close
Women Times

Politics

NewsPolitics

PDP Screens Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Kogi Central Senatorial Re-Election Bid

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday screened Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for the Kogi Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The screening exercise, held in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, forms part of the party’s internal processes to prepare aspirants for primaries across various positions. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly, participated fully prepared with all required credentials and supporting documents.

Speaking after the exercise, the senator expressed gratitude to PDP leaders, supporters, and the people of Kogi Central for their sustained confidence in her leadership.

“Today, I travelled to Lokoja to participate in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) screening exercise for aspirants seeking elective offices in the 2027 general elections,” she said. “Taking no chances, I arrived fully prepared… I am pleased to have successfully completed the screening exercise as part of the process ahead of the party primaries for the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial Election under the platform of the PDP.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan described the screening as a vital democratic step and reaffirmed her commitment to purposeful representation. She pledged that, if re-elected for a second term, her agenda would prioritise:

Massive youth and women empowerment programmes.

Expansion of educational opportunities through scholarships and learning support.

Rural road rehabilitation and infrastructure development.

Improved healthcare delivery.

Support for small-scale businesses and entrepreneurs.

Attraction of more federal projects to the district.

Enhanced electricity supply, community security collaboration, job creation, and economic growth across the five local government areas of Kogi Central.

She emphasised that her bid is rooted in service, unity, and inclusive leadership, declaring: “This represents a renewed commitment to quality representation, purposeful leadership, and continued service to the people… For love. For people. For service. 2027.”

Supporters across Kogi Central have welcomed her participation, viewing it as a significant step toward the PDP primaries and the general elections. Her re-election bid is reportedly gaining momentum among party stakeholders, youths, women groups, and grassroots mobilisers.

This comes after the senator recently submitted her Expression of Interest and Nomination forms, positioning herself as a strong contender in what could be a high-stakes contest for the Kogi Central seat.

read more
NewsPolitics

Aisha Yesufu Dumps ADC, Joins NDC, Declares Bid for FCT Senate Seat

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has officially resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where she has declared her candidacy for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Yesufu announced her decision on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, through her verified social media accounts. She attributed the move to her decision to align with the leadership of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, describing him as one who “embodies the hope and aspiration of a Nigeria that works.

“The next couple of days will define the future of this nation. This deeper understanding is why I resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as I follow the leadership of HE Peter Obi…

“This time I am joining the NDC not just as a member but as one running for the FCT Senatorial seat,” she stated.

Yesufu’s defection is the latest in a wave of high-profile exits from the ADC following reports of internal crises and the movement of key opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the NDC.

The activist, well-known as co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign and a vocal advocate for good governance, is expected to inject fresh energy and visibility into the NDC’s FCT structure. Her senatorial bid sets up a potential high-profile contest against incumbent Senator Ireti Kingibe of the ADC, whose political fate within her party remains uncertain ahead of a court judgment scheduled for May 18, 2026.

Political analysts view Yesufu’s move as part of a broader realignment in the opposition ahead of 2027, as parties jostle for relevance and strong candidates in key constituencies like the FCT.

Reactions have begun to pour in, with supporters hailing her decision as bold while critics question the frequency of her party sw.

read more
Politics

ADC Suspension: Ireti Kingibe to know fate May 18

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 18, 2026, to deliver judgment in a suit seeking to uphold the indefinite suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe by the Wuse Ward chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Justice Peter Lifu made the announcement on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both parties in the matter. The suit, filed by the Wuse Ward Executive Committee of the ADC, prays the court to declare Senator Kingibe’s suspension valid and subsisting, and to restrain her from parading herself as a member of the party.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, was suspended indefinitely on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward chapter. The ward executives accused her of anti-party activities, insubordination, gross misconduct, and alleged violation of the party’s constitution, including the confiscation of ward statutory records.

The suspension was announced by the then Wuse Ward Chairman, Kanayo Chukwu, during a stakeholders’ meeting. The ward claimed the decision was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive committee and properly communicated to relevant party organs.

However, the suspension triggered a rift within the ADC. The national leadership of the party and the FCT chapter initially distanced themselves from the action, describing it as unconstitutional and contrary to party procedures. The FCT chapter reportedly nullified the suspension and sanctioned some ward officials involved.

During proceedings, counsel to the plaintiffs argued for the validity of the suspension, while Kingibe’s legal team opposed the suit. The court had earlier granted an order for substituted service of court documents on the senator.

In an earlier ruling, Justice Lifu declined to grant an interim order stopping Senator Kingibe from participating in ADC activities pending the determination of the main suit.

The judgment on May 18 will be significant not only for Senator Kingibe’s status within the ADC but also for the broader internal dynamics of the party in the FCT. As the sole ADC senator representing the territory, her political alignment and activities have drawn considerable attention.

Stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the court upholds the ward-level suspension or sides with arguments emphasizing higher party structures and due process.

Further details on the judgment and reactions from the parties are expected after the May 18 ruling.

read more
Politics

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Buys Senate Nomination Forms, Eyes Second Term in 2027

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has formally purchased her nomination and expression of interest forms for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signalling her bid for re-election in the 2027 National Assembly elections.

The senator received the forms on Monday in Abuja from her husband, Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, who purchased them on her behalf. She expressed profound gratitude to him for his unwavering support, stating that his approval was crucial to her decision to seek a second term.

“If you had said no, I would not have taken this step towards the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial elections,” the senator remarked while accepting the forms.

In a statement issued by her media aide, Mike Idoko, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan thanked the people of Kogi Central for their continued support and endorsements. She highlighted the progress recorded during her current tenure and pledged to build on her legacy of people-driven initiatives, empowerment programmes, and inclusive development.

“Together, we will build a Kogi Central that works for all,” she added, promising expanded opportunities and responsive governance if re-elected.

The move comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 polls. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has positioned herself as a strong voice for her district, is expected to face stiff competition, including potential challenges from prominent figures in Kogi politics.

Her re-election bid has already garnered significant attention, with supporters describing her as a dedicated representative committed to the development of Kogi Central and the state at large.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was first elected to the Senate in 2023 under the PDP platform.

read more
Politics

𝗜𝘆𝗮𝗯𝗼 𝗢𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗯 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a move that is already generating serious buzz ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Ogun State, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, the first child of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, has called for unity and collaboration among political stakeholders to stamp out electoral violence once and for all.

The University of Ibadan-trained veterinary doctor and epidemiologist made the passionate appeal on Friday during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement with the Ogun State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the council’s secretariat in Abeokuta.

Dressed in her signature elegant style and exuding the confidence of a woman ready to lead, Senator Obasanjo stressed that open dialogue and proactive collaboration are the real game-changers needed to reduce tension and ensure peaceful polls.

“Collaboration reduces tension because it creates room for dialogue and open discussion of issues. Through this, problems can be addressed ahead of time, ensuring that on election day, there is no violence or conflict. That, I believe, is the essence of empathetic collaboration, which I want all of us to be conscious of as we draw closer to the 2027 elections and beyond,” she said.

The former Ogun State Commissioner for Health, who has decades of experience both in and outside politics, used the platform to also reiterate her vision for the state. She promised to prioritise job creation through industrialisation and agricultural development, invest heavily in digital skills for the youth, and deliver improved healthcare and education if given the mandate to govern Ogun State.

Her engagement with IPAC is being seen as a strategic step in her consultations, showing her commitment to inclusive politics and building bridges across party lines.

Reacting to the meeting, IPAC Chairman, Abayomi Sanyaolu, confirmed that the council currently recognises only three serious governorship aspirants in the state based on formal engagement: Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola.

“As it stands today, we recognise only three aspirants: Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and Sarafa Tunji Isola. We do not have four or five for now,” Sanyaolu stated. He emphasised that IPAC, which brings together chairmen of all registered political parties in the state, expects every serious aspirant to present their plans and vision at the council’s secretariat.

This latest development comes as political activities in Ogun State begin to heat up, with many eyes now on how stakeholders will respond to Senator Obasanjo’s call for empathetic collaboration. Her message is clear: peace, dialogue, and collective responsibility must take centre stage as the state prepares for 2027.

Nigerians, especially in Ogun, are watching closely. Will this call spark the much-needed change in the state’s political landscape? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain — Senator Iyabo Obasanjo is not just talking the talk, she’s walking the walk towards a more peaceful and united Ogun State.

 

read more
NewsPolitics

Minister David Umahi Denies Deploying Police Over Alleged Campaign Debt Dispute

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, has firmly denied allegations that he deployed police officers to harass or intimidate a woman over an unpaid campaign debt.

The denial follows viral social media claims, including a confrontation involving activist Omoyele Sowore at the FCT Police Command in Abuja. Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, a businesswoman, has accused the minister of owing her a substantial sum, reportedly around ₦200-250 million for campaign materials supplied during Umahi’s 2015 governorship election in Ebonyi State. She further alleged that the debt remained unpaid partly due to her rejecting personal advances from him, and claimed police action against her came from her public demands for payment.

In a statement issued on Thursday through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi rejected the accusations as “false and misleading.” He emphasized that he did not personally deploy the police to settle any personal score or civil matter.

“Contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed by Sowore, the Honourable Minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score,” the statement read. “The Nigeria Police Force, acting within its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and investigate complaints, acted on a petition submitted by the minister’s lawyer, arrested her, and invited the Honourable Minister in line with standard procedure for statements.”

Umahi described Ohiri’s claims as inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, noting that the matter had been under police investigation following a formal legal petition. He insisted no harassment or victimization occurred, and that police involvement followed due process in response to what his team views as damaging and unverified public allegations.

The incident gained prominence after a viral video showed Sowore confronting Umahi at the police headquarters, accusing him of using security agencies to resolve a private civil dispute. Sowore described the police actions as turning the issue into a “criminal spectacle” and labeled the encounter as part of efforts to address alleged intimidation.

The dispute, which appears to date back over a decade, has sparked widespread online debate, with some Nigerians questioning the use of police resources in what many describe as a civil debt matter, while others call for both parties to resolve it through proper legal channels.

As of now, the police have invited both parties for statements, and the case remains under investigation. Neither side has indicated immediate plans for civil litigation over the alleged debt.

 

read more
NewsPolitics

FCT Area Council Elections: Senator Ireti Kingibe Condemns Minister Wike’s Imposed Curfew as ‘Authoritarian’

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Senator Ireti Kingibe, the representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has sharply criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the imposition of a curfew and movement restrictions ahead of Saturday’s area council elections.

In a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, Minister Wike declared Friday a work-free day across the FCT to facilitate preparations for the polls. He further announced severe restrictions on human and vehicular movement from 8 p.m. on Friday until 6 p.m. on Saturday, effectively creating a roughly 22-hour lockdown in the nation’s capital.

Reacting swiftly, Senator Kingibe, in a statement released on Friday through her Special Assistant on Media, Matilda Duncan, described the measure as “authoritarian, ill-considered, and unacceptable in a democratic society.” She argued that the unilateral decision, made without broad consultation with key stakeholders represents “a direct affront to democratic governance and the constitutional rights of residents.”

The senator emphasized that while maintaining law and order is important, security concerns cannot justify such “executive overreach.” She noted that the FCT has no apparent serious security threats warranting the restriction, pointing out that this is the first time in the capital’s history that such a sweeping curfew has been imposed for a local election.

“People do not understand the reason for this restriction. Many residents have various activities and responsibilities in the evening, and such a curfew unnecessarily limits their freedom in a democratic society,” Kingibe stated. She highlighted the negative impact on small businesses and the broader economy, warning that residents’ rights, freedoms, and economic well-being should not be compromised by arbitrary actions.

Kingibe has called on Minister Wike to immediately review and suspend the curfew, stressing that FCT residents are citizens of a democratic republic, not subjects under authoritarian rule.

The development comes amid preparations for the area council polls, which are seen as a test of electoral readiness ahead of future national exercises. Critics have raised concerns about the measure’s proportionality, while supporters of the minister’s directive argue it aims to ensure peaceful voting.

As the elections approach on Saturday, February 21, 2026, all eyes remain on whether the restrictions will proceed as announced or face further pushback from stakeholders.

read more
NewsHealthPolitics

Oby Ezekwesili Shows Up at National Assembly Protest, Says Senate’s Trying to Make Election Rigging Easier

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili was right there with the protesters today outside the National Assembly gates in Abuja, making it clear she’s not letting this slide. The crowd has been out for days now, pushing hard for the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to lock in mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, no ifs, no buts.

Ezekwesili, who’s never one to mince words, told journalists straight up that the Senate is pushing an “ambiguous” clause that basically hands INEC the power to decide when or if results get uploaded electronically. She said: “If the Senate gets away with a provision that is ambiguous, that gives power of discretion to determine the ifs and the buts, instead of making the clause mandatory, that every vote must count in this country, then we are weakening the core principle of electoral transparency.”

She’s calling it what a lot of people are thinking: this could open the door wide for manipulation before 2027. The only way votes actually count, she stressed, is if transmission is compulsory and happens in real time from every polling unit straight to the IReV portal.

She wasn’t alone, former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung and activist Omoyele Sowore were also there, along with groups like Situation Room, ActionAid, and labour folks under the Movement for Credible Elections. The protesters want the House version of the bill to win out in the end, because it reportedly keeps e-transmission mandatory, while the Senate seems ready to water it down or make it optional.

This comes right after the Senate already cut the time for INEC to publish election notices and rejected mandatory real-time uploads earlier this month. People are calling it everything from a “coup against democracy” to straight-up “programming rigging into law.”

Ezekwesili put it bluntly: the fight is about whether our votes will count or not. With 2027 not far off, the pressure’s on the lawmakers to sort this out without killing the transparency most Nigerians are demanding.

read more
NewsPolitics

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Demands Urgent Action on Niger Delta Oil Spill Cleanups

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called for decisive federal intervention to address the persistent environmental crisis caused by oil spills in the Niger Delta, grilling the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over the slow pace of remediation efforts.

During a joint budget defence session for the marine transport sector on Tuesday, February 10, the senator highlighted the devastating long-term impact of oil exploration on the region. She pointed out that Nigeria has recorded over 7,000 oil spills since commercial oil production began in 1958, describing the situation as one that should have been resolved through existing policies and interventions.

“The Niger Delta region has been severely impacted, and although some cleanup measures have been undertaken, our farmers and fishermen have borne the greatest burden,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated. She emphasized the human and economic toll, noting that local communities continue to suffer from polluted water sources, destroyed farmlands, and depleted fisheries, undermining livelihoods in coastal areas central to Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations.

Directing her questions at Minister Oyetola, the lawmaker sought clarity on the ministry’s engagement with International Oil Companies (IOCs), particularly Shell, to enforce effective cleanup operations.

“My question to you, Honourable Minister, is this: how have you, in your capacity as Minister of the Blue Economy, engaged the various IOCs, especially Shell, to ensure that oil-spill cleanup activities in the region are actually carried out?” she asked.

The inquiry comes amid ongoing concerns about environmental degradation in the oil-rich Niger Delta, where spills have contaminated ecosystems, posing risks to public health, biodiversity, and sustainable development. Despite initiatives like the UNEP-recommended Ogoni cleanup and various government policies, critics argue that progress remains inadequate, with many sites still polluted decades after incidents.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s intervention underscores growing legislative pressure for accountability from oil operators and stronger federal oversight to protect vulnerable communities and align environmental remediation with national economic goals in the marine and blue economy sectors.

The session points to calls for justice in the Niger Delta, where affected residents and activists have long demanded full restoration, compensation, and preventive measures against future spills.

The senator’s demand highlights the need to balance resource extraction with environmental sustainability and community welfare.

read more
NewsPolitics

Former ADC National Woman Leader, Hon. Kayauta Yakubu, Defects to Ruling APC

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Hon. Kayauta Yakubu, the former National Woman Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party.

The defection ceremony took place on Tuesday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Yakubu was officially received into the party by the APC National Woman Leader, Dr. Mary Alile-Idele, in the presence of her supporters, political associates, and the APC Chairman for Kuje Area Council, Alhaji Adamu Danladi Ibrahim.

Speaking on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Dr. Alile-Idele welcomed Yakubu, describing her move as joining “a growing and forward-moving political platform.” She highlighted the APC’s openness to Nigerians committed to national development and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for reforms in infrastructure, empowerment programs, and initiatives like the NELFUND student loan scheme, which has enhanced access to higher education.

Alile-Idele emphasized the party’s expanding membership as a sign of public confidence and urged others to join what she called “a moving train,” contrasting it with what she described as a “sinking ship” in Yakubu’s former party. She noted Yakubu’s influence, particularly among women, and expressed expectations for her active contribution ahead of future elections.

In her address, Hon. Kayauta Yakubu, a Kuje-born politician from Rubochi Ward in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), explained that her decision stemmed from her positive assessment of governance and development under the APC-led administration, particularly in areas like security and infrastructure.

“I decided to join the APC because I have seen the governance and progress of the administration… I felt I was wasting my time in my former party, so I chose to join this movement and contribute my quota,” she said. Yakubu stressed that the move was voluntary and driven by a desire to serve her people and support national growth. She added that the APC was not new to her, as she had been part of the party during its merger formation before leaving earlier.

The defection underscores ongoing political realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Yakubu’s return to the APC, where she reportedly had prior ties, has been hailed by party leaders as a strategic gain for the ruling party.

read more
1 2 3 4
Page 1 of 4