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APC National Convention hope dashed as committee secretary resigns
The Secretary of the National Convention Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ben Nwajumogu, has resigned his appointment.
He confirmed earlier speculations that he quit the job late on Friday at a news conference with newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
Nwajumogu cited domestic issues as the reasons for his decision explaining that although he was no longer the committe’s secretary, he remained a member of the 240-member panel.
In his place, the National Working Committee of the APC announced the appointment of the Chairman of the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, as his replacement. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed this development in a telephone interview with SUNDAY PUNCH.
Abdullahi confirmed that the NWC had received and accepted Nwajumogu’s resignation and named Ndoma-Egba as his replacement.
However, findings by SUNDAY PUNCH revealed that Nwajumoga was asked to step down following pressure from the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
A top-ranking party leader privy to what transpired behind the scenes told our correspondent in confidence that the governor “practically relocated to Abuja” to mount pressure on the party leaders and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
The source stated, “Rochas (Okorocha) was behind it. He went about calling for the man’s (Nwajumogu) removal. He went to the Vice President and came to our chairman to say the man is his problem.
“He put pressure on the VP and our chairman, insisting that the secretary, who he said had not hidden his dislike for him, should be removed. The governor even requested that he should be allowed to nominate someone else from Imo.
“The chairman put his feet down and said the position was not zoned to Imo State. Our chairman also insisted that the secretary be given a ‘dignified exit’ and be allowed to resign instead of an announcement of a replacement.
“The committee secretary agreed to step down in the interest of the party. That was how a quick search, which was done in consultation with relevant stakeholders, was carried out overnight and Senator Ndoma-Egba from Cross Rivers State was given the challenge.”
In response to a question as to whether, he was indeed asked to resign as part of an agreement to pacify Okorocha, Nwajumogu denied the charge.
He admitted that there was no love lost between him and the governor, saying it was nothing personal and that the governor had always threatened to leave the APC if things were not done his way.
Nwajumogu said, “I heard he threatened to leave the party if his position was not taken… This started more than two weeks ago and it is just a coincidence because I had made up my mind to leave.
“I am just hoping that now that I have left, my governor, Rochas Okorocha, returns to Imo and spend more time to attend to the various issues that he has created for himself.”
He said stakeholders of the APC in Imo State were opposed to Okorocha’s leadership style based on principles.
Nwajumogu stated, “Our opposition to that is something that is based on principle; based on the fact that 95 per cent of Imo citizens and indeed south-easterners are not happy with what is happening in Imo State.
“It is very clear today that this is no longer an Imo issue but a South-East issue. It is very clear now that the entire South-East has lost confidence in the leadership of Rochas Anayo Okorocha and all we are saying is that Nigerians should take note that we no longer have him as our leader.”
He also insisted that he left on his own volition because he took the decision to enable him to attend to his obligations to his family, adding that no one forced him to resign.
According to him, whatever decision a politician takes there are “political consequences.”
On his resignation, he stated, “Yesterday, I tendered my resignation as the Secretary of the APC Convention Planning Committee and the resignation was accepted last night by the national chairman of the party.
“The reason why I resigned primarily is that when I was appointed, the date for the national convention, as we were informed, was to be on May 14.
“Eventually, that date was moved to June 2 and there were hopes that the convention would hold between June 2 and 9. However, the date has now been moved to June 23 and it will conflict with my family activities and responsibilities.
“For example, two of my children are graduating from a university in England within this month and I have a responsibility to be there and I have some other jobs at hands too. So, I decided that since I won’t have the time for this convention, I should resign so that the position can be given to somebody who has the time.”
According to him, the committee has only received N13m from the party. This, according to him, was what was used to pay for hotel bills, office equipment for the secretariat and other activities so far carried out by the committee.
He described some media reports that he was sacked for misappropriation of funds as the handiwork of mischief makers.
In response to a question on controversies surrounding the membership of the committee, Nwajumogu said party stakeholders across board nominated some of the members of the committee.
He said, “We have a total of about 20 members for each committee and the committees are 12. That makes it 240 members. In that regard, the NWC sent about 108 people to the committee. We got nominations from different groups.
“The Buhari Support Organisation, the Buhari Campaign Organisation, the wife of the President and various interest groups in the APC, including the diaspora organisations, and of course, there is no way I will be a member and the Secretary of the National Convention Committee and I will not have nominees in the convention.
“I brought about 18 members of my own which was granted to me and approved by the national convention chairman. Some of my nominees are Yoruba, northerners and Igbo.
But Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, the Chief Press Secretary to Okorocha, said the ex-convention secretary should look elsewhere for the reasons why he was removed.
He added, “What else would he (Nwajumogu) have said? He knows what removed him.
“They came from a political party that believes in manipulating everything; and certain offices require high level of decency. They are not meant for vampires.
“And if he insists that the governor did it, we won’t also regret that because the same governor took him to the Senate and he is today Eneke, the bird.”
Also speaking on the reasons behind Nwajumogu’s resignation, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said it was the ex-secretary’s personal decision which he said must be respected.
He said, “To the best of my knowledge, the reasons he gave were personal and the National Working Committee has appointed somebody else, Senator. Victor Ndoma-Egba.”
Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration
…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance
LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.
Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.
The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.
The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.
The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.
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ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
– Another Prophecy Fulfillment by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Following the Passing of Ron Kenoly Ahead of February Open Prophetic Revival
– Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Records Another Prophecy Fulfillment as February Open Prophetic Revival Is Announced
In the released prophecies for 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, shared a series of revelations touching on Nigeria’s economy, global events, political transitions, natural disasters, religious transformations, and the future of world leaders.
During a special prophetic session, the prophet stated that he foresaw the departure of two world-renowned musicians in 2026 and urged the Nigerian people and the global community to pray for them.
He urged Nigerians and everyone around the globe to pray for the musicians, among other prophecies, and already gave insight concerning them.
On February 3, 2026, American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly passed away at the age of 81. Widely known as the “Professor of Praise,” Kenoly was celebrated for anthems such as “Majesty” and “Lift Him Up,” which have significantly influenced modern congregational worship around the world.
He was recognized as a pioneer of the contemporary praise and worship movement, leading Scripture-based worship services that became widely adopted in churches across different nations and cultures.
The development has been described by followers of Prophet Kingsley Aitafo as a confirmation of the prophecy earlier declared in the year.
Meanwhile, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, leader and shepherd in charge of Oneness in Christ, in conjunction with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, invites everyone to its February Open Revival. It is a prophetic service determined to change lives through miracles, healings, signs, and wonders.
It is not an ordinary service; it is another time for a divine encounter where your faith is strengthened, prayers are answered, and breakthroughs and favour are about to rain. With its theme — Jesus Christ is the same forever — the revival is promised to release the power of Jesus Christ like never before. It is a period of shift and divine encounter.
This revival service is said to hold on the 25th of February, 2026, from 5pm – 8pm at 20, Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer Sango, Ogun State.
It is a season where God is ready to reveal Himself like never before. Members of the public are invited to attend.
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.
The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”
“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”
Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”
The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.
The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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