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The All Progressives Congress (APC) deepened its inroads into the Southeast yesterday with the defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah into its fold.

The party rolled out the red carpet to welcome Mbah, now the third APC governor in the five-state geopolitical zone.

From Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led the reception, to National Chairman Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) Chairman Hope Uzodimma, top party leaders and former governors turned out before a huge crowd to receive Mbah and his team.

Governor Mbah said his defection was not driven by fear but by a desire to lead Enugu and its people toward prosperity and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda.

‘We are not moving from a place of resentment or fear. We are confident of our future. We have no axe to grind, no personal point to make. But fairness, respect, and integrity must guide our choices for that future to be ours,’ he said.

Describing President Tinubu as ‘a partner in purpose and a leader with the courage to make tough choices for lasting prosperity,’ Mbah said his administration’s development philosophy aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier in a town hall meeting, Mbah formally announced his defection before national and local APC officials, elected representatives, and political appointees.

APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, Deputy National Chairman (North) Alhaji Ali Dalori, and his southern counterpart Chief Emma Eneukwu were present.

The main event followed in the afternoon, where Shettima, Yilwatda, and other leaders formally received the governor.

Shettima described the day as ‘a great day for the nation and for Ndigbo,’ quoting Kenyan scholar Ali Mazrui, who once likened the Igbo to ‘the Nigerian Jews – mobile, enterprising, and ambitious.’

‘With the coming of Governor Peter Mbah, and with the continuous energy being exhibited by Governors Hope Uzodimma and Francis Nwifuru, I believe Ndigbo have come back to the mainstream of Nigerian politics,’ Shettima said.

He praised Mbah as ‘a progressive through and through,’ declaring him APC’s new leader in Enugu State.

‘From our constitution, the governor is the leader of the party in his state. You are now the leader of the APC family in Enugu. We are one big family tied in a common destiny,’ he said.

Shettima said defections by opposition party members do not only reflect deep cracks in their camps but underscore the strength of the APC.

He said: ‘Much has been said about the ongoing wave of defections to our great party.

‘What the opposition has failed to do is look into the mirror to ask why the APC remains the preferred destination of Nigeria’s most visionary political actors.

‘Their departures are not accidents; they reveal the cracks in the walls they built and the strength of the bridges we have constructed.

”The APC has become a political home where ideas find expression, where ambitions find direction, and where patriotism finds partnership.’

Akpabio, Abbas, Yilwatda, others speak

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, APC Chairman Yilwatda, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Governors Uzodimma and Nwifuru said Mbah’s defection marked a new political chapter in the Southeast.

Presenting the party flag and symbolic broom to Mbah, Yilwatda said:

‘Your Excellency, take this broom and sweep out the remaining PDP members into the APC. Governor Mbah has taken his people from Egypt to the promised land – from depression to progress.’

Akpabio hailed Mbah’s performance, saying:

‘What I’m seeing here, Enugu is even more beautiful than Abuja. The only place that compares is Akwa Ibom when I was governor,’ he joked, drawing laughter.

Speaker Abbas described the event as ‘a celebration of unity and expansion,’ saying APC was now positioned to take over the Southeast by 2027.

Uzodimma said the defection ‘further integrates the Southeast into national politics,’ while Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru urged Mbah to ‘forgive those who wronged you and carry everyone along.’

Former governors Rochas Okorocha, Orji Uzor Kalu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Sullivan Chime, as well as former Senate President Ken Nnamani and PDP state chairman Martin Chukwunweike, attended the ceremony.

A scene to remember

The event began shortly after Shettima arrived at 4:13 p.m., accompanied by a powerful delegation of APC governors, National Assembly leaders, ministers, and other political figures, and virtually shut down parts of the state capital.

The number of vehicles conveying party faithful and guests caused gridlock along Presidential Road, Government House Avenue, Toscana Junction, and the High Court area of Independence Layout.

Thousands of residents, especially supporters, trooped out to witness what was described as a turning point in the political history of the Southeast, especially Enugu State.

Security was tight with combined teams of police, Department of State Security(DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The Ministry of Transport officials were on hand to manage the crowd on the major roads and the arena of the event.

Cultural troupes, frenzied drummers made the ceremony look like a carnival.

Security expert and peace advocate, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro, has congratulated Seyi Tinubu on his 40th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader and a shining example of responsibility and innovation among Nigeria’s younger generation.

In a goodwill message, Adegbenro praised Seyi for distinguishing himself through entrepreneurship, philanthropy and youth empowerment, noting he has carved an identity beyond being the son of the President.

He lauded Seyi’s humility, strategic thinking and commitment to development, saying his efforts continue to impact lives.

‘At 40, Seyi Tinubu has demonstrated maturity, compassion and leadership. He represents a generation of Nigerians, who are global in mindset yet deeply connected to national progress,’ Adegbenro said.

Adegbenro prayed for his continued success, wisdom and good health, hoping that the next phase of his life will bring even greater influence and contributions to society. He added that Seyi’s trajectory is an inspiration to many and a beacon of hope for the future.

Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has performed the groundbreaking for the reconstruction of the Warri-Sapele-Benin Dual Carriageway in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas, declaring the project a symbol of renewed collaboration between the Federal and State Governments for the benefit of Nigerians.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oborevwori said the project represented ‘another major step forward in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Delta State Government.’

He described the Warri-Sapele-Benin Road as a critical national infrastructure connecting major cities across the South-South and providing access to Edo and other parts of the federation.

‘The section we are flagging off ‘covers a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders, and extensive stormwater drainage systems, all designed to provide durability and ensure the safety of road users.’

Oborevwori noted that the initiative underscored the gains of synergy between the two tiers of government, emphasizing that development becomes faster when governments work together in the interest of the people.

‘Although this road is a federal route, the users are Deltans and Nigerians, and their safety and comfort are what matter most to us,’ he said.

The Governor further disclosed that the Delta State Government had paid ?10 billion in compensation to facilitate the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge access road project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha, and adjoining communities.

He lamented the hardship long suffered by commuters and transporters on the Warri-Sapele-Benin route due to its deplorable condition, noting that the reconstruction would enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and spur economic growth.

He said: ‘Beyond these economic benefits, the project will also strengthen security. Criminals often exploit bad roads to commit crimes. Once completed, this highway will make movement safer and improve the response of security agencies.’

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Delta one of the safest states in Nigeria through strategic investments in infrastructure, peace, and security.

He also promised that the requests of the people of Uvwie Kingdom partaining the Mother and Child Hospital and provision of 500KVA transformer, would be looked into.

‘At over sixty years of age, I am not here for personal gain but to leave lasting legacies that generations will remember me for. By the time I leave office, I want Deltans to proudly say, ‘Oborevwori did this, Oborevwori did that,” he said before officially flagging off the project from Effurun Roundabout by spare parts market to after Ohore, before Ometan Bridge.

Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the project is the brainchild of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori whom he described as a visionary leader determined to transform Delta’s infrastructure landscape.

‘This 10km project stretches five kilometres on each side and features an 8.8-metre-wide carriageway on both lanes, far beyond the standard 7.3 metres,’ Izeze said, praising the governor’s foresight and commitment.

He said the project would be completed within 12 months, adding that the state would celebrate another landmark achievement that would enhance trade, transportation, and community life.

General Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Engr. Thomas Feng, thanked Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in the firm, promising to deliver the project in record time and to the highest standards.

‘Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of a renewed era of infrastructure that will promote safer travel, stronger connectivity, and lasting economic growth for the people of Delta State,’ Feng said.

Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Chief Anthony Ofoni, flanked by his Okpe Local Government Council counterpart, commended the Governor for his people-centred leadership and announced that the Airport Road in Effurun would be named as ‘Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori Way’ in recognition of his vision and enduring legacy.

HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded the governor’s administration for prioritizing key infrastructure projects in Uvwie and across the state.

He noted that ongoing works such as the three flyovers and road expansions in Effurun and Warri had transformed the urban landscape and accelerated economic activities.

Representative of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Okakuro Mike Afe, joined in commending the governor for his developmental strides, praying for his successful completion of an eight-year tenure to consolidate the gains of the MORE Agenda.

The First Lady and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed agricultural support materials to 800 farmers in Rivers State.

Senator Tinubu urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the agricultural empowerment to grow their seedlings, nurture livestock and produce high yields to help build a food-secure country.

Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, distributed the materials at a brief ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The event was organised by the First Lady’s pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Rivers State Government, and the Young Farmers’ Club of Nigeria.

Delivering the First Lady’s message, Lady Fubara urged beneficiaries to take responsibility for their farms and contribute to national food production.

‘Grow these seedlings, nurture these livestock, and turn them into good yields. As you do that, you will also reawaken the entrepreneurial spirit that we are known for,’ she said.

The governor’s wife described the initiative as a practical effort to revive Nigeria’s agricultural potential, drawing lessons from past government programmes such as ‘Operation Feed the Nation’ and the ‘Green Revolution’.

She noted that with the commitment to empowering Nigerians, the initiative reflected genuine love and dedication to the nation’s progress.

‘This support programme is not just assistance, it is an investment that will lead to food surplus and help combat scarcity,’ Lady Fubara said.

The governor’s wife also emphasised that the Rivers State government, under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was complementing the initiative with additional support for 400 farmers, including 100 young and 300 older farmers, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 800.

She said: ‘The First Lady of Nigeria is trusting you to make the best use of this opportunity. The Rivers State government believes in your ability; do not let us down.’

Rivers State deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, described the programme as a platform for promoting inclusivity and bridge socioeconomic gaps.

‘This initiative embodies the Federal Government’s commitment to improving lives through sustainable and inclusive development,’ she said.

The deputy governor also hailed Lady Fubara for her leadership and passion in localising the RHI programmes in the state.

‘Beyond the immediate benefits. This programme lays the foundation for a more prosperous and self-reliant Rivers State’, she said.

The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, described the programme as timely and impactful.

She urged the beneficiaries to become catalysts for sustaining the initiative, and appealed for future inclusion of civil servants.

The federal government has clarified its position on the expatriate quota, saying that the policy does not oppose the hiring of expatriates by companies, but should not be done without consideration for local content.

The government also said that it would not grant visa amnesty to companies that failed to comply with its expatriate quota regulations, maintaining that foreign companies are free to hire expatriates for skills that are not available in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalena Ajani, made the clarifications in Abuja during a stakeholders’ engagement and sensitization workshop on Expatriate Quota Reform, New Visa, and Post-Amnesty Program.

She said the present administration is not opposed to hiring expatriates, but stressed the need for companies to justify their requests.

Dr Ajani maintained that companies must demonstrate that the skills they require are not available in the country before they embark on the recruitment of foreign experts.

She expressed concerns over the ways and manners in which companies bring expatriates to Nigeria for every project, despite operating in the country for decades.

While emphasising the importance of developing local talent and ensuring that Nigerians are given priority in job opportunities, she said the government would no longer tolerate ‘importation’ of expatriates when there is are abundance of skilled human resources within.

Regarding suggestions for amnesty for expatriates, Dr. Ajani said the Ministry would not grant amnesty for non-compliance with expatriate quota regulations. She stressed that companies must adhere to the rules and regulations governing expatriate employment.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for companies to prioritize local talent and develop the skills of Nigerian professionals, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that Nigerians are given opportunities in their areas of expertise.

‘We urge companies to comply with the regulations and prioritize the development of local talent,’ Dr. Ajani said.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, highlighted the commitment of the Service to transforming Nigeria’s migration landscape through technology, collaboration, and people-centered policies.

‘These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to excellence in border governance and migration management.

‘Leadership is not just about managing systems-it is about inspiring change, empowering people, and ensuring that every reform enhances both our national security and the dignity of those we serve,’ she said.

Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Super Eagles following their 4-0 win over Benin Republic in the decisive MatchDay 10 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo yesterday.

Nigeria clinched a World Cup playoffs spot after finishing with 17 points in Group C with just one point behind Group winners, South Africa, much to the delight of the Franco-Malian trainer.

‘I’m so proud of my players, they deserve the win in this game because it was not easy with a new coach, a new philosophy. This is just the beginning, things are not finished and it will be very difficult as we have to go to Morocco.

He added: ‘ I’m just really happy for my players because they played a great game, just as they did against Lesotho few days ago.’

Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen netted a hat trick before Frank Onyeka scored the fourth goal late in the game. Eric Chelle called Victor Osimhen ‘best striker in the world’ following his heroics on Tuesday.

‘All my players played well against Benin Republic especially Victor Osimhen, who is the best striker in the world,’ Chelle chuckled. ‘We lose together as a team and we win together as a team.’

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Oyedele Alao, has slammed Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent criticism of Minister of Works David Umahi of ‘dancing around the cost’ on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

He described Makinde’s remarks as hypocrisy, alleging the governor must first account for his inflated road contracts before attacking anyone at the federal level.

A statement by Alao, an engineer, said the costs of roads by Makinde’s administration defied logic, accusing him of turning road construction into a cash-draining adventure that had produced some of the highest cost-per-kilometre projects.

He said: ‘These are not rumours; these are the governor’s own public figures. No civilised state should pay such outrageous sums without a clear Bill of Quantities or cost justification. Governor Makinde should publish the contracts.

‘Oyo people deserve to know where their money is going. Until the governor opens his books, he has no moral ground to lecture the Federal Government on transparency or efficiency.

‘As an engineer, I think the governor has an explanation to make on the roads and other infrastructural projects his administration has embarked on since 2019, most especially when the government has claimed it completed 14 road projects, totalling 224.32 kilometres between May 2023 and May 2025.

‘Leadership is by example, not about grandstanding or media drama. Makinde should clean up his own administration before pointing accusing fingers at others. The people of Oyo State are watching, and history will not be kind to those who squander public trust.’

Contrary to reports, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun is in high spirits, looking hale and hearty in London, The Nation can confirm.

The Nation reports Edun visited the O’DA Art Gallery booth at 1-54 London on Wednesday, October 15, at Somerset House, London.

In the video seen by The Nation, the creative director and founder of the gallery, Obida Obioha was seen showing the works in the gallery booth and discussing with the Finance Minister.

Until his departure to London, the Minister had taken ill in recent days but the Presidency dismissed earlier rumours that he had suffered a stroke or was incapacitated.

Obioha said: ‘It was a pleasure to welcome the Honourable Minister of Finance, Wale Edun (@finminnigeria) to the O’DA Art Gallery booth at 1-54 London (@154artfair ) today, October 15, 2025, at Somerset House.

‘We had the privilege of walking him through our presentation, Lines of Spirit – featuring Simon Ojeaga, Paul Majek, and Afeez Onakoya – three artists whose practices explore the intersections of form, rhythm, and transcendence within contemporary African abstraction.

‘The presentation reflects O’DA’s ongoing commitment to championing artists who expand visual language while remaining deeply connected to questions of identity, memory, and community.’

A review of admission policy into tertiary institutions which will liberalize it to accommodate more qualified candidates has been undertaken by the Federal Government.

The review made known yesterday by the Federal Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo is intended to provide opportunities for additional 300,000 candidates to gain admission yearly.

In the current dispensation, no more than 700,000 of about 2 million candidates that applied for admission are able to make it.

In the new plan, Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions to study Arts and Humanities-related courses.

The statement said that the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions aim to eliminate unnecessary barriers while maintaining academic standards.

Under the new framework, students seeking admission into Arts and Humanities programmes will only be required to present credits in relevant subjects, including English Language, while Mathematics will remain compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science disciplines.

For the polytechnic level, candidates must obtain a minimum of four credit passes, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-based programmes. Mathematics and English remain compulsory for candidates at the Higher National Diploma level.

Similarly, the guidelines specify that for admission into Colleges of Education, English Language will be mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, while Mathematics is required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programmes.

The same requirements apply to Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) as Polytechnics for the National Diploma (ND) program.

The government also abolished the National Innovation Diploma (NID).

In addition, the government said that the National Industrial Diploma (NID) previously issued by Innovation Enterprise Academies will be phased out and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity, credibility, and progression opportunities for graduates.

It added that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) was currently re-accrediting all IEAs nationwide to align with the new ND standards. Institutions that fail to transition to full accreditation will be de-accredited.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the move was part of efforts to expand access and create a more inclusive tertiary education system.

According to him, the reform has become necessary after years of restricted access that left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission.

‘Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 gain admission. This imbalance, he notes, is not due to a lack of ability but rather to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.

‘The reform is a deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education, creating opportunities for additional 250,000 to 300,000 additional students to be admitted to our Tertiary Institutions each year. It reflects a firm commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed, putting the Renewed Hope Agenda into action,’ the statement said.

It added: ‘The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards. The new framework applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) across the country.

The minister added that harmonising admission guidelines will help reduce the number of out-of-school youths, strengthen vocational and technical training, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education structure with global and industry standards.

He reiterated that young people remain the heartbeat of the nation, and the government is committed to equipping them with the education and skills they need to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.

‘The Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ the statement added.

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), a civil society organisation focused on governance, civic participation, human rights, and social development, has called on eligible citizens to shun vote buying and resist attempts by desperate politicians to manipulate the electoral process for selfish gains.

In a statement yesterday, its Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, described vote buying as ‘an attack on democracy and the collective dignity of the people.’

Ehiahuruike urged civil society organisations, community leaders, faith-based groups, and the media to intensify voter education campaigns across the state to curb the menace and reduce voter apathy.

She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continuous engagement with communities-particularly young and first-time voters-to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in elections.

The statement read in part: ‘It is deeply concerning that cases of vote buying have continued to characterise elections across the country, including the recent by-election conducted in parts of Anambra State.

There was disturbing evidence of widespread financial inducement at polling units. Voters were openly approached with envelopes of cash, food items, and promises of future favours.

These practices not only undermine the credibility of the electoral process but also discourage honest and competent candidates from contesting, knowing they cannot compete with moneybags.

This development is a dangerous trend that cheapens democracy and mortgages the people’s future for temporary gain.’

Ehiahuruike further stated that vote buying has become a tool for desperate politicians-many of whom lack the competence, vision, and integrity required for public office-to buy their way into power.

‘When unqualified individuals purchase votes to win elections, governance becomes transactional rather than transformational. Such leaders view public office as an investment to be recouped rather than a platform for service,’ she said.

According to her, the monetisation of elections contributes significantly to the unusually high cost of conducting elections in Nigeria, as politicians and political parties pour vast sums into securing votes instead of developing sound policies that address citizens’ needs.

‘When elections are dominated by money rather than merit, the outcome is poor governance, unfulfilled promises, and the continuous recycling of mediocrity,’ she added.

The SIDEC boss emphasised that vote buying directly undermines citizens’ power to demand accountability and quality leadership.

‘In line with the goal of Project IMPACT, it is important to stress that every time citizens sell their votes, they surrender their voice, their right to demand accountability, and the opportunity for good governance.

Vote buying is not only an attack on democracy but also an attack on the collective dignity of our people. Politicians who buy votes do not trust the people’s judgment, and citizens who sell their votes are giving away the power that should be used to build a better society.

We must change our mindset and understand that the ballot is our most powerful weapon for change. Elections are not opportunities to collect money; they are opportunities to determine the quality of our future,’ the statement concluded.