As residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) head to the polls on Saturday, February 21, 2025, to elect chairmen and councillors across the six area councils, the elections are shaping into a crucial test of strength for the opposition coalition rallying under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The polls, to be conducted in Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, are widely seen as a referendum on emerging political realignments in the territory, amid open backing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The ADC, buoyed by prominent opposition figures including former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has intensified its campaign, urging residents to reject the ruling APC.

In AMAC, the ADC chairmanship candidate, Dr. Moses Paul, described his ambition as the product of years of community engagement.

“Preparation for leadership does not begin a few days before an election. It is built over time through service and sacrifice,” he said, insisting that the contest represents “a turning point” for residents seeking accountable governance.

Paul pledged cooperation with lawful authorities, including the FCT administration, if elected, but stressed that his primary loyalty would remain with the people.

“Leadership is not about ego; it is about responsibility. I will work with every lawful authority in the interest of our people,” he stated.

On questions surrounding indigeneity, he maintained that service, rather than birthplace, should define leadership credentials in the cosmopolitan capital.

However, the elections have been overshadowed by the assertive intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has openly declared support for candidates aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda, regardless of party affiliation.

Wike, while addressing supporters in Abuja last week, said he would ensure that only candidates backing the President emerge victorious.

“I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win,” he said, adding that he owed “no apology” for his stance.

His position has triggered significant shifts within the PDP. In Bwari, the PDP chairmanship candidate, Julius Adamu, stepped down in favour of the APC candidate, Joshua Ishaku Musa. Similarly, in AMAC, the PDP’s Hon. Zadna Dantani withdrew from the race to back the incumbent APC candidate, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.

Party insiders attribute both withdrawals to strategic recalibrations influenced by the minister’s political weight in the territory, effectively blurring party lines and consolidating support for the APC in key councils.

Across markets and neighbourhoods, residents expressed cautious optimism mixed with fatigue over campaign promises.

Aisha Abdulkadir, a trader in Bwari market, lamented what she described as a cycle of absentee leadership. “We are tired of leaders who come during campaigns and then disappear,” she said.
Joy Okon, a provision seller at Dutse market, called for competence over ambition, while a mobile phone dealer, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, emphasised the need for improved infrastructure and security.

Others, like civil servant Victoria Odumu, said their votes would be guided by track record rather than rhetoric.

Security agencies have announced a 12-hour restriction of movement across the FCT from 6am to 6pm on election day to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

With the ADC seeking to assert itself as a viable opposition platform and the APC benefiting from high-profile cross-party endorsements, Saturday’s vote may redefine the political equilibrium in the nation’s capital — and signal the trajectory of broader opposition realignments ahead of future national contests.

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Mpigi, 64, was until his death the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works in the 10th National Assembly.

His passing has thrown political stakeholders in Rivers State and beyond into mourning, given his long-standing influence in the state’s political landscape.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, Governor Fubara described the late lawmaker as a “brother, consummate politician and one of the leading lights in Rivers State politics.”

The governor said Mpigi’s death came at a critical time when his experience and services were still needed by the people of the state, particularly at the federal level where he played a key role in legislative oversight on infrastructure development.

Fubara prayed for the repose of the senator’s soul and urged his family and associates to find comfort in what he described as a life of impact and service.

He commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the people of Rivers South-East Senatorial District and members of the Senate, noting that Mpigi left behind a legacy of dedication to public service and commitment to the development of Rivers State.

A seasoned politician, Mpigi was regarded as a prominent figure in Rivers politics, contributing significantly to legislative debates and constituency development initiatives.

His role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works placed him at the centre of oversight responsibilities on federal road projects and other critical infrastructure across the country.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged members of the Nigerian judiciary and political class to prioritise justice, integrity and enduring legacy above personal interests, declaring that the true measure of leadership lies in how public service ends.

Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday night at a state banquet held at the Government House, Port Harcourt in honour of Obietonbara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, who recently retired as Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division.

Addressing jurists, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries, the governor stressed the imperative of upholding high standards in public service, noting that excellence could be restored through collective resolve and a firm commitment to ethical conduct.

“It is about us coming together, believing in setting a standard and not allowing our personal interests to override those standards. That is the only way we can restore the good old days,” he said.

Fubara described the retired jurist as a model of integrity and professionalism, urging younger lawyers and politicians to uphold the primacy of truth in their careers and personal lives.

“The message tonight is about how a career ends. The conclusion of Justice Daniel-Kalio’s service brings honour to the state.

It is a lesson for the upcoming young ones, and those of us in politics. When we leave the stage, how will our story be told? It is not about winning now; it is about how it ends.

“We must strive to do the right things to defend the most important value, which is justice. Always stand on the side of truth so that at the end you will be remembered for what is right,” he added.

The governor noted that although Daniel-Kalio had formally retired from the Bench, he remained intellectually vibrant and capable of contributing to the development of the state. He assured that the government would continue to draw on his wealth of experience and urged him to remain available whenever called upon to serve.

Fubara also expressed appreciation to guests for their presence at what he described as a significant moment for his administration, acknowledging their support during critical periods.

“Our vision is to ensure that Rivers State continues to grow from strength to strength. It has not been easy, but we are humbled by your support. We cannot repay you, but God will reward you,” he said.

In her welcome address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Justice, Vera Sam-Dike, described the event as a celebration of an illustrious son of the state and a jurist of exceptional integrity, who served with loyalty, fairness and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

She characterised Daniel-Kalio’s retirement as the end of an era and a celebration of a distinguished career that advanced justice and impacted countless lives.

Responding, Justice Daniel-Kalio expressed gratitude to the governor for what he termed a rare show of honour and candour in organising a state reception in his honour.

He described his years on the Bench as deeply fulfilling and reaffirmed the judiciary’s role as a stabilising force in any progressive society.

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has expressed immense pride and delight following the appointment of
Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo
Odusote as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, describing her elevation as both historic and richly deserved.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the university’s management, staff, students and stakeholders, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, hailed the appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a milestone not only for the legal profession but for women in leadership across the country.

According to the university, Dr. Odusote’s emergence as the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School in over six decades of its existence underscores the significance of her achievement and the confidence reposed in her capacity to lead.

The institution noted that her appointment marks a defining moment in the annals of legal education in Nigeria.

UNIPORT particularly commended her exemplary service as former Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School, where she was credited with providing visionary leadership, strengthening institutional frameworks, and contributing significantly to the strategic direction of the School.

The university maintained that her distinguished record of administrative competence, professionalism and commitment to excellence undoubtedly positioned her as the preferred choice for the top role.

Describing her appointment as a source of pride and inspiration, UNIPORT said her new role reflects the growing recognition of merit, hard work and integrity in national assignments.

The university expressed confidence that her tenure would usher in renewed growth, innovation and consolidation in legal education in Nigeria.

“As a university community, we are immensely proud of her accomplishments and confident that she will justify the trust placed in her,” the statement read.

UNIPORT concluded by wishing Dr. Odusote a highly successful tenure, assuring her of its affectionate regards and unwavering support as she assumes leadership of the nation’s foremost legal training institution.

The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has unveiled plans to enrol pupils in public primary schools across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State into its health insurance scheme, in a move aimed at strengthening access to healthcare for school-age children.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, disclosed this during an advocacy visit to the Chairman and management of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Port Harcourt on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Agala said the initiative was driven by growing concerns over the health status of children in the state, particularly amid rising cases of chronic malnutrition.

“Recently, the state recorded a high level of chronically malnourished children. As an agency, we are willing and ready to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that our children remain healthy and able to learn effectively,” she said.

She explained that the programme would not only cover pupils but also extend to teachers and non-teaching staff under SUBEB, urging the board to facilitate their enrolment into the scheme.

According to her, enrollees would have access to comprehensive healthcare services across accredited facilities in the state.

Agala also acknowledged the role played by SUBEB Chairman, Hon. Sam Ogeh, in the legislative process that culminated in the establishment of RIVCHPP in 2019, when he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Health in the State Assembly.

She assured that with sustained investment and commitment by the state government in the health sector, beneficiaries of the scheme would continue to receive quality medical services in designated facilities across Rivers State.

In his response, the Chairman of SUBEB, Hon. Sam Ogeh, commended the performance of RIVCHPP, describing health insurance as a strategic pathway to broadening healthcare access.

While pledging the board’s readiness to partner with the agency to ensure seamless implementation in public primary schools, he urged RIVCHPP to scale up advocacy and sensitisation campaigns to boost awareness, especially among vulnerable groups.

Ogeh said the proposed collaboration holds significant promise for improving the wellbeing of pupils and education personnel, thereby enhancing learning outcomes across the state.

The visit also featured the presentation of promotional materials by the RIVCHPP team to the board as part of ongoing efforts to deepen public awareness and participation in the scheme.