Author: CoreNews Africa

Members of the Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, commonly referred to as Boko Haram, have executed a series of coordinated assaults against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in northern Borno State. These assaults have led to considerable casualties and the capture of significant equipment. Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the attacks occurred between December 23 and 24, targeting known ISWAP strongholds in Toumbun Gini, Mangari, Toumbun Saje, and Metele, resulting in numerous ISWAP militants being killed. He also noted that the JAS fighters managed to overpower ISWAP forces, capturing 20 motorcycles and demolishing several camps. “The attacks have compelled ISWAP to vacate its camps, and the group is now concentrating on rebuilding its forces while avoiding direct confrontations with JAS for the time being,” he stated in a post on X. Meanwhile, there has been no response from the Nigerian military or security agencies regarding the situation.

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party, has pledged to “dramatically decrease the number of votes for the All Progressives Congress in Kano State in the 2027 elections.” Kwankwaso revealed this during a meeting at his home in Kano on Wednesday with former councillors and senior special advisers from the previous administration. He thanked his team for their dedication during the 2023 elections, noting that their efforts led to the Peoples Democratic Party receiving only 15,000 votes in Kano. Kwankwaso credited this achievement to the NNPP’s impressive performance, accomplished despite being a new political party with a late-starting campaign. “Now, it’s our opportunity to reduce APC’s power.” “We will put in relentless effort to bring their votes down to under 15,000 in Kano by 2027,” he stated. The former governor highlighted the importance of commitment and grassroots organization to strengthen the NNPP’s status as a leading force in Kano and beyond. Kwankwaso encouraged his supporters to stay focused on achieving outcomes that would ensure the party’s success in upcoming elections.

Mr. Sunday Ikechukwu Damian, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, has alerted Governor Peter Mbah about an alleged effort by Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, a House of Representatives member for the Awgu/Oji-River/Aninri Federal Constituency, to oust all elected ward executives of the party in the area. Damian expressed his concerns in a statement released to the media on Thursday. He claimed that Onwuegbu recently met with the state PDP chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, seeking his support to remove the current ward executive members. According to Damian, Onwuegbu’s intention is to replace them with candidates of his choosing. He remarked, “We were initially skeptical about the rumors, but as time went on, it became clear that there might be truth to it. This was further confirmed last week when Dr. Uche Ugochukwu led Engr.” Anayo Onwuegbu is set to meet with the state chairman, Dr. Chukwunweike, at his home to address this concerning and undemocratic agenda. “According to a reliable source, the PDP Enugu State chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, informed Omeiheukwu and Dr. Uche Uzochukwu that he would consult with the Chief of Staff at the Enugu State Government House and get back to them.” “The newly elected ward executives are worried that since taking office, Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu has not convened a meeting with Oji River stakeholders or the communities of Oji, Awgu, and Aninri to update them on the mandate entrusted to him.” “Since his swearing-in as the representative for Oji River/Awgu/Aninri, his actions have primarily focused on further dividing the region into smaller factions.” He suggested that instead of spending money to remove the ward leaders, the lawmaker should support and guide them towards progress. “Does this mean that Engr Onwuegbu’s Christmas gift to the Party in Oji River LGA is to dismiss the ward executives rather than provide them with bags of rice like his peers? “Engr Anayo Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu) should realize that the current ward executives of Oji River LGA were involved in electing the new local government executives. “They also voted for the current executive chairman of Oji River LGA, Greg Anyaegbudike.” Similarly, they also took part in and supported the current PDP ENUGU State executives led by Dr. Martin Chukwunweike. “If he does not acknowledge the Oji River Local Government ward executives, then he should also dismiss the Zonal and State executives of PDP in Enugu State,” he added. “The law states that once you associate with the whole, you are automatically affiliated with the parts,” he continued. The party leader further remarked: “We are bringing to the attention of the governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Barr Peter Mbah, these undemocratic practices, which would be detrimental to the party. “We also urge the state party chairman to combat these disruptive plans from those who do not have the party’s or the state’s best interests at heart. “For Dr. Uche Uzochukwu, our advice is to take action while the opportunity is available and distance himself from anything that could destabilize the party. “Anyone taking steps that could create confusion in the party is engaging in anti-party activities and should be cautioned accordingly.” Attempts to obtain responses from the legislator were not successful by the time this report was filed.