News
ADC, APC lose chairmen in Enugu, Kogi in one day
By Philippine Duru
philippineobetoduru@gmail.com
08034905774
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been thrown into mourning following the deaths of their local government chairmen in Enugu and Kogi states.
While the ADC chairman in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Hon. Chisimdiri Emmanuel Ngwu, was reportedly found dead under circumstances raising concerns about possible foul play, the APC chairman in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Mayowa Solomon Oyewole, reportedly slumped and died during a party reconciliation meeting.
Ngwu, said to be one of the longest-serving members of the ADC in Enugu State, was reportedly found dead in the early hours of Wednesday, August 19, 2026, shortly after leaving his residence.
A family source said Ngwu woke up early that morning, left home and did not return alive.
“He woke up early in the morning on Wednesday and walked out and that was the last we heard of him,” the source said.
The source said the family became worried after discovering that Ngwu was missing and later found his lifeless body in front of their compound.
“When we woke up, we didn’t see him, only to discover his lifeless body in front of our compound. We saw scratches on his neck which was twisted backwards,” the source added.
The circumstances surrounding his death have raised concerns among his family members, political associates and ADC supporters.
Two persons were reportedly arrested in connection with the incident, although their identities and the circumstances of their arrest were not immediately known.
The spokesman for the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, could not immediately confirm the incident, saying he was not aware of the development.
However, the immediate past chairman of the ADC in Enugu State, Mrs. Stella Chukwuma, confirmed Ngwu’s death after the state leadership of the party visited the deceased’s family.
Chukwuma said the account given by the family raised concerns about possible foul play.
“From what the family members told us, he woke up on Wednesday and left the house, only to be seen later as a dead man with bruises on his neck and chest while his head was twisted backwards,” she said.
She alleged that the injuries could be consistent with strangulation and called for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
In Kogi State, Oyewole died after reportedly collapsing during a reconciliation meeting among APC members at Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area, on Friday.
The meeting was convened by a former chairman of the local government, Funsho Olumoko, as part of efforts to reconcile aggrieved party members and strengthen unity among APC stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A source who witnessed the incident said Oyewole suddenly collapsed midway through the meeting.
“Oyewole suddenly collapsed and died midway through the meeting,” the source said.
He was reportedly rushed to a hospital in Kabba for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending doctor.
His sudden death reportedly shocked party leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters at the meeting, with news of his passing subsequently spreading across the state.
The circumstances surrounding his death had not been officially disclosed as of press time.
Meanwhile, the Ogidi-Omo Movement, a political pressure group, mourned Oyewole, describing his death as a major loss to Ijumu Local Government, the APC and Kogi West Senatorial District.
In a statement signed by the group’s leadership, the movement described Oyewole as a brother, leader and friend whose death came as a rude shock.
“His demise is a great loss not only to his family but to the entire progressive family in Ijumu and Kogi State,” the group said.
The group also commended his commitment to party unity, youth development and service to the people, saying his contributions to the APC and the development of Ijumu would be greatly missed.
It extended its condolences to Oyewole’s family, political associates and members of the APC.
The deaths of the two local government party chairmen have cast a pall over political activities in both states as parties intensify preparations and reconciliation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
By Philippine Duru
philippineobetoduru@gmail.com
08034905774
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that suspected hired thugs obstructed his visit to Yelwata community in Benue State, where more than 270 people were reportedly killed in a deadly attack.
Obi made the allegation in a statement following his arrival in Benue on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, saying he had travelled to the state on a humanitarian mission to commiserate with families affected by the killings.
According to him, he arrived in Benue at about 9:00 a.m. but his convoy was prevented from proceeding to the affected community by individuals chanting, “Peter Obi, go back.”
Obi described the incident as distressing, stressing that his visit was not politically motivated but intended to mourn with the bereaved, listen to affected families and offer solidarity following the tragedy.
He said the obstruction was particularly troubling at a time when Nigerians should be united in grief and focused on preventing further loss of lives.
The former governor recalled that he had consistently promoted political civility, citing his attendance the previous day at the opening of the national campaign office of opposition presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Abuja.
He said his presence at the event was meant to demonstrate that political differences should not prevent mutual respect and civility.
Obi also recalled that while serving as governor of Anambra State, he personally welcomed visiting opposition members during election campaigns, provided their activities remained within the law.
He condemned what he described as efforts to deepen political divisions, insisting that Nigerians should be able to live, travel and farm without fear.
“At a time when our nation should be united in grief and resolute in preventing further bloodshed, we must reject any action capable of deepening our divisions,” Obi said.
He maintained that the primary responsibility of government was to protect human life, arguing that political considerations should never take precedence over the safety and security of citizens.
Although he could not reach Yelwata as planned, Obi said his thoughts and prayers remained with the victims, their families and the entire community.
He pledged to continue advocating for the protection of Nigerian lives, concluding with his familiar declaration: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
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