*** Says C-O-R an honour and a call to greater responsibility

By Omansha Ndoki

The movement for a new political direction in Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency has recorded another milestone as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the House of Representatives, Hon. Sir Charles Uchenna Okafor, (Wiper, Omeluora Omambala), has received his Certificate of Return as the party’s duly elected candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The presentation took place at the NDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where the party formally recognised Okafor as its flag bearer for the Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

The development marks another significant step in his political journey and adds momentum to the political movement championing what it describes as a rescue mission for Oyi and Ayamelum Federal Constituency.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Okafor expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the confidence reposed in him, particularly acknowledging the party leadership for its support, fairness and commitment to ensuring a credible and transparent primary election.

He described the Certificate of Return as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility, assuring the party leadership and supporters of his commitment to the ideals and aspirations of the NDC.

Addressing Ndi Oyi and Ayamelum, Wiper reaffirmed his determination to make the constituency work for its people, promising purposeful representation, inclusive governance and tangible dividends of democracy.

He declared that his mission was to make Oyi/Ayamelum OK through effective legislative representation, people-oriented initiatives and sustained efforts towards addressing the developmental needs of the constituency.

Popularly identified with the slogan “Nigeria Must Be OK; Oyi-Ayamelum Must Be OK,” Wiper’s political message centres on the need for responsive leadership, accountability and renewed attention to the developmental aspirations of the people.

He also highlighted the NDC’s national political vision under the presidential ticket of His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, noting that their candidacies form part of the party’s broader agenda for a New Nigeria anchored on good governance, accountability, national unity and inclusive development.

By our reporter

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general election in Enugu State, Mr Obodoeze Ocho, has blamed flawed recruitment processes into political offices for the prevailing maladministration and economic hardship in the state and across Nigeria.

Ocho stated this weekend during the Enugu North zonal stakeholders’ meeting held in Nsukka. He faulted the procedures candidates emerge for various positions, noting that “the best are often left out due to lack of a level playing field”. He said APC in the state “places emphasis on credible candidates to ensure that square pegs are placed in square holes”.

In his words, “ADC is firmly committed to fielding credible individuals of unquestionable character across all elective positions in the state and indeed Nigeria. Our candidates emerge through free and fair means to avoid post-election crises. We are one family, and won’t deceive Ndi Enugu. That has been our mantra nationwide.”

It was gathered that ADC used the stakeholders’ meeting to unveil it’s senatorial candidate for the zone in the person of Dr Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi.

The Chairman of ADC in Enugu State, Mr Chris Eze, a retired General in the Nigerian Army, explained that the deliberate delay in unveiling the candidate was to ensure “a thorough vetting process”.

Gen Eze said the party prioritised selecting candidates “who stand head and shoulders above opponents in the zone”.

“We don’t compromise because we are pro-people. We provide an undiluted platform for the emergence of our candidates in a free and fair platform,” he said.

General Eze urged the people of Enugu North to reject inducement-driven politics and instead “vote for ADC candidates dedicated to protecting their true interests”.

The ADC senatorial candidate for the zone, Dr Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi, a UK-trained neurosurgeon, said he will ensure proper legislation for the benefit of the people of the zone. He pledged to ensure that the dream of Adada State creation is accomplished.

Our correspondent reports that Ugwuanyi is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons.

By Musa Disso, (Kaduna)

Nigerian security agencies have continued to record progress in the war against terror, as troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have killed several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including a member of the group’s Shura Council, Abu Hajara, and a prominent commander, Abul Walid, during an encounter in Kukawa, Borno State.

Also killed were two other high-ranking Arab fighters during an attack, which took place on October 31, 2026.

It was confirmed that Abul Walid who was identified as a close associate of Ba Shuwa, the overall Wali of ISWAP was killed in the successful raid on the terrorist gang

According to a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, troops deployed to Kukawa repelled a major ISWAP attack on their positions, with ground forces supported by air assets from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

The troops recovered several weapons, ammunition and communication devices following the engagement.

The military described the operation as a demonstration of the troops’ combat readiness, vigilance and superior firepower, adding that it reflected the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist groups across the theatre.

The attack on the troops’ positions in Kukawa came barely three days after the assault on Buni Yadi, where 55 terrorists were neutralised, according to the military.

Those killed in the Buni Yadi operation included key commanders identified as Ali Mandara Abba Gajiri, also known as Munzir; Habu Ikkima Nakif Yana Faruk; and Commander Gogore.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting law-abiding residents and sustaining operations aimed at eliminating terrorist groups and destroying their camps across the region.