Politics
Alex Otti In Trouble As APC Vows To Take Over Abia In 2027
Alex Otti In Trouble As APC Vows To Take Over Abia In 2027
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The political atmosphere in Abia State is heating up, and the temperature is rising rapidly. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired a direct political missile at Governor Alex Otti, vowing with unshakable resolve to take over the Government House in Umuahia come 2027. It is no longer business as usual. The sleeping giant of the opposition in the state claims to be wide awake, and the battle for the soul of Abia has begun in earnest.
The APC chieftains, speaking in Umuahia last week, declared unequivocally that they are on a mission to “rescue Abia from economic stagnation and elitist governance.” Their choice of words was deliberate and direct—a sharp criticism of Otti’s leadership style, which many within and outside the state describe as more cosmetic than transformational.
A Wake-Up Call for Labour Party
Alex Otti, a former bank executive and celebrated technocrat, rode to power under the Labour Party’s banner in 2023, buoyed by the Peter Obi wave and a strong anti-establishment sentiment among the electorate. His emergence was seen as a break from decades of political recycling in Abia. But less than two years into his tenure, the narrative has begun to shift.
Critics argue that Otti has failed to address the core structural and socio-economic issues affecting the state. While flyovers, road rehabilitation, and civil service audits dominate his press briefings, many say these are mere surface-level interventions. The youth remain unemployed, the SMEs suffocating under harsh taxes, and rural areas neglected.
The APC’s bold declaration should not be taken lightly. The party, which has federal might and a national structure, is poised to exploit every misstep of the current administration. According to Chief Ikechi Emenike, a prominent APC stakeholder in Abia, “We are going to dismantle this Labour Party experiment in 2027. What is going on in Abia today is not governance—it is a reality show.”
History and the Winds of Political Change
Abia’s political history has largely been dominated by the PDP until the Labour Party disrupted the power structure in 2023. However, the euphoria of change is being quickly eroded by a growing sense of disillusionment. Political observers note that Otti’s technocratic governance style often clashes with the everyday realities of the average Abian.
The APC is capitalizing on this disconnect. They are rebranding and reorganizing. Several prominent politicians from both PDP and LP have reportedly begun secret talks with the APC ahead of 2027. As the legendary political thinker Niccolò Machiavelli wrote in The Prince, “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” The APC seems to be adopting this posture—less of diplomacy, more of political conquest.
Governance Under Scrutiny
The Labour Party-led administration in Abia cannot afford to ignore the mounting criticisms. While Governor Otti has been praised for promoting transparency and tackling ghost workers, many still argue that the state’s economy is shrinking. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Abia ranked 24th out of 36 states in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2024—a sharp contrast to the governor’s media claims of economic transformation.
In the words of Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz, “Development is not about highways and flyovers; it is about improving the lives of the people.” If the APC succeeds in framing the current administration as elitist and disconnected, they may very well succeed in 2027.
The Power of Political Messaging
The APC’s strategy is clear: target the grassroots. With over 70% of Abians living in rural communities, a political party that ignores them does so at its peril. According to Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a respected human rights activist, “Democracy must begin at the village square.” Unfortunately, many in Abia’s hinterlands claim they haven’t seen any difference since Otti assumed office.
Former President Barack Obama once said, “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.” The APC seems to be deploying this line of attack: no matter how beautified Umuahia looks, if the people in Arochukwu, Bende, and Umunneochi still drink muddy water and send their children to roofless schools, the government has failed.
A Divided Opposition, or a Formidable Force?
The only potential setback for the APC is internal disunity. The party has suffered from factionalism in the past. But recent moves suggest a consensus is building around the goal of reclaiming Abia. If the party can field a charismatic candidate with both grassroots and elite appeal, Governor Otti may be in serious trouble.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, once stated, “Leadership is not about titles or positions. It is about impact, influence, and inspiration.” This is a powerful reminder that political branding alone cannot win elections. Performance must meet perception.
The People Hold the Key
No political calculation is complete without considering the voters. The people of Abia will ultimately decide who governs them. The 2023 elections demonstrated that they are tired of recycled politics. But what they want now is not just change—but results.
Dr. John Campbell, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, wrote in his book Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink, “Nigerians are not asking for miracles. They are asking for basic decency in governance.” The people of Abia want working hospitals, functioning schools, a vibrant economy, and jobs—not press releases or photo-ops.
Looking Ahead: 2027 and Beyond
With less than two years to the next election, political movements will intensify. The APC’s message of reclaiming Abia must be matched with credible plans, not just political rhetoric. They must offer an alternative that resonates with ordinary people. For now, Governor Otti still holds the mandate, but his political honeymoon is clearly over.
Former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower once warned, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” Governor Otti must reconnect with the aspirations of the masses or risk being dethroned by a more tactically grounded opposition.
As 2027 approaches, the state will likely witness a fierce electoral battle—one not just of personalities, but of ideologies, performance, and public trust. If the APC maintains its current momentum and strategic clarity, then indeed, Alex Otti may be in serious political trouble.
Conclusion
The vow by the APC to take over Abia in 2027 is more than political talk; it is a signal of war. A war of narratives, of performance, and of perception. Governor Alex Otti must rise above press conferences and elite commendations. He must return to the streets, listen to the people, and correct the course of his administration. The time of political grace is gone. Now begins the time of political reckoning.
As the popular African proverb goes, “The man who fetches firewood infested with ants invites lizards to his home.” If Governor Otti does not change direction quickly, the lizards of opposition may soon overrun his political household.
Politics
Cubana Chief Priest Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027, Signalling Shift in Celebrity Political Alignments
Cubana Chief Priest Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027, Signalling Shift in Celebrity Political Alignments
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG
“Socialite’s public declaration underscores growing intersection of business, entertainment and electoral politics as Nigeria inches toward another high-stakes presidential race.”
A prominent Nigerian socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Pascal Okechukwu (popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest) has publicly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, in a move that has stirred debate across Nigeria’s political and social media landscapes.
The declaration emerged in early February 2026 through a series of Instagram posts and public exchanges with critics and followers. In those posts, the celebrity businessman stated unequivocally that he would align himself with Tinubu’s political camp and work against the anticipated presidential bid of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi.
Cubana Chief Priest, who commands a large following across Nigeria’s entertainment and hospitality sectors, framed his decision as both a political and economic calculation. In one exchange, he argued that as an employer and businessman, he preferred collaboration with the incumbent administration rather than opposition politics.
He also publicly declared that he and his family had chosen to “stay with the moving train” of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, signalling clear political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The shift is politically significant because the socialite had previously been associated with Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election cycle. In his own words, he acknowledged that he worked for Obi during that campaign, even while holding an advisory role to an APC-aligned state government.
His new stance therefore represents a notable reversal, particularly within the South-East business community, where Obi enjoyed strong support during the last election.
The controversy surrounding the declaration intensified after an online clash between Cubana Chief Priest and social commentator Isaac Fayose, the brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose. The dispute centred on the socialite’s decision to align with Tinubu’s political movement, with Fayose accusing him of opportunism. In response, Cubana Chief Priest defended his position, arguing that political alignment was a practical choice for a businessman responsible for large-scale employment.
He also linked his support for the APC government to broader political objectives, including the potential release of detained pro-Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, stating that such outcomes were more achievable from within the ruling political structure than from opposition ranks.
Beyond social media statements, reports indicate that Cubana Chief Priest has expressed interest in running for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2027 under the APC platform, suggesting that his endorsement of Tinubu is part of a deeper political ambition rather than a mere celebrity opinion.
News reports also describe his announcement of political plans and explicit backing of Tinubu as part of the emerging alignment of business figures with the president’s second-term project.
The development coincides with political moves by his associate, the businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, who has also been linked to pro-Tinubu political structures ahead of 2027.
This clustering of influential entrepreneurs around the ruling party has prompted renewed discussion about the growing role of celebrity endorsements and business interests in Nigeria’s electoral politics.
Political analysts say such endorsements, while often symbolic, can influence public perception, especially among young voters who are heavily engaged with celebrity culture. As political scientist Larry Diamond once observed, “In transitional democracies, informal power networks (business elites, media figures, and celebrities) can shape political outcomes as much as formal party structures.”
Similarly, Nigerian scholar Professor Jibrin Ibrahim has argued that “the fusion of business capital and political capital is one of the defining features of contemporary Nigerian politics.”
However, critics warn that celebrity political alignments rarely translate into structured policy debates or ideological clarity. Economist Pat Utomi has repeatedly cautioned that “Nigeria’s democracy suffers when politics becomes an extension of celebrity influence rather than a contest of ideas and development strategies.”
For now, Cubana Chief Priest’s declaration remains a personal political endorsement rather than an official party appointment at the national level. Yet its timing (more than a year before the formal campaign cycle for 2027) illustrates how early positioning has already begun among Nigeria’s political and business elites.
Key figures involved:
Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest): Socialite and businessman who declared support for Tinubu.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Incumbent Nigerian president expected to seek re-election in 2027.
Peter Obi: Former Anambra governor and likely opposition contender.
Isaac Fayose: Social commentator who criticised the endorsement.
Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana): Business associate linked to pro-Tinubu political structures.
As Nigeria moves gradually toward the 2027 electoral cycle, the intersection of celebrity influence, business interests and party politics is likely to intensify, raising fresh questions about the nature of democratic mobilisation in Africa’s most populous nation.
Obasa joins APC Leaders at Local Government Renewed Hope Coordinators’ Inauguration
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, joined leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the inauguration ceremony of the Local Government Renewed Hope Coordinators organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Lagos.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, February 11, at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, Ikeja, marked a significant step in advancing the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative dedicated to mobilising grassroots support towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
As the longest-serving Speaker in the history of Lagos State, Obasa’s attendance underscores the House of Assembly’s recognition of the importance of grassroots structures in strengthening democratic participation and ensuring continuity of governance. His presence also highlights a personal alignment with broader efforts to consolidate progress and sustain development across Lagos State and Nigeria.
It further reaffirms his commitment to collaborative governance and the strengthening of institutions that serve the people, while also reflecting the unity of purpose among Lagos State’s leadership in supporting initiatives that advance the Renewed Hope vision.
The event drew a wide array of political gladiators and stakeholders, including Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Osun State APC gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji; APC chieftain Cardinal James Odunmbaku (Baba Eto); APC State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and former Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, among others.
Politics
ADC Inaugurates Southwest Zonal Working Committee in Ibadan, Reaffirms Party Strength and Unity
ADC Inaugurates Southwest Zonal Working Committee in Ibadan, Reaffirms Party Strength and Unity
In a significant move to boost its regional structure and foster greater coordination, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday inaugurated its Southwest Zonal Working Committee during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Kakanfo Inn, Off Ring Road, Ibadan.
The event brought together key party figures, state chairmen, and additional stakeholders from across the six Southwest states, highlighting the party’s commitment to inclusive representation and grassroots engagement.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by prominent party leaders, including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. State chairmen from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo presented comprehensive reports on the party’s structure, penetration, and preparedness in their respective states.
The briefing began with Hon. Ilesanmi Omolayo, the Ekiti State ADC Chairman, and concluded with Hon. Ashiru George from Lagos, collectively delivering reassuring accounts that underscored the ADC’s growing organizational stability and readiness for upcoming political activities.
In his address, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola charged all elected party officials and stakeholders to remain committed to strengthening the ADC in the Southwest and across Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and effective coordination as key pillars for building a formidable party capable of offering Nigerians a credible, people-oriented alternative. Aregbesola also stressed the need for continuous engagement with the national leadership to ensure proper harmonization, validation, and accuracy of party officers in all states.
During the meeting, the names of Southwest officers serving at the national level were formally read and inaugurated, reaffirming the zone’s influential role within the party’s hierarchy which includes;
1). Akinbolawale Omole – National Vice Chairman (Ekiti)
2). Captain Tunji Shelle – National Director, Communication and Programmes (Lagos)
3). Professor Bode Ayorinde – Diversity and Inclusion Secretary (Ondo)
4). Fabiyi Oladimeji – Deputy National Financial Secretary (Ogun)
5). Alhaja Khafilat Omolabake Olayiwola – Deputy National Women Leader (Oyo)
6). Olufemi Adeleye – Deputy Coordinator, Diaspora (Ekiti)
7). Mrs. Yidiat Omolara Oseni – Assistant National Organising Secretary (Osun)
Additionally, the newly appointed members of the Southwest Zonal Working Committee were introduced, further enhancing the party’s zonal framework. These zonal appointments include;
8). Assistant National Secretary: Architect Basiru Aremu Lawal
9). Assistant National Woman Leader Zonal: Lady Lydia Omarisola Olafunmiloye (Ondo)
10). Assistant National Youth Leader Zonal: Mrs. Elizabeth Adeola Olusi (Lagos)
Party leaders expressed optimism about the committee’s potential to improve leadership efficiency, promote democratic ideals, and drive regional development initiatives. The ADC remains resolute in its mission to deepen democratic values, strengthen internal structures, and position itself as a viable force for national development.
This inauguration marks a progressive step for the ADC in the Southwest, to enhance a positive collaboration and a unified push toward greater political impact in Nigeria.
ADC…. Arise and Shine!
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