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Flashback: How Ikenga Ugochinyere almost fraudulently scuttled APC registration in 2013
Flashback: How Ikenga Ugochinyere almost fraudulently scuttled APC registration in 2013
By Kumbi Aderibigbe
Sahara Weekly Reports That For many Nigerians watching the unfolding drama around the dissolution of the Special Investigative Committee set to probe the face-off between billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his refinery on one side, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA ) on the other, the involvement of House of Representatives members, Ikenga Ugochinyere, brings back distasteful memory of a time gone by.
Representative Ugochinyere is presently, Chairman of the House Committee on Midstream and Downstream. He was also the chairman of the Special Investigative Committee just disbanded by Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House.
Set up by the House following recrimination and counter recrimination between Dangote and NNPCL and NMDPRA, the Committee was expected to impartially investigate the matter and make its findings known to the House for appropriate action.
At issue were Dangote’s allegations that the NNPCL and it’s partners, the International Oil Companies (IOCs)operating in Nigeria, were refusing to supply his refinery crude for refining, and that the NNPCL had opened a blending plant in Malta for crude refinement.
He also accused the NMDPRA of indiscriminately issuing import licences to marketers to import petroleum products into the country. Denying the allegation against it, the NMDPRA responded by accusing Dangote Refinery of producing diesel with sulphur content well above internationally specified standard.
These were the issues Ugochinyere and his colleagues in the Committee were expected to address but unfortunately, things took a different turn. Contrary to the expectations of the leadership of the House and millions of Nigerians who had become worried over the likely impact of the clash of key players in the Nigerian oil sector on supply of petroleum products in the country, Ugochinyere saw in the committee, a vehicle for promoting his narrow personal interest. He turned the committee into a one-man show, sidelining other members of the committee and writing press statements and addressing press conferences without their knowledge and involvement. The height of his perfidy was his unilaterally absolving Dangote Refinery of wrongdoing and calling for the sack of Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, and Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, even before the committee had commenced investigation into the matter.
The disbanding of the investigative committee by Speaker Abbas has assuaged the anger of Nigerians even though Ugochinyere’s conduct has left many nonplussed.
Those shocked or surprised by the lawmaker’s antics can be forgiven because they know very little about his antecedents. To keen watchers of the Nigerian political scene, his behaviour is consistent with his character.
Eleven years ago, not very many Nigerians knew him or had heard of him but he was suddenly catapulted to national prominence in 2013 when leading opposition political parties seeking an end to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) hegemony rallied to form a mega party.
They settled for the name, All Progressives Congress with the acronym, APC. As they crossed the t’s and dotted the i’s of the alliance before seeking formal registration with Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a group with the same acronym (APC) but with the name, All Peoples Congress, immediately submitted a request for registration as a political party. The move by this group pitted them against the larger body of opposition political parties who claimed to have first come up with the APC acronym. They would also later apply to INEC for registration as a political party.
As the disagreement between the two groups raged, INEC after due consideration of the evidence before it, registered the All Progressives Congress as a party while declining to do the same for the All Peoples Congress. In denying the latter registration, INEC said it breached Section 222 (a) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.
INEC’s Director, of Public Affairs, Emmanuel Umenger explained that the commission had conveyed it’s decision to the group:
“The Commission has written to this political association and had stated in very clear terms that they are in breach of section 222 (a) of the constitution with the additional explanations stated in the letter.
The Commission also observed that the submission made on form PA 1 does not contain the addresses of the national officers of the political association as stipulated and it means this association has the responsibility to prove, because these are the things the commission has observed and the law says if you do not meet any of these requirements you will not be registered as a political party.
“The commission has gone ahead to explain in its letter I have on my table. The letter we have sent today was duly signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Abdulahi Kaugama and it is self explanatory, the letter is dated 21, 2013 which was signed and collected by one Michael Ogani of APC”, Umenger said at the time.
The letter as later made avaliable to the public and signed by the INEC’s Secretary, Alhaji Abdulahi Kaugama reads in part:
“Your application for registration as a political party dated 28th February, 2013 refers. The Commission has observed that your association is in breach of Section 222 (a) of the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which stipulates as follows: “No association by whatever name called shall function as a political party unless; the names and addresses of its national officers are registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission;.
A close observation of your submitted form PA 1 established that it does not contain the addresses of your national officers as stipulated in the provisions above. Consequently, the commission shall not register the proposed African Peoples Congress (APC) as a political party.”
The party accused INEC of conspiring with the registered APC to deny it acceptance but the electoral body insisted it acted within the purview of the law. It would emerge later that Ugochinyere was one of the key figures floating the All Peoples Congress as a means of preventing the All Progressives Congress’ emergence as a political party at a time Nigerians were seeking a genuine alternative to the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which he belonged.
A young lawyer, Mr. Chinedu Samuel Nwokorie, a 2011 graduate of the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja, blew the lid off Ugochinyere’s caper with his revelation in a newspaper interview that he was hired by Ugochinyere to scuttle the registration bid of the now ruling APC. Nwokorie told Nigerians in that interview:
“Ugochinyere Ikenga approached me sometime in February 2013 to put in an application for the registration of a political party by name African Peoples Congress,” Nwokorie said, expressing regrets and denying that he was a politician of any sort.
“He paid me an initial sum of N30,000 and later added another N50,000 and a Samsung Galaxy phone after I had filed the papers, with a promise that he was going to settle me after the party must have been registered.
“I filed the application in the honest belief that it was just another political party because even the application I entered at INEC only bears the name African Peoples Congress. The acronym APC was not included in the application.
“So there was no way I could have visualize, whether or not there was an ulterior motive in the registration of that political party. I was, however, surprised to see my name all over the newspapers, including the sample of the application letter I wrote to INEC.
“I wish to let Nigerians know that I am not a politician in anyway whatsoever. I regret the issues at hand and the dimension the entire thing is taking.”
The young lawyer who studied law in Cameroun before going to law school in Abuja added that each time he developed cold feet on the issue, Ugochinyere was always on hand to egg him on. He said:
“He keeps telling me not to worry, that I should be a man and that he would handle the matter. He also said that the real owners of the party would soon be revealed to Nigerians.
“Once again, I want to tell Nigerians that I just took a brief as a young lawyer and it ended there. I don’t know the sponsors of the party. The only person I know is Ugochinyere Ikenga, who gave me the brief.
“I got to know Ikenga through a friend. I thought it wise to come out and tell Nigerians the entire story because I keep receiving calls all-day through. My major concern now is my letter head, which is in the custody of INEC.
From the evidence above, it is clear that Ugochinyere has a history of involvement in dubious enterprises and of manipulating people to achieve his aim. After collecting what must be a handsome pay cheque from his sponsors to scuttle the APC’S registration plan, he shamelessly and unconscionably recruited a young and aspiring lawyer and paid him peanuts to put his fledgling career on the line.
For those in doubt of Ugochinyere’s status as a hatchet and gun for hire, a March 16, 2013 report in Premium Times, a leading online news platform in Nigeria, lends credence to his ability to take on hatchet jobs. The report titled, “PDP disowns hatchet man, Ikenga; says ACN behind “APC” name crisis for attention”, noted:
“Multiple media investigations have exposed Mr. Ikenga, a card-carrying member of the PDP, as the individual behind the formation of African Peoples Congress, APC, a rival controversial group seeking to be registered as a political party under the acronym “APC” already adopted by a merger of four opposition parties.
“The effort is suspected to be aimed at thwarting the new coalition, namely Action Congress of Nigeria, Congress for Progressive Change, All Nigeria Peoples Party and All Progressive Grand Alliance, seeking to form the All Progressives Congress.
“A figure well known to similar underhanded deals at the behest of the ruling party, Mr. Ikenga’s scheme this time, to launch the new party, has struck off intense crisis between the opposition parties and the PDP, accused of backing him.
“In a statement on Saturday, the PDP denied the allegation, a refutation it has repeatedly made. The party said Mr. Ikenga’s past, which saw him also lead a campaign against the current chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur, had rendered him an “estranged fellow” who cannot be an agent of the party.
“To the best of our knowledge, no member of the PDP is involved in the formation of any other political organization, neither are we interested in the activities of any other Party,” the party said in a statement signed by spokesperson, Olisa Metuh.
“The alleged involvement of one Ugochinyere Imo Ikenga in the formation of the other APC has no bearing whatsoever on us. From our findings, Mr. Ikenga’s recent activities, including his unsavoury attacks and illicit campaign for the dissolution of the the Bamanga Tukur led National Working Committee makes him an estranged fellow and therefore can never be an agent of the PDP in anyway.”
Eleven years down the line, he has perfected the art of manipulation and honed his predilection for scheming into an art. Men like Ugochinyere are a menace to society and must be stopped. It is good the investigative committee he turned into a cash cow has been disbanded. It is just a start. Speaker Abbas must go a step further to remove him as head of the Committee on Midstream and Downstream for if he doesn’t, it will only be a matter of time before he makes his next move.
Energy experts in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector have defended the pricing structure of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing some fuel markers of attempting to blackmail the refinery and mislead the public over the recent increase in petrol prices.
The experts said reports suggesting that the refinery’s latest adjustment is solely responsible for the recent hike in fuel prices were misleading, noting that importers are also bringing in petrol at almost a N1,000 per litre, while the refinery’s coastal price is N948 and the gantry or ex-depot price stands at N995 per litre.
They stressed that public comparisons fail to consider the differences in pricing structures and supply channels.
According to the experts, N948 per litre represents the coastal delivery price, which refers to petroleum products transported by marine vessels or barges from the refinery to depots along the coastline. On the other hand, N995 per litre represents the gantry or ex-depot price, which is the rate paid by marketers who load petrol directly from the refinery into tanker trucks at the loading gantry for onward distribution across the country.
The experts explained that the two figures should not be interpreted as conflicting prices but rather as different logistics arrangements within the petroleum distribution chain.
Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, energy expert David Okon said the pricing adjustments were inevitable given prevailing market conditions.
According to him, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals operates in a deregulated market and procures crude at international prices, which have risen sharply due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“The refinery is already absorbing part of the cost to cushion the impact of the crisis on Nigerians. We can see what is happening in other parts of the world where shortages and scarcity are being reported despite higher prices, yet the Dangote Refinery has continued to guarantee domestic supply,” he said.
Okon explained that when the refinery previously sold petrol at N774 per litre, crude oil was landing at about $68 per barrel. However, with crude now arriving at roughly $95 per barrel, the cost difference of about $27 per barrel translates to nearly N40,000 per barrel when converted to Naira.
“You cannot expect a refinery to continue selling at the old rate under those circumstances,” he added.
“If imported products were truly cheaper, importers would still be selling at the previous prices.”
He warned that without local refining capacity, Nigeria could have faced severe fuel shortages, long queues at filling stations and a resurgence of black market sales.
“Without the Dangote Refinery, many filling stations would likely shut down, queues would return across the country and black market traders would exploit the situation, hawking four litres keg at N20,000 or more. The refinery has effectively prevented that scenario,” he said.
Another analyst, Mohammed Ibrahim, also faulted narratives circulating in some quarters suggesting that the refinery’s pricing adjustment was responsible for worsening economic hardship in the country.
Accusing some importers of attempting to manipulate public perception, he said, “What we are seeing is nothing but deliberate blackmail by some fuel importers who feel threatened by local refining.
“They are twisting the pricing structure to mislead Nigerians and create unnecessary panic in the market.
“By exaggerating the refinery’s gantry price and ignoring the comparable costs of imported fuel, they are trying to make it appear as though Dangote Refinery is the cause of rising prices and economic hardship. This is a calculated attempt to protect their import businesses and undermine local refining, which is meant to reduce our dependence on imported petrol.”
Ibrahim added that such narratives were aimed at portraying the refinery as the reason Nigerians were struggling with higher petrol prices.
He stressed that petrol pricing in Nigeria is largely influenced by global crude oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and distribution logistics, noting that these factors affect both locally refined and imported fuel in the country’s deregulated market.
Afolabi Olowookere, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Analysts’ Data Services and Resources (ADSR) Limited, explained that although Nigerians expect refined products from the refinery to be significantly cheaper, prevailing market realities such as global crude oil prices, the cost of crude supply and refining margins make substantial price reductions unlikely in the short term.
“Therefore, improving domestic crude allocation to the refinery would strengthen supply stability and enhance the long term benefits of local refining for the economy,” Olowookere noted.
Recent conflicts in the Middle East and disruptions along key shipping lanes have tightened global oil supply, pushing crude prices past $90 per barrel, a development that directly raises the cost of both imported and locally refined petrol in Nigeria.
The unrest has pushed up fuel costs and transportation in several countries, including Ghana, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, and Japan, as rising crude prices increase the cost of refining, distribution, and logistics globally.
CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON EMPOWERS 300 WIDOWS IN IMO
A renowned humanitarian and proud daughter of Mbaise in Imo State, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has empowered over 300 widows and vulnerable women across the Owerri Zone, in a remarkable demonstration of compassion and service to humanity.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Palace of the Eze of Ngor Okpala, HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and beneficiaries from different communities within the zone.
During the event, the widows received food materials and cash support, aimed at helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their small-scale businesses.
The initiative was widely applauded as a timely intervention to support women who often face severe economic hardship after losing their spouses.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to High Chief (Dr.) Nwoga-Ecton, describing the empowerment as a lifeline that would help them take better care of their families.
Some widows, while offering prayers for the philanthropist, noted that the gesture had restored hope and dignity in their lives.
Fondly known as Ada Imo and Adaure, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton has earned widespread admiration for her consistent humanitarian efforts both within Nigeria and internationally.
Through her philanthropic activities and foundations, she has continued to support widows, children, and vulnerable communities with interventions in healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment.
Community stakeholders who attended the programme commended the Mbaise-born philanthropist for her generosity and dedication to uplifting the less privileged, noting that her actions reflect true leadership and compassion.
Observers say the initiative further reinforces her growing reputation as one of the most impactful humanitarians of this generation, whose commitment to humanity continues to inspire hope across Imo State and beyond.
UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ADMIN KING OF THE UKA THRONE
March 6, 2026 – In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson, as the Acting Admin King of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of Official Emperor Admin of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to competence, dedication, and integrity as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
Report Highlights:
– Nominee: King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– Objective: Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– Focus: Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– Impact: Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– Next Steps: Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
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