Cross River Governor, Bassey Otu has said that the people of the state will vote massively for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Otu who said this on Monday at the APC presidential rally in Calabar, said that Cross River was ready to scale up votes in order to realise Tinubu’s second term bid.

He urged residents of the state to support Tinubu’s re-election, and work towards the victory of all APC candidates in the state.

The governor said that residents of the state would increase their electoral contribution to the ruling party during the general elections.

“This resolve is as a result of the positive impact of the Tinubu-led administration on the state.

“We have consulted our people. We have agreed that it is time to scale up our votes. So, we are going to give him maximum votes,” he said.

Otu described Cross River as an emerging investment destination because of obvious improvements in economic activities, productivity, and infrastructure.

He said that Cross River was moving beyond recovery and restoration, and that the current administration was deliberately positioning it for greater economic opportunities.

The governor said that voting APC in Cross River would facilitate the implementation of government policies and development programmes.

Earlier, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described Tinubu as a transformational leader whose economic vision was already repositioning Nigeria as a major economic force.

Yilwatda said that Tinubu was pursuing a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030, through deliberate infrastructure development programmes.

He said that part of the move was the proposed transformation of the Calabar Port into a deep seaport, and the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

“The coastal highway will connect several states along Nigeria’s coastline, it will facilitate trade, logistics, transportation, and regional economic integration,” he said.

The APC chairman also listed the proposed rail and road connections linking Calabar with other parts of the country as part of Tinubu’s economic agenda.

He said that the projects would open up Cross River and the South-South region for greater commercial opportunities.

“The development of the Calabar Port into a deep seaport will enhance maritime activities, and provide opportunities for businesses in Cross River and neighbouring states

“The infrastructure and economic programmes of the Tinubu-led administration will create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and reduce poverty,” he said.

He said that the proposed investments in ports, roads, railways, and export-oriented industries would strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity and accelerate economic growth.

It was reported that Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Omo Eno of Akwa Ibom attended the rally.

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A former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called for proactive and robust safeguards to protect information integrity, as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

Jega ​‌‌‍​‍⁠⁠‍‌‍⁠‍‍‍‍​‌​made the call in Abuja at a National Summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and Electoral Information Integrity.

Speaking as the chairman of the event, with the theme: “Beyond the Ballot: Safeguarding Electoral Information Integrity in the Age of AI”, Jega noted that safeguarding electoral information against digital manipulation and malicious threats had become a critical task for all stakeholders.

While acknowledging that AI holds tremendous potential to improve efficiency and effectiveness in governance and electoral processes, he warned that it also carried severe negative uses that could undermine the integrity of elections.

“What is most important, of course, is how we prepare, anticipate these challenges and take appropriate measures, including setting up a framework of rapid response to address these,” he said.

Drawing from his participation in the 2024 Cambridge Conference on Electoral Democracy, Jega recommended that Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in Africa should consider deploying AI-driven tools, such as chatbots powered by officially-verified data.

He noted that such would allow citizens to quickly access accurate information and verify the authenticity of data being circulated.

“I understand that some African EMBs have seen the utility of this in checkmating or reducing the negative effects and the impact of misinformation and disinformation during elections.

“And I would like to recommend that if INEC has not done so so far, it might be a useful issue to add to our discussions and to see as to how best to know it before the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The former INEC chairman noted that building trust and public confidence in the electoral process was important.

“The integrity of an election is so important and the building trust and ensuring that there is public confidence in what participants in the electoral process do, and other key stakeholders do, is very important,” Jega said.

He urged participants to leverage the summit’s platform to move beyond dialogue and develop actionable strategies, rapid-response frameworks and tactical solutions to secure the integrity of future elections.

Declaring the workshop open, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said that the integrity of 2027 elections remained a shared responsibility, noting that every institution and every citizen had a role to play.

Idris, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Dr Dili Ezughah, said that the President Bola Tinubu led-administration recognised the importance of credible information environment to democratic stability.

While citing Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, published in 2024, which provides a framework for responsible, critical and inclusive AI development and deployment, he stated the Tinubu administration also recognised the importance of credible information in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

“A significant demonstration of this commitment is the establishment of the UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Nigeria,” he said.

The minister said that Tinubu had demonstrated the commitment by signing the amended Electoral Act 2026 into law on Feb. 18, which provided for mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results and recognised the time-tested results viewing portal.

He, however, said that technology alone could not guarantee public confidence in the electoral process, saying it should involve all stakeholders playing their expected roles.

“Electoral institutions must communicate clearly. Journalists must verify information and citizens must know where to obtain authentic electoral updates.

“I wish to emphasise that responsible journalism must not be mistaken for favourable journalism. The media must remain free to question government, political parties, candidates and public institutions, ensuring fairness and fair distinction between facts, allegations and opinions.

“We must also protect freedom of expression and the right to information. Responses to misinformation must be lawful, proportionate and respectful of fundamental rights.

“Technology platforms, political parties, security agencies, civil society and fact-checkers must each recognise their responsibilities,” he said.

Idris urged the summit participants to move beyond discussions and produce practical commitments, such as stronger verification systems, rapid channels for correcting false information, coordinated responses to information threats and sustained public education ahead of the elections.

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The Accord Party has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit seeking disqualification of all its candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The party challenged the competence of the suit filed by its National Secretary, Adebukola Ajaja, on the grounds that the case was statute barred, having been instituted outside the 14 days allowed under the law.

The party, in a preliminary objection marked: FHC/ABJ/CV/2524/2026 and filed by Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, also queried the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case.

Adetunbi argued that the issue of candidates’ nomination falls within the internal affairs of a political party.

The senior lawyer, while querying the plaintiff’s locus standi to file the suit for not being an aspirant in the primary election conducted on May 29, also faulted the competence of the suit on the grounds that proper parties were not included.

He argued that while the plaintiff wants the court to nullify the nomination of its candidates, none of the candidates to be affected by the outcome of the suit were made parties to afford them the opportunity of being heard.

He also faulted the competence of the suit on the grounds that it is allegedly premature because the plaintiff failed to give it the required 21 days pre-action notice.

Accord, listed as the 2nd defendant, argued that its primary was conducted in accordance with all relevant laws and guidelines.

It added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had since recognised its outcome and the list of candidates duly submitted to the electoral umpire in the prescribed format.

It further argued that, as against the plaintiff’s contention, the National Chairman and the National Organising Secretary could validly sign and submit candidates’ lists and forms to INEC where the National Security is unavailable in line with Article 18 of the party’s constitution and Regulations 25(3), 28(2) of INEC’s Guidelines.

“INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties did not in any way specify that the plaintiff herein must sign the forwarding letter, neither did the Constitution of the 2nd defendant require her (the plaintiff) to sign.

“The National Executives of the party expressly authorised the 4th defendant to co-sign with the 3rd defendant. No wrong has been done,” it said.

Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Jegede v. INEC, Accord Party argued that even if it was only its National Chairman that signed, “the plaintiff’s case is still bound to fail because the signature of the National Chairman suffices on the authority of Jegede v. INEC.”

Accord Party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, stated in a counter-affidavit that contrary to the plaintiff’s claim that her responsibilities were usurped by the National Organising Secretary, she actually abandoned her duties.

Mgbudem, who queried the plaintiff’s handling of the party’s funds, accused her of making false claims about the number of cases pending in court in relation to the primary election, stating that not less than 16 were filed.

He said: “the plaintiff was the National Secretary but she had stopped attending the meetings of the National Working Committee which under our party’s constitution comprises the National Executive Officers.

“She did not attend the past three consecutive National Working Committee meetings.

“As the Chief Executive of the 2nd defendant, I can sign any document on behalf of the party, except where either the National Executive Council or the Convention sees the need for the contrary.

“By virtue of Article 18(1) of the Accord Constitution, I am the Chief Executive of Accord and by virtue of 18(1)(v) I have the power to “assign specific functions to any member or officer of the party.

“On May 24. the National Working Committee, under my leadership, met and resolved that I, as the National Chairman and  Ibe ThankGod, the National Organising Secretary should co-sign the forwarding letter of the aspirants who are eventually successful.

“INEC recognised the primary election conducted on May 29 by the National Executive of the party under the supervision of the National Working Committee

“After the successful completion of all the primaries into all contested elective positions, except presidential (which the party did not conduct any primary election into), Ibe and I forwarded the names of all our successful candidates electronically to INEC.

“Electronic submissions of all INEC forms, other than the letters, do not require physical signing of all the forms due to the large number of participating political parties and the extremely large number of candidates participating in the 2027 General Elections.”

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called on residents and political stakeholders in Gwagwalada Area Council to go all-in for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Wike also urged the residents to vote for all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC): Sen. Philip Aduda for Senate to represent FCT and Mr Danladi Chiya for Abuja South Federal Constituency.

Wike made the call during a meeting of the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders’ meeting, under the Rainbow Coalition in Gwagwalada Area Council, on Monday.

Addressing a crowd of party faithful, community elders, youth, and women groups, the minister urged residents not to treat election day like any ordinary day, but a day to go all out for Tinubu, Aduda and Chiya.

Wike emphasised that political relevance in 2027 would strictly be measured by performance at the grassroots and tasked stakeholders with delivering their immediate polling units and wards with no excuses.

Wike questioned the accessibility and performance of the incumbent Senator representing the FCT, asking the crowd if they had felt her impact.

He criticised the sitting senator, claiming that she had remained detached from the grassroots realities across the area councils.

The minister pushed for Aduda as a reliable replacement, pointing out his long-standing ties with students, traditional rulers and youth groups across the territory.

He urged voters to reject divisive rhetoric and stay focused on a unified victory for Tinubu and the coalition candidates in 2027.

Wike praised the political harmony in Gwagwalada, pointing to the joint presence of APC and PDP leadership as evidence of a new era of political unity for development.

Highlighting government achievements, Wike reminded residents of key infrastructural projects completed under the current administration.

He assured residents, students, and youth leadership that the government remains committed to granting requests that directly benefit the public—including recreational spaces for sports and mobility support for students.

Earlier, APC Chairman in FCT, Mr Ishaku Yamawo, said the political parties have been united by Wike for the interest of FCT residents, adding that his work as APC Chairman had been made easy with the minister leading the campaign in FCT.

Similarly, his PDP counterpart, Mr Mohammed Dogara, praised Wike for completing most of the abandoned projects in FCT, stressing that the kind gesture would be rewarded with massive votes for Tinubu during the 2027 election.

In his remarks, Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr Kasim Mohammed, reaffirmed his unalloyed commitment to the ruling APC, declaring total support for the re-election of Tinubu and all APC National Assembly candidates.

The council boss elected under the platform of the PDP in February, highlighted the massive infrastructural transformation across the area council under the present administration as the cornerstone of the party’s campaign push.

According to him, leadership is defined by practical results rather than mere political rhetoric.

Detailing the developmental strides recorded across the Area Council, Mohammed cataloged major road networks and institutional projects executed to eliminate hardship and boost local commerce.

He urged party faithful, youth groups and community stakeholders to remain steadfast ahead of the polls, brushing off opposition threats.

He reaffirmed that the developmental achievements on the ground remain the APC’s strongest campaign argument, assuring the minister that Tinubu, Aduda and Chiya would win the 2027 election in the area.

Speaking on the newly constructed Civic Centre named after the minister, the council chairman said that the foundation was laid about 16 years ago saying, “across all successive administrations, nobody did anything to complete this project.

“I inherited it at 46 per cent completion and brought it to reality”.

On his part, the traditional leaders of the area, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Muhammad Magaji, said that Wike’s name would be remembered for generations to come for the unprecedented work he has done both in the city centre and the satellite towns.

Magaji commended the council chairman for completing the civic centre in just a few months in office.

Speaking on behalf of Gwagwalada women, Mrs Hajara Abdullahi, declared that the transformative infrastructure drive of the current administration has secured the unalloyed political loyalty of the local electorate.

Detailing their political strategy for upcoming polls, Abdullahi, the Special Assistant to the Council’s Chairman on Maternal Welfare and Child Health, affirmed that Gwagwalada women were fully mobilised to deliver a decisive electoral victory for Tinubu and the National Assembly candidates.

“We are going to show you our gratitude towards the forthcoming elections. We will deliver Tinubu, Aduda, and Chiya in the forthcoming election,” she said.

Reinforcing the coalition’s momentum, youth representative, Mr Guzo Inuwa declared that both APC and PDP youth structures across Gwagwalada have united under the Rainbow Coalition umbrella to secure a clean sweep for Tinubu and all APC candidates.

“Sir, we want to assure you it is a done deal for Mr President, Aduda and Chiya for the House of Representatives,” Inuwa said.

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The emergence of Dr Obafemi Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 elections offers Lagos an opportunity to sustain its development legacy and chart a new course for the future.

The Lagos APC Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, stated this in a statement, titled: “Why Lagos is Truly Blessed: The Hamzat Years Beckon”, made available to newsmen on Monday.

Oladejo said Hamzat’s emergence presented another opportunity to consolidate the achievements of successive administrations and advance the state’s development agenda.

He said Lagos had continued to evolve through visionary leadership, institutional continuity, enterprise and the resilience of its people.

“From the foundational reforms and transformational initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, through the administrations of subsequent governors, Lagos has continued to evolve, expand and redefine the possibilities of subnational governance.

“Each administration has inherited an evolving development agenda, introduced its own priorities and contributed to the larger Lagos story.

“The emergence of Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as the next gubernatorial flagbearer of our great party presents another opportunity to sustain this legacy and chart a new course for the future,” he said.

The APC spokesman described Hamzat’s recently unveiled manifesto, titled “The Lagos Promise”, as an articulation of expectations, aspirations and proposed interventions for the state.

He said Hamzat’s experience in public administration, including his service as Commissioner for Science and Technology, Commissioner for Works and two-term deputy governor, had exposed him to the complexities of governance.

Oladejo said Hamzat’s experience in the Works Ministry, in particular, provided an understanding of infrastructure development, urban planning and the relationship between mobility and economic productivity.

He, however, said experience must translate into fresh ideas, measurable outcomes and responsive governance to address the expectations of residents.

“But experience alone is not the destination. It must be translated into fresh ideas, measurable outcomes and responsive governance. This is where The Lagos Promise invites serious attention.

“Its policy propositions address some of the most consequential issues confronting a modern megacity: human capital development, knowledge economy, infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, environmental sustainability, security, economic inclusion and energy,” he said.

Oladejo described the manifesto’s emphasis on a knowledge-driven economy as timely, given the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital innovation and technology on global economic opportunities.

He said Lagos needed to equip its young population with the skills to create businesses, develop solutions and compete confidently in the global marketplace.

On infrastructure and mobility, he said population growth, urbanisation and expanding commercial activities required continuous investments in roads, transportation networks, housing and public utilities.

He added that the next phase of development should build on existing achievements while addressing gaps affecting residents’ daily experiences.

The APC spokesman also identified healthcare, environmental management, security and social protection as critical areas requiring sustained attention.

He said economic growth must translate into improved living standards, accessible public services and opportunities across social and economic divides.

“A truly prosperous Lagos must be one where economic growth translates into improved living standards, accessible public services and opportunities across social and economic divides.

“One cannot overlook the importance of institutional continuity in this equation. Lagos has demonstrated that development is more sustainable when successive administrations recognise the value of existing investments, preserve functional institutions and improve upon established policies.

“Continuity should never mean complacency; rather, it should provide the platform for innovation, correction and accelerated progress,” he said.

Oladejo said Hamzat’s proposed agenda should be viewed within the broader responsibility of preparing Lagos for emerging economic, technological and environmental challenges.

He said the state needed to become more competitive, inclusive, technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable to take advantage of emerging global opportunities.

Oladejo also stressed the need for the manifesto’s promises to be translated into practical programmes, clear implementation frameworks, realistic timelines and measurable deliverables.

“There is also a responsibility to ensure that the promises contained in the manifesto are translated into practical programmes, clear implementation frameworks, realistic timelines and measurable deliverables.

“Citizens have every right to demand accountability, transparency and tangible results from those entrusted with public office,” he said.

Oladejo attributed Lagos’ development to its geographical advantages, cultural heritage, enterprising population and successive generations of leadership.

He said the state’s development trajectory had benefited from leaders who recognised development as a continuous process requiring institutional stability and sustained innovation.

He added that Hamzat’s manifesto offered an opportunity for public scrutiny and constructive engagement on the proposed direction of governance.

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Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi, has urged the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Umahi made the appeal on Sunday in Abakaliki at a town hall meeting organised by the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

The meeting was organised by the council’s Directorate of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation.

He dismissed Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), questioning his superiority over prominent Ebonyi politicians.

Umahi listed himself, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Education Minister, Sam Egwu, and former Revenue Mobilisation Commission Chairman, Elias Mbam.

He queried: “Who is Peter Obi better than? Is he better than Sam Egwu? Is he better than Elias Mbam?

“Is he better than the lion of the South-East, myself? Is he better than Anyim Pius?”

The former Ebonyi governor argued that supporting Tinubu for another four years would strengthen the South-East’s prospects of producing Nigeria’s next president.

He said the region should pursue its presidential ambition through strategic political alliances rather than sentiments and hate speeches.

“There is no way an Igbo man, after staying for 60 years, will want to be President for four years.

“There is nobody that can accept that; the North has not accepted to be President for four years,” Umahi added.

He said supporting Tinubu would demonstrate the South-East’s willingness to accommodate other regions’ political interests.

He said: “We are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finish his remaining four years so that the South-East would have strategically supported another region.

“So that when it is our turn, we will not get this thing by hate speeches; they will not give it to us by sentiments.”

Umahi urged religious and traditional leaders, particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to openly support Tinubu.

“Do not stay on the fence. CAN should not keep quiet. Let us toe the path that must sustain our freedom,” he urged.

He maintained that the South-East had enjoyed increased political inclusion under the Tinubu administration.

He cited appointments into key government positions, including service chiefs, ministers and senior presidential aides.

Umahi also highlighted improvements in road infrastructure and economic activities, particularly the ease of clearing goods by regional traders.

“Igbo man needs wisdom, not sentiments. Igbo man should not allow people to be dishing hate speeches on social media on their behalf,” he said.

The minister pledged that Ebonyi would deliver 1.3 million votes for Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru in the 2027 elections.

He said the state had approximately 1.8 million registered voters, insisting that delivering fewer votes would amount to a disservice.

“If we are not donating 1.3 million votes for the President and the Governor, we are doing ourselves a disservice,” he said.

Umahi also dismissed suggestions that the APC could lose the Ebonyi governorship election, describing those entertaining such expectations as jokers.

It was reported that Umahi governed Ebonyi from 2015 to 2023 before his appointment as Minister of Works.

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Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed confidence that the people of Ogoni in Rivers will vote massively for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Wike made the expression at a town hall meeting in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area on Wednesday.

He said that Ogoni people would use their votes to reward Tinubu for his people-oriented interventions in the area.

“Ogoni will reward Tinubu for establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology, and for appointing their sons and daughters into key positions in federal paralstatals,” he said.

Wike urged Ogoni people to appreciate the long-term benefits of the newly established university, describing it as a major catalyst for employment, economic growth and regional development.

He stated that securing federal approval for a university involves rigorous executive and legislative procedures, and that the institution was a product of sustained efforts by the late Sen. Barry Mpigi.

The minister welcomed returning political associates to the Rainbow Coalition, and commended the coalition’s leadership in Ogoni for fostering unity and reconciliation.

“Let me welcome my brothers, although we had a small fight, we have all come back to work together as a team,” he said.

He urged political stakeholders in Ogoni to mobilise voters and deliver massive votes in favour of Tinubu and other candidates supported by the Rainbow Coalition.

Earlier, Mr Mbakpone Okpe, the Chairman, Tai Local Government Council, assured the minister of the local government’s commitment to the university’s growth and the coalition’s success.

Okpe, also the Coordinator, Rainbow Coalition in Tai, said that the council had constructed the university’s entrance gate and an internal dual carriageway to complement Federal Government interventions.

He said that the council allocated N120 million monthly to an empowerment scheme benefiting 3,400 residents of Tai.

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Dr Paddy Iyamu, All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 House of Representatives  Candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency has pledged to propose bills to improve the welfare of journalists.

Iyamu, former Edo Commissioner for Education, made the pledge on Tuesday when he visited the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Benin.

He said if elected, he would propose the bills to help address challenges faced by journalists to improve their living standards and that of other vulnerable people in society.

Iyamu said he was contesting the election to become a voice for the people in the national assembly.

“As journalists, we are aware that you face a lot of challenges, as do other vulnerable people in our society.

“We are going there to make laws to protect you, ensure that citizens are well represented and enable them to reap the benefits of good governance,” he said.

He also outlined his five-point agenda, listing quality representation and legislation, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and youth empowerment as his priorities if elected.

Reflecting on his achievements as commissioner, Iyamu recalled the establishment of Usen Polytechnic in Edo, which he said was a Federal Government intervention.

He also cited the construction of a 6.25-kilometre road within the institution and the remodelling of 100 schools across the state during his tenure.

“I was able to reconstruct and remodel close to 100 schools in just one year.

“We moved from the era of students running outside to take shelter when it rains to having comfortable classrooms where they can learn and contribute to society.

“We moved from a situation,  where children sat on the floor to one where they now have seats and lockers to keep their boots, which they need when they return the next day,” he said.

On healthcare, Iyamu said he had been providing free medical services to less privileged people even before venturing into politics.

“As many of you know, even 10 years ago, before we came into politics, I have been performing free surgeries for conditions ranging from fibroids and hernia to glaucoma and breast lumps, as well as treating dental issues,” he said.

On insecurity, Iyamu emphasised the importance of education, arguing that access to knowledge could help discourage criminal activities.

“If a man knows that with education he can stand before kings and queens, he will not want to cut short his life at any given time,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Osamuede Edebiri, APC candidate for the Oredo East Constituency in the State House of Assembly, said he would leverage on his experience as a staff member of the assembly.

He said women and youth empowerment would be among his priorities, adding that he planned to provide grants and equipment, including sewing machines, grinding machines and hair dryers, to help women establish businesses.

“We are going to empower women to start their own businesses, and these monies are non-refundable. I have sat down with my team of experts, and I can tell you it is achievable,” he said.

On education, Edebiri pledged to sponsor students from the constituency for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.

He added that candidates with the highest JAMB scores would qualify for scholarships.

He also promised to empower youths affiliated with the party and connect those interested in learning trades with artisans.

He said he would also construct solar-powered boreholes and provide additional social amenities to improve residents’ living conditions.

Dr Edosa Richard, the incumbent member of the state house of assembly representing Oredo West Constituency and an APC candidate, thanked journalists for their contributions to peace in the state.

He described journalists  as the scribes of society and the voice of the voiceless, yet with the power to promote either peace or chaos.

He commended journalists in Benin for their contributions to democracy.

Richard said he had lectured at the University of Benin for 15 years, and had also practised as a medical doctor for 15 years.

He outlined his campaign agenda, which he described as a tripod comprising healthcare, education, security and infrastructure.

Highlighting his achievements during his first tenure, he listed the construction of primary and secondary schools, primary healthcare centres and solar-powered boreholes, as well as empowerment programmes.

He said he is seeking another opportunity to serve and pledged to do more if re-elected.

“This is a project and I am saying again to you and to the Oredo people that you give me opportunity to go back again and to be a mouthpiece, to be an instrument of change and to be your voice.

“For effective representation, for continuity of projects, legislation and people-friendly bills. I ask at this moment for your support to go back again as a member representing Oredo West constituency,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Festus Alenkhe, welcomed the candidates to the press centre.

Alenkhe said journalists maintained a neutral political position and welcomed candidates from other parties to visit the press centre and address members.

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Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, on Tuesday, launched the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Door-to-Door Movement in the state, promising to ensure Tinubu’s landslide in 2027.

In a speech at the event in Owerri, Uzodimma said the state resolved to lead the crusade, following a careful assessment of the president’s achievements and the necessity for continuity.

“In Imo, we have assessed the president’s achievements and decided to lead the crusade that will enable him to complete his good work,” Uzodimma said.

He commended the founder of the movement, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for donating 30 vehicles to drive the state-wide grassroots campaign.

He also expressed gratitude to the campaign team for taking the “Renewed Hope” message across 15 states, describing them as “key image-makers for the administration.”

Uzodimma gave assurances that votes from the state in 2027 would be organic, saying that residents were convinced by the positive impacts of the Tinubu’s economic and structural reforms.

He warned appointed local government area campaign coordinators against working outside the party’s structure, threatening to withdraw operational vehicles from recalcitrant members.

“There is no coalition in Imo; you are empowered strictly to work for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Uzodimma cautioned.

Earlier, the APC state Chairman, Mr Austin Onyedebelu, commended Tinubu’s economic policies, including the N70,000 national minimum wage and student loan scheme.

Onyedebelu said that while economic transitions caused temporary pressures, close cooperation between Federal and State Governments would yield more tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

Also, the National Coordinator of the movement, Mr Sunday Asuku, urged Nigerians to endure current economic reforms, describing them as “necessary pains for long-term national prosperity.”

“Where there is reform, you are expected to go through some pain, but it guarantees long-term prosperity,” Asuku said.

He urged Imo citizens to vote massively for Tinubu on January 16, 2027.

Speaking on behalf of Ekpemupolo, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, Chief Kestin Pondi, said the movement aimed to align with Uzodimma’s political stance as champion of Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“We came to support the champion of a cause, and we could not have come empty-handed,” Pondi said, while presenting operational support for the campaign.

He described Tinubu as a “courageous” leader, who prioritised national interests above personal political ambitions and the office he sought.

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