Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Progressive Governors Forum has denied reports claiming that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, was removed as chairman of the forum. In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, the PGF described the report as “false and misleading.” “The attention of the Progressive Governors Forum has been drawn to a false and misleading report circulating in some media platforms alleging the removal of its Chairman, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON,” the statement read. The forum stated that no meeting was held where such a decision was taken, insisting that Uzodimma remains…

The Dispute and Conflict Resolution Department of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) has extended its anti cultism programme and war against drug abuse to secondary schools in Abia State. DrumAfricanews learnt that the programme which is ongoing in the entire 9 Niger Delta States, marka the full implementation of the NDDC’s sensitisation programme aimed at persuading youths of the region from indulging in drug abuse and cultism. The project which managed a reputable partner of the NDDC, Migvidav Nigeria Limited, is said to be aimed at building safer schools and a better society. Egondu Esinwoke, a representative of Migvidav…

Leaders from Umuahia-Ikwuano Federal Constituency has demanded that Hon. Obi Aguocha, member representing the constituency in the lower chamber be allowed to conclude his second term in office in line with equity agreement. The constituency, made up of Umuahia North Ikwuano, and Umuahia South LGAs, had earlier in their meeting resolved to stand on the existing rotational policy in electing their representatives. They demanded that Ohuhu clan in Umuahia North LGA where the current representative, Aguocha of Labour Party (LP) hails from, should be allowed to complete eight years for the constituency in line with the 2019 agreement. Some stakeholders…

Anastasia Odochi Uchenna, Veteran broadcaster and political commentator has officially stepped into the political arena, declaring her intention to contest for the Aba Central State Constituency seat in Abia State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Uchenna, who has spent nearly two decades in journalism and about 16 years actively analysing politics and advocating for good governance, confirmed that she has obtained the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms, signalling the start of her political journey. Uchenna’s entry marks a transition from media commentary to active participation in governance, something she says has long been a personal goal. In…

Mr Charles Ugochukwu Okezie, a young and vibrant businessman has declared his intention to contest the Obingwa West Constituency seat in the Abia State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections. Okezie made the declaration in his hometown of the Amaorji-Ukwu community in the Obingwa Local Government Area, where he praised the Governor of Abia State, Governor Alex Otti, describing him as a man that has changed the political landscape of the state with his infrastructural strides. He said that anybody who seeks an elective position in Abia State today now has a mentor, Governor Alex Otti, to look…

The immediate past speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, has celebrated Rit. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, on his birthday.  Orji, in a statement signed by his media director, Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie, described Kalu as a great friend and an exemplary lawmaker who has touched the lives of his people in significant ways. He said that Kalu is a legislator par excellence whose passion for rural development and sound representation has made him outstanding.  “This special day offers a moment to reflect on your remarkable service, dedication…

Imo State is firmly placed at the top of the labour hierarchy in Nigeria with a new wage ranking as the cost of living continues to shape the political discourse in 2026. From the data obtained by DrumAfricanews as compiled in April 2026 by a leading Nigerian financial media and data intelligence company, Nairamatics, Governor Hope Uzodimma has positioned the state as the best-paying sub-national entity for civil servants and medical professionals in Nigeria. As many states in Nigeria are still struggling to implement the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage Act signed in 2024, Imo State has more than doubled that…

Mr Peter Obi, presidential hopeful, and 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate has said that he left African Democratic Congress (ADC) because of endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building. He said that contrary to the insinuations out there, his decision to leave the ADC is not because the highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated him badly, nor because, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to him. Obi added that the same…

Elders from different autonomous communities in Bende Ward, Bende LGA of Abia State, have called on their traditional ruler, Eze Sir Anthony Okorochukwu, the Ohuhu IV of Bende Ancient Kingdom, to intervene in the growing political tension between their son, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu. In a strong show of unity and concern, the delegation of elders led by Chief Hon. Emmanuel Onwuchekwa, former Chairman of Bende LGA, paid a respectful visit to Eze Okorochukwu to formally present their concerns and report the matter, with the hope that all Ezes…

The South East APC Renewal Group has said that it has rejected Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu’s self-elevation as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, describing such claims from the senator as constitutionally baseless, politically mischievous, and an affront to the sensibilities of loyal party members across the state. In a statement made available to DrumAfricanews by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Jerry Okwu, the APC group said that OUK’s insinuation that a meeting with President Bola Tinubu conferred upon him any formal leadership role within the Abia APC is not only a misrepresentation of facts but also a…