Politics
2023 Presidency: Amaechi gets extra security amid rumour of Buhari’s endorsement
Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi now has extra security, a development linked to the race for Nigeria’s 2023 presidency.
Sources claim President Muhammadu Buhari is favourably disposed towards seeing the former Rivers Governor succeed him.
“The President will not raise an objection if Amaechi desires to contest. In the interim, the calculation is he will run alongside (Governor) El-Rufai.
“Also, I can confirm that security around the minister has been doubled. This could not have happened without Mr President’s clearance”, one said.
Apart from additional protective operatives keeping watch, Amaechi currently moves about in a recently purchased bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
During an interview in January, the Nigerian leader declined to reveal his preferred choice for the country’s topmost job.
“I would not (mention) because he may be eliminated if I do. I better keep that a secret”, Buhari said.
Amaechi was Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker from 1999 to 2007 and Rivers Governor from 2007 till 2015.
Last weekend, supporters of the 56-year-old marched round major streets of Calabar, the capital of Cross River.
Bearing placards and other promotional items, they urged him to declare an intention to run in 2023, insisting he is qualified.
The loyalists, under the aegis of Unity House Foundation (UHF), are spread across the six South-South states.
“We are here to join voices, with our members and other youths across Nigeria, to call on the Minister to declare his aspiration to run for President.
“He has a track record, from his days as Speaker through Governor of Rivers, Chairman of Governors Forum, and Speakers.
“He has been able to revitalise the railway system in the country, the Maritime Academy in Oron, among others”, said UHF Chairman, Chima Onuoha.
Some All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains have signified their interest to vie for the presidential ticket.
They include ex-Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu, ex-Abia Governor Orji Kalu, Ebonyi Governor David Umahi. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Ekiti Governor are reportedly eyeing the seat but yet to declare.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Ngozi Odu, issuing them a seven-day notice to respond to allegations of gross misconduct.
The Assembly cited eight specific allegations of gross misconduct as the basis for the move.
This is the third time Fubara and Odu would be facing impeachment proceedings from the Assembly since coming to office in 2023.
Attempts to impeach them in 2023 and 2025, amid political feuds between the Governor and his predecessor and erstwhile political god-father, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had been halted by presidential intervention.
Here are the allegations below:
1. Reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds
2. Unconstitutional misappropriation of public funds
3. Hindering the Rivers Assembly from performing its constitutional duties
4. Illegal appointments of persons without screening by the House of Assembly as provided by the Constitution
5. Seizure of salaries and funds meant for Assembly members
6. Seizure of salaries of the clerk of the Rivers House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi
7. Refusal to implement provisions of the Constitution on financial autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary
8. Withholding of funds meant for the running of the Rivers House of Assembly Service Commission and hindering its activities
Lilian Adebayo, the wife of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, has said that the party will unseat the ruling All Progressive Party at the 2027 election if Nigerians are true to themselves.
Mrs Adebayo made this assertion known on Wednesday during an interview with journalists after an event in Abuja.
According to her, the opposition party has overcome its crisis after the expulsion of its former chairman, Shehu Gabam and others.
She said Nigerians should vote the APC out in the 2027 general election due to the hardship the party has plunged citizens into.
“There is always a crisis in the party; the SPD has been able to handle its own. The problems in the party have been resolved.
“He has a great chance of winning the election if Nigerians are honest with themselves. If Nigerians think that the ones they consistently vote for would move the country forward, they live in denial,” she concerning the husband.
Recall that SDP recently expelled Gabam and other party executives.
The party’s state chairmen on Wednesday urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the police to investigate Gabam over alleged misappropriation.
In a significant political move, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
Mbah announced his decision during a televised broadcast in Enugu after weeks of speculation.
He said, “Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress.”
Mbah explained that his decision to join the PDP was informed by the need to reshape Enugu and reorganise the politics of the state.
“Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past and to share a decision that will shape the road ahead. This concerns our values, how we organize ourselves politically and how we secure the future of our project and our people.
“Leadership sometimes demands painful decisions in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes a time, when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny.”
Ahead of the governor’s defection, all members of his cabinet had on joined the ruling party.
Governor Mbah’s Senior Media Aide, Dan Nwomeh, confirmed the mass defection in a video posted on his social media handles on Monday. In the video, several government officials were seen openly declaring their allegiance to the APC, chanting praises for President Bola Tinubu and affirming their commitment to the new party.
“Enugu State Cabinet Members join the APC with full chest along with Governor PN Mbah,” Nwomeh stated.
The officials, including commissioners and top aides, could be heard in the video declaring, “We are now in APC; tomorrow is here; it is APC all the way; it is Jagaban all the way; from top to bottom.”
The collective defection marks a significant political shift in Enugu State, which has been a PDP stronghold since 1999.
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