By Our Correspondent

Peter Obi, South-East Senators, Others Defect to ADC in Enugu

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside several prominent political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone.

The declaration was made on Wednesday in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, where the leaders converged to announce their collective decision after months of consultations.

The defectors said the move to the ADC was part of a broader effort to forge a united opposition platform that would work with like-minded leaders across the country to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Dignitaries at the event included former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Gilbert Nnaji, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Sam Egwu; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, as well as several serving and former members of the National Assembly.

Also in attendance were leaders from other parts of the country, including former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark; former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East, and other political heavyweights.

Speaking at the gathering, Obi described the decision to join the ADC as the beginning of a new political journey aimed at reclaiming Nigeria from what he termed the misrule of the APC.

“Today is an important day. As the year comes to an end, we do so with hope that in 2026 we will begin a genuine journey to rescue our country for proper socio-economic development that is unifying and inclusive,” Obi said.

He lamented what he described as the erosion of democratic values, accusing some beneficiaries of democracy of aiding its destruction through intimidation and suppression of opposition voices.

“We have watched those who benefited from our democracy become accessories to its destruction through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition. We cannot allow this to continue. We will resist it,” Obi declared.

By Our Political Reporter

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gombe State Chapter, has issued a stern warning to party members, aspirants, security agencies, and the general public over the alleged unauthorized issuance and distribution of ADC membership cards in the state.

In a press release signed by the Publicity Secretary of the party, the ADC said it has received credible reports that an aspirant is planning to issue and distribute invalidated membership cards while registering unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of party activities.

The party clarified that the National Secretariat of the ADC had, several months ago, passed a binding resolution invalidating all existing ADC membership cards across the country. According to the statement, the resolution remains valid and is binding on all organs of the party, including officials, aspirants, and members nationwide.

“The ADC, Gombe State Chapter, states unequivocally that no individual, aspirant, group, or faction has the authority to issue, distribute, or revalidate ADC membership cards at this time,” the statement read.

The party further declared that all ADC membership cards currently in circulation are null and void, stressing that any attempt to issue, distribute, or revalidate such cards is illegal and unauthorized.

Members of the public were advised to disregard and abstain from participating in any registration exercise, gathering, or activity related to the issuance of ADC membership cards, as such actions are not sanctioned by the party.

The ADC also warned that anyone found to be involved in the unauthorized issuance or distribution of membership cards would be deemed to have violated the party’s constitution and regulations and would face appropriate disciplinary action.

Reassuring members and supporters, the party said the official revalidation exercise and issuance of duly authorized membership cards would be announced at the appropriate time through recognized and lawful party channels.

The development comes amid growing political activities and internal realignments among political parties in Gombe State, as preparations intensify ahead of future electoral contests.

Political observers say the ADC’s decisive stance signals an effort by the party leadership to maintain internal discipline, protect its structure from abuse, and prevent confusion among supporters at the grassroots level.

The party urged members and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities relating to unauthorized membership registration to the appropriate authorities.

By: Zurkallaini Muhammad Inuwa

There is growing confusion in Gombe State following conflicting statements from government agencies regarding the closure of public schools.

On Monday, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Esrom Jocthan Toro, revealed during a meeting with education secretaries that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the state.

Hours later, the State Ministry of Education in a statement through the Special Assistant on Media to the Commissioner of Education, Saidu Bappa Malala, refuting the claim and insisting that no such directive had been issued by the government.

The ministry clarified that students across public schools are currently writing their end-of-term lexaminations and urged the public to disregard the closure rumours.

The contradictory statements have triggered uncertainty and concern among parents, guardians, and school administrators, with many expressing frustration over the lack of coordination between key government bodies.

Some Education stakeholders and concerned citizens Dr Abba Abubakar Modibbo and Mrs Mary Abraham called on the state government to harmonize its communication channels and provide a unified, clear position to avoid further confusion and ensure public trust.

As of the time of filing this report, schools across the state remain open, and examinations are ongoing.