As Nigerians celebrate the 27th anniversary of the return to democratic governance, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has sharply criticised Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration, accusing it of eroding democratic principles, particularly the separation of powers and the rule of law.

In a strongly worded press statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku, the PDP alleged that the Uzodinma administration has consistently undermined public confidence in governance through arbitrary exercise of power, lack of accountability, and disregard for democratic institutions.

The party stated that true democracy is defined by the separation of powers and adherence to the rule of law, elements it claims are visibly absent in Imo State under the current leadership.

“Uzodinma’s leadership has not shown enough commitment to offer Imo people what true democracy looks like,” the statement read, citing what it described as six years of “arbitrary use of force and power, lack of accountability in the management of public funds, disrespect for the rule of law, and corruption and insecurity.”

The PDP further claimed that these issues have failed to inspire hope among Imo citizens during the Democracy Day commemoration.

The opposition party accused the governor of undermining the Legislature and Judiciary while stifling the local government system by denying it funds and autonomy.

“ The administration is undermining the roles of the Legislature and the Judiciary, stifling the local government system by keeping it in subjugation, depriving it of resources, and effectively running a government where the Executive operates suo motu without recourse to the other arms of government,” the statement said.

The PDP highlighted the alleged diversion of nearly N700 billion in Local Government Area (LGA) allocations since the inception of the present administration, with little to show in terms of rural infrastructure, education, commerce, payment of minimum wage, pensions, or gratuities.

“Our local government areas do not receive up to 10 percent of their allocations. How then would development get to the grassroots with the greed exhibited by the state government?” the party queried.

The opposition also criticised the governor for failing to conduct democratic LGA elections, instead appointing sole administrators, which it said has deprived the people of grassroots governance.

On the judiciary, the PDP noted that Imo State went nearly a year without a Chief Judge after the position became vacant on November 16, 2024. It alleged that Governor Uzodinma failed to follow constitutional provisions by requesting a recommendation from the National Judicial Council (NJC) and instead swore in Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, an appointment the NJC reportedly declared void.

The absence of a substantive Chief Judge, the party said, paralysed the judiciary, as only a Chief Judge can assign cases and perform certain critical functions.

Regarding public procurement, the PDP alleged that the governor has shut down the Public Procurement Bureau, with contracts now awarded secretly without advertisement, transparency, or input from the State Assembly.

The party specifically cited the re-awarding of the World Bank-funded Umuguma and Nekede–Iheanwa roads — projects it claimed were previously awarded in 2020 and 2023 for tens of billions of naira with no visible progress.

“This is the height of theft and sleaze perpetrated by an administration with a morbid inclination toward fraud,” the PDP alleged.

Despite the criticisms, the party wished Imo people and Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and urged them to maintain faith in democratic governance, assuring that a better future remains possible.

The Nigeria Police Force has rescued Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, alive during a rescue operation carried out around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

According to a source in the Force, two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gun duel with police operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the gang.

The victims, including the younger sister of the former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while on their way to drop the children at school in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Police sources disclosed that sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with operatives, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.

The source disclosed that security operatives are still combing nearby areas for fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

In a statement confirming her abduction, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the victims were kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. while Mrs John-Paul was taking her children to school, leaving the family in distress.

“We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the family’s statement read in part.

She is the youngest of five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, who reportedly retired voluntarily from her career at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, amid recent criticisms over his alleged role in the cancellation of a planned protest, warning Nigerians against narratives capable of deepening ethnic and religious divisions.

In a statement posted on his verified X account on Thursday, Obi urged Nigerians to draw lessons from the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos, where he said political discussions shifted from issues of governance and competence to ethnic and tribal sentiments.

He said debates that should have focused on development and national progress were instead diverted into divisive conversations that weakened unity.

“Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor warned that similar tactics were resurfacing ahead of future political contests, cautioning that some narratives were being deliberately amplified to sow distrust among citizens.

Reacting to criticisms against Adeboye, Obi described the cleric as one of Nigeria’s foremost religious leaders, noting that his teachings have consistently centred on peace, reconciliation, prayer and national unity.

He also said Adeboye had continued to respond to public criticism with “humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace.”

Obi further cautioned that responsibility for national transformation should not be unfairly shifted onto elderly leaders, stressing that younger Nigerians must take greater ownership of reforms and development.

He urged youths to reject attempts to recruit them into hatred or division, adding that Nigeria’s progress depends on unity and collective responsibility over narrow interests.