NEWS
Abuja Court Sought to Disqualify APC Governorship Candidate Kingsley Chinda in Rivers State
Fresh legal hurdles have emerged in the political crisis rocking Rivers State as a group of lawyers has dragged the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda, before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to bar him from contesting the 2027 governorship election.
Chinda, who also serves as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, emerged as the APC’s candidate in the party’s governorship primary held on May 21, 2026, after running as the sole aspirant. Other notable contenders, including incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole, and Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly, had withdrawn at the last minute.
However, the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners filed a suit on May 12, 2026, challenging Chinda’s eligibility. The plaintiffs argue that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC violated provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended) and relevant Supreme Court judgments on legislative defection.
The group is asking the court to:
– Stop Chinda from participating in the 2027 Rivers governorship election.
– Order the Speaker of the House of Representatives to remove him as Minority Leader and declare his seat vacant.
– Direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy, citing Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.
– Prevent INEC from recognizing his nomination as APC candidate.
The suit also initially targeted George-Kelly over his failure to resign as Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency before the March 30, 2026 deadline for presidential appointees seeking elective office. However, with George-Kelly’s withdrawal from the primary, focus has shifted primarily to Chinda.
In an affidavit supporting the suit, Jesse Amuga, Administrative Secretary of the plaintiff association, stated that Chinda’s continued occupation of his legislative seat while pursuing the APC governorship ticket is unlawful. The plaintiffs noted that Chinda was served a pre-action notice in October 2025 warning of a possible recall process if he defected, which he allegedly ignored.
Chinda’s emergence as APC candidate has added a new layer to the long-running political tensions in Rivers State, particularly involving his political ally, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara.
The case is pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
NEWS
Usman Nuhu, AKA Ogbegbe, Appears in Court Over Alleged Killing of Oghenemine
Usman Nuhu, popularly known as Ogbegbe, has appeared in court in Asaba, Delta State, to face charges over the alleged killing of Oghenemine, who reportedly went to collect a waybill at Effurun Roundabout.
During the court proceedings, Ogbegbe, who appeared visibly lean and shaky, denied killing Oghenemine. He reportedly told the court that he used a stone near the deceased to apply pressure on his body so he would confess. He also claimed that he was beaten with floor tiles at the Ekpan Police Station.
The court reportedly reminded him that the statements he was making were under oath.
The second defendant, who was charged alongside Ogbegbe, also told the court that the police forced him to admit that he was present when Oghenemine was allegedly killed. He maintained that he was not at the scene when the incident occurred.
The court ordered that Ogbegbe be remanded in prison, while the second to fifth defendants were granted bail.
The other defendants are Onoloko Dauroupamo, Okoh Kelechi, Goodluck Kingsley and Omonigho Ahweyevu.
The case was adjourned until November 17, 2026, for further proceedings.
NEWS
Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, a grassroot leader and stunch member of Labour party; bids farewell to Late Chief Maxwell Enny Aruh.
The former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State 7th House of Assembly, and the representative of Ohafia North State Constituency at the current 8th House, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, has once again shown his love for his people, friends and constituents, as he identifies with the family of Late Chief Maxwell Enny Aruh, who was laid to rest yesterday, 1st October 2026 in his hometown, Abiriba.
The presence of the House member during the wake-keep on 30th September, turned the event to a mini carnival as the youths of Abiriba troopped out from all corners of Abiriba community that night to be with their leader who is always at home with his people and to identify with one of their leaders Chief John Okiyi Kalu, whose Uncle was being buried.
During a condolence visit to the former Commissioner for Trade and Investment in his country home, the House member and Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ojuu, took time to console and pray for the entire family.
In his speech, Mandela expressed his sympathy over the demise of Chief Maxwell, who he described as a perfect gentleman and a true son of Abiriba Kingdom. He enjoined the family to carry on with his legacies, and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Responding on behalf of the family, the former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, thanked the house member for finding time to be with the family in their time of grief all through the wake keep and the funeral service proper. He described him as a trusted representative of the people who stands with his people at all times. Furthermore, he thanked the Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ojuu, who coincidentally is of same age grade with him, for finding time to come and for his prayers.
The house member was accompanied by some leaders and members of Labour party, his legislative aide, and some of his children.
NEWS
Abia Governor Otti Declares Support for Labour Party Presidential Candidate Ahead of 2027, Says Tinubu Has His Support for Now
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has declared support for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, while stating that President Bola Tinubu currently has his support.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV aired on Friday, Otti said he would back his party’s nominee.
“I have a presidential candidate and it is expected that I support my candidate,” the governor stated.
Otti noted that Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has the constitutional right to seek re-election and that no one can stop him.
“He (Tinubu) has the right to run and nobody can stop him. But I’m in the Labour Party and for now, he has my support,” Otti said.
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election is Dr. Sunday Chibuzo Okereke.
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