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2027: Abians Will Re-elect Gov. Otti For Second Tenure – Says Prince B. B. Apugo – By Mike Ubani

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2027: Abians Will Re-elect Gov. Otti For Second Tenure – Says Prince B. B. Apugo – By Mike Ubani

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo(Ochiagha/Oparaukwu Ibeku), in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia state, has advised all opposition party gubernatorial candidates in the state to withdraw from the race now, saying that none of them can defeat the incumbent Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who is candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the upcoming general elections.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, to mark the anniversary of his 75th birthday, Prince Apugo said the Abia electorate will vote massively for Governor Otti, based on his remarkable achievements since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

“I am advising all those who are contesting against Otti to go and sleep because they cannot defeat him in the forthcoming general elections,” he said.

Prince Apugo who is both member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), and National Caucus of the APC, clarified that he is supporting Otti on personal rather than party basis.

Otti contested and won the governorship slot in Abia in 2023 on the platform of LP, and has since remained in the party despite internal leadership wranglings.

Prince Apugo praised Governor Otti for his unprecedented transformation of Abia state within a space of three- and -half-years, saying he has done “what people can see and touch.”

The ‘strong man of Abia politics,’ further commended Governor Otti for awarding a contract to reputable international construction firms, for the construction of an international stadium in Umuahia-Ibeku,

“Orji Uzor Kalu, was here as governor, T. A. Orji, was here as governor, the man they called Ikpeazu, was also here as governor. They saw the site I had earlier given to the military 35 years ago, and they closed their eyes.

“But when Otti came, I took him to that same site, and he said ‘ I will do wonders for you here.’ And I said to him, that you are not doing it for me, but you are doing it for the entire Nigerians. And today, he has awarded contract for the construction of an international stadium on that same site. So, why should anybody be telling me about APC or PDP here? I am interested in anybody who will develop Abia state.

Answering further question on the prospect of APC winning the gubernatorial election in the state in 2027, he said he was not aware that the party has a governorship candidate in Abia.

He said: ” I am not aware that APC has a governorship candidate in Abia, but even if I am aware, that APC candidate cannot defeat Otti here. And no political party can defeat Otti in Abia state. That is not possible, more so now that he has awarded contract for the construction of an international stadium in my home town.”

Speaking on the deplorable state of the Umuahia-Bende road, he accused the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who hails from Bende town of neglecting the road, and for not attracting federal projects to the state to justify his position as No. 6 in the hierarchy of power at the federal level.

“I laugh whenever i hear Benjamin Kalu, claim that he attracted the South-East Development Commission (SEDC). But look at the poor state of road leading to Bende, his home town. This is a federal road, not a state road. But Otti can do the road, to alleviate the suffering of road users Is that not shameful of a man who calls himself No. 6. He is No. not.”

Paulker Vows To Remain In PDP, As Party Joins Campaign For Tinubu’s Re-election – From Kingsley Okorie/Yenagoa

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Paulker Vows To Remain In PDP, As Party Joins Campaign For Tinubu’s Re-election – From Kingsley Okorie/Yenagoa

Former Deputy Minority Whip of the 8th Senate, Senator. Emmanuel Paulker, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he will never abandon the party.

Paulker, who represented Bayelsa Central Senatorial District for three consecutive terms between 2007 and 2019, made the declaration when the PDP State Working Committee (SWC), led by its chairman, Chief Alabh George Turnah, visited him in Yenagoa.

He said his membership of the PDP remained unbroken since the party was founded in 1998, insisting that he had no intention of defecting.

“Since 1998, I have not left the PDP for even a second. I will not leave this party,” he declared.

Paulker commended Turnah for his courageous and dynamic leadership, assuring the state chairman of his continued commitment and support.

He urged the party leadership to strengthen unity, remain focused and carry all stakeholders along in its efforts to address internal challenges.

“My doors are open to you at all times. Hold firm; the party is in safe hands under your leadership, and I am with you all the way,” he said.

The former senator expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome its challenges, regain its political strength and return to power in Bayelsa.
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He urged party leaders and members to remain committed, noting that many prominent political figures in the state began their political careers in the PDP.

Responding, Turnah described Paulker as a founding pillar of the PDP in Bayelsa, acknowledging his contributions to the party and the state’s political development.

He said the former senator’s experience, wisdom and guidance remained valuable sources of strength and inspiration to the current party leadership.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa PDP has directed its National Assembly candidates to take full responsibility for their respective campaigns, while the party concentrates on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

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The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Ikaebimo Mark, disclosed this in a statement following the regular meeting of the SWC held on Thursday, November. 12.

Mark said the decision was in line with a directive by the party’s national leader, Chief Nyesom Wike, issued in consultation with the PDP National Working Committee.

He said the state leadership would focus its campaign efforts on Tinubu’s re-election under the National Rainbow Coalition arrangement.

Consequently, all National Assembly candidates were directed to take charge of their campaigns and intensify community-to-community engagements across the state.

Mark said the candidates were expected to proceed independently, noting that most had already been conducting their campaigns.

He, however, assured the candidates that the party would remain available to provide guidance and support whenever required.

BOOK LAUNCH: Enugu Gov’t Reiterates Commitment To Providing Quality, Equitable Education

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BOOK LAUNCH: Enugu Gov’t Reiterates Commitment To Providing Quality, Equitable Education

Enugu state Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, has reiterated the resolve and commitment of his administration to provide quality and equitable world class education for all residents of the state.

Mbah said this in Enugu while unveiling a book titled: “Recipes For Academic Excellence – The Student’s Manual For Becoming A Total Graduate”.

The book, which was authored by SP Daniel Ndukwe Ekea, a superintendent of police (SP),and Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Enugu State Police Command, is meant to guide students to academic excellence.

Represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Chief Enyinna Ogbonna, the governor said that his administration through smart and innovative educational approaches had made learning participatory, experiential and less cumbersome.

“Academic excellence remains our priority in Enugu State and we have continued to apportion huge state’s yearly budget to education.

“We are currently building 260 Smart Green Schools in each political wards to revamp education as well as create equitable access and quality education for every child in the state.

“Our vision is world class education domesticated at home and giving our students the opportunities and exposure to lead the world in all facets of
learning,” he said.

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SP Ndukwe being congratulated by one if the guests

On the book, the governor commended the author, for combining duty with academic pursuit, adding: “I am recommending the book for every fresh undergraduate and students’ guardians”.

Speaking, Dr Patrick Ubru, Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, noted that just like in agriculture, education needed clear cut initial planning and orientation on how to succeed.

Ubru said that “the book is a total guide on how students can get it right from the onset and ensure that important goals are prioritised on time.”

Reviewing the book, Prof. Orji Nkwachukwu, said that the 15 chapters and 150 pages book “gives a practical guide to ideas and techniques needed by students at all levels to attain academic excellence”.

Nkwachukwu, who is with the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), noted that the book was well-articulated, well-researched and contemporary written in easy to read English Language.

“It will be valuable and usable by non-students – lecturers, teachers, consultants and parents – to properly guide their students and wards to focus on successful academic attainment,” he said.

Speaking on motivation to write the book, the author, SP Daniel Chimdindu Ndukwe Ekea, said that the book was meant to close the gap of needed essentials and mindset to attain academic excellence from the onset of an academic journey.

Ndukwe noted that the book was a bright of 15 years of research, fine-tuning and conformity to dynamic academic environment/rules.

He said that the book came at a time when academic and research focus is needed among students due to lots of social media, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and economic pursuit distractions.

“The book is meant to ensure that students graduate as a total graduates, who are able to bring informed solution to contemporary socioeconomic issues and not creating new problems,” Ndukwe, who is a Ph.D in-view holder, said.

The book launch was attended by top hierarchy of Nigeria Police Force, business moguls, the traditional institution, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), members of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, journalists and students among others.

Geosciences Society Explores Benefits Of GeoAI In Remote Sensing, Climate Challenges In Africa

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Geosciences Society Explores Benefits Of GeoAI In Remote Sensing, Climate Challenges In Africa

Participants at the 2026 IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) West Africa Summer School have stressed the need for government to embark on critical studies on how geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI), remote sensing and Earth observation can help address environmental and climate challenges in Africa.

They made the call at the end of a conference which took place at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) Lagos, from 31st October to 4th November, 2026.

The conference dubbed “Summer School”, drew participants from the NNPCL, NGC, Ministry of Environment, Housing, Computer Scientists, Engineers, among others.

They explored opportunities for learning, collaboration, innovation, and professional development, especially on the transformative potential of geospatial technologies, and remote sensing in addressing some of the most pressing environmental and climate challenges facing the West African region.

The gathering brought together industry professionals, researchers, and students with a shared commitment to advancing science and technology for humanity.

The key sponsors of the workshop was the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society, drawing distinguished academics including Prof. Lizhe Wang, Prof. Saurabh Prasad, Dr. Anabella Ferral, Dr. Andongma Tende, Ms. Temitope Ajayi, Mr. Ifeanyi Ezealaji, Dr. Victor Okorondu, Dr. Samuel Dekolo, and Dr. Richmon Akwasi Nsiah who provided the knowledge to broaden the expertise, experiences, and insight of the participants.

The host institution, the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), as well as industry partners, Geospatial Research Limited and Huawei Technologies Nigeria, provided support and facilities which made the training a huge success.

The General Chair of the event, Engr. Oto-Obong John Effiong, and Chair of the IEEE Nigeria Section, Prof. Ifeyinwa Achumba, spelt out the ground rules, encouraging participants to remain focused through the discussions.

Delivering the keynote address, Engr. Abdulhafis Gbolahan, FNSE, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, spoke vividly on how urban development and increasing heat exposure affect housing and environmental conditions in Lagos State, while Dr. Adongma Wanduku who the first technical lecture, “Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and Earth Observation”, introduced the paerticipants to the use of remotely sensed data in environmental monitoring, climate action, weather forecasting and disease control, and explained how these data can inform decisions.

Also, Mrs. Temitope Ajayi of the University of Basilicata, Italy, took the participants on an excursion on how her background in electronics and computer science in Nigeria and her participation in an academic programme sparked her interest in remote sensing.

Dr. Saurabh Prasad delivered a lecture “From Observation to Understanding: AI and Earth Observation”, explaining how artificial intelligence (AI) can help process and interpret remotely sensed data and turn observations into information that supports environmental decision-making.

Engr. Peter Magbo, Chair of the Local Organising Committee, briefed participants on travel and accommodation for the in-person sessions, while Engr. Sandra Nwokoye encouraged the participants to stay curious and apply what they learned to practical problems.

Ifeanyi Peter Ezealaji, one of the key resource persons, led a hands-on session on how QGIS, a geographic information system (GIS) used to analyse and visualise spatial data.

At the end of the academic sessions, participants practised acquiring and importing geospatial data into QGIS, merging datasets, cleaning records and removing unwanted data, clipping datasets to defined geographical boundaries, working with coordinate reference systems, as well as organising and processing spatial data for further analysis.

Equally lined up as part of the practical training, the participants embarked on a guided tour to the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research to secure hands-on knowledge on how its research and monitoring support the study and management of marine environments.

‘Let’s Give Tinubu More Time To Complete His Good Works’ Information Minister Urges Nigerians – From Bala Yahaya/Minna

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‘Let’s Give Tinubu More Time To Complete His Good Works’ Information Minister Urges Nigerians – From Bala Yahaya/Minna

Niger State Gov. Umaru Bago speaking at the event.

Minister of Information and National Oriantation, Alhaji Mohammad Idris Malagi, has emphasized that President Bola Tinubu meant well for Nigerians,and urged the citizens to give his administration more time to complete the good works he had started.

Alhaji Idris Malagi made the plea during the 2027 Presidential/Governorship (PGCC) Campaign Council flag-off in Minna,held at the Trade Fair complex on Thursday,12th November,2027.

Information Minister encouraged Nigerlites to vote massively for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for second term because of his transformative strides,and advised eligible voters to vote for candidates of the All Progressive Congress from ‘top to bottom in the 2027 general elections.

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According to him,it is important for citizens to understand that evidence of reforms will take a little more time to show in the lives of Nigerians and therefore encouraged citizens to show understanding”Malagi said.

In his keynote address,Niger State Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago,had expressed confident that Niger state is an APC state and the flag off is a test of microphone, stressing that the party candidates will come out victorious in the January 16th and February 2027 general elections .

Bago who is also the North Central Zonal Coordinator of the party promised that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should go to sleep as Niger state APC will deliver him and the party at all elections

The governor applauded members of the party for their support, resilience and confidence.

The Director General of APC Campaign Council,Amb. Ahmed Musa Ibeto asserted that governor Umar Bago administration has made tremendous efforts in the developmental strides in the spheres of human endeavor across the state.

Ambassador Ibeto had earlier appealed to Nigerlites be give another mandate to the governor to consolidate on his achievements.

The North Central Vice Chairman of APC,Mu’azu Bawa Rijau boosted that the party have no challenger in Niger state

Mua’zu urged the party loyalist as well as citizens of the state to come out enmass to vote for all the APC candidates from the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly elections.

Niger State APC Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Musa Bobi maintained that the ruling All Progressives Congress APC is well positioned to finally bury the existing opposition political parties in the state.

Mohammed Idris: Tinunu needs more time to complete his good projects.

Bobi had forcasted that governor Bago and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are the rightful winers of the 2027 general elections,and enjoined party loyalist to come out enmass to vote for the party’s victory.

The Chairman of the APC Central Working Committee (CWC) and former Senator David Umar lauded governor Bago for his land mark achievements,urging him to be focus and not be distracted by the so called opposition political parties who are blind folded,he advised aggrieved party members to join hands to ensure victory at the 2027 general elections.

2027: ‘My Votes Won’t Be Stolen Again In Obingwa,’ Says Gov. Otti – By Ebere Uzoukwa, PhD.

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2027: ‘My Votes Won’t Be Stolen Again In Obingwa,’ Says Gov. Otti – By Ebere Uzoukwa, PhD.

…Stakeholders Pledge Total Support for His Re-election

…As Governor Recounts His Early Upbringing in Obingwa

It was a memorable homecoming for Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, as he stormed Obingwa East, popularly known as Agalaba, for the Labour Party Governorship Campaign Rally.

At Ntighauzor South Primary School, both Governor Otti and stakeholders from Obingwa East acknowledged that the votes freely given to him by the people in the 2015 and 2019 governorship elections were stolen, thus denying him the opportunity to serve the state at the time.

However, the reassuring message from the well-attended and highly mobilised rally was that those responsible for the electoral injustice are no longer in positions of authority to repeat such acts. Interestingly, some of the individuals previously associated with that political camp have since retraced their steps and joined the Governor’s political family.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Otti recounted his early childhood experiences and upbringing in Obingwa, particularly in Owoahiafor and Onicha-Ngwa.

It would be recalled that his late father, Pastor Lazarus Otti, was a Seventh-day Adventist pastor who was frequently posted to different communities for missionary assignments, often moving with his young family.

As a child, the Governor lived with his parents in Owoahiafor and Onicha-Ngwa at different periods, establishing a personal and historical connection with the area.

The Governor, who had earlier commissioned the 12.6-kilometre Ohanze-Ntighauzor-Obete-Ukwu-Oberete-Akirika-Obu Road, assured the people of his administration’s continued commitment to addressing the developmental challenges facing Obingwa East.

Gov. Otti addressing the mammoth and hugely excited crowd.

He pledged to do even more if re-elected for a second term, urging the people to sustain their support for the Labour Party.

Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects in Obingwa and across Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Otti also welcomed new entrants into the Labour Party, led by Barr. Emeka Enmereji, a businessman and former Chief of Staff to the immediate past Governor of Abia State.

Also speaking at the rally, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, assured Governor Otti and the Labour Party leadership of total victory in the 2027 elections.

He anchored his optimism on the Governor’s impressive performance and the remarkable transformation taking place across Abia State.

Senator Abaribe commended Governor Otti for providing the purposeful leadership and development that, according to him, had eluded the state before his emergence as Governor.

He maintained that the administration’s achievements had strengthened the people’s confidence in its leadership and justified the call for continuity.

The Obingwa East (Agalaba) rally also provided an opportunity for other Labour Party candidates and prominent stakeholders to address the people and reaffirm their commitment to the party’s electoral victory.

Amo