ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Ahead of 2027 general elections, the Warri South-West Unity and Development Forum (WSWUDF) has thrown its weight behind Chief Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, member representing the constituency in the house of representatives and Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. The group also rejected recent criticisms on the two lawmakers, saying it was “misleading and attacks were far from constituency realities.”

The endorsement came during a well-attended press briefing in Warri South-West Local Government Area, where the Forum’s Coordinator, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, delivered a detailed statement on behalf of stakeholders drawn from all ten wards of the LGA. Prominent attendees included Amb. Fred Igere, Chief Hon. Rose Tull, Hon. Omare Gabari, and Hon. Austin Tonfawei.

WSWUDF said its position reflects “the collective voice of responsible leadership” across Itsekiri and Ijaw communities in Warri South-West, dismissing contrary claims by the Itsekiri Grassroots Coalition as “unfounded, misleading, and disconnected from the realities on ground.”

The Forum specifically defended Ereyitomi, Member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, describing him as a “critical asset” and “silent achiever.” It cited his ranking status in the National Assembly, saying it places him “within a strategic circle of influence where real legislative decisions are shaped,” translating to “access, project facilitation, and sustained engagement with federal institutions.”

On Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, the Forum said his emergence reflects “competence, trust, and proven capacity.” It argued that his national leadership role “strengthens the voice of Warri South-West, enhances its visibility, and ensures direct access to legislative coordination at the highest level.”

“The Speaker has consistently demonstrated the capacity to carry both Ijaw and Itsekiri interests along in a balanced and inclusive manner. Such leadership must be preserved, not undermined,” Akemotubo stated.

The WSWUDF strongly condemned what it termed attempts to introduce ethnic sentiment into political discourse, calling the trend “dangerous and counterproductive.”

“Ethnic politics divides communities, weakens governance, and distracts from the real issues of performance and development. Warri’s strength lies in unity, and that unity must not be compromised for political convenience,” the Forum said.

It further alleged that “those amplifying these negative narratives are not grounded in the realities of the people,” describing them as “largely present on social media, operating as content creators rather than active participants in community development and governance.”

“Warri South-West and Warri Federal Constituency cannot be misled by noise,” the statement added.

The Forum declared “unequivocal” support for the continuous representation of both Ereyitomi and Guwor, stating that local government leadership has “consistently shown confidence and satisfaction” with their performance.

“The direction is clear: protect progress, sustain influence, and stand firmly with tested leadership,” Akemotubo concluded.

The briefing marks the latest realignment of grassroots blocs in Warri South-West ahead of future political contests, with WSWUDF urging constituents to focus on “continuity, stability, and sustained development.”

Chief Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi (JP) is a ranking member of the House of Representatives for Warri Federal Constituency. Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor serves as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and currently chairs the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria. Warri South-West LGA comprises ten wards with mixed Itsekiri and Ijaw populations.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Fresh cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, as a powerful bloc aligned with Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani announced a mass resignation from the party, citing what it described as a “total collapse of internal democracy.”

The decision, contained in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the residence of Hon. Mijiyewa Umaru Kugama, signals a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, drawn from the three senatorial zones of the state, accused the party leadership at both state and national levels of undermining democratic principles and imposing illegitimate structures.

“The actions of the party leadership have destroyed internal democracy, undermined the rule of law, and rendered the party structure in Adamawa State illegitimate and unacceptable,” the communiqué stated.

At the heart of the crisis are the recently concluded party congresses, which stakeholders claim were marred by manipulation and imposition under the leadership of Ishaya Bauka (retd).

According to the group, court rulings and existing injunctions were ignored, creating what they described as a “dangerous precedent of lawlessness.”

“The congresses were fundamentally flawed, manipulated, and imposed against the will of the majority of party members,” the stakeholders alleged.

They further accused party officials of sidelining key actors through “systematic exclusion, intimidation, and imposition,” arguing that the ADC has consequently lost its credibility as a democratic platform in the state.

In a series of far-reaching resolutions, the faction declared a vote of no confidence in the ADC leadership and announced its “immediate and irreversible resignation en masse” from the party.

The group also rejected all outcomes of the disputed congresses, declaring them “null and void.”

“We refuse to be part of a system that thrives on injustice, impunity, and illegality,” the communiqué read.

The stakeholders confirmed plans to align with a new political platform, although no party was officially named.

However, they mandated Senator Binani to spearhead the transition and coordinate a unified strategy ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Political observers say the development could significantly reshape the political landscape in Adamawa, particularly with Binani expected to remain a central figure in the 2027 governorship race.

The communiqué outlined plans for a coordinated defection structure spanning polling units, wards, and local government areas, alongside aggressive grassroots mobilisation under a new platform.

“This decision marks the beginning of a new political direction anchored on credibility, inclusiveness, and true democratic ideals,” the stakeholders concluded.

The crisis adds to growing tensions within opposition parties nationwide, with analysts warning that unresolved internal disputes could weaken party cohesion ahead of future elections.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Morocco has released three Senegalese football fans who were imprisoned following the violent unrest that marred the Africa Cup of Nations Final 2025 in Rabat.

The trio regained their freedom on Saturday after completing three-month jail terms handed down for their roles in the clashes that erupted during the high-tension final.

The supporters were among a group of Senegalese fans arrested and prosecuted over incidents including hooliganism, vandalism, and attempted pitch invasion during the chaotic showdown.

Authorities confirmed the released fans had served the shortest sentences, while others convicted over the violence remain in custody serving longer jail terms.

The unrest during the final sparked diplomatic concern and drew criticism from officials in Senegal, further straining tensions in the aftermath of one of the most controversial finals in AFCON history.