An Anambra State High Court has authorized Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to serve legal documents to Kenneth Okonkwo, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) leader, through substituted means. The order was issued this past Tuesday by Justice D.A. Onyefulu, following an ex parte application submitted by Obi’s counsel, Chisom Ibemesi, after initial attempts at personal service proved unsuccessful.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Under the court’s directive, legal documents may be posted at Okonkwo’s Nsukka residence in Enugu State or handed to any adult present at that location. Furthermore, Justice Onyefulu mandated that photographic evidence of the service be placed in the court’s file to ensure the order is properly documented.

This lawsuit arises from accusations of defamation, stemming from an appearance by Okonkwo on Channels Television’s Politics Today. During the interview, Okonkwo claimed that Obi and the NDC’s South-East caucus had solicited bribes from legislative aspirants in exchange for party tickets. While Obi has demanded a formal retraction, a public apology, and ₦8 billion in damages for harm to his reputation, Okonkwo has refused these terms, maintaining that his statements were grounded in facts and constituted fair comment on matters of public concern.

In a significant political reconciliation ahead of the 2027 general election, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has named actor and attorney Kenneth Okonkwo as his campaign spokesperson. Okonkwo announced the news via early Thursday, July 2, 2026, confirming that the move signals a resolution to his previous public opposition regarding the selection of Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Previously, Okonkwo had distanced himself from the campaign, citing concerns over the perceived marginalization of the South-East region. However, following internal dialogues, he stated that the concerns of the South-East have now been addressed and secured, taking into account the constraints of the Electoral Act, 2026.

Okonkwo highlighted that his appointment serves as a testament to Atiku’s commitment to democratic principles, noting that the former Vice President prioritizes open communication and compromise over harboring grudges against those who voice critical opinions.

In his official statement, Okonkwo expressed deep gratitude to Atiku for the trust placed in him, as well as to Dr. Kashim Imam, Ralphs Nwosu, and Dr. Ekene Onwuka for their roles in fostering the reconciliation and strengthening the ADC coalition. He concluded by asking for continued public support as he steps into this new role, which he views as a pivotal step toward building a better Nigeria.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing significant internal uncertainty regarding its official Senate candidate list following a decision to reinstate several incumbent lawmakers across nine states: Kogi, Abia, Benue, Taraba, Ondo, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and Ebonyi. This reversal restores the tickets of six sitting senators—Sunday Karimi, Emmanuel Udende, Titus Zam, Shuaibu Isa Lau, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, and Olajide Ipinsagba—while Prince Paul Ikonne has replaced Edinburgh Erondu for the Abia South ticket. A notable outcome of this review is the nullification of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam’s primary victory in favor of incumbent Senator Emmanuel Udende.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This development coincides with a warning from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which stated it would reject any party candidate whose name does not align with the outcomes of primaries monitored and uploaded by the commission.

Party Intervention and Power Dynamics

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has previously indicated that party leadership, in consultation with the National Working Committee and President Bola Tinubu, has been reviewing petitions from lawmakers who lost their tickets. According to sources, President Tinubu and the APC leadership personally intervened in states where stakeholder disagreements threatened party unity, with the following key developments:

• Intense Lobbying: The restoration of certain lawmakers resulted from significant lobbying efforts involving governors and traditional rulers to mitigate internal crises ahead of the 2027 elections.

• Ondo State Compromise: To resolve power struggles between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, a deal was brokered where Aiyedatiwa focuses on State Assembly candidates, while other interests handle National Assembly tickets.

• Benue State Power-Sharing: A similar compromise was reached between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, where national leaders approved an arrangement granting Akume’s camp influence over National Assembly tickets while the Governor maintained control over State Assembly candidates.

Despite these interventions, many serving APC lawmakers remain uncertain about their status as the final nomination process is ongoing and nomination forms have not been fully returned to the party. Party officials noted that, with the exception of senators specifically cleared by the President, many incumbents may not secure a spot on the final list.