By Madu Obi The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has readjusted the date of the next Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027. Under the revised timetable, the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were also rescheduled to take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The dates represent a notable departure from the Commission’s earlier plan, which had originally fixed the presidential ballot for late February and the state-level elections for March, 2027. . It was gathered that the adjustment was a direct consequence of the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the subsequent enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which has altered the time governing Nigerian elections. A statement from the Commission explained that the new legal framework necessitated a complete review of the previously announced dates for the elections National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the schedule was reviewed and realigned to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework introduced by the 2026 Act. The Commission also said that the shift in the general election calendar has also impacted off-cycle polls, adding that the Osun State governorship election, which was initially slated for August 8, 2026, has been moved to Saturday, August 15, 2026. The Commission noted that while some activities have already been concluded for the Ekiti and Osun polls, the remaining ones will be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026. "Beyond the election days themselves, the new timetable sets an accelerated pace for political parties. The conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of any arising disputes, is scheduled to begin on April 23, 2026, and must be concluded by May 30, 2026. The window for official campaigning is also clearly defined, with Presidential and National Assembly campaigns set to kick off on August 19, 2026, followed by Governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns on September 9, 2026", the INEC National Commissioner said. Haruna emphasized the necessity of discipline among political actors during this transition, warning that “political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines”. "These drastic changes remain consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.” "The Commission wants to remind the public that the success of the 2027 polls is a shared burden and calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he stated.

By Madu Obi Detained Anambra native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu ( aka Akwaokuko Tiwara Aki) has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by an Anambra High Court sitting in Awka. The presiding Judge, Justice Jude Obiora found Nwangwu guilty on charges 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and sentenced him two years on each count, and struck out counts 1, 2, 9 and 10. Justice Obiora, while handing down the sentences, said because Nwangwu had been in detention for the past 13 months at the facility of Agunechemba in the Anambra State Capital, he would serve only 11 months at the Awka Correctional Center as the sentences will run concurrently. According to the judgment, Nwangwu's controversial shrine at his home town, Oba in Idemili South local government area of the state, is to be destroyed completely and the destruction recorded in a video. He must also sign not to engage in okite practice again and will, after serving the sentence, become a youth ambassador, so as to correct the impression he created in the minds of youths about acquiring wealth through illegal means. The judge also directed that he should use all his social media handles to inform people that he no longer practices okite The judge, who said he opted to fine Nwangwu N20 million each on three other count charges, instead of six years imprisonment as provided by the law, went further to remove the fines, because, according to him, Akwaokuko had shown some remorse while in detention. Although the defense counsel said he would have preferred that Nwangwu serves the sentence at the Agunechemba facility, the judge directed that the sentence should be served at Awka Correctional Center because the Agunechemba facility where he had been detained, does not have correctional facilities. With Nwangwu sentenced, two of his colleagues, Onyebuchi Okocha (Onyeze Jesus), and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) are still in detention.

By Madu Obi The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has commenced Continuous Electronic Membership Registration Exercise as part of efforts to shore up its membership across the country. At a news briefing in Awka, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mazi Ejimofor Opara said the nationwide exercise will begin on March 1, 2026, and will take place simultaneously across all 8,809 electoral wards in Nigeria. Recalling that APGA became the first political party in Nigeria to automate its membership registration process in June, 2024, Opara said the pioneering step reflects the party's commitment to transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity, which he added, are values that remain at the core of APGA. According to him, all interested Nigerians are welcome to participate in the exercise, adding that the requirements include possession of a valid voter’s card and two passport photographs. Opara said registration could also be completed either online or through WhatsApp numbers provided by the party, or visit their designated wards to pick the registration form. He said that on registration, members will receive a temporary membership slip, followed by a permanent membership card. He said: "Registration is open to new members nationwide. Existing members who registered electronically do not need to re register. Members who have not uploaded their passport photographs should visit the party’s website or the aforementioned WhatsApp number to update their records. We, therefore, invite all eligible Nigerians to seize this opportunity to join the APGA family and contribute to shaping the future of our great nation. Together, we move forward.”

By Madu Obi Awka - The governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the protracted dispute surrounding the traditional stool of Awka. known as the “Eze Uzu” throne. The Commission is chaired by Hon. Justice Paul Obidigwe (Rtd), former Chief Judge of Anambra State, while the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Omenugha will serve as Secretary. Other members include HRH Igwe Ben Emeka of Umueri, Barr. Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu and Rev. Fr. Maurice Izunwa, The Commission is to conduct a thorough, impartial, and comprehensive inquiry into the issues that have led to tensions over the revered Awka traditional stool. Specifically, the Commission is mandated to determine the remote and immediate causes of the dispute over the traditional stool “Eze Uzu” of Awka and ascertain whether Chief Gibson Nwosu was properly dethroned. It is also expected to determine whether Chief Austin Ndigwe was duly selected and installed as the legitimate traditional ruler of Awka and whether he is legitimately functioning in that capacity, as well as make recommendations to the state government on necessary steps to bring the dispute to a definitive end. Governor Soludo, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, charged the Commission to conduct a thorough, impartial, and comprehensive inquiry into the issues that have led to tensions over the revered traditional stool of Awka. Soludo said that in carrying out its assignment, the Commission is expected to be guided by the provisions of the Traditional Rulers Amended Constitution for Awka Town, 1986, the Constitution of Awka Development Union and the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law, He emphasized the importance of upholding due process, respect for tradition, and the rule of law in resolving the matter, noting that the peace and unity of Awka remain paramount to his administration. The Commission is required to conclude its inquiry and submit its report on or before March 17, 2026.

By Madu Obi A founding member and former National Publicity Secretary of African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chief Anayo Arinze, has described Tuesday's attack on the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in Edo State as a serious sign that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, wants to derail the country's democracy. Arinze said the attack by yet to be identified persons came to him as a rude shock, warning that enough is enough. According to him, leaders in a democratic dispensation must derive their mandates from the votes of the electorate, not on gun points. He said: "The news of the attack on Mr. Peter Obi, an ADC presidential hopeful and other ADC coalition chieftains in Benin City, Edo State, by yet to be identified hoodlums, came to me as a rude shock. It is a shocker because Nigerians thought that the era of political hooliganism and thuggery is over in our nation. It is very unfortunate that the APC governments at both Edo State and at the national level are returning our democratic experiment to the dark days of political hooliganism, thuggery and assassinations, just because they want to hold on to power in 2027." He called on the new Inspector General of Police, the Director General of DSS and other security operatives to unravel the mystery of what he described as an assassination attempt on Peter Obi and bring the culprits to book. Arinze said it would be dangerous to sweep the act under the carpet, warning APC governments at all levels to desist from actions that could truncate democracy in Nigeria. "The APC-led governments must know that nobody has monopoly of violence. They should not pull our country into undue political crises that will consume all of us. Enough of this unwarranted provocation by APC leaders who know that their time is up in Nigeria. "Nigerians are experiencing enough insecurity in their land through insurgency, banditry and youth restiveness. They do not wish to experience any eruption of political hooliganism and violence in any part of Nigeria. APC leaders must embrace the reality that the ADC coalition is simply a movement by Nigerians to recover their land from the punitive regime of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and any attack on any of the ADC coalition leaders is an attack on the entire nation", he added. He recalled that when the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, last year, warned Peter Obi never to come to Edo State without his express approval, otherwise his safety would not be guaranteed by him, Nigerians thought that it was an empty threat. "One would not be wrong to assume that the recent assassination attempt on Peter Obi at an ADC function, and up to the house of Chief Odigie Oyegun, the former governor of the state, was a fulfilment of the threats of the governor," he stated.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has planned to establish Rural Access Roads Agency that would ensure an all year round motorable roads across all the communities in the state. When operational, the Agency will handle the overall management, development, rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of Class C and Class D roads in Anambra State. Already, an executive bill for the establishment of the Agency has passed through second reading at the Anambra State House of Assembly. The bill also seeks to improve rural access, strengthen transport infrastructure and enhance agricultural marketing across communities in the state. At the plenary, the Majority Leader of the House, Ikenna Ofodeme, explained that the establishment of the Agency would ensure a coordinated and sustainable approach to the maintenance of rural roads, which he described as critical to economic growth, especially in agrarian communities. Ofodeme, who represents Ekwusigo constituency, noted that poor rural road networks have continued to hinder agricultural productivity, increase transportation costs and limit access to markets, stressing that the proposed Agency would bridge the infrastructural gap between urban and rural areas. In their contributions to the debate on the bill, the member representing Aguata Constituency 1, Mr Anayo Okpalaeke, his Dunukofia Constituency counterpart, Chuks Azotani and the member representing Anaocha Constituency 2, Chief Ejike Okechukwu, described the bill as timely and development-driven, emphasizing that improved rural roads would boost commerce, reduce post-harvest losses and enhance security in remote areas. However the member representing Anyamelum Constituency, Bernard Udemezue, who just resumed sitting after six months suspension , argued that the proposed agency would undermine the constitutional responsibilities of the local government system. According to him, the functions outlined in the bill fall within the statutory duties of local governments if properly empowered. The Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided at the plenary, noted that a similar agency exists at the federal level as Federal Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), which is also operational in Anambra State.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has released details of the March 17 swearing-in ceremony of Professor Chukwuma Soludo's, second tenure with his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim. The programme shows that the event, which will take place at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, will be preceded by an interdenominational service at the International Convention Center, Awka. There will also be a thanksgiving Mass on March 22 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka. Soludo won overwhelmingly during the November 8, 2025 governorship election, defeating his opponents in all the 21 local government areas of the state with wide margin, such that none of his opponents challenged the outcome of the election in court. The governor has dubbed his second tenure as "Anambra On The Rise: The Foundation Towards The African Dubai-Taiwan". Even as he is yet to begin his second four-year term, new and ongoing projects are being executed in various parts of the state with great speed.

By Madu Obi A Nigerian cleric, Dr Iwuchukwu Ezenwafo, has reopened the unresolved issue of the 15th century transatlantic slave trade that spanned between 1480 and 1870AD, urging the United States president and chairman of the Board of Peace, Donald Trump, to order for reparations in favour of the affected countries and tribes. In the letter addressed to President Trump, Ezenwafo lamented that history is criminally silent over the devastating consequences and the indelible scars that trailed the transatlantic slave trade in which over twelve and half million souls were shipped from Africa. "By your body language, principles and actions so far, one can obviously observe your predestined mission in The White House. For us who should know, the details of your assignment are not only prosecuted with finesse, but are accomplished with a rare grace, commitment and undaunted courage. We do hereby affirm that we've got your back standing in the gap continuously", he said. According to him, the heinous slave transactions, first by the Portuguese and the Spaniards, followed by the British, the French, the Dutch, the Irish and other European merchants, critically depleted the workforce/human capital necessary for sundry development, entrenching pain, sorrow, loss of self worth and abject poverty. He observed that till date, the various communities, ethnic societies, tribes and kingdoms across the entire catchment areas of the West Coast and the Central Africa, are yet to recover from the ripple effects of what he described as the carefree rampage. He said that even after the declaration of the end of the trade by the United Kingdom in 1807 and the United States in 1808, it took over sixty years for the Royal Navy of the British empire to battle the illicit transaction to a final end. "There's no better way to portray properly the true picture of the era, but one thing is certain, which is that sub-saharan Africa, is till today eclipsed in the shadow of a morbid inhuman transaction known as slave trade. Today, we are looking at the beckoning necessity of healing the enormous wound by adequate restitution. We cannot continue any longer to downplay such a scary assault and capital crime as it were. The Western Powers should clearly understand that a matter of this magnitude can never, by any means, be swept under the carpet. This kind of malfeasance, no matter how it's considered and evaluated, can only be addressed by a well thought out reparations. Going by the principles and values of the Western/modern civilization, it behoves the leadership of all the countries involved to do the needful and the ideal time is absolutely now. With the contemporary global leadership placed on the lap of the US, a clarion call for an international conference for Reparation Fund Raising should be conscientiously made sooner than later under Your Excellency's able close watch", he said. He added that it is on record that about 1,500 slave merchant ships were accosted and prosecuted with over 150,000 live slaves freed in the process, noting that it was not untill the year 1870 that the most vicious and heinous crime against humanity in history was finally brought to an absolute halt. He said further: "The costly effects of this stupendous crime against mankind is unimaginable with unquantifiable implications taking into consideration the spread and duration. In Igbo land, a major victim for instance, the communal economic structure and attendant social cohesion were battered to the extent that the enviable egalitarian societal norms and traditions were jeopardized. The peculiar Igbo communal lifestyle and cultural values were threatened to becoming extinct. And the homegrown art and cultural heritage of the era in question were violated while treasured artefacts were serially vandalized without caution. What naturally followed was a nasty situation where the highly cherished and revered customs/heritage jealously preserved down the centuries were trampled upon and summarily desecrated. With such affront, the European encounter resulted in a gruesome humiliation and loss of self worth amongst the otherwise enthusiastic and proud people. Empirically the earliest contact the Igbo had with the civilized Europeans was nothing but a bitter experience of tragedy. They simply brought death and went away with hope and life", he said. "In a bid to deliberately uphold justice, equity and fairness, all the parties/nations involved should be subject to due self assessment and willing individual responses in terms of the measure of resource contributions. The fund raising exercise will have to be deliberately spaced over a fairly long time to enable a maximum pooling of adequate resources that could assuage the massive losses and damages that accumulated over such a long period of about four hundred years".

By Madu Obi Policymakers, development partners, industry leaders and ecosystem builders have taken a bold initiative designed to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the competitiveness of enterprises in the South-East geopolitical zone, with the official launch of the Bridge4Scale Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) in Awka, Anambra State. At the well - attended ceremony, the stakeholders said the exercise signalled a significant step in positioning the region as a digitally enabled manufacturing and enterprise corridor, capable of competing effectively within Nigeria and in the global markets. The Bridge4Scale DIH is part of a broader framework supported through international cooperation efforts, including strong institutional alignment with the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) Nigeria, and backed by the European Union’s commitment to advancing digital ecosystems in partner countries. In her remarks at the event, the head of the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, Dr. Thuweba Diwani underscored the strategic importance of Digital Innovation Hubs in strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, and industrial clusters. She highlighted DTC Nigeria’s ongoing work in building digital capacity, fostering innovation networks, supporting ecosystem enablers, and connecting local enterprises to continental and global opportunities. According to her, Digital Innovation Hubs serve as critical bridges between policy, technology providers, and businesses, as well as ensuring that enterprises are not left behind in an increasingly digital global economy. Diwani further emphasized that the European Union–supported framework behind the DIH model was designed to promote sustainable digital growth, knowledge exchange, and scalable innovation systems. She noted that supporting DIHs across Nigeria is central to enabling inclusive digital transformation, particularly for SMEs that form the backbone of the economy. In his remarks, one of the consortium partners, Ifedy Eze, described the DIH as a catalyst for structural transformation of the economy of the South-East. He described Bridge4Scale as not merely a training platform, but a comprehensive innovation support system focused on helping light manufacturers, trade-driven enterprises, and SMEs to integrate digital tools into their core operations. The goal, he said, is to improve productivity, enhance operational efficiency, expand market access, and increase revenue growth for businesses across the region. Eze outlined key focus areas of the DIH, including digital maturity assessments for enterprises, capacity-building and workforce up-skilling, advisory services for technology adoption, market access support and ecosystem linkages, and policy engagement to strengthen the enabling environment. He noted that the expected outcomes include improved digital readiness among SMEs, stronger value chains, enhanced export competitiveness, and the creation of sustainable jobs. “Our ambition is to see South-East businesses move from analogue constraints to digital advantage. This hub is about enabling real enterprises to bridge the gap from where they are to where the global market expects them to be", Eze said. A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the South-East Digital Maturity Report, a comprehensive needs assessment conducted by the Bridge4Scale DIH. The report maps the digital readiness of SMEs across the region, identifying critical gaps in technology adoption, skills, infrastructure, cyber security awareness, and digital strategy implementation. It also outlines opportunities for targeted interventions, partnerships, and policy reforms. Among the dignitaries in attendance at the launch included Christian Udechukwu, Anambra State Commissioner for Industry; Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning; Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Managing Director, Anambra State ICT Agency; Dr Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Enugu State; Patrick Chukwuka, Managing Director, Anambra Small Business Agency; Engr. Chito Onwuzuluike, State Director, SMEDAN; Charles Emembolu, Chairman of the Board, Innovation Support Network; Prof Segun Sogbesan, Founder Onitsha Business School; and Chika Nwogu, Head of Strategy, Remita.

By Madu Obi The Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), a socio-political group, and other prominent Igbo stakeholders have called for the strengthening of laws that would promote the use of Igbo language to stop it from dying. At an event to mark the United Nations Mother Tongue Day 2026 in Awka, the group argued that doing so would revitalize the language The IWA event was organized in collaboration with the Council of Igbo States in America (CISA) and Ohaneze Ndigbo. National President of IWA, Mrs Nneka Chimezie, who lamented that the Igbo language is gradually dying because a huge percentage of the younger generation is unable to speak it, suggested that something must be done to change the situation. She said: "Death of a language occurs in stages. Our language, which is Igbo, is at the second to the last stage of extinction. This is because 80 percent of the generation that will take over from us today does not know how to speak or write Igbo language. Our language is now like a dying child in our hands. Worst is that we have discovered that those based in Igbo land also do not know how to speak Igbo, but prefer to use English in their day-to-day activities. This is pure evidence that the language is phasing out. "It is clear that individual and group efforts alone cannot save our language; we need a collective and enforceable approach. Since 2020, IWA has been at the forefront of promoting Igbo language through various programmes, but our impact remains limited. We need to enforce the use of our language. We call on stakeholders in leadership positions- town unions, church leaders, traditional rulers, women groups, schools, and government agencies- to rise to the occasion. These institutions must make and enforce laws that strengthen the use of our language. "We must all understand that Igbo language is our identity. If we allow it to die, we lose more than words. We will lose our heritage, our unity, our geographic identity, and the one thing that binds us as a people". According to her, no region thrives without its language, adding that for a tribe to lose its language is to lose who they are. The traditional ruler of Ifitedunu Community, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, in his remarks, called for a collective effort to promote the Igbo language. "Many tribes are currently losing their languages and ours was predicted to phase out in 50 years from now. We must strive to save our language from dying and encourage its use in our homes and learning centers," he said. Chairman, Anambra State Town Union Council, ASTUC, Sir Vincent Dike, maintained that promotion of Igbo language and culture is a duty that is binding on all Igbo sons and daughters and promised to partner IWA and other interested associations to champion the promotion of Igbo language and ensure it is sustained all over the world. The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Anambra State, Comrade Donatus Onyenji, expressed the state government's commitment to promoting Igbo language and culture, citing Governor Soludo's assurance to rebuild Igbo core values, which include speaking Igbo. He encouraged citizens to speak Igbo to their children and assured that the state government will work with the group to advance Igbo culture and language.

By Madu Obi The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to urgently address the difficulties faced by candidates registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, warning that students must not be made to suffer because of administrative shortcomings. Obi raised the concern after observing large crowds and confusion at JAMB’s office in Amawbia, Anambra State, noting that similar reports have emerged from other parts of the country. The situation, he observed, appears linked to the proscription of several computer-based test centres over alleged infractions. While acknowledging that authorities may have legitimate reasons to sanction erring centres, Obi urged the examination body to adopt a more balanced and humane approach. He suggested that centres under investigation could be permitted to offer limited services under strict monitoring to prevent further violations. He further recommended that, where the approval of new centres may take time, JAMB could temporarily utilize previously approved centres under close supervision to reduce the pressure on state offices. "With the registration deadline approaching, many candidates - some travelling long distances and even spending nights away from home - risk missing the examination through no fault of their own. Students cannot be made to suffer the failings of a system to which we have all, in one way or another, contributed. Swift and compassionate intervention should be made to ensure that no young person’s academic future is jeopardized by avoidable administrative bottlenecks", Obi said.

By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi, has drawn attention to a rare spiritual convergence as the Christian season of Lent and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begin on the same day in Nigeria. In a message shared on social media, Obi described the coincidence as more than a simple alignment of calendars, calling it “a powerful symbol of shared sacrifice, reflection, and the possibility of national renewal.” He noted that both seasons are traditionally marked by fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving, and referred to the overlap as a “double fast,” encouraging Nigerians to transcend religious differences and recognize their shared humanity. Obi urged citizens to use the period of fasting and prayer to reflect on national challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship. “Prayer alone is not enough; it must be paired with action,” he said, emphasizing the need for charity toward the vulnerable, forgiveness, and self-discipline as vital elements for national healing.