By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has said that the ongoing impounding of vehicles with tinted glasses is part of security-driven exercise put together by security operatives. Of recent, the command has been hard on vehicles with tinted glass windows, including those with tinted glass permits in the state, thereby causing so much anxiety among vehicle owners. However , the Police said the exercise was not targeted to cause individuals unnecessary inconvenience, but aimed at verifying the authenticity of tinted glass permits. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the vehicles are impounded whether or not the owners present tinted glass permits, as well as unregistered vehicles and vehicles with concealed, covered, or defaced number plates He said: "The exercise is aimed at verifying the authenticity of tinted glass permits, identifying forged or fraudulently obtained permits, ensuring due process, enforcing compliance with vehicle registration and number plate regulations and preventing criminal elements from exploiting such violations to evade identification and perpetrate crime. "While the command regrets the inconvenience this may cause to law-abiding residents, the exercise has become necessary in view of prevailing security concerns and the increasing use of such vehicles by criminals to conceal their identities and frustrate law enforcement efforts". He appealed to the people of Anambra State for their understanding, patience and continued cooperation, assuring that the exercise is conducted in the interest of safeguarding lives, protecting property and enhancing public safety across the state.

By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, for the 2027 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has encouraged eligible voters to register, to be able to vote in the elections. Obi made the call when he made unscheduled stops at two INEC voter registration centres in Anambra State. While travelling, Obi visited the voter registration centres at Civic Centre, Nibo, Awka South local government area and Nrijiofor Primary School, Nri, Anaocha local government area, where he interacted with officials and prospective voters. His surprise appearance drew excitement from those present, many of whom welcomed the opportunity to meet him in person. Addressing those at the centres, Obi stressed that voter registration is the first and most important step towards achieving good governance and urged eligible Nigerians, particularly young people, not to wait until Election Day, but to register now and secure their right to shape the nation’s future in the January elections. Several of those at the registration centres described the visit as both unexpected and inspiring. A young prospective voter in Nibo who introduced himself as Mr. Kennedy Okofor said Obi’s presence had strengthened his resolve to participate actively in the electoral process. “I came here simply to register, but seeing Mr. Obi in person reminded me that our votes truly matter. His message encouraged all of us not to take this exercise for granted.” An elderly resident at the Nri registration centre, Chief Gidfrey Obidi expressed appreciation for the visit, saying it demonstrated that leaders should remain connected to ordinary citizens. “He did not come here for a campaign rally. He simply stopped by, encouraged us, shook hands with people and reminded everyone of the importance of registration. That simple gesture meant a lot to us.” “People became more excited and hopeful. Many of us left with a renewed determination to encourage our family members and neighbours who are yet to register to do so before the deadline", Obidi said.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, has urged members of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Anambra State Chapter, to partner with the state government to end criminality, exploitation, and environmental abuse in the state’s housing sector. Mefor, who spoke when the REDAN delegation, led by its state chairman, Dr Sunny Nwachukwu, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Awka, said that the state government was seriously worried about rent exploitation by agents and criminality in land transactions, wondering how agents who did not build the house could collect 10% from both landlord and tenant, sometimes arbitrarily collecting ₦500,000 on a ₦2.5m rent. He said the government is contemplating legislation to regulate agents' commissions and moderate abnormal rent hikes. “A landlord moving rent from ₦1m to ₦3m is abnormal and therefore unjust. There has to be a gradual adjustment to protect both landlords and tenants", he said. On criminality in land transactions, Mefor said the government would no longer tolerate "development levies" imposed by youth cliques in places like Okpoko, Obosi, and Oba, among others, and described the practice of selling one parcel of land to multiple buyers as “financial crime” that is prosecutable. The commissioner disclosed that Governor Soludo’s model of economic development is to provide land at a cost for private sector-led high-rise development and not bungalows. “Anambra is the second-smallest state by landmass after Lagos and is shrinking due to erosion, while our population is booming. We must build upwards,” he said. In their separate speeches, the REDAN chairman, Dr Nwachukwu, and the emeritus chairman of REDAN, Sir Law Nkwonta, said the association had been active in Anambra for three years and was committed to ethical real estate development that supports the state’s economic growth. "We formally request recognition and inclusion from the state government. In many other states, the government insists that developers must have a REDAN Certificate of membership before they can register or develop land. "We want Anambra to adopt the same standard as this will help us legalize our association, control illegal developers, and achieve our mandate", they said. They requested government's support to make REDAN more visible in Anambra, including collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) for awareness creation. Also speaking, the official representative of the association, ESV Dr Nkiruka Aro, maintained that REDAN shares the government's concerns and has already mandated a 3-metre setback for its members. She requested that the proposed housing bill before the State House of Assembly include a requirement for developers to obtain REDAN membership, and suggested a public-private partnership to construct vertical housing for serving civil servants on existing government estate land. Additionally, she proposed a regulation that would require estates with 50 buildings or more to have one central borehole instead of individual ones to prevent soil instability.

By Madu Obi The Vice-Chancellor of Anambra State -owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Omenugha, has said that the sure way to sustain quality university education in Nigeria is through the institution of endowments. Speaking during her mid-term media briefing at the Igbariam campus of the university, Omenugha observed that funding higher education is capital-intensive, noting that governments alone cannot provide all the needed requirements. According to her, many universities in developed countries rely on endowment funds from individuals, corporate organisations and communities to finance strategic infrastructure and academic programmes, lamenting that such culture is yet to gain widespread acceptance in this part of the country. "Endowments not only support educational development, but also provide an opportunity to immortalize individuals who fund projects", the VC said. Omenugha commended the Anambra State government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), as well as some philanthropists who had helped to transform the skylines of both the Igbariam and Uli campuses of the university. "With the support we are receiving, we have been able to complete many projects that were abandoned before we assumed office and initiated new ones, some of which have been completed. "The 'Friends of the University' initiative had already attracted support from prominent Anambra indigenes, resulting in the sponsorship of several projects across our campuses", she added. She specifically commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for constructing 4.2 kilometres of roads within the university and providing electricity at the Uli Campus and the entire community. Omenugha said that COOU has become one of the most sought -after universities by admission seekers, noting that more than 8,000 applicants made the university their first-choice in the current admission cycle through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). She, however, observed that the increasing student population has put greater pressure on available facilities and appealed to wealthy individuals and organisations to support ongoing infrastructure development in the three campuses of the university. She also commented on the recent sacking of one of the professors who vied for the position of Vice Chancellor, Professor Chike Osegbo, explaining that his sack by the governing council was not because he contested against her, but was due to relediction of duty. She said: "Prof Osegbo was one of those that vied for the position of VC with me. He wasn't sacked because he vied for VC; he was sacked because he he fell short of his performance as a teacher. " He was primarily employed as a lecturer and not as a VC. One can only be a VC if he is qualified and lucky, attend the interview and is selected. His agreement with his employers is essentially to teach. "In his case, a student petitioned his Head of Department and the HOD issued him a query and copied me. "He was subsequently invited to appear before an investigative panel, but he failed to do so. And when he responded to official queries, he did so with insulting remarks directed at the Vice-Chancellor’s office and the Anambra State governor. "The panel set up to look into the matter submitted its findings to the university’s governing council, which approved his dismissal after following the institution’s disciplinary procedures." She added that the council has , however, given him an opportunity to appeal the decision. She said the dismissal was not linked to the vice-chancellorship contest, noting that other candidates who participated in the selection process have continued to serve in key positions in the university.

‎By Madu Obi ‎ ‎The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) for Dunukofia/ Njikoka/ Anaocha federal constituency of Anambra State, Chief Chukwudi Oli, has received a huge boost, with many members of other political parties declaring support for him ahead of the 2027 general elections. ‎ ‎Those who announced their support at a ceremony at Abagana in Njikoka local government area, include members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). ‎ ‎Members of the group declared their support for Oli during a consultative meeting they held with the APGA House of Representatives candidate's campaign organisation held at Abagana yesterday. ‎ ‎Members of the campaign organisation which is headed by a former chairman of Njikoka LGA as the Director-general (DG), Hon. George Ozor present at the meeting included the APGA candidate, Oli, APGA chairman in Njikoka LGA, Chief Onyenechi Ezeaso, Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi (rtd), Chief Chibuzo Oli, Chief Ogochukwu Egolum, among others. ‎ Political stakeholders in the constituency who spoke through their leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and , chairman, Mr. Onyenechi Ezeaso stated that they decided to throw their support behind Oli because of his proven passion and commitment towards the progress of the various communities within the federal constituency. ‎ ‎"In this our group, some of us are members of the PDP, APC, NDC, and, other political parties, but we decided to come together, to support you because we are convinced that by supporting you, we are working for ourselves. "We know that you are going to work for the progress of DNA (Dunukofia/Njikoka/ Anaocha federal constituency) when you get to the House of Representatives. ‎ ‎"We don't want to allow selfish politicians who have been deceiving our people to win election in this federal constituency, again, because they have deceived us enough ", they stated. ‎ They made it clear that the group was not an APGA political group, adding that the support of the members for the party's House of Representatives candidate in the federal constituency did not mean that the members of his group have adopted other APGA candidates. ‎ ‎Expressing gratitude to members of the group for trusting him, Oli pledged that he would not disappoint them if elected. ‎ ‎He said that his political mantra was anchored on "accountability, transparency, togetherness, and, touching lives". ‎ ‎He vowed that if elected into the House of Representatives he would not use his position to pursue personal gains, but, would deploy his capacity and influence to the development of the federal constituency while awaiting for the divine reward. ‎Stating that he would be guided by the philosophy of his mentor, the state-born popular oil mongul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, Oli pledged that when elected the ordinary people in the federal constituency would breath fresh air, and, life made worth living for them. ‎ ‎Chairman of his campaign organisation, Chief Ozor, and, chairman of APGA in Njikoka LGA, Hon. Chinedu Anakwe eulogized members of the group for the confidence they reposed in Oli. ‎ ‎"We know that this federal constituency election will be one of the toughest elections in Anambra state, but, because we know the capacity of your leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and, some of you, we have no doubt that the fight has been made a lot easier and our victory assured", Ozor stated. ‎ ‎The APGA chairman in Njikoka described the support of members of the group as a source of great courage, and, moral booster for APGA candidates in the election.

By Madu Obi Former governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, in last year's Anambra election and Proprietor of Olivia University, Burundi, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has promised to use the platform of the Rotary Club to improve the living standard of the people of the state. Chukwuma, who spoke after receiving the charter of the Rotary Club of Umueri in Anambra East local government area of the state, said it is necessary to focus attention on the welfare of the people, noting that it is not only through politics that one could serve his people. According to him, despite the enormous resources available in this part of the country, the area has remained underdeveloped. Chukwuma said: "This part of Anambra State is still underserved. In terms of resources, development is highly not commensurate with what we are seeing as a people and that is why some of us , by the grace of God, are trying to see how we can improve the lots of our people. "God gives us the resources to do it and in spite of the endowments we have, the entire Omambala region of Anambra State is still underdeveloped. "I was recounting my woes in terms of what we have invested in the political process and how we are trying to improve the lots of our people, I have realized that by investing a fraction of what we have invested in politics, we can use the platform of Rotary to do more meaningful things. "I consulted with my wife and she agreed with me that we should use the platform of Rotary Club to improve people's welfare because I have the impression that on the day of judgement, God will ask us how we applied the resources He bequeathed to us. And he will say, I gave you strength, I gave you wealth, what have you done with those gifts? "We must realize that whatever thing we have is given to us by God to keep it in trust and that is when the concept of charity became clearer to me." Chukwuma further expressed happiness that he took this decision, explaining that he also had a meaningful conversation with the leadership of Rotary Club after which he agreed to invest on the condition is that the club will have a charter in this region. "Our people are suffering and I have seen that Rotary remains a credible platform for us to ensure that even after we are gone, the legacy will remain and our people will see and enjoy the benefits. "I assure everyone that our district will now be reckoned with and I commend all those who made this possible. We urge men and women of Umueri to know that something good can come to this area", he added.

By Madu Obi Thirty - six persons, aged between six and 44 years, are currently in the custody of the Anambra State Police command over allegations of child labour and street hawking. The command said six of the people are suspects received from the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs, adding that they are undergoing profiling as part of efforts to combat child labour, street hawking, human trafficking, and other forms of child exploitation in the state. According to the command, the individuals comprised 29 rescued children/young persons, while the six suspects whose names were given as Anyingo Glory, Nwafor Godwin, Chukwudi Ofoke, Chinenye Anyingo, Okwudili Ifeoma and Moses Anyingo, were arrested in Nnewi. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said they were allegedly linked to the exploitation of the children before being handed over to the Police to facilitate comprehensive profiling, identification, and investigations. "The exercise is aimed at establishing their identities, determining the circumstances surrounding their involvement, and ensuring the possible reunification of the victims with their families and respective states of origin, where necessary", he said He added that it is being carried out in collaboration with relevant government agencies and child protection stakeholders. Ikenga reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from all forms of abuse and exploitation, emphasizing that child labour and street hawking expose children to serious risks, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, and other criminal activities. He assured that anyone found culpable will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He further urged parents, guardians, and members of the public to refrain from engaging children in hazardous labour or exposing them to the dangers associated with street hawking and encouraged residents to report cases of child abuse, trafficking, exploitation, or neglect to the nearest police station. The command also pledged its commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant stakeholders to protect the rights of children, ensure justice for victims, and strengthen measures against child exploitation across the state.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has called for renewed efforts to make HIV a strategic family conversation, stressing that the battle against the scourge should begin at home. The Executive Director and Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, said in an interview that everyone has a role to play in achieving holistic epidemic control of the disease in the country. According to Okeke, HIV prevention, testing, treatment, as well as the fight against stigma, should not be the sole responsibility of government and healthcare professionals, and urged families and communities to engage in open and regular discussions about the disease. "Encouraging honest conversations about HIV within families would promote early testing, improve access to treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination, while inspiring healthier lifestyle choices among young people and adults. "The fight requires the collective efforts of parents, guardians, community and religious leaders, schools, the media and other stakeholders to raise awareness and strengthen preventive measures", he noted. He reaffirmed ANSACA's commitment to expanding public awareness campaigns and deepening partnerships aimed at reducing new HIV infections, while ensuring that people living with HIV enjoy continued access to quality care, treatment and support. He also urged residents of Anambra State to know their HIV status through regular testing and support ongoing efforts to eliminate the epidemic in the state and across the country.

By Madu Obi The Owerri Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU Owerri Zone, has tackled Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodinma, for allegedly refusing to implement the 2025 Federal Government/ASUU agreement aimed at improving the welfare of their members and quality of education in their universities. At a press conference at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the Coordinator of ASUU Owerri Zone, Professor Dennis Aribodor, lamented that more than five months after the commencement of implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement, state-owned universities under ASUU Owerri Zone are yet to commence the implementation. The two state universities in ASUU Owerri Zone are Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), owned by the Anambra State Government, and Imo State University (IMSU) owned by the Imo State Government. Aribodor said: "Our branches in both COOU and IMSU, in obedience to the directive of the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU, have submitted the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement to their respective University administrations since February 2026. "This was done notwithstanding that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had earlier communicated the agreement to the governors of the two states, who are the Visitors of the two state universities, as well as their Vice Chancellors. "Despite demonstrations of good faith and engagement of university authorities, including the Governing Councils and university administrations by our union in COOU and IMSU, the implementation of the agreement has not commenced in both universities. This is both bad and sad for the university system. "While implementation has commenced in many state-owned universities including those owned by Bauchi, Benue, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Sokoto states, it is saddening that such has not happened in Anambra and Imo states. "ASUU Owerri Zone, therefore, calls on well- meaning citizens of Nigeria, especially the traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, parents, student groups, as well as critical stakeholders in the university education system, to prevail on the Visitor to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (the Anambra State Governor) and the Visitor to Imo State University (the Imo State Governor), to commence the implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement in order to uphold industrial harmony. "Continued delay of the implementation serves no useful purpose and only aggravates industrial tension within the affected universities." According to him, ASUU Owerri Zone cannot continue to watch while its members in state universities are subjected to poor welfare conditions, noting that injury to one is injury to all. Aribodor also lamented a situation where, he added, Anambra State -owned University receives about N180 million monthly, when some states provide as much as N600 million for salaries alone in their universities. "I don't know why Anambra and Imo states should wait for unrest to take place in their universities before taking action", he said , recalling that it took a strike to get governors of the two states to implement the ASUU government agreement of 2009. He attributed what he called the 'brain drain' of academic staff from the South East universities to other parts of the country, to lack of proper funding by their Visitors. While the ASUU chairman of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Comrade Ibekilo Bruno said his institution requires about N300 million monthly to pay academic staff salaries, his Imo State University counterpart, Stephen Oguji said his university requires about N1 billion to solve the welfare problem of both the academic and non academic staff of IMSU. Oguji described the situation in IMSU as pitiable because every expenditure is made by the state government through a single account, adding that members of the university management are mere figureheads.

By Madu Obi The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council, FRC, Dr Rabiu Olowo, has called for the establishment of strong institutions to ensure sustainable economic growth, arguing that progressive development can no longer be achieved through isolated interventions. Delivering the keynote address at the 7th International Conference organized by the Department of Accountancy of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Olowo said that economic transformation requires the working together of the various sectors for sustainable technological innovations. According to him, having demographic advantage does not guarantee prosperity, stating that history has shown that nations succeed, not just because of their resources, but because of the quality of their institutions and development strategies. He observed that with the world experiencing technological regulation, Nigerian universities must adapt to the changing realities. He said: "We have all heard about Sustainable Development Goals, SDG, but unfortunately there is no country in Africa that can meet that goal by 2030. Some states are catching up, but the reality is that the same way we could not meet the target of the Millennium Development Goal of 2000, we will not meet the SDG by 2030. History offers numerous examples of nations endowed with abundant resources and favourable demographics that nevertheless failed to achieve sustainable development. Conversely, countries with relatively limited resources have transformed themselves into economic powerhouses through effective institutions, technology, sound governance, strategic investments in human capital, and commitment to transparency and accountability. In the absence of reliable financial information, markets become inefficient. Capital is mis-allocated. Investors become reluctant to commit resources. Economic opportunities are lost. The consequences of poor financial reporting have been demonstrated repeatedly through corporate collapses and financial scandals across different parts of the world. In nearly every instance, the erosion of confidence preceded the destruction of value." He said further: "For Africa, where significant investments are required to address infrastructure deficits, industrialisation challenges, and development financing gaps, the importance of credible financial reporting cannot be overstated. The African Development Bank estimates that the continent faces an annual infrastructure financing gap running into tens of billions of dollars. Closing this gap will require substantial private sector participation and international investment. Such investments will only materialize where transparency, accountability, and confidence in financial information are firmly established. We must first address sustainability which has moved from policy discussions to the centered age of decision -making. Investors, regulators, consumers, communities are increasingly excessive of organizational change that determines how we manage environmental social problems and opportunities. The complexity of modern economic systems requires integrated solutions. Accounting, governance, technology, and sustainability are no longer independent disciplines operating in separate spheres. They have become interconnected drivers of development whose collective impact will largely determine the trajectory of Africa's future. The lesson is clear: The future of Africa will not be determined solely by what lies beneath its soil or by the size of its population. It will be determined by the quality of its institutions, the effectiveness of its governance systems, the credibility of its reporting frameworks, and the sustainability of its development strategies." "Across the world, countries that have achieved remarkable economic progress share a common characteristic: strong institutions supported by effective governance systems. Their success has not been accidental. It has been built upon transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, respect for the rule of law, and efficient management of resources. Governance influences how resources are allocated, how risks are managed, how decisions are made, and how organisations respond to stakeholder expectations. Effective governance promotes ethical behaviour, strengthens oversight, reduces corruption, enhances operational efficiency, and supports long-term value creation. Weak governance, on the other hand, often leads to inefficiency, waste, regulatory failures, and loss of public trust." Olowo observed that every successful economy is built on trust, stressing that investors invest because they trust the information available to them. "Lenders provide credit because they trust financial reports and disclosures. Governments formulate policies because they trust economic data. Citizens place confidence in institutions when transparency and accountability are evident.", he added. The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ugochukwu Anyaehie, commended the Department of Accountancy for attracting such a high caliber conference to the institution and announced that plans are on to create a separate Faculty of Accountancy in the University. He also said that quality professionals would be appointed to teach in specialized areas in the UNIZIK Business School, as part of efforts to make UNIZIK one of the best in Africa.

Igbo youth leaders during their convention in Awka By Madu Obi Igbo youth leaders and stakeholders from the seven Igbo-speaking states have thrown their weight behind the leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), commending President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Commission, which they described as a major step towards addressing the developmental needs of the region. In a communiqué issued at the end of their convention in Awka, they also called on the President to give more opportunities to young people from the South-East. The convener of the youth group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, appreciated the administration’s efforts for the ongoing road construction and other infrastructure projects in the South-East, even as they believed that more could be done to integrate young Igbo professionals into national governance. " Our young people possess the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit needed to contribute meaningfully to national development", Okpalaezeukwu said. The convention also weighed in on recent public discussions surrounding the operations of the SEDC, stressing that transparency and accountability are essential if the commission is to achieve its mandate. According to the youths, public scrutiny should not be viewed negatively, but as a necessary ingredient for good governance. “Transparency and accountability are critical to building public trust. The SEDC must remain open to stakeholder engagement and ensure that Igbo youths are actively involved in shaping the programmes and policies of the commission,” they added. The youth leaders also adopted a proposal for the development of an Integrated youth development master plan for the region, noting that the initiative would provide a framework for addressing youth development challenges through a renewable five-year strategic action plan focused on employment, entrepreneurship, education and productivity. On the criticisms against the leadership style of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC, Mr. Mark Okoye II, the youths insisted that leadership stability is crucial at this stage of the commission’s growth. “The call for the removal of Mr. Mark Okoye II is not in the best interest of Ndi Igbo at this time. The commission is still laying its foundation, and stability is important if it is to deliver on its mandate for the people of the South-East,” the communiqué read. On the security situation in the region, they commended the South-East governors for their efforts in tackling insecurity, urging them to intensify measures aimed at restoring lasting peace and protecting lives and property. According to the communiqué, sustainable development in the South-East can only be achieved in an atmosphere of safety and stability. “Security remains a collective responsibility. We are ready to work with states and the Federal Government to confront insecurity and create an environment where businesses can thrive and our people can live without fear,” the youth leaders said.

By Madu Obi The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements. The other affected parties are the Action Alliance, AA, Accord Party, African People's Party, APP, and Zenith Labour Party, ZLP. Justice Peter Lifu, who presided, ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, must deregister them for failing to secure 25% of votes in the last general elections, which is a constitutional requirement. Justice Lifu dismissed all preliminary objections by the defendants and barred INEC from allowing the five parties to contest subsequent elections, including the 2027 election. The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 was filed by Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. The Attorney-General of the Federation was joined as plaintiff, while INEC was named the 1st defendant. The forum had argued that the parties lacked the electoral spread and performance required by law, contending that parties must secure at least 25% of votes in prescribed elections to remain registered. Urging the court to deregister the parties, the forum said that none of the defendants effectively countered the arguments. This ruling came barely few hours after the ADC announced the confirmation of Chief Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State, as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's running mate for 2027 election.