Politics
NUJ honours Ekechi with Grand Patron, Advertising Icon of the year award
Advertising guru, TOE Ekechi, was at the weekend extolled with the award of Grand Patron and Advertising Icon of the year 2026 by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Chapel of the he Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja
The chapel noted that the prestigious award was conferred on the Imerienwe Ngor Okpala born advertising icon, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to national development, media advancement, entrepreneurship and humanitarian service.
Chairperson of the chapel, Ngozi Ufomba said the award was to acknowledge Ekechi’s remarkable record of service in public administration, strategic communications, private enterprise and national development, as well as his unwavering support for the Nigerian media and the promotion of democratic ideals.
A distinguished traditional leader and respected statesman, Ekechi holds the revered titles of Ugo Eji Ejemba of Ngor Okpala, Imo State, and Araba of Temidire, Ekiti State.
He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, England, and a Fellow of several distinguished professional bodies, including the Chartered National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, the Institute of Brand Management, the International Research Scholars and Administrators, and the Baptist College of Theology.
Over the years, Dr. Ekechi has served the nation with distinction in several strategic capacities, including as Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Imo State; Director of Planning and Monitoring of the APC Presidential Campaign Council; Coordinator of the APC National Control Centre, Abuja; Convener of the Restoration Coalition (The Imerienwe Declaration); Convener of the United Nigeria Initiative for Peace and Prosperity; and Federal Commissioner representing the South-East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission from 2019 to 2023.
As Chairman and promoter of a Marketing and Media Group. Ekechi has built one of Nigeria’s respected integrated marketing communications and advertising conglomerates, with interests spanning advertising, media services, branding, commodity brokerage, consultancy and renewable energy solutions.
The NUJ FCTA Chapel observed that the former member of board of the North East Development Commission (NEC), has consistently demonstrated uncommon patriotism, exemplary integrity and visionary leadership through his commitment to economic empowerment, community development, responsible public engagement and the advancement of ethical values in governance and business.
His latest recognition adds to an impressive catalogue of honours previously bestowed on him, including Best Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Imo State Since the Return of Democracy, Integrity Man of the Year, Media Personality of the Year, Most Media-Friendly Personality Award, Distinguished Defender of Freedom Award, and Distinguished Nigerian COVID-19 Ambassador Award, among many others.
The Union further noted that Ekechi’s enduring partnership with the media profession and his sustained investment in Nigeria’s advertising industry have significantly contributed to the growth of strategic communication and national development.
Politics
Oborevwori’s records enough to win him re-election, says Delta commissioner, Aniagwu
The Delta State commissioner for Works (Rural roads) and Information, Charles Aniagwu has declared that governor Sheriff Oborevwori will showcase his record of achievements to win the 2027 governorship election, rather than making promises to the electorate.
Aniagwu stated during a media briefing in Asaba that the administration’s performance under the MORE Agenda.has showcased several completed projects which have touched the people of the state positively
He said the governor’s first mandate had been justified by projects and programmes across the state, insisting that the administration would seek a fresh mandate on the strength of its performance record.
“The first mandate given to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2023 has been very justified in terms of the promises he made, and the deliverables have been very obvious and visible to our people,” he said.
The commissioner stated further that the governor would take the MORE Agenda to a higher level if re-elected, adding that Deltans would be presented with tangible evidence of what the administration had delivered.
He claimed the government’s performance had unsettled the opposition, which he accused of resorting to allegations and narratives disconnected from the realities on the ground.
Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would not be distracted by political attacks but would remain focused on development, good governance and improving the lives of Deltans.
He cited the recent Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba as evidence of growing confidence in the state.
Aniagwu expressed confidence that the people of Delta would judge the administration by its performance when they return to the polls.
In response to allegations by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that Oborevwori was planning to eliminate him, Aniagwu dismissed the claim as baseless and politically motivated.
He said there was no reason for the governor to target Omo-Agege because the two men were contesting different offices in 2027.
“Governor Oborevwori is running for the position of Governor of Delta State. Omo-Agege is not his opponent on the same ballot paper. So, nothing brings both of them together in the course of the election,” Aniagwu said.
He recalled that Oborevwori defeated Omo-Agege in the 2023 governorship election, attributing the victory to the governor’s credibility and acceptance by Deltans.
“Why will Governor Oborevwori leave his lane and begin to look for somebody who is not even contesting against him?” he asked.
Aniagwu also said Oborevwori’s entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) had strengthened the party’s unity and leadership in Delta, adding that this was reflected in its recent primary elections.
He questioned why anyone facing a genuine threat would make public accusations without first reporting the matter to security agencies.
The commissioner said the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property, citing its support for security agencies, security summits and increased collaboration among security formations.
Politics
2027: I will declare my political future soon, says Goje
Amid rumours of defection, former governor of Gombe state, Senator Danjuma Goje, has urged his supporters to remain calm while in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as he makes a decision on the future of his political journey
Goje, who was denied a ticket to return to the senate by his ruling APC, however denied reports that he has defected to another political party, ahead of the 2027 elections
The former governor who currently represents Gombe Central, said despite the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list of candidates for the 2027 general elections, he remains a member of the APC, while he consults political stakeholders adding that he would announce his next political move at the appropriate time.
Speaking to his supporters on Saturday at his residence in Gombe at the weekend, the former governor urged them to remain loyal to the party’s leaders and prepare for his eventual directive.
“Do not listen to betrayers, go home, prepare, be loyal to our party leaders and wait for my final order,
“I am not defecting to any party now, however I am consulting stakeholders, but I promise I will be with my supporters with or without a Senate ticket.” Gone told his supporters
Goje who served as governor of Gombe State between 2003 and 2011, transformed to the Senate, where he has served for a record fourth term representing Gombe Central
He however lost the party’s ticket to another aspirant, Mohammed Ahmed emerged as the APC candidate for Gombe Central.
Oborevwori’s records enough to win him re-election, says Delta commissioner, Aniagwu
The Delta State commissioner for Works (Rural roads) and Information, Charles Aniagwu has declared that governor Sheriff Oborevwori will showcase his record of achievements to win the 2027 governorship election, rather than making promises to the electorate.
Aniagwu stated during a media briefing in Asaba that the administration’s performance under the MORE Agenda.has showcased several completed projects which have touched the people of the state positively
He said the governor’s first mandate had been justified by projects and programmes across the state, insisting that the administration would seek a fresh mandate on the strength of its performance record.
“The first mandate given to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2023 has been very justified in terms of the promises he made, and the deliverables have been very obvious and visible to our people,” he said.
The commissioner stated further that the governor would take the MORE Agenda to a higher level if re-elected, adding that Deltans would be presented with tangible evidence of what the administration had delivered.
He claimed the government’s performance had unsettled the opposition, which he accused of resorting to allegations and narratives disconnected from the realities on the ground.
Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would not be distracted by political attacks but would remain focused on development, good governance and improving the lives of Deltans.
He cited the recent Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba as evidence of growing confidence in the state.
Aniagwu expressed confidence that the people of Delta would judge the administration by its performance when they return to the polls.
In response to allegations by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that Oborevwori was planning to eliminate him, Aniagwu dismissed the claim as baseless and politically motivated.
He said there was no reason for the governor to target Omo-Agege because the two men were contesting different offices in 2027.
“Governor Oborevwori is running for the position of Governor of Delta State. Omo-Agege is not his opponent on the same ballot paper. So, nothing brings both of them together in the course of the election,” Aniagwu said.
He recalled that Oborevwori defeated Omo-Agege in the 2023 governorship election, attributing the victory to the governor’s credibility and acceptance by Deltans.
“Why will Governor Oborevwori leave his lane and begin to look for somebody who is not even contesting against him?” he asked.
Aniagwu also said Oborevwori’s entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) had strengthened the party’s unity and leadership in Delta, adding that this was reflected in its recent primary elections.
He questioned why anyone facing a genuine threat would make public accusations without first reporting the matter to security agencies.
The commissioner said the state government remained committed to protecting lives and property, citing its support for security agencies, security summits and increased collaboration among security formations.
Politics
2027: NEC gets 7 days ultimatum to publish political donation limits, party finances
By Tony Chuddy
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a 7 days ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to exercised its statutory powers to pronounce limits on political campaign spendings and contributions
SERAP in Freedom of Information (FOI) request, cited Section 91 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which gives INEC the power to place limits on the amount of money or other assets an individual may contribute to a political party or candidate.
The organisation said the law also provides sanctions where individuals, candidates or political parties exceed applicable limits prescribed by the commission.
The organisation further urged INEC to publish any political contribution limits prescribed under the law and disclose detailed statements of political parties’ assets, liabilities, sources of funds and expenditure.
It also asked the commission to publish political parties’ annual financial statements, audited accounts and election expenditure returns for 2023 to 2025, as well as relevant examination and audit reports submitted to the National Assembly.
SERAP gave INEC seven days from the receipt or publication of its request to provide the information, warning that it would take appropriate legal action to compel compliance if the commission failed to respond.
The organisation made the demands in a Freedom of Information request dated August 22, 2026, asking the electoral umpire to publish any applicable contribution limits and widely communicate them to political parties, candidates, donors and the Nigerian public.
SERAP further requested the commission to disclose the systems, personnel and procedures it has put in place to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance with political contribution and campaign expenditure limits during the ongoing 2027 electoral process, as well as it’s detailed methodology for monitoring political financing, including cash and in-kind donations, digital and social media financing, third-party expenditure and contributions made through intermediaries.
SERAP in the request, which was signed by it’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, noted that greater transparency in political financing was necessary to ensure a level playing field and enable citizens to make free and informed political choices.
It emphasised that INEC’s responsibility went beyond receiving financial statements from political parties, stressing that the Constitution requires the commission to examine party finances, conduct necessary investigations and report to the National Assembly.
The organisation warned that the increasing monetisation of elections and the potential misuse of state institutions posed serious threats to democratic integrity and fair electoral competition.
SERAP expressed concern over what it described as persistent challenges in regulating political finance in Nigeria, including excessive campaign spending, opaque funding sources, weak disclosure requirements and limited enforcement of statutory rules.
The organisation noted that it remained unclear whether INEC had prescribed, clearly published and effectively monitored applicable contribution limits under the Electoral Act, 2026.
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