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Stakeholders Secure APC Forms For Kalu, As Pressure Builds Ahead of 2027 Guber race
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By Gloria Ikibah
Momentum is building around the possible governorship bid of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as political actors in Abia State step up efforts to draft him into the 2027 contest.
A coalition of stakeholders and influential voices has obtained the All Progressives Congress nomination and expression of interest forms on his behalf, signalling a coordinated push to persuade him to join the race.
The documents were handed over to the Deputy Speaker in Abuja, in what observers see as a calculated move to nudge him towards a formal declaration.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, James Uko-Kalu SAN, pointed to his record in public office, highlighting his rise since entering the House of Representatives in 2019 and his contributions at the national level. His tenure as House spokesperson and current role as Deputy Speaker are being cited as evidence of his leadership credentials and capacity to unify diverse interests within the state.
“We are here because we recognise the invaluable contributions the Deputy Speaker has made to Nigeria’s legislative process, resulting in tangible developments. From 2019 till date, we have followed his work closely and can attest to his outstanding performance,” he said.
According to him, Kalu’s leadership style, which emphasises consensus-building, peace, and inclusiveness, is what Abia State currently needs.
“I personally toured several communities across our constituency and witnessed first-hand the projects executed under his leadership. Professionals and stakeholders alike are convinced that this is the right time for him to replicate that same spirit of statesmanship at the state level,” Igwe noted.
Also speaking, retired Major General Jack Nwaogbu from Abia Central Senatorial District commended the Deputy Speaker for fostering unity within the APC in the state and across the South-East region.
He stated that the party which had internal divisions that weakened its performance in the 2023 general elections, has witnessed significant revitalisation in recent months.
“In the past seven months, there has been a remarkable rejuvenation of the party, largely due to the efforts of the Deputy Speaker and other well-meaning leaders who returned the party to its grassroots base,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Kalu’s ability to bring together diverse political interests positions him as the right candidate to lead Abia State and deliver good governance.
Similarly, Barr. Uzo Azubuike, representing Abia South Senatorial District, described the delegation as “messengers of the people,” conveying a collective appeal for Kalu to contest the governorship.
Azubike urged the Deputy Speaker to prioritise the governorship ambition, stressing that his leadership offers the best opportunity for progress in the state.
In his response, the Deputy Speaker appreciated the stakeholders abd said it is a demonstration of confidence in his leadership and service. He therefore assured them that he will consult with relevant political actors and well-wishers before making a definitive pronouncement on the request in the coming days.
Kalu praised the delegation for adopting dialogue and constructive engagement rather than resorting to protests or violence, noting that such an approach reflects a firm commitment to democratic ideals and responsible political participation.
He emphasised that, beyond individual ambitions, his immediate priority remains the strengthening of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, particularly in galvanising broad-based support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, building unity within the party and aligning the region more closely with the government at the centre are critical to unlocking greater development opportunities.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, pledging to support all aspirants within the party, this is as he emphasised that collective success will depend on cohesion, discipline, and a shared vision. He expressed optimism that the party is well-positioned to secure victory across Abia State in the next election cycle.
“You believe that if I come on board, it is because I share in the vision of the Eight-Point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his commitment to true federalism, which empowers sub-national entities to drive meaningful development.
“The purchase of this form is clearly a call for me to step forward. I have received it with gratitude, and within the next one or two days, after due consultations, I will make my position known.
“I sincerely thank you for this gesture. Ultimately, the narrative of Abia must change, and we will continue to work collectively within the party to achieve that. The prospects of the APC in Abia will depend largely on the determination, unity, and commitment of its members,” he said.
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See Black Market Dollar to Naira exchange rate today 3rd September 2026
The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 3rd September 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.
NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.
The exchange rate fluctuates hourly based on the supply and demand of dollars in the market.
What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 3rd September 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1403 and buy at ₦1395 on Thursday, 3rd September, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1405
Buying Rate ₦1395
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1335
Lowest Rate ₦1326
News
Sad! Pastor, wife found dead after domestic fight
A Celestial Church of Christ evangelist, Abidemi Odukoya, and his wife, Adenike, have reportedly died in separate circumstances following an alleged domestic altercation at their residence in the Akinode/Ibogun community, Ogun State.
It was learnt that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, August 25, after the couple allegedly engaged in a domestic dispute that escalated into a physical confrontation.
The altercation reportedly left Adenike unconscious and injured, while her husband allegedly fled the residence.
A former Chairman of the Community Development Association, Adejimi Olawumi, said in a video shared by Arole TV on Wednesday that he was alerted by residents’ cries for help and subsequently found the woman lying in a pool of blood.
Olawumi said, “It was around 1am when I heard my neighbours shouting, ‘thief, thief.’ On my way out, I saw Daniel. I asked him what happened, and he said it was his mum and dad. Then I went to call my neighbours to come out.
“Immediately, we got inside the house and saw the wife in a pool of blood. At that time, there were no vehicles to take her to the hospital.
“The son said he did not see what happened between his mum and dad because he was in the other room. So, we started calling people together.”
Olawumi said members of the CDA subsequently noticed that Odukoya was missing and began searching for him.
According to him, they later learnt that the cleric had been hit by a vehicle in the Ifo area of the state.
He said, “When we saw that we did not see the husband, everyone in the CDA came out to look for him everywhere. We called our area chairman to tell him about the incident.
“Later, we heard that Mr Abidemi had been hit by a car in Ifo. The police took him to the hospital, and we confirmed that he was the one. The CDA then started working on how to bring his remains home.
“We have never heard or seen something like this happen before. We only know that they fight sometimes and settle it among themselves.”
Meanwhile, the late evangelist’s younger sister, in a video circulating online, claimed that the couple had been involved in repeated disagreements before their deaths.
She said the couple had visited her around April following an earlier altercation, adding that the matter was eventually resolved at a police station.
She said, “I have been hearing that they have been fighting for a while now. Around April, they came to my house. He explained everything about how he and his wife fought, and that it was at the police station they settled it.
“I only told them to be patient with each other because it is not right for a husband and wife to fight against each other. They had been fighting for a very long time, and people helped them settle it. And now we just heard that the husband and wife are dead.”
The woman said the family was informed of the incident after one of the siblings received a phone call, adding that arrangements were subsequently made for the remains of the deceased.
The wife was reportedly buried on the day of the incident, while Odukoya was buried on Wednesday, September 2.
In separate footage seen by PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, some clerics were seen performing burial rites over the remains of the evangelist at an undisclosed location.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths, however, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted on Wednesday, the deputy spokesman for the state police command, Opeyemi Oluborode, confirmed the incident.
“The police is investigating the incident,” he added. (The PUNCH)
News
Borno Commissioner backpedals over ‘finger-cutting’ threat as police begin probe
Borno State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba, has retracted his controversial remark threatening to cut off the finger of anyone who pointed at government officials.
Buba had, while speaking at the City Boy Movement Empowerment Programme in Maiduguri, earlier in the week, threatened opponents of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He had reportedly declared that citizens who voted for the ruling party would be fed with honey, while those who refused to support them would face physical punishment by caning.
The aggressive rhetoric sparked sharp criticism from various quarters, with civil society groups and political observers warning that the comments threatened public safety, violated democratic norms, and endangered dissenting voices in the state.
Critics argued that such language from a serving public official was unbecoming and posed a direct threat to multi-party democracy.
But the commissioner held a press briefing where he said he had no apology for his comment on the ground that there was no opposition in Borno and no one could fairly accuse him of threatening opponents.
After the briefing, the widespread anger continued, with critics blaming authorities and saying the man showed no remorse.
On Tuesday, the police high command said it had launched a critical probe into the inciting comments made by Buba and two other APC chieftains.
Fielding questions from Defence Correspondents at a joint security briefing in Abuja, on Tuesday, the force spokesman, Anietie Iniedu, described the inciting comments particularly in relation to the electoral process, as “a criminal offence”.
He said, “On the issue of the Senator in Osun State, the Council Chairman in FCT and the Borno Commissioner’s inciting comments, I was part of the team that questioned the distinguished Senator in Osun State.
“The law is very clear when it comes to inciting. It is criminal to incite members of the public, especially as you comment on the electoral process.”
Hours after the comment of the police spokesman, Buba issued a statement to address the controversy.
He expressed regret over the uproar his comments caused and offered an unreserved apology to the people of Borno State.
He said, “In recent days, a comment I made during the empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement in Maiduguri has generated considerable concern within the public space.
“I wish to state, unequivocally, that my remark was never intended to harm or violate the fundamental rights of the people of our dear state to freedom of choice and association, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
While noting that he had previously attempted to clarify that the remark was not meant to be taken literally, the commissioner acknowledged the gravity of ongoing public concern, prompting him to issue a formal retraction
Buba added, “I had earlier provided clarification that the comment was not intended to be taken in its literal sense.
“However, in view of the concern it has continued to generate, I am using this medium to retract my earlier statement formally and to apologise to the entire people of Borno State and beyond for any offence it may have caused.
“Let me state in categorical terms that my comment does not in any way represent the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of His Excellency, Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
“This administration does not in any way undermine the rights of our citizenry. Rather, the party and the administration continue to uphold and respect every segment of our society, particularly our youth, who have remained steadfast supporters of both the party and the Zulum administration.
“Governor Zulum and the APC have consistently demonstrated a true democratic spirit over the past seven years, and this commitment will remain unwavering to the very end of his tenure.”
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