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The leadership crisis rocking the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a fresh twist on Sunday with an executive led by Chief Ifeanyi Osegbo took over the party’s state secretariat to assume control of the party structure.

This came as the embattled executive led by Senator Emma Anosike described the takeover as unlawful and a violation of due process.

The latest development follows a judgment obtained by Osegbo group against the Anosike-led executive, even as Anosike described the judgment as a “kangaroo judgment,” that lacks legal merit.

At the APC secretariat opposite the old Government House in Awka, Osegbo and his supporters expressed happiness that the party has been liberated.

The new chairman immediately set up three committees aimed at moving the party forward ahead of the 2027 general elections. The committees are truth and reconciliation, strategy and tactical, as well as election planning and winning committees.

Addressing the stakeholders, Osegbo, said the era of bickering and disunity in the state party had come to an end, adding that the main priority of APC is to mobilize effectively for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu.

Osegbo said: “The winning mentality of APC has just started in this state. We will begin by going to the grassroots and we are not going to allow our party’s candidates in their areas to suffer because we are going to help them to achieve victory.

“Let me acknowledge the sacrifices made by the former chairman of the party, Chief Basil Ejidike in repositioning the party in the state.

“Our challenges are enormousz but not insurmountable. These committees are for unity and peace. We are not going to leave anyone out. It is a moment of sacrifice.”

According to him, APC was built on accountability, noting that the era of secrecy in the affairs of the party had gone.

But reacting on the development, the Anosike-led group advised party members to disregard and refrain from attending any meeting convened by the Osegbo faction.

According to the Anosike’s faction, several individuals listed as plaintiffs in the suit instituted against him had denied authorizing the legal action, while elected executive members have distanced themselves from the judgment.

The group further argued that neither Senator Emma Anosike, nor the State Secretary was joined as a party or defendant in the suit, adding that the defendants were the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Chairman of the APC.

The group maintained that before any faction can lawfully assume control of the state secretariat, the judgment must first be served on the National Working Committee and the National Chairman of the party, who, it stated, are the only authorities empowered to direct any change in the state leadership.

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Another batch of stranded Nigerians will be evacuated from South Africa this week, with a flight scheduled to depart Nigeria on Tuesday and return on Wednesday morning.

The Nation learnt that about 271 Nigerians are expected to return as part of the latest evacuation coordinated by the Federal Government.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed the evacuation schedule.

The President of Nigeria’s Citizens in South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, also said, “Next flight is arriving Tuesday against evacuations on Wednesday early hours.”

The latest operation will bring to 1,130 the number of Nigerians evacuated since renewed violence and protests targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

The development comes amid growing concern over the killing of two Nigerians during the recent nationwide protests.

One of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was reportedly killed by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on June 28, 2026, in Sunnyside, Pretoria.

The second victim, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was killed in front of his shop the same day in Witbank, Mpumalanga.

Earlier, another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, was reportedly killed on April 20, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has condemned the killings and lodged a protest with the South African authorities.

In a statement, Ebienfa accused some South African officials of making public comments capable of inciting hostility against Nigerians, following remarks by a government spokesperson asking Nigerians leaving the country because of the xenophobic protests to reveal where they hide illegal drugs.

He said such comments amounted to hate speech and could encourage criminal attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa.

Ebienfa also said leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, accused of inciting violence against fellow Africans, could face regional and international criminal liability.

The Federal Government called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the killings of Iroegbu and Joe, as well as other unresolved cases involving Nigerian nationals, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

It also urged South Africa to guarantee the safety of foreigners, including Nigerians legally residing in the country, warning that continued attacks and what it described as intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour against foreigners could prompt Nigeria to consider further measures.

The government appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, obey the law and avoid areas prone to violence while diplomatic efforts continue to address the situation.

It also urged Nigerians at home not to embark on retaliatory actions, reaffirming its commitment to dialogue in line with the principles of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity.

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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Sunday visited victims of the Eda Oniyo kidnap incident at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, where they are receiving treatment following their release.

The Governor’s visit came barely 24 hours after the victims were admitted to the hospital on his directive.

Governor Oyebanji, who was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, and the Acting Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Oladele Olatunya, strongly condemned the incident, assuring residents that decisive steps are being taken to safeguard lives and property and to make the state hot for criminal elements.

He cautioned residents against politicising security and kidnapping issues, stressing that such matters must not be trivialised.

While commiserating with the victims on their wards, the Governor expressed gratitude to God for their safe return. He described their ordeal as painful and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Governor Oyebanji reiterated that the state government would bear the full cost of the victims’ medical treatment and provide psychological support to aid their recovery and reintegration into society. He also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in strengthening security architecture across the states.

The Governor praised security agencies for their coordinated efforts that led to the successful rescue, and appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the Eda Oniyo Community Development Association for providing valuable intelligence during the operation.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, the Governor said it was unacceptable for individuals to be attacked while worshipping, adding that collective responsibility is required to ensure safety.

He expressed satisfaction with the victims’ condition, noting that all of them were stable and responding to treatment, including a child who had earlier been unconscious but had regained consciousness.

On behalf of the victims, a relative, Mr. Akin Oluwayemi, expressed appreciation to the Governor and security agencies for their efforts, while calling for a sustained security presence in border communities to prevent future occurrences.

In a related development, Governor Oyebanji also settled the medical bills of three indigent patients at the hospital who had been unable to pay after discharge.

The Governor, who noticed the patients while leaving the ward, immediately offset their bills amounting to over N2m and directed that they be discharged to reunite with their families.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Fasuba Taiwo expressed gratitude to the Governor and offered prayers for his family and administration.