of Sir Sam Onuigbo for the monumental achievements he recorded as a member of the Green Chamber, among other lofty reasons.”

He said that no other APC leader in the zone has brought the party to national and international attention through their legislative skills, and he stressed that Onuigbo joined the party when it was like a desert in the state.

The people involved say that APC should be looking for candidates in Abia State who have a winning aura and credentials that will help President Bola Tinubu’s candidacy.

“While other modern-day progressives were comfortable where they were, Onuigbo joined the APC and kept supporting and growing the party.” So, Sir Sam Onuigbo has the right of first refusal when it comes to the Abia Central Senatorial ticket.

“It is also known that Onuigbo only served two terms in the House of Representatives, even though there is no limit on how long lawmakers can serve.” We are sure that Onuigbo will keep his time in the Senate short because he has a history of being fair and honest.

“Eight years is more than enough time for any lawmaker who knows what they’re doing to make a difference by representing their constituents well.” “We are happy with Onuigbo’s work in the House of Representatives and how he has acted by promoting the benefits of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the stakeholders said.

The stakeholders begged the party’s national leaders not to give in to the urge to promote a culture of “baboon-dey-work-monkey-dey-chop” in the APC. They also praised the party’s national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for assuring members that visitors would not be allowed to put homeowners in the boys’ quarters.

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Ernest Anene Onwa, who wants to be the Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency representative, praised the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark for their bravery, which he said has made the party the best choice for good Nigerians.

On Friday, Onwa also congratulated the new executive committee members of the ADC in Enugu State.

Onwa, who is from Ozalla in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, praised David Mark, the former Senate President and current National Chairman of the ADC, “for leading the party through a successful convention.”

I want to congratulate Professor Austin Akubue and Mr. Chukwujekwu Nebo on being elected Chairman and Secretary of our party in the state of Enugu. I also want to congratulate all the other members of the State Executive Committee who were elected.

Onwa said in the statement, “I believe Prof. Akubue and his team will lead the party to victory in the 2027 elections in the state.”

Even though there was a lot of talk about the party’s recent congresses and national convention, Onwa praised the party’s leaders at both the state and national levels for going ahead with the exercises on time and “successfully.”

The statement went on to say, “I want to thank Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Professor Barth Nnaji, Dr. John Nwokeabia, and other leaders of our party in the state for their leadership, steadfastness, and guidance, which made the ward, LGA, and state congresses a success.”

“I can’t end this statement without thanking the National Chairman of our great party, Senator David Mark, the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the whole National Working Committee.

“Every good Nigerian who wants change from the bad leadership that is hurting the country has chosen our party because of their bravery and determination.”

On April 9, 2026, the ADC held ward and local government congresses all over the country. The state congress took place on April 11, 2026, and Prof. Austin Akubue was chosen to be the Enugu State Chairman.

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, David Mark led the party’s first National Convention. The convention approved David Mark as the party’s leader, but factional leaders Nafiu Bala and Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, were kicked out.

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Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, has declared that he is in favor of President Bola Tinubu’s reelection.

Speaking on Friday during his monthly media chat, Otti claimed that since he is also running for reelection, he has no reason to oppose the President’s ambition for a second term.

He insisted that denying the same opportunity to another elected figure would be inconsistent.

“I am not in a position to oppose the President’s candidacy,” Otti declared. I’m not a presidential candidate.

Why would I be against his presidency? In addition, I’m looking for a second term. Is it appropriate for me to argue that someone else shouldn’t have theirs?

Otti rejected attempts to present his viewpoint in a partisan manner, pointing out that cooperation between the federal, state, and municipal governments is necessary for effective governance.

He contends that although conflicts may occur, judgments made within the system must be upheld in accordance with democratic ideals.

Additionally, the governor issued a warning against what he called politically motivated narratives intended to incite needless conflict, emphasizing that these viewpoints frequently fail to withstand examination.

Regarding his future in politics, Otti reiterated his dedication to the Labour Party, claiming that its internal problems have been fixed as a result of a Supreme Court ruling acknowledged by INEC.

“The party is back on its feet,” he declared, adding that congresses and a national convention are being planned.

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According to reports, certain members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State’s Ukwa East Local Government Area have switched to the Labour Party (LP), supporting Governor Alex Otti’s bid for a second term.

Among other prominent figures from the region, it was understood that the defectors included Hon. Lewis Obianyi, the representative for Ukwa East State Constituency; Hon. Paul Taribo, the former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Ossy Nwamuo, the former Commissioner and former Chairman of the Ukwa East Transition Committee; and Lady Chinedu Brown, the former Commissioner for Women Affairs.

The endorsement was made on Thursday at the Ohanku community, where locals and political figures came together in what they called a “collective decision to support the governor beyond party lines.”

Alex Otti welcomed the defectors and thanked them for their endorsement and support in the 2027 governorship contest.

He took the opportunity to discuss long-standing infrastructural issues, including power, which locals claimed had been absent from the entire Ndoki territory for more than 20 years.

Otti stated, “We have no choice but to give you power if we could give power not only to Ukwa West but also to Etche, which is not a part of Abia State.”

I am aware that power is already being drawn here, therefore transformers and a smart metering system are most likely needed. You can take it from me that you will have power here before the end of March if that is necessary.

The Commissioner for Works was instructed by the governor to finish the last stretch of Ohanku Road and extend it into the village.

Additionally, he promised the locals that Obohia hamlet in Ukwa East LGA would be included in the capital-intensive rehabilitation of Obohia Road. He said that Senator Adolphus Wabara’s plea for internal highways will also be taken into consideration.

Regarding ongoing boundary conflicts, especially in Akirika Obu, Otti revealed that talks had been held with his counterpart from Akwa Ibom State in order to guarantee enduring peace in the region.

In response to requests for the rebirth of Abia palm, the governor disclosed that his administration had inked a Memorandum of Understanding with a multinational company that produces and processes palm.

Otti also revealed that 11 primary healthcare facilities in Ukwa East had been renovated and retrofitted by his government; four of these facilities are currently functioning, and the remaining ones should be operational in 45 days.

Additionally, he gave the Ukwa East Mayor instructions to do palliative repairs on the roofs of the school buildings at the event site, pledging a thorough restoration at a later time.

Otti Rejects the Title of Chieftain
Otti asked the Ukwa East Traditional Rulers Council to postpone granting him a chieftaincy title until after his tenure in 2031, a move that was met with enthusiasm.

He expressed his opinion that public officials shouldn’t be honored while they are still in office.

Nonetheless, the endorsement was characterized as a unanimous choice of the Ukwa people by former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, along with other prominent figures such as Lewis Obianyi, Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Ambassador Okey Emuche, and Lady Chinedu Brown.

They emphasized that the action was a group decision to back a governor they believed had done a credible job rather than just being partisan.

Wabara formally proposed a motion supporting Otti for a second term, and the audience unanimously approved it after Hon. Lewis Obianyi seconded it.

The governor was praised by the leaders for initiating the construction of Ukwa East’s first general hospital, restoring primary healthcare facilities, and refurbishing schools.

Nonetheless, they encouraged him to give the restoration of electricity, the revitalization of Abia Palm, the extension of road projects from Aba to Ukwa East, and the peacemaking in Akirika Obu first priority.

Speaking on behalf of the Asa community, Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke and Hon. Chibunna Akara, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, both emphasized Otti’s accomplishments in the region while highlighting other developmental obstacles.

Traditional leaders prayed for the governor and gave him presents as Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, and other dignitaries attended.

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Although Nyesom Wike publicly backed the party’s candidates in the recently ended FCT area council election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has insisted that Wike is not a party member.

Wike, who belongs to the People’s Democratic Party, has aided and abetted the APC’s candidates in the election.

The APC won five of the six local government chairmanship elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to reports, Wike had made a public commitment prior to the election to back candidates that shared President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Debates have persisted over his active participation in the campaigns and the election’s final result, especially in relation to his party affiliation.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, was asked in an interview on Arise News what the party would do if Wike were an APC member but employed by another political party, which is generally considered to be anti-party behavior.

Morka Refused To Conjecture
“Listen, you want me to make assumptions, and I won’t do that. That is a PDP question. He advised asking the PDP about their party structure, member treatment, and handling of such issues within the Peoples Democratic Party.

“You know, I cannot speculate on a matter that belongs solely to the party.”

Morka, speaking on behalf of the ruling party, acknowledged the minister’s influence on the outcome of the FCT election but emphasized that Wike’s political standing is unchanged.

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The Obidient Movement’s Abia State chapter has refuted a rumored threat to stop supporting Governor Alex Otti in 2027 because to his refusal to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate.

In a statement signed by National/South East Advisory Council member Ebere Obiesie, Abia State Secretary Elder Bethel Nwokoma, and spokesperson Chibuzor Obiesili, the Obidient Movement reportedly stated that its press conference on Wednesday merely denounced the former governors of Abia and their foot soldiers for banding together against Otti, without threatening to stop supporting the governor.

The Obidient Movement reiterated its unflinching support for Otti while advising the public to ignore any misleading media reports that implied the Movement had threatened to stop supporting the Governor.

In addition to praising Otti for his progress, the statement promised to assist his government going forward.

“The Obidient Movement, Abia State Chapter, has noted with concern a series of misleading reports and allegations circulating on certain media platforms, suggesting that the Movement has threatened to withdraw its support for His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti over his stance regarding the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” the statement said in part.

“We would like to make it clear that the Obidient Movement Abia State branch does not endorse any alleged call on Governor Alex Otti to defect to the ADC, as well as any accusations of an ultimatum or threat to withdraw support. These claims are untrue, unfounded, and a flagrant distortion of our group’s position.

The Abia State branch of the Obidient Movement recognizes the Governor’s and his administration’s people-focused efforts to rebuild and reposition Abia State.

The Abia State chapter of the Obidient Movement also categorically denounces and disassociates itself from the apparent gang-up by three former governors and their allies, whose deliberate acts are intended to undermine Governor Alex Otti’s government.

“We consider such coordinated efforts to be self-serving, regressive, and detrimental to the current transformation and communal growth being observed throughout Abia State.

Contrary to the false information being spread by some media outlets, we so reiterate our steadfast support for Governor Alex Otti and applaud his government for its dedication to good governance, transparency, and people-centered development.

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According to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, those who first intended to disparage Hadiza Bala Usman, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Unit, are now starving.

Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State, reportedly launched an investigation and suggested that Bala-Usman be suspended.

He made the call while serving as Minister of Transportation under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

But since stepping down, Amaechi has been harshly critical of the government, of which Bala Usman is an important cabinet member.

Last year, Amaechi stated that Nigerians should overthrow President Bola Tinubu because they were starving during a celebration of his 60th birthday.

“Everyone is hungry. We are all. I’m hungry if you’re not. Therefore, if you want us, the opposition, to remove Tinubu from office, we can do so,” he had stated.

Speaking at a colloquium on Usman’s 50th birthday in Abuja on Tuesday, Oshiomhole made a subtle allusion to Amaechi, saying that those who attempted to disparage the presidential assistant while she was the Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) are now facing consequences.

“When you were appointed MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), some people with ‘bad belle’ who were drunk with power tried to rub you without knowing your background, and you fought back,” he remarked.

“They attempted to discredit your family’s reputation, but in the end, they discredited themselves and are currently starving.” Even the best of us cannot be oppressed by that hunger. I therefore said, “May the hunger last until they return to their creator,” when I learned that those who had been so powerful the day before were now hungry.

“Look at it, you are here, you have the honor of Nigeria’s Vice President being in attendance to celebrate your birthday,” said Oshiomhole, who praised Bala Usman’s leadership abilities. Can you really expect more when the people who wanted to discard you are still hungry and will eventually starve? You have us, the Chief of Staff, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“This is the prize for listening to and absorbing your father’s best qualities, Hadiza. I’m not sure why I chose to discuss your father, because others find it hard to comprehend why you are unique. Your father joined us in protesting at the National Secretariat while I was in Abuja. I am therefore unaware of our relationship when I hear what people have to say about you.

“I am really proud of you, little girl, but you are very stubborn,” they said. Because of your intelligence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose you as a policy advisor and you brought certain perspectives to the election that others might not have considered. I replied in the affirmative since policy and the results of policy decisions are fundamental to governance.

He claimed that since plans are not implemented on a whim, President Tinubu is aware of where he placed her.

“He did not do it as a favor; he did it because he needed you,” Oshiomhole continued. Because he still values a reforming administration, he has kept you there. Even though we’ve shown that you can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect different results, people dislike reforms.

“This is what we say every day, but the same individuals start complaining when you have an administration, backed by the vice president, that says we will stop doing things the old way because we want a new outcome. That is life, but people who are optimistic about the future would prefer to take a chance, create policies, and carry them out mercilessly in order to make tomorrow better than today.

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