Politics
LG autonomy: Govs in fresh move to delay implementation
Ahead of the submission of the report of the 10-member inter-ministerial committee on the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling on Local Government Areas autonomy next week, state governors have begun fresh lobbying against the enforcement of the verdict.
The panel, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has concluded its assignment and is expected to submit its report on or before October 13, according to PUNCH findings.
Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit issued a regulation, effective from June 1, 2019, banning transactions on State and Local Governments Joint Accounts. Funds were sent directly to the accounts of the local governments. It also limited cash withdrawals from local governments accounts to a maximum amount of N500,000 per day with penalties for banks that failed to comply.
However, state governors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, kicked against this regulation and the NFIU eventually capitulated.
In May, the Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, filed a lawsuit to challenge the governors’ authority to receive and withhold federal allocations meant for Local Government Areas.
The suit sought to prevent state governors from unilaterally dissolving democratically elected local government councils and establishing caretaker committees. The AGF argued that the constitution mandated a democratically elected local government system and did not allow alternative governance structures.
The Supreme Court, on July 11, 2024, gave a landmark judgment affirming the financial autonomy of the 774 LGs in the country and ruled that governors could no longer control funds meant for the councils.
The seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Garba Lawal, ruled that it was illegal and unconstitutional for governors to manage and withhold LG funds.
The apex court also directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay LG allocations directly to their accounts, as it declared the non-remittance of funds by the 36 states unconstitutional.
Also, on August 20, the Federal Government instituted a 10-member inter-ministerial committee to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.
The committee members include the Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; Accountant-General of the Federation; Oluwatoyin Madein and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.
Others are the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Jafiya, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation & Fiscal Commission, Mohammed Shehu, and representatives of state governors and the local governments.
The committee’s primary goal is to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments.
In his broadcast marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary on Tuesday, President Tinubu pledged that his administration would uphold the financial autonomy of local governments, as affirmed by the Supreme Court.
The President said, “As part of our efforts to re-engineer our political economy, we are resolute in our determination to implement the Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of local governments.”
About three officials, including a source in the Presidency, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak on the issue, told The PUNCH that governors were pressuring top officials to soft-pedal on the implementation of the apex court judgment.
The Presidency official, however, stressed that the President was committed to implementing the Supreme Court ruling.
He stated, “The process is on and governors are already lobbying to stall the implementation of the apex court ruling as the panel prepares to submit its report next week.
“The implementation will start any moment now. The ministries of finance and justice are working to finalise details of implementation.”
Speaking to The PUNCH on Wednesday, the National President, National Union of Local Government Employees, Hakeem Ambali, confirmed that the inter-ministerial committee would submit its report by October 11.
“A technical committee was set up under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and it is expected that implementation kicks off on or before October 11 as mandated by the Supreme Court.
“The President’s speech has also given us more reassurance that this is already a done deal. NULGE has also submitted its report to the committee,’’ he stated.
Reacting to the governors’ plot to hinder the enforcement of the Supreme Court verdict, civil society groups, including the Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership and the United Global Resolve for Peace, called on the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of the autonomy.
Chairman, CACOL, Debo Adeniran, faulted the governors’ “self-serving nature” and their “stranglehold on the local governments.”
He stated, “We know that they didn’t like what the President did by asking the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the matter. They are actually mounting pressure, not just lobbying, mounting pressure on all forces to ensure that the implementation of that order doesn’t come.
“That lobby is unnecessary, it’s unwarranted and the President should not allow it to work. If the President insists, then they will not succeed because the rule of law must prevail; the Supreme Court has ruled, it is just for them to implement, so nothing must stop it, otherwise, we would have put the rule of law in jeopardy and that’s not good for us.”
The Executive Director, UGRP, Olaseni Shalom, called on the President to sponsor a bill in the National Assembly to enforce the autonomy.
Shalom urged the governors to support local governments in pursuing fiscal autonomy.
“The position of the law is clear regarding the implementation of the LG autonomy. But we should also note that this law is not new. It is an existing law already and it was taken to the Supreme Court for interpretation,” Shalom stated.
“Immediately the Supreme Court interpreted it, what I expected was for the Presidency to sponsor a bill that will rid it of all ambiguity and make it as clear as possible. Instead, they set up a 10-man committee.
“The LG autonomy should also be a period for restructuring advocacy that has been on for a while now so that state governments can also control their resources, you know, have fiscal autonomy. And this is why there is a tussle between the state governments and the Presidency as regards the enforcement of this law. It is very important for both parties to sit down and negotiate.”
During a recent gathering, the National Secretary, Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, called on the Federal Government to take immediate action on the matter.
Ahmeh emphasised that the Supreme Court’s ruling should have been put into effect without any delay.
He stated, “The judgment that the courts have passed affects the financial autonomy of local government. It does not affect the administrative autonomy of local government.
“The financial autonomy of local government is captured in section 162 of the Constitution, while the administrative autonomy of local government pertains to the administration of elections, such as those conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commissions for local governments in Nigeria.
“In each of the states, there is one electoral commission, meaning we have 36 independent electoral commissions at the state level, plus one at the national level. Thus, we have 37 independent electoral commissions in total—one national and 36 state.
“For us, I think it is perplexing that the Federal Government feels the need to enter into an agreement with state governments before starting the implementation of a valid court judgment from a competent authority, such as the Supreme Court.”
The CUPP scribe called on the Federal Government to actively oppose efforts by the governors to delay the enforcement of the judgment on the autonomy.
He added, “The Federal Government does not need to establish a committee and announce that they will begin the process soon. There is simply no need for that.
“It is very important and urgent for the financial autonomy to be enacted so that local people can hold their local government accountable for the finances that accrue to each local government’s account. The criminality and embezzlement that occur at the local government level are a direct result of a lack of independence. These are the issues we are facing in local government.
“The implementation should occur immediately and without hesitation. Any attempts by the governors to stall this process should be resisted.”
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has dismissed insinuations that he is against local government autonomy.
Reacting to reports that he was not in support of the LG autonomy, Makinde said he had no issues with elected officials performing their constitutional duties but would continue to speak against a lacuna created where none existed.
He spoke during the official unveiling of the newly-built Local Government House and Staff Training School inside the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
He said, “This building is a start of the renovation of the buildings within the secretariat and turning our secretariat into where productivity will reign supreme.
“What I will refer to as an irony is the fact that it is the same local government that people are going around town saying Seyi Makinde is trying to destroy. Is it not ironic that this building we are commissioning is the first modern building for the LG family to stay in?
”Is this how to destroy something? Well, if that is the way to destroy something, we will continue to do this kind of things so that they will not have anything to say again around town.
“Let me say this, in a country where there is a trust deficit between the leaders and the led, it is no wonder that some people will always take advantage of situations to fan the flames of disunity or choose to push unintended narratives and perceptions.
“As I said in my last state broadcast, we must always remember who our real enemies are so that we do not turn against our friends.”
Promising to ensure that the councils performed their constitutional roles, the governor added, “Here in Oyo State under my watch, we will continue to make decisions that will bring the full benefit of democracy to the good people of Oyo State and we are aware of the role that the local government authorities have to play in ensuring that democracy and its dividends reach people at the grassroots.
“In design, this is supposed to be the function of the Local Government Areas but in practice, there have been several factors that have militated against Local Government Areas achieving this goal.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, Dr Ahmed Wali, says plans are in motion for LGs to receive FG allocation directly.
He said, “We are hoping to receive the allocation in October as plans are in the pipeline to open accounts for local governments with CBN. They (FG) will pay the money, they are in the process. We were made to understand that it will be the next arrangement.”
Also, the new Chairman of Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, Mallam Adam Rufai, said the council had not been notified about payment of the allocation.
“We don’t know yet because we were just elected into the council. We have no information on whether the allocation is going to be paid directly to the council by the Federal Government. No one has given us such information,” he said.
A senior local government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said after the Supreme Court landmark judgment, all the LGs in the state were made to open new accounts with a commercial bank, where their allocation would be paid.
“But I am not sure we are receiving allocation through it yet. We are receiving our salaries for September already but I doubt it if we are getting direct allocation from the Federal Government yet,” the official said.
The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Iwuanyanwu, has accused some influential politicians and businessmen from the South-East of secretly working against the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Iwuanyanwu, these individuals fear that Kanu’s freedom could threaten their political ambitions and influence in the region. He said this while speaking on Channels Television on Monday.
“There are some top businessmen who are involved in businesses in Abuja, oil and all that,” Iwuanyanwu said during the programme.
“There are some top politicians who are of the view – and which is correct – that if Nnamdi Kanu comes today, there are people whose political career will come to an end permanently without him saying a word. Nnamdi Kanu has been loved by the people,” he added.
The ZLP chairman stated that Kanu’s popularity remains strong and “organic,” adding that his continued detention is not just a matter of national security but also the result of deep political fears within the South-East elite.
Iwuanyanwu’s comments come amid growing calls for the Federal Government to comply with court orders and release Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.
Also on Monday, human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, joined protesters in Abuja demanding Kanu’s immediate release.
He warned that continued detention could “further intensify public agitation” across the country.
“Today will be different and nobody can stop this spirit and this is to ensure that we bring our brother home,” Sowore said while addressing the crowd.
He revealed that police and security operatives had used teargas to disperse protesters at several locations, including Utako and Apo, but the demonstrators regrouped and continued their march.
“They teargassed us, we relocated to Utako, they teargassed us, we relocated to Apo, Apo has the biggest so far and that is to show to you that very soon, this will get out of hand if they don’t do something about releasing Nnamdi Kanu,” Sowore stated.
He maintained that the protests were peaceful and aimed at demanding fairness, not violence. “We are not threatening violence, we are just saying that in this country we all deserve a right to be citizens,” he said.
Meanwhile, the demonstrations in Abuja have intensified this week, with several groups insisting that justice must be served.
It could be recalled that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was first arrested in 2015 and later re-arrested in 2021 after jumping bail.
However, despite several court rulings ordering his release, the DSS has continued to hold him in detention, a situation that has continued to spark both national and international criticism.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-South) and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Usani Uguru Usani, over alleged anti-party activities and conduct deemed injurious to the party’s unity and progress, as reported by Naija News.
The decision followed a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the ADC in Cross River State held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
In a statement released in Abuja on Monday, October 20, and signed by James Otudor, one of the party’s state publicity secretaries, the ADC said Usani’s recent behaviour was “inconsistent with the provisions of the ADC Constitution.”
“In accordance with the party’s constitution and disciplinary procedures, Dr Usani’s suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of a formal investigation by the relevant party organs,” the statement read.
According to the SWC, several petitions accused Usani of anti-party activities, insubordination to constituted authority, and acts capable of undermining the image and cohesion of the ADC ahead of future elections.
Naija News understands that the decision to suspend him was reached after “extensive deliberations” and consultation with zonal and national leaders.
The Cross River ADC also expressed displeasure over the appointment of Ms Jackie Wayas as Deputy National Publicity Secretary, claiming the state leadership was not consulted before her selection.
The statement noted that Wayas “has not engaged with the state leadership since assuming office” and that her “current disposition and loyalty appear skewed against the unity and growth of the ADC in the state.”
“Consequently, the SWC urged the National Leadership to review her appointment and replace her with a competent, credible, and media-savvy individual from Cross River State with a verifiable record of commitment to the ideals of the ADC,” it said.
Warning to Coalition Members, Defectors
The SWC also raised concerns about individuals from the Coalition Movement who had publicly declared their intention to join the ADC but had yet to formalise their membership.
While acknowledging that registration is a continuous process, the party warned that dual membership or multiple partisan interests would not be tolerated.
“Some coalition members who participated in ADC strategy meetings have since accepted caretaker or leadership positions in their former political parties,” the statement added.
The committee directed all coalition leaders and intending members to complete their registration at ward level within seven days, ending Saturday, October 25, 2025, or risk exclusion from leadership and decision-making processes.
The ADC urged all members to remain calm and allow its internal disciplinary mechanisms to take their course.
“We urge all members to remain calm, law-abiding, and steadfast as the party’s internal mechanisms for discipline, justice, and accountability take their full course,” the statement concluded.
Despite several appeals across Nigeria persuading President Bola Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), without conditions, new challenges have emerged regarding the planned protests aimed at showing solidarity for the Southeast indigene.
Kanu has been in detention since 2015, and as the calls for his release grow louder, the organization and execution of demonstrations in his support have encountered significant obstacles. Click link to continue reading.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has distanced itself, alongside South-East governors and Igbo Ministers, from the nationwide protest scheduled for October 20, 2025, demanding the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Ohanaeze, in collaboration with the region’s governors and ministers, said it holds “a grave sense of responsibility and a profound commitment to the well-being of the zone and the stability of the country.”
The group specifically condemned the planned protests, describing them as orchestrated by political actors including Sowore and Atiku, and said such demonstrations were not in the interest of the South-East or the nation.
The statement was issued on Thursday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Chief Chinyereze Thompson Ohia, the organization’s National Spokesperson, and was made available to journalists.
Ohanaeze said, ”We view this purported demonstration with extreme suspicion and firmly believe it to be a thinly veiled attempt at fomenting unrest, destabilizing the government of President Bola Tinubu, and exploiting the legitimate concerns of Ndigbo for nefarious political ends.
”Our considered assessment, informed by credible intelligence and meticulous analysis, reveals that this proposed action is nothing more than a cynical ploy designed to instigate a repeat of the EndSARS riots, ultimately aimed at undermining the current administration.”
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It noted that this scheme, allegedly funded by elements associated with Atiku Abubakar and his cohorts, seeks to exploit the genuine desire for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release and draw unsuspecting Igbo citizens into a dangerous and destructive venture.
“In light of these grave concerns, we unequivocally reject the deception and Advocacy for Peaceful Resolution: The pursuit of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release through political solutions and the established judicial processes is paramount. We vehemently denounce any attempt by politicians, particularly those with a demonstrable history of acting against Igbo interests, to utilize the situation for their political gain.
“The sudden and unsolicited display of “uneasy affection for Igbo caused by individuals previously indifferent or even hostile to our community raises significant red flags. We, the Igbo people, are too astute and discerning to be ensnared by the Atiku-Sowore booby trap.
“We call to denounce and avoid planned unrest. We implore all Nigerians, particularly those who cherish truth, justice, and democracy, to distance themselves from the planned protests, riots, and acts of civil disobedience scheduled for 20th October 2025.
“Ndigbo must not be used as pawns in any political game orchestrated by Atiku Abubakar and his allies, the ultimate aim being to destabilize the Tinubu administration. We emphatically state that this planned disruption does not serve the interests of Ndigbo, nor does it contribute to the cause of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The Atiku-Sowore scheme will undoubtedly undermine the ongoing judicial proceedings and the ongoing political discussions and negotiations, which Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has wisely entrusted to a team led by Hon. Obi Aguocha.
“Concerns Regarding Public Safety and Security: We are deeply concerned that the planned protests and riots will endanger the lives and property of Nigerians, a tragic scenario we witnessed during the EndSARS riots. The potential for widespread violence, looting, and the destruction of critical infrastructure is a grave concern that cannot be ignored.”
As the 2027 elections approach, the battle lines between former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola and President Bola Tinubu are becoming thicker politically, with fresh predictions on the presidential election showing there are more battles to settle between the two politicians.
Recently, Aregbesola’s public confrontations have reignited tensions, indicating that the underlying issues remain unresolved. Click the link to continue reading.
The former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will lose power in 2027.
According to him as reported by Politics Nigeria, the ADC, “by the grace of God,” will take over leadership at both the national and state levels. Aregbesola made the remark on Saturday in Ilorin while speaking with journalists shortly after inaugurating the Kwara State secretariat of the ADC along Basin Road.
He said the ruling APC has lost touch with the people and is now resorting to intimidation of opposition parties nationwide. “If APC is confident of its strength, it won’t be so hyped and charged as to be hounding and hunting opposition all over the place.”
The former Osun State governor accused the APC of harassing ADC members across the country, citing Lagos, Kebbi, and Kaduna as examples. He said such actions show that the ruling party is insecure about its popularity.
“They themselves know that they are not popular and the party that will harvest their unpopularity is ADC,” he added.
Aregbesola insisted that the ADC would emerge victorious in the next general elections.
“Regardless of the grandstanding, by the grace of God, ADC will take over the mantle of leadership in Nigeria and in most of the state,” he declared. Speaking on politicians defecting to the APC, Aregbesola dismissed them as “enemies of the people,” adding that their exit would not affect ADC’s growth.
“The governors that are going to APC are the enemies of the people and people know this. They are hated, so it is good riddance to bad rubbish,” he said. Also speaking at the event, former Kwara State governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who recently joined the ADC from the PDP, said the party is ready to lead the country.
“The party has been prepared and is here to stay. It’s to demonstrate to us that a new dawn has been set up in Kwara. And it’s you and I,” he told reporters.
In his words, “This is the beginning of a new direction in our political experience and we are poised to take over leadership of the country in 2027.” The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, also took a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying it has lost relevance in Nigeria’s political scene.
Aregbesola, once a key ally of President Bola Tinubu, fell out with the APC leadership shortly before the 2022 Osun governorship election, leading to deep cracks within the party in the state.
The former minister had announced his return to active politics under the ADC platform, vowing to build a “credible alternative” to both APC and PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
As Nigeria’s political transfer window opens, many prominent politicians are taking significant risks by leaving their current political parties to join the ruling party. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing their chances for reelection in the upcoming electoral cycle.
The National Chairman of APC, while apologising for arriving for the meeting late, attributed his lateness to a meeting he held with all APC governors in Kebbi State the previous day to assess the state of the party.
Assuring members that the ruling party was in very healthy condition, he said “there is no viral or bacterial infection. We even took the party to the lab in Kebbi—it came out clean!”
The APC Chairman then revealed that the party would be receiving some new defectors from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) next week.
Yilwatda said: “Next week, I will be receiving some notable figures from the ADC.
“Some of those who had defected from PDP have reached out to ADC and are now returning to APC.
“Many of them have completed their ‘medicals’ and will be officially unveiled next week.
“In another two weeks, we will unveil yet another big figure who just finished his own ‘medicals.’
“He tried to unveil himself the day before yesterday—you probably saw it in the news. But officially, we’ll be receiving him soon.
“More people are coming. More senators are joining; more governors, more members of the National Assembly. The APC is the bride of the moment.”
Commending party members for the solidarity he enjoyed from them on the death and burial of his mother recently, he thanked them for standing firmly by him during the trying period.
He said: “When I lost my dear mother, the entire APC family and Platin Alcohol stood firmly by me.
“You provided a shoulder to lean on and became a pillar of strength for me during one of the most difficult moments of my life.
“My tears were soothed because you were there to offer comfort and support.
“Thank you so much for all you did—from the very beginning of my loss, through the burial, and even after.
“May God bless and reward you richly.
“I must also extend my deepest gratitude for how you stood your ground when we faced the setback at the Supreme Court.
“Many people thought that was the end of APC on the Plateau; that we had been buried politically.
“But what they didn’t see was the seed that had already been sown.
“That seed germinated, and today, APC is stronger, more vibrant and growing bigger by the day.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome our new members.
Some, like “The Masquerade,” are actually among the founding fathers of APC—so this is more of a homecoming than a new beginning.
“You are welcome back home, along with the former treasurer and the former Chairman of Mikang Local Government—also founding fathers of our great party.
“At the state level, I want to welcome others who have returned or joined us from various parties—Labour Party, PRP (like Boni), and PDP (like the one fondly referred to as “The Big Priest from the Dew Shrine”).
“As presented by the leader, you are all welcome.
“The beauty of APC is that it is a party that welcomes people, regardless of when they join.
“You don’t need to have been in APC from the beginning to rise. I am a testimony to this fact—many others are as well.
“If you join APC today, you are a full member with full rights and privileges.
“That is the spirit and the letter of our party’s constitution.
“This is your home. Your room is ready. Your bed is ready. The food is ready. Everything in the house is ready for you.
“And for those of you who were chased out of PDP, be encouraged.
“The Bible says God will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies. That is exactly what God is doing for you here in APC.
“Those who rejected you will see you celebrated here.”
Charging party members to remain loyal and dedicated, he said they should think twice if anyone is trying to deceive them to leave the APC.
“Even those trying to lure you to PDP are on my phone daily, asking quietly for a chance to return.
“They are like Nicodemus, reaching out in secret.
“We have set up a dedicated team to prepare and ensure that our members take maximum advantage of this programme.
“This is your label, your sweat—it belongs to you. It is your product, your effort, and your votes that have been harvested.
“We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind—especially those who suffered, who voted, and who stood with us.
“Whether you are just joining us today or you’ve been here from the beginning, you are part of the labour.
“This programme is not meant only for early entrants or original members. What we are working on to benefit our people will cover everyone.
“Whether you arrive today, tomorrow or next week, you are part and parcel of the design we’re putting in place to benefit our people at the state level.
“We have received many individuals who have decamped to join us—and more are still coming.
“We are also working on medical support for a lot of our members. As they continue to come in, we will screen and sign, screen and sign, screen and sign.
“We will do our best to ensure that there is a place for everyone.
“It’s like building a football team. We sign and assign—sign players and assign them positions.
“All local governments, all wards, all communities—we need people to come in and inject life into this movement. The more, the merrier.
“That is the hallmark of politics. The more people you have, the stronger the movement becomes.
“We have seen the excitement across the board. I remember vividly—on the day of my mother’s burial, when Mr. President arrived at the church, he turned to me and said, ‘I’ve not seen this kind of crowd in most places I’ve visited.’
“He acknowledged that the APC family on the Plateau is truly strong.
“Now, imagine if only a handful of members—say six of them—had gone to the airport to receive him, and then the streets were empty, the church was empty, and we conducted the burial in silence. What impression would he have taken back to Abuja about APC in Plateau?
“Instead, he left with a clear message: APC in Plateau is strong, organised, and ready.
“All of us here have passed that message to him loud and clear: We have the numbers. We can win elections. We can hold Plateau State. We have the capacity. And all of us here are determined.
“As Governor Lalong said, ‘choice gets back to rescue, rescue gets back to Generation Next.” These three forces—Choice, Rescue, and Generation Next—have now given a new face to APC on the Plateau.
“So now, if you want to name it, you can call it Choice to Rescue Plateau for Generation Next.
“Anyhow you want to call it, the essence remains the same—rescuing Plateau for the future of the next generation.
“We are proposing that OPA Week be held on October 30, 2025, during which all those who have decamped will be officially received into the APC. “
He revealed that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, had agreed to officially receive all the decampees on the APC platform.
“Less than two weeks ago, we welcomed the President. In two weeks’ time, we’ll welcome the Vice President.
“Just yesterday, I spoke with a number of governors, and a good number of them have agreed to be in attendance.
“The Senate President has offered to come, and the Speaker of the House has also indicated his willingness to attend.
“So once again, we will have a full house on the Plateau—just like we did during my mother’s burial.
“And this time, we will elevate the atmosphere, raise the volume, increase the energy, and turn up the dancing steps!”
The upcoming 2027 election in Nigeria is shaping up to be one of the most contentious and violent in the nation’s history. With a heightened atmosphere of political rivalry, many politicians are prepared to engage in ruthless tactics to secure their positions or seize new political offices.
In this charged environment, the governor of Abia State has issued a stark warning to opposing parties, targeting those who may be conspiring to manipulate the electoral process in particular.
Otti, while speaking to journalists in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, said he has no intention of defecting to the ruling APC, despite the wave of defections rocking various Nigerian opposition parties.
He also informed the people of the state that he does not feel intimidated by plots to manipulate the forthcoming 2027 election results across the state.
“I have heard that some people around you are saying they must take over the state and they will write the results. The only advice I have for them is that if they truly want to write results, they should write something else before that time.
“You know what it is? Their will. Because this is our state and nobody can intimidate us but having said that; am I threatened? Absolutely no. Do I bother about that? Absolutely no.
“But I want us to maintain peace and decorum, okay,” Otti noted.
Otti’s remarks come days after the governor was engaged in a war of words with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, over the alignment of the state officials, including the governor, to the power at the centre.
Kalu while speaking to some of his supporters in the state, had claimed that his party, the APC, would take over Abia State from the incumbent Labour Party government led by Otti.
The lawmaker also said that while Otti has constantly received commendations for his good works and delivery of good governance to Abians, it is important that the governor explain to the people where funds for projects carried out in the state emanated from.
Kalu further told his supporters that Otti could not have successfully carried commendable projects in the state without the financial influence of President Bola Tinubu, who is the leader of the APC at the national level.
“I’m not defecting to another political party. Those planning to manipulate the Abia State governorship election results in 2027 should first write their own will, because this is our state and we cannot be intimidated,”
-Alex Otti speaking to Abians last night. pic.twitter.com/jizxlSwgvW
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) October 17, 2025
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