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Orbih Was a Courageous, Kind Party Loyalist, Says Imasuagbon

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A stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Edo State governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imasuagbon, has described the late former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Dan Orbih, as a courageous, compassionate and loyal politician whose death has created a deep vacuum in Edo State’s political landscape.

Imasuagbon, in a statement issued on Sunday, said he received news of Orbih’s death with shock and sadness, recalling the late politician’s contributions to democratic politics and his acts of kindness to people in times of difficulty.

According to him, Orbih was not only a consummate politician but also a kind-hearted man whose generosity touched many lives.

Imasuagbon particularly recalled Orbih’s support following an accident that left him receiving treatment at a hospital in London.

He said Orbih, alongside the late Chief Tony Anenih and Senator Clifford Ordia, provided financial and moral support to him during the difficult period.

“When I had an accident, Orbih was one of those who sent money to me on my hospital bed in London. He, alongside the late Chief Tony Anenih and Senator Clifford Ordia, stood by me during that difficult period.

“I will never forget that gesture. Some of us can only reciprocate such kindness today through prayers and honouring his memory,” Imasuagbon said.

The ADC chieftain also recalled their political activities during the administration of former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, when he and Orbih jointly led the opposition in the state.

He described Orbih’s residence in Benin City as a major meeting point for party members, political associates and democracy advocates during periods of intense political contestation.

“Orbih was a man of uncommon courage. At the height of the political struggle, his house became our meeting point. He never wavered in defending democracy and standing by those he believed in,” he stated.

Imasuagbon further praised Orbih for his colourful personality and ability to connect with supporters during political campaigns, saying the late politician brought humour and entertainment into political activities.

He described Orbih as a committed party loyalist who was deeply passionate about Edo State and dedicated much of his life to the advancement of democracy.

“Under his leadership, we both toured the 192 wards campaigning. He was kind-hearted, loyal to his party and deeply committed to the people of Edo State,” he said.

Imasuagbon also recounted an incident surrounding the 2022 national delegate contest in Esan South-East Local Government Area, saying Orbih resisted pressure to have his name removed from the delegate list.

According to him, some political actors wanted his name removed because of his preferred presidential candidate in the 2023 election, but Orbih refused to yield to the pressure.

“During the 2022 national delegate contest in Esan South-East Local Government Area, which I defeated Giwa Agbomerere, Orbih faced intense pressure that my name should be dropped because I would vote for Atiku Abubakar instead of Wike, even at gunpoint.

“He resisted the pressure and kept my name on the list. I won the contest squarely, and he said his conscience would not allow him to remove my name from the delegate list,” Imasuagbon added.

He described the late politician as a fair and just individual whose political decisions were guided by his principles and conscience.

Imasuagbon extended his condolences to Orbih’s family, praying that God would grant his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

The Orbih family had announced the death of the prominent Edo politician on September 1, 2026.

In a statement signed by his younger brother, Francis Orbih, the family said Dan Orbih died on Monday, August 31, 2026.

His death has continued to attract tributes from political associates and stakeholders who have acknowledged his long involvement in Edo State and national point.

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Ogoni Youths Demand Bori State, Urge Tinubu to Implement Dialogue Report

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A coalition of Ogoni youth groups has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, insisting that the creation of Bori State must be given priority in the process.

The Coalition of Ogoni Youth Groups (COYOG) made the demand in a statement jointly signed by 17 youth leaders, including Chief Kpakol Kpakol of the Ogoni National Youth Congress and Gen. Ikeh Albert Jnr of the Khana Youth Assembly, on Saturday.

The coalition warned against attempts by politicians and other vested interests to hijack the dialogue process for personal or political gains, stressing that its outcomes must reflect the collective aspirations of the Ogoni people.

It described the dialogue as a collective struggle for justice, environmental restoration, political inclusion, resource control and sustainable development.

On the leadership of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, COYOG clarified that Professor Don Baridam remains its substantive leader, warning against attempts by individuals to assume authority outside the established structure.

Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful advocacy, the coalition insisted that the dialogue process must remain inclusive and accountable, adding that its recommendations should translate into measurable benefits for the Ogoni people.

“The Ogoni dialogue belongs to the Ogoni people. Its outcomes must serve the Ogoni people. Its implementation must be transparent, inclusive and measurable,” the statement added.

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Dachung Bagos Wins APC Rerun Primary for Plateau Federal Constituency

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Former member of the House of Representatives, Dachung Bagos, has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) rerun primary election for the Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau State.

Bagos defeated his challenger, Esther Simi Dusu, in the rerun exercise conducted across 11 wards on Wednesday, following a court order nullifying the previous primary election over alleged irregularities.

The Chairman of the APC Rerun Electoral Committee, Simon Elisha, announced the results on Thursday at the party’s state secretariat, Kalwa House, in Jos.

According to the results, Bagos polled 12,181 votes to defeat Dusu, who secured 2,495 votes.
Elisha said the rerun election was conducted in compliance with the court order and in accordance with the party’s guidelines.

“The rerun was conducted in compliance with the court order and in line with the party’s guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness,” he said.

The rerun followed a decision by the High Court in Jos to nullify the earlier primary election over alleged irregularities in 11 wards within the federal constituency.

The affected wards are Du, Shen, Zawan ‘B’, Turu, Fobur ‘A’, Fobur ‘B’, Jarawan Kogi, Maijuju/Doss, Federe, Shere East and Shere West.

The court-ordered exercise was organised to address the irregularities identified in the previous primary election and determine the party’s candidate for the constituency.

With his victory, Bagos is set to represent the APC in the contest for the Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.

Bagos previously represented the constituency in the House of Representatives.

His emergence as the party’s candidate places him in contention for another term in the Green Chamber, subject to the outcome of the 2027 general election.

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Peter Obi Warns Those Terrorising Nigeria at Opening of NDC National Secretariat

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has warned individuals he accused of terrorising Nigerians, declaring that his party would confront insecurity and intimidation if elected in 2027.

“Those who think they can terrorize this country, wait, we’re coming,” Obi said during the opening of the NDC’s national secretariat in Jabi, Abuja, on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The remark came as the party formally opened its national headquarters and intensified preparations for the 2027 general elections. The event brought together Obi, his running mate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, NDC leaders and other party members.

Obi Puts Insecurity at the Centre of His Message

Obi’s statement signals that security is expected to feature prominently in the NDC’s campaign messaging ahead of the next presidential election.

Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including insurgency, kidnapping, armed attacks and communal violence in different parts of the country. These problems have affected communities, disrupted economic activities and generated demands for stronger protection of lives and property.

At the Abuja event, Obi presented his political project as an effort to change how government responds to the country’s challenges. Reports of his remarks also highlighted commitments to address corruption, poverty, unemployment and insecurity.

However, the brief statement quoted above did not identify a particular group or individual as the target of his warning. It would therefore be premature to attribute the remark to a specific organisation or political opponent without further evidence.

NDC Opens National Headquarters Ahead of 2027

The secretariat opening marked another organisational step for the NDC as it builds its structures ahead of the elections.

The ceremony followed the party’s National Executive Committee meeting and formed part of a wider programme that included unveiling its National Campaign Council and presenting Certificates of Return to candidates contesting different offices.

Kwankwaso, the party’s vice-presidential candidate, attended alongside National Leader Seriake Dickson, National Chairman Moses Cleopas and other party figures.

The new facility is expected to serve as the party’s administrative headquarters and a centre for coordinating its national political activities.

Security and Accountability in the 2027 Campaign

Obi’s warning comes as political parties begin defining their messages for the 2027 election, with security, economic hardship and public accountability among the issues likely to feature prominently.

For voters, the significance of security promises will depend not only on campaign statements but also on the policies, resources and implementation plans candidates present.

Measures to improve security can involve intelligence gathering, police and military capacity, coordination between federal and state authorities, criminal investigations, justice delivery and support for communities affected by violence.

Obi’s statement did not set out specific measures in the quoted passage. Further policy details would be needed to assess how the NDC proposes to address the different forms of insecurity affecting the country.

The remark nevertheless makes clear that the party intends to present security and protection from intimidation as part of its campaign message.

As the 2027 election approaches, the challenge for all political parties will be to explain how their proposals would be implemented and how progress would be measured.

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