Whether Free, Fair, Or Not, President Tinubu Will Lose 2027 Elections – Rotimi Amaechi

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April 19, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“I am better qualified than all the other Presidential Aspirants to run this country”

A former Minister of Transportation and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress , ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed the confidence that President Bola Tinubu will not realise his second term ambition once the coalition is on the ballot.

This is as he cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Judiciary to wean themselves of manipulations by the All Progressive Congress APC-led Federal Government.

The former Rivers State Governor who spoke during a programme on Channels Television on Friday April 17,2027 ,also declared himself a better presidential material in the crowed race for the ADC ticket.

According to him, irrespective of the State of the election , President Tinubu will surely not gain the trust and confidence of the people.

“Whether free ,fair or not ,if the ADC is on the ballot, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lose the election. Take it for free. The problem is he does not want a strong opposition candidate on the ballot”, Amaechi noted .

Amaechi, therefore, urged the INEC, the Judiciary and other relevant authorities to remain neutral and assert their independence to save the country’s democratic arrangement.

The ADC chieftain who is angling for the party’s Presidential ticket , alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi ,the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, expressed serious concern that President Tinubu, very much aware that he has lost the trust of the people, has resorted to weakening opposition parties and undermining the democratic process using critical national institutions.

“The APC Government is interfering in all the parties using the judiciary as an institution.

“Let them allow the institutions to pursue justice. Let them allow all political parties to have candidates on the ballot and see whether President Bola Tinubu will win. In fact, how can Tinubu win with the embarrassing insecurity and economic hardship in the country?”, Amaechi queried.

He criticized the economic policies of the APC-led Federal Government which, he said, has resulted in an unmitigated misery and hardship among the people.

Amaechi, particularly, regretted that the Tinubu administration has failed woefully to address basic problems affecting the people, and also has not been able to fulfill any of its promises during the electioneering campaign.

“Everybody is suffering; everybody is looking for food to eat. People can’t buy fuel, and can’t travel. The airlines are threatening to increase the cost of flights; the cost of everything is skyrocketing out of the reach of the people.

“For God’s sake, President Tinubu does not have the moral right ,and authority to speak. He doesn’t .

“He promised power ,and said if he doesn’t provide adequate power supply, that Nigerians should not vote for him when he seeks a second term. Nigerians are waiting to vote him out” Amaechi stated.

Speaking further, the former Rivers state Governor noted that he is not actually bothered about others struggling for the ADC presidential ticket because of his rich antecedent.

“I don’t care who else is running in the presidential race of the ADC. I am running because I am a Nigerian candidate. I am running because I know Nigeria’s problems. And I believe that I have the capacity to solve them”,he asserted.

According to him, his performances both as the Rivers state Governor and , Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation confer credence to his ability to face frontally the problems bedeviling the country today, particularly insecurity.

Anyanwu’s Appeal Was A Mistake, Will Be Withdrawn Soon Says Wike-backed PDP

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 18, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led Peoples Democratic party faction has explained that the reported appeal by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, its National Secretary, against an FCT High Court judgment was filed in error.

This is as it denied that the PDP, at a anytime, ratified the purported suspension of Anyanwu as a member of the party .

The Source reports that the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP had in a petition, requested the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately withdraw recognition for Anyanwu, as the party’s National Secretary, citing his expulsion and subsequent affirmation of the disciplinary action by an FCT High Court as a major reason for its demand.

The faction, in the petition filed on its behalf by its legal team led by Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, noted that the party on the strength of the reports and recommendations of the Chief Tom Ikimi-headed National Disciplinary Committee, NDC, expelled Anyanwu and others, with an FCT Court affirming the decision on January 12, 2026.

However, in a statement on Saturday, issued by its spokesperson, Hon Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the Wike-backed factional PDP stated that the legal action instituted by Anyanwu is not in connection with his purported suspension, but originated from a case filed at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to the faction, the said motion on notice is challenging the competence and proceedings of the Ikimi-led NDC.

It noted that the NDC merely recommended the suspension of Anyanwu and others, but that the NWC of the party never met to ratify it.

The faction maintained that the reports and recommendations having not been ratified by the competent organ of the party, remains null, void, and of no effect.

‘”The recommendations had no binding effect,and no valid suspension existed at any time” the statement noted.

Furthermore, the PDP faction explained that the NDC, after being discovered to have been constituted in utter disregard of the party’s extant laws was subsequently dissolved with its reports and recommendations thrown overboard.

The Wike-backed PDP emphasized that the FCT High Court presided over by Honourable Justice Halilu did not affirm any expulsion or suspension, but rather dismissed Anyanwu’s suit on the grounds that the matter falls under the internal affairs of the party and, therefore, non-justiciable .

The party added that the said appeal by Anyanwu and others were inadvertently filed, noting that machineries have been put in place to withdraw same.

Besides, the party contended that Anyanwu and others purportedly affected by the said disciplinary action had already served out their various tenures, a development that renders the purported suspension nugatory.

The Source further reports that the Turaki-led faction is contending that all actions undertaken by Anyanwu as the National Secretary, including the nomination of the Mohammed-led Caretaker Committee on November 3, 2025, were illegal, null and void, having been done after his suspension on November 1, 2025.

Senator Shehu Sani Advises Gov. Abdulrasaq To Drop Criminal Charge Against Saraki

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Ayodele Oni

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April 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani has reacted to fresh moves by Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahaman Abdulrasaq to arraign former Senate President, Bukola Saraki over 2018 Offa robbery incident.

Saraki, had described the fresh criminal charge against him as a “desperate ploy by a drowning politician” to initiate a case of criminal culpability against him over the Offa robbery incident of 2018 “which I know nothing about”.

While describing the criminal case as “dirty politics taken too far and too low”, Saraki warned Abdulrazaq to desist from this despicable act of using the Offa robbery incident as a weapon anytime he came under political pressure over his poor policy conception and failure to live up to expectations as a governor of a state known as the State of Harmony.

**Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State**

He added: “Ordinarily, my attitude to this insidious move by the incumbent Governor of Kwara State to initiate a case of criminal liability against me in the unfortunate incident of armed robbery, which happened in Offa community eight years ago, should be to shrug it off and say that we will meet in court since I know I have nothing to do with the incident or any other crime for that matter.

“The case was investigated by the police team from the office of the Inspector General of Police. However, following the investigation, in two separate legal advices dated June 22nd, 2018, and August 23rd, 2018, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) stated that there was no evidence directly or indirectly linking me to the robbery incident.”

Also, a prominent member of the Fix PDP, Fix Nigeria movement, Shittu Alabi from F.C.T, Abuja, condemned the renewed allegations against former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, describing them as “an insult taken too far and a shameful display of political pettiness at its worst.”

In a statement, Alabi accused the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRazaq, of resorting to “desperate and dangerous tactics” in a bid to salvage what he called a failing political image. This is not leadership; this is panic,” Alabi stated.

“A colourless governor with no tangible achievements has now chosen to weaponize an already investigated and legally settled matter just to remain politically relevant.”

According to him, the attempt to drag Saraki into the Offa robbery narrative is a calculated move to use the former Senate President as “political currency to artificially inflate a drowning administration.”

“It is obvious the governor is uncertain about his political future and even unsure of succession within his own structure.

“Reports of his strained standing within the broader national power circle, including around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, only deepen that desperation,” Alabi added.

Shehu Sani, in a post write “I wish to appeal to the Governor of Kwara State my Friend and Brother, His Excellency Abdulrahaman Abdulrasaq to drop the idea of filling a Criminal Charge against Senator Bukola Saraki and others over the 2018 Offa Robbery Incident.

“In the past, I had the experience of being framed and dragged to 5 different High Courts in Kaduna, and slammed with Civil and Criminal Charges,and The Lord saved me.

“Power should be exercised with caution.Tomorrow is not far from today.”

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IGP Squad Nabs Suspected JAMB Official Impersonator In Anambra

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Ayodele Oni

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April 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

More Arrests have been made in connection with malpractices in the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB).

JAMB had earlier announced the arrest of two candidates and one parent, already detained for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means.

Report from Anambra State revealed that Operatives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Safe School Initiative, attached to the Anambra State Police Command, have arrested a male suspect, identified as Eric Nwombu, for alleged criminal impersonation and unlawful possession of JAMB examination materials.

The arrest, followed a report that the suspect was collecting 2026 JAMB examination slips from students who had visited a cyber café in Atani to check their examination centres.

His actions reportedly raised suspicion among staff of the computer centre.

Items recovered from the suspect include eight JAMB examination slips and an exercise book containing names and examination numbers of several students, which he could not satisfactorily explain.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect allegedly claimed to be a JAMB 2026 coordinator in Atani when questioned.

However, the explanation failed to convince the cyber café staff, who promptly alerted police operatives in the area and on sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to flee, but was swiftly apprehended.

Ikenga added that preliminary investigations have commenced, noting that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for further discreet investigation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public examinations.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.

Gov Bala Mohammed’s Defection Plan To APC Terminated As Party Rejects His Proposal

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 18, 2026

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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State — Governor Bala Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Any possibilities of the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammad joining the ranks of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has been officially foreclosed.

Consequently, all negotiations between the Governor’s camp and the national leadership of the ruling party at the centre, in relation to the planned defection, have been halted.

The Source reports that the National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwaltda, in company with Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano state had on Wednesday April 1, 2026, during a visit to the Bauchi Government House, officially invited Governor Mohammad to come on board the party’s train.

The Governor, who is, also, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, had, a day before the APC visit, played host to a delegation of the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress ADC, led by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF Babachir Lawal, with a firm promise to finalize all realignment processes with the opposition party on, or, before Thursday April 2.

Instructively, Governor Mohammed’s planned defection to the ADC ,was severely disrupted by the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw recognition for the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC of the party on April 1, as well as the APC’s obviously panicky last minute visit.

At a media briefing in Bauchi on Saturday, April 18, 2026 ,the State Chairman of the PDP, Samaila Adamu Burga, disclosed that the two parties could not reconcile contending issues surrounding the planned realignment.

According to the Bauchi State PDP chairman, the proposal put forward by the Governor pursuant to the defection was not accepted by the APC national leadership.

Burga emphasized that the Governor had sequel to the invitation extended by the APC requesting him, key political stakeholders, including Lawmakers at the state and national levels and local Government officials to join the party, initiated the process.

He, however , expressed regret that negotiations could not sail through as some fundamental issues were not resolved.

“After careful and extensive considerations, the proposal put forward during the negotiations were ultimately not accepted by the APC leadership”, he stated.

The PDP Chairman said with the failure of negotiations, all other processes concerning the planned defection to the APC have been terminated.

He did not, however, disclose the next line of action by the Governor and his camp.

Uzodimma Raps Orlu Zone APC Members Ahead Primaries

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The Source

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April 18, 2026

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The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Orlu Zone to strengthen grassroots participation and remain united ahead of the upcoming Party primaries.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House Annex, Eziachi in Orlu weekend, the Governor stressed that Party strength begins at the Ward level, and urged members to actively engage in local activities.

“If your Ward is not aware of your membership, you are still a stranger in the Party,” he said.

Uzodimma commended the Zone for its performance in past elections despite security challenges, noting that their commitment helped sustain the APC’s dominance in Imo State.

He praised Party faithful for embracing consensus during Congresses, describing it as a “sign of political maturity.”

Ahead of APC Primaries, the Governor advised aspirants and supporters to manage expectations and avoid conflict. “Ambition is not a crime, but we must be mature enough to handle both successes and failures,” he said.

He emphasised that future opportunities would depend on electoral contributions, adding that Party loyalty and performance would be closely monitored.

Uzodimma concluded by urging reconciliation and unity, calling on members to work collectively for the Party’s success in forthcoming elections.

The Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Austin Onyedebelu, urged members to forgive one another and close ranks ahead of the primaries.

“We must resolve our differences with maturity and move forward together,” he said, appealing for reconciliation.

He expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Uzodimma and predicted a “100 per cent victory” for the APC in the upcoming elections.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Orlu Zonal APC Chairman, Hon. Frank Onyejiaka, said the gathering provided an opportunity to review challenges, share ideas, and chart a common path forward.

He stressed the need for open discussions, mutual respect, and prioritising the common good over personal interests.

Onyejiaka also highlighted leadership as a call to service, sacrifice, and accountability, expressing confidence that collaborative efforts would reposition the Zone for greater political success.

Other speakers include, the APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Senator Osita Izunaso representing Orlu Zone and the Deputy Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu.

They all corroborated the fact that APC victory at the polls required unity of purpose by leadership and membership of the Party.

The meeting brought together Party executives of APC at both levels, members of the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly from Orlu zone, political appointees and stakeholders of the Party from the Zone.

Badagry Baby Factory: 17 Pregnant Women Among Those Rescued By NSCDC

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Ayodele Oni

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April 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Seventeen heavily pregnant women, children, infants, and an adult male are among 28 persons rescued by Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at a suspected baby factory in the Badagry area of Lagos State.

Already, two suspects have been arrested while the baby factory has been dismantled.

The operation, carried out by the Lagos State Command between April 15 and 16, 2026, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance that led officers to a hidden facility in the Okuju, Ilado area of Olorunda, Badagry.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the agency revealed that the victims included 17 heavily pregnant women, alongside 11 others made up of children, infants, and an adult male.

Briefing journalists on the development, the State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that preliminary findings showed the victims were lured through a Facebook recruitment scheme targeting vulnerable pregnant women with promises of financial rewards after childbirth.

According to him, the victims were allegedly promised between ₦500,000 and ₦1,000,000 upon delivery, a tactic believed to have been used to sustain the illegal operation.

Investigations further revealed that those held in the facility were kept in poor and unsanitary conditions, with little or no access to proper medical care.

The Commandant noted that one of the pregnant women reportedly lost her pregnancy due to neglect.

Items recovered from the location included mobile phones, gas cylinders, a generator set, cooking utensils, and other materials believed to have been used in running the operation.

He stated both the suspects and the rescued victims have been transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Reacting to the development, the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, described the raid as a reflection of the agency’s growing reliance on intelligence-led operations to tackle organised crime.

He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to strengthening collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies, particularly in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation.

Audi also urged members of the public to exercise caution, especially when responding to online offers and recruitment schemes that appear suspicious.

He emphasised that community vigilance and timely sharing of information remain critical in identifying and dismantling criminal networks involved in trafficking and other forms of organised exploitation.

Results For First Batch Of UTME Ready, Public – JAMB

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Ayodele Oni

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April 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Less than 48 hours after completion of first round of 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), students can now check for their scores in the examination.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced on Friday that it has released the first batch of results for the examination which commenced on Thursday.

The examination is being held in about 966 computer-based test (CBT) centres nationwide, with about a total of 2.2 million expected to participate.

In a statement, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesperson, said the board has released results for 632,788 candidates who sat the examination on Thursday.

“The results of candidates who sat the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16 April 2026, have been released and are now available for viewing,” the statement reads.

“To check their results, candidates should send UTMERESULT via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.”

Benjamin added that while results can be viewed, printing is not yet available.

He cautioned candidates against manipulating SMS results to fabricate or alter scores, describing such acts as a serious criminal offence.

“The Board treats such misconduct with the utmost gravity.

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means.

“Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.”

He added that as the examination progresses, more results will be released in batches.

I Will Be Glad To Have ADC On The Ballot So That They Will Be Demystified – Wike

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 18, 2026

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“Neither David Mark nor Amaechi has any electoral value”

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike has dismissed the duo of Senator David Mark and Rotimi Amaechi as having no electoral values.

According to him, Senator Mark, the National Chairman of the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress ADC , and Rotimi Amaechi, a Presidential hopeful, do not possess the political wherewithal to deliver their respective states to their party.

At an interactive session with the media, Wike a former Governor of Rivers State, and Amaechi’s former Chief of Staff, said Amaechi, even as a serving Governor, with all the full compliment of Federal might, could not deliver substantial votes to the All Progressive Congress, APC, in 2015.

The FCT Minister similarly mocked Amaechi ,as attracting no serious political gains for both late President Mohammadu Buhari and the APC , even as the Director -General of the Buhari/Osibanjo presidential campaign organization in 2019.

He emphasized that Amaechi’s self-acclaimed towering political stature has never translated into a political capital in Rivers state , even when he held influential national leadership roles.

Wike wondered how a man who could not do much at the peak of his political career and influence to sway the votes in Rivers state, would now boast of over-running the State.

“Are we saying today that if an election is conducted in Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi will deliver Rivers State to ADC?”

“Remember, he was a Governor , when I came to run as a Governor in 2015. Then he was in the APC. Who defeated him? And he was equally the Director -General of the Buhari/Osibanjo presidential campaign organization then.

“Also in 2019, when I was running for my second term, he was the Minister of Transportation, and still was the DG of Buhari’s Campaign Organization.

“Despite all the Federal might that was at his disposal, I still won the election. The late President Mohammadu Buhari did not get 25 percent of the votes cast in Rivers state.

“In 2015, he didn’t get it . In 2019, also, he didn’t get 25% of the votes cast. How do you now think such a person can win in 2027? ” Wike queried.

This is as he urged the opposition to prioritize grassroots mobilisation rather than playing to the gallery, as well as over reliance on prominent, but expired political figures for electoral successes.

According to the FCT Minister, Mark’s daughter had to abandon his father’s party- the PDP, before winning her election to the House of Representatives on the platform of the APC.

If Mark could not secure victory for her daughter in Benue state ,as former Senate President, Wike said it will be preposterous to think that he will deliver the State to ADC in 2027.

“Take, for example, Benue state, where the former Senate President, their ( ADC) so-called National Chairman is from, his daughter won election on the platform of APC, and then he was in PDP.

“Will you now say former Senate President David Mark will deliver Benue state to the ADC in 2027? Wike wondered.

He noted that he will be glad to have the ADC on the ballot so that the myth about it would be dymistified .

“I will be very glad if they (ADC) will be on the ballot in 2027 so that the stories will be over. The only thing you will hear next time is: ‘oh, the election was rigged.’ That is the only thing they will be shouting about. That is the only story they will come to tell people.

Olisa Metu, Abike-Dabiri, Muiz Banire, Nnamdi Mbaeri, Hadiza Bala Usman, Make List Of Renewed Hope Ambassadors Directors

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 18, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Leaving no stone unturned to propel President Bola Tinubu to a second term Victor in 2027, the Director-General of the President’s Renewed Hope Ambassadors, RHA, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has appointed 16 Directors to head its different Directorates.

The RHA is the body in the forefront of the President’s reelection bid. It is the outfit, in addition to the All Progressives Congress, APC, structure, and other quasi organizations, driving President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection.

The new appointments, approved by Governor Uzodinma, who is, also, the Chairman of the APC Governor’s Forum, include Olisa Metu, a former National Publicity Secretary of the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Muiz Banire, SAN, Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri and Hadiza Bala-Usman, Presidential Adviser.

They are incharge of Organisation and Mobilisation, Diaspora, Monitoring Compliance and Legal, Administration, Research and Innovation, respectively.

The full list of the 16 new Directors appointed for RHA, in efforts to strengthen its operational effectiveness, as released

in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Tunde Rahman, is :

*Dr Mustapha Abdullahi (Youth), *Chief Olisa Metuh (Organisation and Mobilisation), *Tunde Rahman (Media and Publicity)

*Sunday Dare (Digital and New Media).

*Mele Kolo Geidam (Finance).

*Muiz Banire, SAN (Monitoring, Compliance and Legal).

*Bisoye Coker-Odusote (Technology and Data).

*Abubakar Rabiu Abubakar (Support Groups).

*Ibrahim Garba (Intelligence) *Senator Sani Musa (Special Duties).

*Hon. Simon Karu (Planning)

*Dr Halima Suleiman Zakari (Welfare)

*Dr Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri (Administration). *Bilikisu Muhammed Kaika (Women Affairs)

*Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Diaspora). *Hadiza Bala Usman (Research and Innovation).

According to the statement, the

appointments take effect as part of ongoing efforts to position the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for broader national engagement.