Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the House of Representatives yesterday urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to warn judges against being used to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a statement in Abuja by the Leader of the Caucus, Fred Agbedi, the PDP lawmakers expressed concern over what they called a growing trend of judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties.

They expressed concern that such a development poses a grave threat to the country’s democratic stability.

The caucus was reacting to the ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declined to grant an interim injunction seeking to stop the PDP convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, while also making orders they perceived to negate the benefits of his ruling refusing the interim injunction.

The suit was filed by Austine Nwachukwu, the PDP Chairman in Imo State; Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of the party in Abia State, and Turnah George, the Southsouth Secretary of the party, asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent the PDP from holding any meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the determination of their substantive suit.

The statement said that while Justice James Omotosho declined to grant the ex parte order, he ordered that any steps taken by the party during the pendency of the suit would be null and void.

The lawmakers noted that the judgment could be interpreted as indirectly enabling those seeking to disrupt the party’s activities.

The PDP Caucus said: ‘We are deeply concerned that despite repeated Supreme Court pronouncements against judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, some judges continue to make themselves available as instruments in the hands of desperate politicians seeking to subvert democracy and impose a one-party on Africa’s largest democracy.

‘We are worried that while Justice James Omotosho refused the grant of the restraining order asked by the plaintiffs in this case, he still went ahead to declare that any action taken by party in preparation for its National convention during the pendency of the suit shall be null and void, might embolden anti-democratic elements determined to truncate the democratic process in Nigeria.

‘These pronouncements clearly provide an enabler for those who do not want the PDP National convention to hold so that the main opposition political party in Nigeria will not be able to present candidates in the presidential and other elections in 2027.

‘It is worrisome that while the court refused to grant the restraining order requested by the plaintiffs, it still made pronouncements that could be interpreted as providing legal cover for those intent on halting the PDP’s democratic processes. This, in our view, amounts to judicial overreach,’ the lawmakers said.

The lawmakers said the principal actors in the desperate move wanted to manipulate the judicial process.

They said such people were known to have done similar things in the past, which the NJC frowned at, while the damage had already been done.

The lawmakers urged the National Judicial Council to act decisively to prevent any abuse of the judicial process that could undermine multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

‘The survival of our democracy depends on the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary. The NJC must ensure that no court becomes a willing tool for the subversion of the will of the people or the destabilization of political institutions,’ the statement said.

Community leaders and stakeholders have commended the incoming executives of the AERA for their impressive turnout and active participation at the pre-inauguration strategic session held on Saturday, describing the event as a strong signal of their readiness to serve and deliver meaningful change.

The strategic session, which attracted newly elected executives and key stakeholders, focused on laying a solid foundation for transparent leadership, accountability, and sustainable community development.

In a message of appreciation, the leadership acknowledged the team’s ‘insightful contributions, collective enthusiasm, and shared vision’ for the estate, noting that their preparedness to ‘hit the ground running’ is crucial to transforming AERA into a model residential community.

Addressing the new executives, Elder Ogundimu Oduntan, a former President of AERA and the current Chairman of Greenland CDA, offered words of encouragement to the incoming executives.

He urged them to prioritise teamwork, effective communication, and resident engagement to build trust and drive impactful projects.

‘This session was more than just a meeting; it was the foundation upon which a legacy of transparency, innovation, and community development will be built,’ Ogundimu stated, while expressing confidence in the team’s ability to deliver.

Another respected community leader, Mr Olurotimi Turton, emphasised the need for unity of purpose and shared responsibility among the incoming executives.

He noted that the success of the administration would depend on how well each member contributes to the collective vision.

‘Leadership is not a solo effort. Every executive must see themselves as a key pillar in building the kind of community we all desire,’ he said.

‘When everyone plays their part diligently, achieving our strategic goals becomes not just possible but inevitable.’

Addressing the executives, the excited incoming president, Shina Dare, stated that the impressive turnout, insightful contributions, and collective enthusiasm clearly demonstrated the readiness of the incoming executives to serve and shared commitment to the progress and transformation of our beloved estate.

‘The discussions, ideas, and strategies developed during the session reflect a team that is prepared to hit the ground running, united by a common vision of making AERA a model residential community.

With the inauguration approaching, expectations are high among residents, who see the new leadership as a beacon of renewed hope for improved infrastructure, security, and communal harmony.

Oba Oluyemi Falae has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s floating of the naira and scrapping of multiple exchange rates as one of the most courageous and necessary economic policies ever taken by any government.

Oba Falae, the Olu of Ilu Abo in AKure North Local Government Area in Ondo State, added the President’s exchange rate reforms have repositioned the economy for greatness.

The one-time Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), stated this yesterday when a delegation from the North under the Arewa Think Tank visited the Akure home of the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

According to the economist, who was also Finance Minister, no country with multiple exchange rates can attract sustainable foreign investment or achieve meaningful economic growth.

‘No country with multiple exchange rates is ever going to make it or attract investments from abroad because investors want to be certain what the exchange rate will be – first, when they’re investing, and second, when they’re repatriating’.

Oba Falae, a former banker, who served in the military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida between 1985 and 1993, admitted that although the currency devaluation initially caused hardship, it was a bold and necessary step.

‘No government had the courage to touch those exchange rates and remove subsidy on petrol. But Tinubu came on board and had the courage, and he removed them. When he did so, many people screamed because it was painful.

‘The price of petrol went up from N800 to N1,200, and the price of everything went up. It was terrible, but what he did was absolutely necessary,’ he stated.

He, however, noted that he would have implemented certain mitigating measures beforehand to reduce the negative impact on citizens.

Falae also affirmed that the economy is now improving under Tinubu’s leadership, with food prices stabilising as a result of government interventions.

‘The price of food is now coming down, and I am a farmer. This time last year, a truckload of cassava tubers was N450,000; today, it’s N150,000.

‘A congo of garri that was N1,500 is now N700, while rice has dropped from N3,500 to N1,500. Nigerians should know that things are getting better under President Tinubu. This is not a theory,’ he said.

Falae stressed that basic food items, which constitute the most critical aspect of household expenditure, are becoming more affordable, signaling gradual recovery in the economy.

‘Despite the very drastic decisions, the economy is getting better,’ he added.

2027: ‘North ‘ll stand by president’s re-election

At the meeting, the North’s leaders declared their support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. They pledged that the North will stand firmly behind his administration and re-election bid.

The leaders said their decision was informed by President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to promote national unity, economic recovery, and security reforms. They noted that his policies have begun yielding positive results across the country.

The delegation , led by Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, Muhammad Ibrahim, Ahmed Tijani Hamisu, Wasila Abdul Hamid, and Adamu Sani, emphasized the unity of the country and the need for the President to complete the eight-year tenure for the South.

The Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said it was important for the northern group to renew its relationship with the Southwest in support of Tinubu’s re-election.

Yakubu, who represented former Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, a leader of the group, lauded what he described as the ‘impressive scorecard’ of President Tinubu since assuming office. He stressed that the administration has made Nigerians proud after over two years in office.

‘We are here today to renew our relationship with the Southwest and reassure the region that the North will stand by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

”We want to thank you, sir, for the Southwest’s role in giving us a President who has a vision, a mission, and who has performed well in the last two years.

‘We are also here to present to you the impressive mid-term scorecard of President Bola Tinubu. We are confident and hopeful that he will take Nigeria to the promised land. We have seen, in the last two years, what inter-regional collaboration and support can do to move this country forward,’ Yakubu said.

Oba Falae hailed the group for their support In a communiqué issued after the visit by the National Organising Secretary, Otunba Kole Omololu, Afenifere reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Omololu said the Yoruba socio-political organisation praised the Arewa leadership for their steadfast commitment to fostering genuine partnership grounded in truth, fairness, and inclusivity.

He added that the renewed collaboration builds upon the historic unity of Nigeria’s founding fathers in pursuit of a just and prosperous federation.

Both parties, he said, resolved to establish a joint framework to advance meaningful discussions on constitutional reform, national security, and economic cooperation.

A non-governmental organisation, Zarephath Aid, has called for a nationwide audit of correctional facilities to identify inmates and ascertain the status of their cases.

Zarephath said such exercise would help decongest prisons and promote transparency in the justice system.

The founder of the group, Mr. Ben Abraham, made the call at a press conference with the theme ‘The New Legal Year and the Lingering Justice Question’ held at the Ikeja High Court, Lagos.

Abraham lamented that despite ongoing interventions by civil society groups and judiciary-backed measures, correctional facilities across Nigeria remain overcrowded, with many inmates spending years awaiting trial.

He urged all tiers of the judiciary to work with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee at the federal level and state Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committees to ensure proper oversight and timely case resolution.

He argued that key provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and state laws mandate judicial officers to conduct monthly visits to detention facilities and law enforcement cells, followed by oversight reports to the Chief Judge and Attorney-General.

‘The oversight responsibility has been lacking in many states and at the federal level, resulting in the continued illegal detention of persons and abuse of suspects’ rights,’ Abraham said.

Speaking on the conference theme, Abraham said it was time for stakeholders in the justice sector to set clear expectations and performance benchmarks for the next legal year.

He said that while new legal year ceremonies are often marked with speeches, many Nigerians in some parts of the country failed to relate to their significance because, to them, ‘justice is beyond long speeches.’

‘They eagerly await the day when they can touch justice or, put differently, when justice can touch them,’ he said.

‘It is for these Nigerians that we make this call on our courts and judiciary heads,’ he added.

Abraham also condemned the rising cases of police brutality, torture, and extortion, saying the police’s internal disciplinary mechanisms have failed to curb the trend.

‘If the courts fail to leash this errancy, another uprising will be upon us sooner than later,’ he warned. ‘The civil space is shrinking daily, and the police, sometimes acting at the behest of the executive, have targeted rights activists, critics, and journalists.’

He criticised the Cybercrimes Act 2024, saying it is being ‘inordinately applied to muzzle dissent and silence critics of the government.

‘Many of the charges under the Act are politically instigated. As long as our courts tolerate this interference and fail to defend citizens’ constitutional rights to free expression, the Act will remain a tool of harassment,’ he said.

Abraham urged the judiciary to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action in defending the rule of law and democracy.

‘We respectfully invite the media to join us in setting this agenda for the judiciary and monitoring its performance over the next one year,’ he added.

The group emphasised the need for digital tools to track case progress and improve accountability, noting that an audit of correctional centres would provide accurate data on the number of inmates, including those awaiting trial and those already convicted.

Zarephath Aid’s Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Ameh, called for collaboration among justice sector agencies and urged the Minister of Interior to extend his reform efforts to the correctional system.

Also speaking on same issue ,the Gender Rights and Child Officer, Miss Kaylah Abraham, stressed the need to enforce the Child Rights Act and protect minors in detention.

She called for expedited handling of children’s cases, stronger independent police oversight, and expanded access to legal aid for minors in conflict with the law.

Enyimba FC assistant coach, Ndubuisi Nduka, has expressed disappointment over his team’s first defeat of the season to Kun Khalifat FC in Owerri but remains confident the People’s Elephant will return to winning ways when they host Warri Wolves this weekend in Aba.

Speaking after the 1-0 loss, Nduka admitted that the result was not what the team anticipated, attributing the defeat to a red card and a costly free kick.

‘It was our intention to continue with the unbeaten run but our opponents came all out, especially with their precarious position on the table. It wasn’t what we expected, but in football there are three eventualities,’ he said. ‘We lost due to the free kick we conceded and the fact that we got a player red-carded too. That decided the game because if we were complete, they wouldn’t have beaten us.’

Looking ahead to their home fixture against Warri Wolves, Nduka maintained that Enyimba are focused on reclaiming the points they dropped.

‘Definitely we are going to come all out to take our three points. We are up there and we must recover the lost points against Warri Wolves,’ he declared.

He also revealed that forward Joseph Atule, who recently returned from injury, will be available for selection.

‘We are glad with the return of Joseph Atule whom we resisted the urge to include in this game because he just recovered. His return is a very good addition to the team and he will be a handful for any opponent we face next.’

Enyimba currently sit third on the log with 13 points from eight games and will be eager to prove their resilience in front of their home supporters this weekend

Residents of Akinlalu community in Ife North council area of Osun State are crying for justice over the killing of at least three of their members and injury of many others by operatives of Amotekun Corps in the state. Amotekun is the local security outfit raised by governments of South-west states to foster security at the grassroots in complement to operations of the Nigeria Police.

Akinlalu residents said an unprovoked attack on their community by Amotekun personnel 30th September resulted in four fatalities, with eight others – mostly women and youths – severely injured. Among those killed were three children of the Aro of Akinlalu, Chief Kamorudeen Oyebamiji – two from his younger wife and one from the elder. ‘Hooded Amotekun corps killed my three children in a single day,’ he was reported lamenting. Community ruler, Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, demanded justice for the slain and denied claims by Amotekun that persons killed were bandits. According to him, it was innocent residents attacked at the market square. He implored community youths to stay calm and trust in government’s ability to bring erring corpsmen to justice.

The Osun Amotekun had in a statement claimed its operatives acted in self-defence after being ambushed by hoodlums, and that the encounter left three people suspected to be hoodlums dead. ‘Our men were ambushed while attempting to retrieve two rifles forcibly taken from them during an earlier confrontation with suspected thieves. In the exchange of gunfire that followed, three of the attackers were neutralised,’ its statement read in part.

But community members insisted it was wild cat aggression perpetrated by corpsmen suspected to be under the influence of drugs. Akinlalu Youth Leader, Musbau Adeboye, said: ‘We heard there was theft of farm produce at Abaoba, a village under Akinlalu. Amotekun men went there and arrested suspects. Later, we learnt two rifles were seized from them by the sons of a retired soldier. The next day, they returned heavily armed and started shooting indiscriminately. By the time I arrived, it was a gory sight. The whole community looked like a slaughter slab.’

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed shock over the violence and said he had ordered full-scale probe. ‘This matter is being investigated and any infraction will be dealt with within the context of the law,’ he said in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

The police said they would ensure those involved in the mayhem were apprehended and prosecuted. Last week, police personnel stormed Amotekun Corps’ operational bases in Oke-fia, Osogbo, and Ife Central division in Ile-Ife where they arrested a number of corpsmen and sealed off the facilities.

The Akinlalu incident raises the red flag again about allowing secondary security outfits to bear lethal arms without worsening the challenge of misuse.

The moribund state of the Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna refineries has remained a significant burden on both citizens and the government. Once thriving facilities, these refineries now leave thousands of workers without livelihoods, while consuming staggering sums of public funds for repairs that have yet to yield meaningful results.

Established over three decades ago, these refineries were envisioned as cornerstones of Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency – aimed at reducing fuel imports, serving local demand, and generating revenue for the country. However, over the years, they gradually deteriorated and eventually collapsed, triggering a ripple effect: persistent fuel scarcity, soaring pump prices, and the consequent rise in the cost of food and other essentials.

The Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, for instance, has operated far below capacity over the past decade. In 2021, the federal government allocated approximately $897.6 million for its rehabilitation. The following year, an additional $497.3 million was approved for ‘quick fix’ repairs. On December 30, 2022, operations briefly resumed – raising hopes for a turnaround – but the plant was abruptly shut down just weeks later, dashing those expectations. Commissioned in 1978, the Warri refinery is located in Ekpan and extends into parts of Ubeji in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas of Delta State. In its heyday, it was a catalyst for economic growth and urban development across the twin cities of Effurun and Warri. Beyond its core staff, the refinery sustained countless locals, including the well-known ‘jerrican boys,’ who depended on its daily operations for survival.

By 2015, however, the facility had completely halted operations. Today, insiders familiar with the situation claim the plant is technically ready to operate. Yet, for reasons still unclear, final approval has not been granted. They also express concern that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has yet to visit the site – a move they believe could signal the much-needed political will to revive the refinery.

‘Our challenge right now is that the new GCEO hasn’t visited the plant, so we’re unsure of his plans – even though he seems to be a man of good intentions. From all he has said so far, he appears to have a genuine vision. As I speak to you, the Warri Refinery is ready to operate. Area One – the Topping Unit – is fully prepared to run. We don’t understand what’s causing the delay. As you know, instructions need to come from Abuja. That unit produced AGO and DPK the last time it ran. While there were some issues then, those components have since been replaced.

‘Area Three – the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit – has also undergone substantial maintenance. However, there are growing doubts about whether there is a real intention to restart the plant. If the GCEO truly planned to bring it back online, he would have come to assess the situation firsthand. There are rumours that management may be considering handing the plant over to a third party, but we don’t have any confirmation on that.

‘The only section that hasn’t been touched yet is Area Two – the Reformate Unit. The truth is, politics is killing the refineries. Rather than get them running, some prefer the quick profits from crude swaps. They’ll claim Nigerians consume a million barrels, even though actual consumption is far less. Before this last round of maintenance, the refinery was operational – but we were told to shut it down. Right now, the plant is capable of running at up to 90 percent capacity,’ the source said.

On claims that workers are idle at the refinery, another source clarified: ‘There are other ancillary operations ongoing. For instance, we generate power and supply it to the Nigerian Gas Company and the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC). Previously, we also received products which we then transported to PPMC for loading. But now, those products are being diverted to private depots.’

He added that repair work at the plant is nearing completion, but a preservation phase will follow: ‘They are rounding off repairs at the plant, but we’ll carry out a nine-month preservation process to prevent any risk of explosion whenever the plant is eventually restarted.’ On staff welfare, the sources expressed optimism that long-standing concerns raised by backup staff – which had led to several rounds of industrial action – would soon be addressed. ‘There are strong signals that he (Ojulari) will do the needful regarding their demands,’ one of them said.

To sell or not to sell

The question of whether Nigeria’s refineries should be sold continues to divide opinion. However, many stakeholders insist that privatization is not the solution, pointing to the poor outcomes of previous government divestments. They argue that the refineries – particularly the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) – could be fully operational within months if the government was genuinely committed to their revival.

In August, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, reaffirmed the federal government’s st ance, stating that the refineries would not be sold – a statement meant to quell rising concerns over a potential sale. Reacting to this, the President-General of Uvwie Kingdom, Chief Hope Erute, questioned the contradiction between the government’s claims and the current state of the refinery. ‘If they are not selling, why is it not producing?’ he asked. ‘If we examine the outcomes of similar sales, you would naturally say ‘no’ to privatisation. In all those cases, the impact on communities has been minimal at best.’

Chief Erute highlighted the socio-economic toll the non-functional refinery has taken on host communities. ‘Those who depend on it for their livelihoods are perpetually down. The communities are not exactly happy with what is going on. But again, the community is helpless. We are always unable to pressure the government to do what it should. That is the dilemma we face.’ He noted that when the refinery was active, young people were ‘unofficially’ engaged through indirect jobs and contracts. Many, he warned, now risk turning to petty crime out of desperation.

‘When Warri refinery was working, small contracts were awarded within the host communities. I am a grassroots man – I can tell you that what we used to call ‘jerrican boys’ are gradually disappearing. And when they’re no longer busy, they turn to petty robberies, which disrupt communities, movement, and nightlife.’ He also pointed out the safety risks posed by idle tanker trucks parked along highways waiting for assignments: ‘Trucks remain parked along the highways, causing hazards. And because fuel prices are high, prices of food and other commodities also shoot up. It’s a vicious cycle that hurts businesses.’

Chairman of the Ubeji community, Mr. Mayomi Mone, echoed similar sentiments in a phone interview: ‘The Warri refinery needs to work – it just needs to work. Too many families, both directly and indirectly, depend on it. Now, they’re suffering from the economic hardship.’ Mone lamented the current state of the depot, once a hub of activity, now overrun by weeds. ‘If you go there now, it’s all bushy. People are hungry. When the plant was operational, even visitors benefited. Now school has resumed, and more than five people have called me to ask for help enrolling their children. When I asked why they didn’t plan ahead, the response was: ‘NNPC no dey work, job no dey.’ And they’re not even asking for school fees – just the basic registration.’

Chief Erute also questioned the inconsistent messaging around the refinery’s status. ‘It has become a pattern. One moment they say it’s working; the next, it’s not. It needs to work. They shouldn’t keep giving us lip service. They should be professional and transparent in their communications.’ He criticised past administrations for a lack of honesty, which, he said, made it difficult for communities to offer meaningful support. ‘Successive governments have ruled us with deceit, not telling us the truth. This has made it hard for society to know how best to support government efforts.’

Despite the challenges, Erute assured that the communities remain committed to supporting the refinery’s revival. However, he criticized the company’s poor handling of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), referencing a disagreement between Uvwie Kingdom and the refinery management. He further noted that disregarding employment protocols – especially the preferential engagement of lower cadre staff from host communities – often sparks avoidable tensions. ‘Still, we’ve learned to bear it, so that we are not accused of being the ones stalling operations. We’re now looking, together with them, to understand why production hasn’t resumed. Most of the refineries have abandoned their CSR obligations. We haven’t made a fuss about it – but they should be held accountable.’

NLNG model adoption

At a recent meeting with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Ojulari revealed that the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model was being considered as a possible approach to keep the country’s refineries afloat. Reacting to the proposal, Chief Erute expressed concern but ultimately accepted the idea – albeit reluctantly. ‘If the NLNG model is their alternative, so be it,’ he said.

However, Mone outrightly rejected the model, warning that it could lead to skyrocketing fuel prices and further economic hardship for Nigerians. ‘It will not help. Anything that leads to privatising this refinery, expect that fuel will go for as high as N2,500 per litre,’ he cautioned. ‘When the refinery was operational, it created a competitive environment – NNPCL sold at a lower rate than private depots. Now that no refinery is working, private depots fix prices however they want.’ According to Mone, the presence of a functional refinery naturally controls prices. ‘If the refinery is running, it becomes harder for prices to spiral. But those who don’t fully understand the implications are the ones supporting privatisation.’

Stakeholders believe that reviving the Warri Refinery is entirely achievable – if the federal government and NNPCL are truly committed. They argue that the refinery’s collapse was largely due to poor oversight, lack of accountability, and a failure to enforce existing laws. ‘The government needs to sit down and get the refinery working,’ said Mone. ‘Meter everything – what comes in and what goes out – to prevent losses. But if you just place someone there to manage operations without oversight, it will never work.’ He also decried the failure of regulatory enforcement: ‘The Nigerian law is not working. If it was, those managers would be afraid to cut corners. But because there are no consequences, people do whatever they like.’ He maintained that with strong leadership and proper direction, the Warri Refinery could resume operations in as little as three months.

For now, the fate of the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) hangs in the balance. While communities, workers, and industry stakeholders are united in their desire to see it return to full operations, the final decision lies with the federal government and the top management of NNPCL. The expectations are clear: the refinery must not only be brought back to life, but managed in a way that serves public interest – not just private profit.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the party remains determined to win the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

The Anambra ADC Chairman, Comrade Patrick Obianyo, told The Nation yesterday that, based on assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the election would be free and fair.

He said the ADC had visited many communities and local government areas across the state to canvas for votes, adding that, judging from the response of the electorate, the party was confident of victory.

Speaking on communities tagged as ‘no-go areas’ in the state because of insecurity, Obianyo said the party was addressing the situation in its own way.

According to him, ‘Nobody wants to discuss things like that in the state, but all I can tell you is that the issue is being handled in our own way. We have a strategy.’

The chairman, who was once the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Anambra State, said there was no cause for alarm.

‘Our governorship candidate, Mr. John Nwosu, is not a noise maker but a silent operator. In this game of politics, what wins elections is not noise but strategy. We are moving in the right direction,’ Obianyo said.

Herve Renard has called Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifying clash with Iraq in Jeddah today the most important game of his coaching career as they stand on the cusp of a place at next year’s finals.

The Frenchman, twice a winner of the African Cup of Nations and whose Saudi side beat Argentina at the last World Cup, will lead his team into the clash needing only a draw to secure a berth at a seventh World Cup for the Gulf state.

‘What we did before, it’s nothing up to now because if we don’t achieve our goal tomorrow you won’t remember the game against Indonesia, the game we played in Bahrain so the most important is tomorrow,’ said Renard.

‘This game, for me, it’s the most important game in my career. I will explain to you after the game.’

Renard is in his second spell as Saudi coach having returned to replace Roberto Mancini during the previous round of preliminaries to resurrect the team’s World Cup hopes after a series of disappointing performances under the Italian.

Saudi Arabia lead Group B of the fourth round of Asia’s preliminaries on goals scored after the Saudis and Iraq secured wins over Indonesia.

The Saudis hold a slim advantage in the standings due to their 3-2 victory over Patrick Kluivert’s side, who the Iraqis beat 1-0.

The group winners qualify directly for the finals, where they will join Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Uzbekistan and Jordan as Asia’s representatives.

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar meet in Doha in Group A, also on Tuesday, to determine the other Asian qualifier with the runners-up in the two groups due to meet in November for a spot in an intercontinental playoff.

‘I’m lucky because I have some players with experience like Saleh Al-Shehri, Salem Al-Dawsari our captain, now Hassan Al-Tambakthi is getting more experience,’ said Renard.

‘I always tell them to stay focused. It’s not always easy with the Saudi players, but the most important is when they are listening, so we prepare for this game very quietly.

‘We are concentrated on our goal and we don’t have to do something else, just focus on us.’

Iraq coach Graham Arnold confirmed talismanic striker Aymen Hussein would be fit after missing the win over Indonesia on Saturday.

‘They have in their brain two ways to qualify, that is draw or win,’ Arnold said of the Saudis. ‘We have one way and that’s win. So our full focus is going out and go for it.’

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its 103 National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for. Wednesday, October 15 indefinitely.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Olugunagba, the party said the postponement was necessitated by ‘recent developments in the party’.

The statement did not elaborate on the developments within the party that led to the postponement.

The statement reads: ‘Distinguished members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) may recall that the 103rd NEC meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 15th October, 2025.

‘However, in view of recent developments in the Party, the National Working Committee (NWC) in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 29 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) has at its emergency meeting on Monday, 13th October, 2025 approved the postponement of the 103rd NEC meeting to a new date that will be communicated to members in due course.

‘All NEC members should please note the postponement and be guided accordingly’.

While the party intensify preparation for its elective National Convention scheduled for Ibadan from November 15 to 16, there has been a new wave of defections from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

While Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah is scheduled to join the APC on Tuesday, there are speculations of the possibility of Bayelsa and Taraba state Governors, Douye Diri and Kigbu Kefas also joining the defection train.