National Grid Collapses Twice In 7 Days; Why Aba Is Not Affected

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January 27, 2026

Nigeria’s national power grid has collapsed for the second time in less than one week. The development was disclosed on Tuesday via a post by the National Grid on its verified X handle, under the title, “GRID COLLAPSE”.

The company also stated that load to the 11 electricity distribution companies, DisCos, dropped to zero megawatts as of 10:54am.

Recall that the grid suffered a collapse last week following which most part of the country thrown into utter darkness for hours, before it was restored.

According to the details provided by the company data shared by Nigeria National Grid @NationalGridNg · 10m, the affected DisCos as of 27 Jan 2026 | 10:54 AM were Abuja, Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola.

Meanwhile, the magazine learned that the current blackout is not likely to affect the residents of Aba in Abia state because of Geometric Power which supplies electricity to close to one million people living in the city. The company is promoted by Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji.

While a large part of the country suffered power cut last week as the National Grid collapsed for the first time in 2026, the people of the commercial city were said to have enjoyed electricity supply through out the period.

According to reports, Geometric Power’s 188-megawatt plant has a distribution network equipped with smart meters. The private system has delivered consistent power even as the broader national infrastructure repeatedly fails.

The stark contrast between Aba’s reliability and the national grid’s persistent instability has intensified calls for Nigeria to accelerate the decentralisation of its power sector. Energy analysts and business groups have urged the government to replicate the Geometric Power model in other cities and regions.

Nigeria generates only a fraction of the electricity needed for its economy and population. Even when the grid operates, total generation typically hovers between 4,000 and 5,000megawatts, far below the estimated 30,000 megawatts required to adequately serve the country. Businesses and wealthier households rely heavily on diesel and petrol generators, adding to operating costs and environmental pollution.

Additional reports from Business Day

Super Eagles Captain, Wilfred Ndidi Loses Dad In Fatal Road Accident

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 27, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Tragedy has befallen the household of Super Eagles Captain, Wilfred Ndidi. His father, Sunday Ndidi, has lost his life in a fatal vehicle accident.

The retired Military Officer died in an horrific highway accident Tuesday January 27th, 2026.

The incident happened in Umunede, Delta State.

It was gathered that he was rushed to a hospital in nearby Agbor but was, sadly, pronounced dead on arrival.

The sudden passing of his father has destabilized the former Leicester City Football Club of England midfielder.

His Turkish Club Side, Besiktas Football Club, has officially confirmed the heartbreaking news, and sent condolences to the family.

A statement by Besiktas Football Club read

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the club said in a statement released via their official X account.

“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”

The former Genk Football Club of Belgium player had recently led the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he also scored his first international goal for the country.

During the celebration of his goal against Tunisia at AFCON 2025, he replicated Kanu Nwankwo’s goal jubilation at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. When he interviewed, he referenced his father and his admiration for Kanu.

“The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi told journalists in Morocco.

“So I just thought about my dad. I had seen the video before, but it came to my head, and I said I was going to do it for my dad.”

Ndidi, who often speaks about growing up with his father in the barracks, was born and raised in Lagos.

Dangote Hikes Petrol Price Despite FG Promise of Price Reduction

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James Orji

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January 27, 2026

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has hiked the price of petrol sold to marketers from its Lagos refinery to N799 per litre from N699 per litre. The implication, according to the company, is that petrol will now be sold at N839 per litre at the MRS filling stations under a pre-arranged agreement.

The announcement was made in a statement issued late on Monday by the company, which last December announced a reduction in the price of petrol, as a respite for Nigerians during the yuletide celebrations. It has effected price reduction for two consecutive seasons, in 2025 and 2024.

Dangote said now that the festive period is over there’s a need to sell the product in line with the current realities in the market as well as to ensure market stability and affordability.

The company however stated that despite the reduction of price from its refinery many marketers failed to reflect the reduction at their filling stations thus robbing Nigerians of the benefits, adding that as a home-grown company it will work against volatility associated with importation to ensure stability in the sector.

“With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability. Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre,” the company said.

Adding, “Despite the price reduction, many filling stations failed to reflect the new price at the pump, thereby denying Nigerians the benefits of the reduction.

“With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability. Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre.”

The price adjustment however comes barely two hours after the federal government said Nigerians would continue to further reduction in the price of petrol due to rising supply, increased competition and sustained private sector investments in the oil and gas sector.

The assurance was given on Sunday by the Authority’s Chief Executiv of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Saidu Mohammed, during an inspection of Aradel Holdings Plc facilities located in Ogbele community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers state.

Mohammed said Nigerians are gradually moving towards the era of affordable energy as improved supply continues to drive price stability, adding that the plan of the federal government is for Nigeria to be able to meet local demands of petroluem products as well as become a net exporter.

He said: “The more supply we have, the lower the price, and this is already evident as petrol has dropped from about N1,000 to N800 per litre due to competition.

“Sustained competition, rather than subsidies, will guaranty adequate supply of petrol and gas at affordable prices for Nigerians.

He stressed the need for additional refineries with advanced conversion capacity to produce diesel, fuel oil, naphtha, LPG and petrol.

Onitsha Market Closure Counterproductive – HURIWA

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Ayodele Oni

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January 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has reacted to the closure of Onitsha main market, urging the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to immediately reopen the market.

HURIWA warned that its continued closure will worsen hardship for traders and residents.

Governor Soludo ordered the closure of the market on Monday for seven days, following refusal of traders to comply with government instruction to stop obeying the sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) leadership.

The governor had signed an executive order to that effect warning that workers that fail to report of their duty posts will forfeit their salary.

In a statement made available to journalists, signed by its National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA stated that the one-week closure of the market “will unleash massive hunger, deprivation and unemployment,” noting that the action contradicts the economic recovery objectives of the Soludo administration.

Reacting to the shutdown, the rights group said the measure adopted by the governor was inappropriate and counterproductive.

“Honestly, we do not subscribe to this draconian and very extreme punitive measure of shutting down the market because the action will unleash massive hunger, deprivation and unemployment which Governor Soludo is elected to eradicate.” HURIWA expressed.

The group urged the governor to adopt dialogue rather than coercion, recommending consultations with market leadership and enhanced security assurances.

HURIWA emphasized that, “The best approach to adopt is to hold consultative sessions with the leaderships of the market with a view to convincing them to keep their shops open on Mondays with a firm guarantee of formidable security of lives and property should the traders comply with the directive of the state government.”

The association stressed that fear of violence remains the major reason traders avoid opening on Mondays.

“It is a known fact that armed attackers have killed hundreds of innocent people going about their duties on Monday for failing to observe the sit-at-home order.

“Assuring the people of effective protection of the lives and property is critical towards convincing them to be at work on Mondays.”

The right group appealed directly to the governor to reverse the decision without delay.

“This closure is counterproductive and we earnestly appeal to His Excellency the governor of Anambra state to rescind the decision and order the opening of the market immediately,” HURIWA concluded.

IPOB Leader, Kanu, To Remain In Sokoto Prison As Court Strikes Out Motion

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Ayodele Oni

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January 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Kanu’s Lawyer withdraws, says his client wants to dictate to him what to say in Court

A request by the convicted leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto correctional facility has been turned down by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The Honourable Justice James Omotosho on Tuesday, struck out an ex-parte motion filed by Kanu saying that the motion was incompetent.

The legal representative of Kanu, Demdoo Asan, a senior legal officer at the Legal Aid Council, had informed the court of his intention to withdraw from the matter, citing irreconcilable differences.

According to the counsel, since the last adjourned date, he had been on constant telephone communication with Kanu’s relatives.

He, however, told the court that, despite several phone calls and promises, Kanu’s relatives failed to show up at his office to depose to the application.

He added that Kanu wanted to dictate the tune of the matter and control what he, as counsel, would say in court

“He wants to write down what I would say while in court. But, as an officer of the court, I can’t in good faith accept that”. Demdoo said.

He further declared that he consulted with his superiors and that they shared the same sentiment, stating that, as officers of the court, when a matter comes to them, they will handle the matter as the they see fit, else the applicant can seek legal assistance elsewhere.

Consequently, the counsel invoked Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court, seeking to withdraw from the matter.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho commended the counsel for upholding the dignity of the court.

The judge held that having listened to counsel from the Legal Aid Council, he will grant leave for the counsel and the Legal Aid Council generally, to withdraw from representing the defendant convict.

In the interest of justice and fairness, however, the court had directed that other parties involved in the matter be served on notice.

“Since the last court sitting of December 8, 2025, until today 27 January, there is no proof of service before this court” noted the court.

Justice Omotosho thereafter ordered that the motion ex-parte be struck out for lacking competence.

Gov Adeleke Faults APC Blueprint For Osun, Says It Will Drag State Backward

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Ayodele Oni

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January 27, 2026

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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has expressed the fear that a blueprint released by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming election, Muniru Oyebamiji will reverse the current economic boom being experienced in the state.

Adeleke, who faulted the recently released economic blueprint described it as “capital flight oriented, old school thinking and behind news of current socio-economic advances under his administration.

In a statement in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke noted that a review of Oyebamiji’s economic plans confirms that his ideas are outdated, in conflict with progressive ideals he professes and a condemnable attempt to reverse the economic boom currently being enjoyed by Osun people.

“Mr Oyebamiji by his own admission seeks to return Osun to the old era of capital flight to Lagos and suppressive tax regime to reimpose extreme poverty on Osun people.

“The Adeleke’s economic blueprint is focused on local content for citizens’ empowerment, grassroots and artisans’ financial inclusion, bridging infra deficit to fast track economic growth, widening tax base with reduced tax rates, integrated easing of business environment to attract investment, industrialization through revived economic and free trade zones, mining sector reforms to diversify state economy among others.

“The Adeleke economic plan currently being implemented has empowered grassroots economy through artisan and cooperative financing of almost N4 billion; enhanced local businesses through strict implementation of the local content policy in procurement and workforce management.

“It has also reinvigorated Osun Digital Economy hub to tap into multi-billion dollar global industry; increased Internally generated revenue through tax harmonization and digitisation; relaunched industrialisation through revival of Osun free trade zones.

“It reduced state debt stock through sustainable debt management; revived agro – mechanisation and cocoa revolution; re – engineered partnership for growth with Osun businesses through Osun State Chamber of Commerce; and deepen investment drive through strong public private partnership among others.

“Mr Oyebamiji’s plan is imbecilic and deficient in depth and orientation. It regurgitated and copied policies already under implementation by the current government in the area of tax reforms, industrialization, revenue digitisation and management, innovative investment drive, public private partnership, agro – industrial revolution.

“The AMBO plan is a recipe for economic retrogression, disempowerment of the local economy through abandonment of vital local content policy, reversal of current policy of Osun money serving Osun economy and residents.

“Osun economy is already on a sustainable growth trajectory. Power generation, transmission and distribution is critical to economic growth and development.

“Governor Adeleke has already signed into law the state electricity bill to regulate generation and distribution of electricity. An implementation process is underway. Mr Oyebamiji has no clue in such an arena.

“The digital economy is a global multi- billion dollar industry. Governor Adeleke has primed Osun as a digital hub to tap into the sector through a series of ICT and digital legislation now under implementation. Again, Oyebamiji is oblivious of this new global trend.

“It is particularly shocking and insulting to Osun people to read of the fresh intention by Oyebamiji to tie Osun economy to Lagos through capital flight of the old.

“While South West inter-state collaboration under Oodua framework is already ongoing, the idea of Lagos corridor from Oyebamiji is a direct intention to kill Osun local content policy, destroy the drive to grow Osun economy on a sustainable agro-industrial platform and put an end to the successful push to grow Osun prosperity through digital economy.

“The height of deficiency in the AMBO plan is the ludicrous mention of the blue economy strategy. We assert that as the head of the national waterway agency, Oyebamiji failed to stop waterway deaths which stood at almost 1000 by the time he left office.

“He failed to introduce or implement a modern waterways transport system despite an abundance of functioning systems that can be adapted. The Lagos Waterways Authority has an impressive record than what we had under AMBO leadership of NIWA.

“It is apt to note that under Governor Adeleke, the Owala Lake beach resort is functioning under PPP arrangements after decades of abandonment by governments under which Oyebamiji was a key player.

“Similar internal lakes at Modakeke and others are being projected for similar revival while key tourist sites are witnessing upgrades and modernisation under PPP model. Osun does not need sordid records at NIWA in Osun state.

“Like that popular song, Osun can never go back; Osun has gone too far in economic liberation, prosperity and sustainability; It is already too late for Osun to retrogress; it won’t make sense for Osun to go back to the era of corporate slavery enforced by some corporate hawks masquerading as people – loving politicians”, the statement added.

2027: Atiku’s Son Writes Father Out of Contention

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 27, 2026

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Abba Atiku Abubajar and his father Atiku Abubakar

By Adesina Soyooye

Abba, a son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has written him (his father) out of the 2027 Presidential race. He said neither his father, any Presidential Candidate, nor any political Party has the capacity to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 race.

Abba had, penultimate week, shocked not a few Nigerians when he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and pledged to work for President Bola Tinubu.

His father, who twice was the Presidential Candidate of the PDP – 2019 and 2023 – is now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and still has his eyes on the Presidential seat in 2027.

But his son, Abba, sees no way for him or for any other candidate for that matter.

He made this clear on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State when he went to officially register as an APC member and pick his registration card number at Gwadabawa, Yola North Local Government Area. Accompanied by his loyalists and Party members, he declared that there is no political party that can defeat Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential Election.

He said: “I want to make it very clear that nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock come 2027.

“Nigerians have seen his good work; he is not a trubalist, he does not make appointments based on religion or region, but his decisions are purely on merit.”

He, also, told his listeners: “The President needs your support to continue with the good work. We should mobilise more people beyond party affiliations to support our President.”

If Atiku Abubakar picks the ADC ticket, it means that his son, Abba, will publicly campaign against him. What Abba will say of his father if that situation arises will be interesting.

Industrial Court Halts FCT Workers’ Strike, Orders Them Back To Work

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Ayodele Oni

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January 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

As their strike enters the fifth day, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has granted an interlocutory injunction compelling workers under the Joint Union Action Committee to suspend their ongoing strike.

The ruling follows a suit filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration,

The claimants had dragged the Chairman of the Joint Union Action Committee, Rifkatu Iortyer, and its Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, before the court in suit number NICN/ABJ/17/2026, seeking an order restraining the defendants and their agents from embarking on any industrial action, picketing, or lockout.

Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice E.D. Subilim held that although the matter before the court amounted to a trade dispute and had met the required legal conditions, the defendants’ right to embark on industrial action was not absolute.

He ruled that workers were prohibited from participating in a strike once a dispute had been referred to the National Industrial Court, adding that where such a strike was already ongoing, it must cease pending the determination of the case.

“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the claimants and representatives… from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimant.

“The order shall remain in force, pending the determination of this suit,” Justice Subilim said.

The court adjourned the matter until March 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit.

Awujale Stool: Bribery Scandal Rocks Selection Of New Monarch

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 27, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The selection process of the new Awujale of Ijebuland is getting messier by the day as a section of protesters has thrown their weight behind the suspension of the selection process by the Ogun State Government.

A group of oncerned Ijebu Residents under the aegis of Ijebu Sons and Daughters and Ijebu-Ode Progressive Youths, had staged a peaceful protest, as they marched through major roads in the ancient town, displaying placards with bold inscriptions such as: “Awujale stool is not for sale”. “Governor Abiodun, save Ijebuland from crisis”. “We want the best Prince as Awujale” and “Let there be a free and fair selection process.”

The protesters had converged at the Awujale Palace Road and proceeded to the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat, to air their grievances to the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government in person of Hon. Dare Adebiosu.

Addressing the mammoth crowd of protesters, Hon. Adebiosu assured that the Ogun State Government has no preferred candidate, and explained that the suspension was aimed solely to ensure strict adherence to due process.

“The government is not interested in imposing the Awujale on the people.

“The decision to suspend the process was taken to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process”, he said.

He commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the process would resume, leading to the emergence of an Awujale who would reflect the will of the people.

Babatunde Salami, the Leader of the Group said that the demonstration was intended to send a clear message to the kingmakers to act responsibly, and not engage in corrupt practice, as information is rife that they are being induced.

“The Awujale stool is highly respected in Yorubaland, Nigeria, and even beyond. This is not a position that should be treated casually. We want the kingmakers to choose the right person for our land”, he said.

In the same vein, another Leader of the Group, Yusuf Adetilewa, expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as rumours of bribery and corruption surrounding the selection process.

“We are here to insist that due process must be followed. We do not want moneybags to hijack the process and render it meaningless”, he said.

Another protester, Morolayo Oyesefo also called for equal treatment of all contestants, noting that holding a traditional title should not be used as a basis for disqualification.

“We have heard allegations of bribery involving both contestants and those conducting the selection.

“The Government must punish anyone found guilty. We do not want the process compromised, as this could lead to unnecessary litigation”, she said.

Following the suspension of the selection process by the Ogun State Government last week, the Alagemos in Ijebuland have thrown their support behind the actions of the Ogun State Government, stating that the suspension is aimed at ensuring a seamless selection process.

High Chief Tajudeen Adekunle Muili, the Alapini Awopa General of Ogun State, who spoke after a meeting held at the palace of the Ija-Oloko of Imosan expressed confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s handling of the matter.

“I do not believe the suspension was done for the governor to impose his will. Rather, it is to ensure that due process is followed. We appreciate the steps taken so far and only urge that the process be expedited”, Chief Muili said.

Corroborating Muili, the Gbosa and Baale of Imosan, High Chief Wahab Samsideen Adebayo, said the suspension would allow kingmakers to properly conclude the process by giving all contestants equal opportunity.

“The Funsengbuwa Ruling House has submitted the list of candidates. The kingmakers should now sit down and complete the process transparently.

“All we want is an Awujale who will promote peace and progress in Ijebuland, not one who will oppress the people”, he added.

The Awujale Stool has been a major debate following the passing of Oba Sikiru Adetona, who joined his forebears last year.

The selection process has been marred with controversy, with some of the Candidates from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House alleging conspiracy on the part of the Kingmakers on who becomes the next Awujale, prompting the Ogun State Government to wade in.

There are, though, speculations and allegations that Governor Abiodun has an interest in one of the selected Candidates for the exalted Awujale Stool.

But the allegations has been debunked by the Media Office of the Governor, which stated fairplay, transparency and assured that the selection will follow due process.

Observers are, however, waiting patiently for the Ogun State Government to lift the suspension in the selection of the new Awujale, and, for due process to be followed by the Kingmakers.

“Wike Is APC Leader In Rivers State” – Magnus Abe Rubbishes Stand Of Presidency, Party Leadership

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 27, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Ignoring the stand of both the Presidency and the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on who the Leader of the Party is, a former Rivers State Senator, (Rivers South East) Magnus Abe, has declared that Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is the APC leader in the State.

Recall that Wike is of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, even though he works for the APC and supports all of its activities. And recall, also, that both the Presidency and the National Leadership of the APC had, a few days ago, made it clear that the Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara, given the Party policy, is the leader of the APC in Rivers State.

However, rubbishing all that, Senator Abe has declared Wike, a non-card carrying member of the Party, its Leader in Rivers State.

Abe made the declaration on Monday while speaking to Journalists after the Party Primaries for two vacant seats in the House of Assembly. Loyalists of the FCT Minister emerged victorious. The Constituencies which vacancies will be filled during the upcoming February 21 by- elections are Ahoada East 11and Khana 11

Said Abe: “As far as Rivers State is concerned, the Minister of the FCT is the leader of the APC here.

“There is no confusion, and there is no dispute about the different roles people are playing.

“We are all working together, supporting President Tinubu, and Rivers State will deliver the highest percentage of votes for the Renewed Hope Family in this country.

“That is our commitment.”

Senator Abe, a- Wike loyalist, was recently appointed the Chairman of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) by President Bola Tinubu.