Politics
LEGISLATIVE CAPACITY BUILDING: IKEDURU LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS PAY STRATEGIC VISIT TO THE IMO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, OBSERVE PLENARY.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
3- OCT- 2025
Members of the Ikeduru Local Government Legislative Council embarked on a legislative capacity-building visitation to the Imo State House of Assembly, Owerri, where they observed plenary proceedings at the hallowed chambers. The visit, which took place yesterday, was not only historic but also symbolic, and spoke volumes of the growing commitment of local government legislators to align themselves with the standards of legislative practice at higher levels of government.
Beyond the technical lessons, the visitation also carried immense symbolic significance. By aligning with the hallowed chambers of the Imo State House of Assembly, the Ikeduru legislators symbolically declared their readiness to uphold the sanctity of democracy and reaffirmed their loyalty to the people they represent. It was a clear demonstration of the seriousness with which they regard their legislative responsibilities.
The councillors equally recognized that the experience would inspire them to aspire for greater leadership roles in the future.
Speaking after the visit, the Honourable Councillor representing Ngugo/Ikembara Electoral Ward, Hon. Engr. Kingsley Asamonye Chibuzor, described the exercise as a transformative experience that would leave an enduring impact on the capacity of councilors to legislate effectively. He emphasized that the visitation was deliberately designed to expose council members to the realities of lawmaking, debate, and representation in a professional legislative environment.
According to him, the exposure gained during the plenary observation deepened their understanding of parliamentary ethics, motions, debates, and resolutions, while also giving them a clearer appreciation of how legislation is developed and passed to shape public policy. “The importance of such an exercise cannot be overstated,” he said, stressing that the council members had taken away valuable lessons that would be translated into practical service delivery at the grassroots.
Hon. Asamonye further noted that the symbolic nature of the visit lies in the recognition that governance begins from the grassroots. By observing the State Assembly at work, council members have reaffirmed their role as the first point of democratic representation for the people and strengthened their determination to live up to the expectations of their constituents.
He explained that the visit also served as a bridge, linking the aspirations of the people at the community level with the broader legislative processes at the state level. In his words, “What we have witnessed today is an affirmation that governance is interconnected, and that the quality of our contribution at the grassroots directly influences the effectiveness of governance at higher levels.”
The Councillor highlighted that the exercise will foster stronger synergy among council members, as it has provided a common platform of exposure that unites them in vision and purpose. He pointed out that legislative efficiency is not achieved in isolation but through continuous training, shared experiences, and deliberate interactions with higher institutions of governance.
He expressed optimism that the visit would help redefine grassroots legislation in Ikeduru, stressing that the people should expect more impactful motions, debates, and decisions that will directly touch their lives. The councillors, he assured, are determined to translate the knowledge acquired into people-driven laws and resolutions that will stand the test of time.
Hon. Asamonye explained that the practical exposure has equipped them with the confidence to engage in more robust legislative activities, while also preparing them for greater responsibilities at higher levels of government.
The Honourable Councillor used the opportunity to commend the leadership of the Imo State House of Assembly for their hospitality and for allowing the Ikeduru team to participate in such an enriching exercise. He further urged his colleagues to remain committed to continuous self-development, noting that the best way to serve the people is to keep improving the quality of representation.

The delegation was led by Rt. Hon. Amb. Samuel Nwokeocha, Leader of the Council and Councillor representing Iho Ward. Others included: Rt. Hon. Udochukwu Emekalam, Deputy Leader, representing Amaimo Ward; Hon. Michael Urewuji, Majority Leader, representing Atta Ward 2; Hon. Stanley Ugo, Chief Whip, representing Amakohia Ward; Hon. Kingsley Asamonye, representing Ngugo/Ikembara Ward; Hon. Anslem Nzeocha, representing Atta Ward 1; Hon. Princess Amarachi Osondu, representing Avuvu Ward; Hon. Kingsley Opara, representing Amata Ward; Hon. Mrs. Chinwendu Opara, representing Eziama Ugirike Ward; Hon. Izuchukwu Egeonu, representing Inyishi/Umudim Ward; Hon. Kelechi Akauba, representing Uzoagba Ward; and Hon. Jehu Kelechi Uche, representing Akabo Ward.
Politics
Desmond Elliot Withdraws from APC Lagos Assembly Primaries, Cites Intimidation
Surulere I lawmaker Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress Lagos House of Assembly primaries, citing intimidation across multiple zones.
In a viral video posted online, the lawmaker said he was stepping out of the race despite seeking re-election under the APC. He alleged that his supporters faced intimidation during the process in several parts of the constituency.
Elliot’s decision came as the primaries held across Lagos on Tuesday. Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, who represents Surulere Federal Constituency, praised the conduct of the exercise in Surulere, describing it as peaceful.
The withdrawal narrows the contest for the APC ticket in Surulere I ahead of the 2027 general election. Party officials in Lagos have not yet responded to Elliot’s claims, and the APC state chapter has not announced whether the primary in the constituency will proceed with other aspirants.
Elliot has represented Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015.
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Politics
Political Shockwave in Rivers as Fubara Pulls Out of APC Governorship Race, Backs Party’s Candidate
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled to take place on Thursday, a development that has stirred fresh political conversations across the state.
The governor announced his decision in a personally signed statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” which was released on Wednesday night.
In the statement, Fubara explained that his withdrawal followed wide consultations with political associates, stakeholders, and supporters. He stated that the decision was taken in the overall interest of peace, unity, and stability within the APC and Rivers State at large.
According to the governor, politics should not be allowed to divide the people or create unnecessary tension within the party. He stressed that preserving unity among party members and maintaining stability in the state remain more important than personal political ambition.
Fubara further pledged his total loyalty and support to whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate, assuring party faithful that he remains committed to the success and progress of the party ahead of the next general elections.
The Rivers governor also appreciated his supporters across the state for standing by him throughout the political process. He thanked party leaders, youth groups, women supporters, and political associates who had continued to show him solidarity and encouragement.
He urged his supporters not to see his withdrawal as the end of his political journey, but rather as a decision made in the collective interest of the party and the state. He also appealed to them to remain peaceful, united, and committed to the ideals of the APC.
Political observers have described the development as one of the biggest political surprises in Rivers State in recent times, especially considering the growing speculations and intense political alignments ahead of the governorship primaries.
Analysts believe the governor’s withdrawal may reshape the political calculations within the APC and influence the direction of the party’s governorship race moving forward.
The announcement has continued to generate mixed reactions from political stakeholders and residents across Rivers State. While some supporters described the move as strategic and mature, others expressed surprise over the governor’s sudden exit from the contest.
Several party faithful, however, commended Fubara for placing party unity and stability above personal ambition, noting that his decision may help reduce internal tensions and strengthen the APC ahead of the elections.
The development has also intensified attention on the remaining aspirants contesting for the APC governorship ticket, as consultations and political meetings continue ahead of the primary election.
Many observers believe the governor’s endorsement of the eventual APC candidate could play a major role in shaping the outcome of the party’s governorship battle and future political structure in the state.
As political activities continue to gather momentum in Rivers State, all eyes are now on the APC primaries and the next phase of political developments expected to unfold in the coming days.
Politics
Ugochukwu Obodo wins Owerri Municipal APC ticket again as APC Elects 27 Imo Assembly Candidates After Successful Primaries
The leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State have successfully elected 27 candidates who emerged victorious during the recently concluded Imo State House of Assembly primary elections conducted across the 305 wards of the State.
In a statement obtained by ThePressman Newspaper, the leadership of Imo APC described the primary election exercise as peaceful, transparent, credible, and reflective of the democratic ideals and internal cohesion of the party.
The information from the party commended party faithful, delegates, stakeholders, and supporters for their maturity, discipline, unity, and sportsmanship throughout the electoral process, noting that the successful conduct of the primaries further demonstrated the organizational strength and readiness of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the statement, the outcome of the primaries reaffirmed the confidence reposed in the party by members across the State, while also positioning the APC for a formidable outing in the forthcoming elections.
The Imo APC leadership warmly congratulated the party’s standard bearers who emerged across the 27 State Constituencies, namely:
Uchenna Osigwe – Orsu LGA
Chantel Adanna Onwumere – Ikeduru
Obodo Ugochukwu – Owerri Municipal
Hon. Ernest Udeze – Ideato North
Godspower Onyeibe – Ideato South
Mrs Julie Egbo – Owerri North
Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi – Owerri West
Prince Marcel Amadioha – Ohaji Egbema
Hon. Gilbert Nwosu – Oguta
Hon. Uche Obiozor – Oru East
Hon. Emeka Agbor – Oru West
Rt. Hon. Obinna Egu – Ngor-Okpala
Hon. Magnus Okolie – Orlu
Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie – Mbaitoli
Hon. Modestus Osakwe – Isu
Hon.Ebonine Ozioma Worship – Njaba
Rt Hon Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu – Nwangele
Hon. Chisom Ojukwu – Nkwerre
Hon. Doris Anyanwu – Ahiazu Mbaise
Hon. Princewill Amuchie – Aboh Mbaise
Hon. Henry Agbasonu – Ezinihitte Mbaise
Hon. Sam Osuji – Isiala Mbano
Ben Ozoemenam – Ehime Mbano
Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo – Okigwe
Prince Humphrey Okeke – Obowo
Lady Blessing Nwoba – Ihitte-Uboma
Hon. Chibuzor Umunnakwe – Onuimo
The party further expressed confidence that the emergence of the candidates would strengthen the APC’s chances of securing victory across the State during the 2027 general elections.
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