Reports
Anambra PDP Primary Election A Sham, Illegality —Ifeanyi Ubah
The CEO of Capital Oil And Gas Ltd., and the owner of Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club of Nnewi, Chief Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah has, in strongest terms derided the recently conducted Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election.
Chief Ubah made his stance known in a three-page press release issued on September 19, 2017, and obtained by elombah.com and signed by himself.
Chief Ubah, in the statement titled “The PDP Anambra State Governorship primary election Was A Sham And Complete Illegality” regretted the shambolic nature of the primary.
He said in full:
As a loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one who stood by the party through thick and thin, my love for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot be questioned.
My immense contributions to the cause of the party, most especially during the last Presidential and General elections through the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
In the same vein, anyone who has a thorough understanding of Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah can attest to the fact that I am a man of uncommon national vision and passion for the development of the nation and general good of the masses, especially the less privileged.
It is the burden of the developmental needs of Anambra state and my burning desire to meet and exceed the expectations of Anambrarians that has relentlessly driven me to contest for the Governorship position of Anambra state.
However, until constitutional amendments are made, one is constrained to contest for such position under a party structure. In my case, which better party to contest other than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party I invested heavily and unreservedly in.
To my mind, the PDP represents a substantial platform with which I could use to transform Anambra state to an enviable prosperous status for the general well-being of its citizenry.
Regrettably, the recently concluded Anambra PDP Governorship Primary election conducted on August 28th, 2017 was all but a show of shame as it was marred by obvious irregularities, leaving little to be desired and more questions than answers from the relevant authorities and party officials.
At best, to any discerning mind, the primary election was a perfection of a preconceived orchestrated plot by His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State and His Excellency, the Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi alongside selected cabal members of the several committees for this election set up by PDP to rob well-meaning Anambrarians off their earnest yearning for a candidate and eventual Governor with a robust pedigree and a time-tested proof of love for the people.
On the 21st of August, 2017, we all gathered in our various wards to elect 3 ad-hoc delegates per ward to constitute those who were going to vote at the scheduled PDP Anambra State Governorship Primary Elections which was slated to be conducted on the 26th of August, 2017 but later postponed to 28th of August, 2017.
We all did our homework and it was a successful event duly monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the relevant law enforcement agencies. The results were compiled and transmitted to the National Headquarters INEC who monitored the elections.
To my greatest dismay and in tandem with the sinister plans of those who were saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a free and fair ad-hoc ward delegate election and consequently, primary election, the list of delegates were hoarded, starving aspirants of the most important tool needed for the campaign to commence.
While waiting for the list from the party, I wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requesting for certified true copies of the ad hoc ward delegate election they had monitored.
This request was granted and certified true copies of the elected delegates were made available to me and I started reaching out to these delegates.
However, things became complicated soon. Barely 48 hours to the Primary election, during a stakeholders meeting chaired by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Gov. Dave Umahi (chairman of the Primary Election Committee), several reservations were made by Senator Stella Oduah, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Prince John Emeka, my humble self (Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah) amongst a host of others.
These include PDP Stakeholder, Elder Linus Ukachukwu, Members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Anohu, Hon. Eucharia Azodo, Hon. Obinna Chidoka and others about the manner in which the ad hoc ward delegate election was conducted by Governor Nyesom Wike and his committee members.
Complaints were also made citing the hoarding of the said delegate list even after the so-called Primary Election as the aspirants had no idea if the delegates selected by the Wike-led committee are the authentic delegates to participate in the Primary Election as observed by INEC.
In view of this, all the aspirants but Mr. Oseloka Obaze condemned the entire process and requested that the Primary Election be stepped down as the party was clearly not ready.
That was owing to the time the list was made available to aspirants which was the night of Saturday, 26th of August 2017 for an election scheduled to be conducted on Monday, 28th of August, 2017, giving aspirants less than 48hours to tour round Anambra State canvassing for votes.
In spite of the misgivings expressed about the process leading to the election, the Governor Dave Umahi-led committee, acting true to type, threw caution to the wind, completely ignored the calls for the primary election to be stepped down and decided to go ahead with the exercise which eventually ended up on a dramatic note.
As a result, four aspirants including Prince John Emeka, Mr. Akolisa Ofodile, Sen. Stella Oduah and Linda Ikpeazu withdrew from the race on account of an alleged plot to impose a particular candidate on the vast majority of party loyalists in Anambra State.
On Sunday, 27th of August, 2017, when the list was published, it was totally different from the list INEC had certified and made available to me. Unfortunately, there was no-one to complain to.
While four aspirants withdrew, I decided to continue with the Primary Election in the face of the obvious reality that I had been shortchanged in order to afford myself the locus to question the credibility of the Primary Election legally and otherwise.
On Monday, 28th of August, 2017, during the Primary Election, their sinister plans started to unfold. It was discovered that the list provided by Governor Nyesom Wike and his committee members through Governor Dave Umahi was totally different from the list certified by INEC.
This list was also different from the list which was pasted and given to the aspirants by PDP. Following this flawed process, there were many complaints of accredited delegates being sidelined, replacing them with a new set of delegates.
This glaring racket caused by the Dave Umahi-led committee saw a majority of the accredited delegates tear gassed and thrown into a state of confusion as well as disenfranchised.
This sinister move caused a heavy distraction in the process and allowed those who were not in the INEC certified delegate list be smuggled in and manipulated to vote for an aspirant who was imposed on them by Peter Obi.
Available evidence has also revealed their insincerity and disingenuity, particularly in the counting of the votes. On one occasion, the lady counting can be heard jumping from 655 to 666 while counting.
One begins to wonder how the total votes were still able to sum up to 956 which as they said, was the total number of valid votes cast without producing an excess of 10 votes in the total summation.
What is the source of the additional result sheet which Governor Dave Umahi brought out from his pocket (as can be shown in electronic evidence available to me)? These questions have remained unanswered till date.
The most unfortunate part of the whole charade was the manner in which the Electoral Panel which was duty-bound to listen and attend to all complaints associated with the process hurriedly left the venue when I began to make my reservations about the fraudulent process known without giving due audience and attention to my protest.
At that point, I believe it was clearly evident to Nigerians that they were all acting a script as Governor Dave Umahi and co. were running away to avoid further embarrassment as I also requested to be given the opportunity to inspect the ballot papers on which the said votes were cast.
It is also pertinent to state that Mr. Oseloka Obaze is not qualified to contest in the Anambra State Governorship Primary Election as he did not get the requisite waiver from the Party owing to the fact that he had just been in the party for 4 months as against the mandatory requirement of being a party member for at least 2 years as enshrined in the party constitution.
Former Governor Peter Obi in conjunction with Gov. Nyesom Wike, imposed an unpopular candidate on the delegates. Sadly, an election which was supposed to provide a level playing field for all seven aspirants cleared for the race turned to a dance of shame.
All these represent the greatest act of impunity bearing in mind the fact that the party had begun to gain sympathy from Nigerians. It is highly embarrassing that the National Working Committee allowed themselves to be used by a group of people to perpetuate such grave anomalies.
Clearly, what happened on Monday, 28th of August 2017 cannot qualify as a PDP primary election for a Governorship candidate to contest the Anambra State Gubernatorial elections of 18th November, 2017.
It is worthy to note that, being a loyal party member, I have adhered to and allowed the internal resolution mechanism of the party do its duty before coming out to air my grievances as I have not made any press statement prior to the robbery and injustice served to me and other aspirants by the National Working Committee and the PDP Anambra Governorship Primary Election Appeal Panel.
It has become important for me to voice my discontent at the whole process as the National Working Committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, against their good conscience decided to also overrule the report and recommendations of the Appeal Panel and uphold the so-called Primary Election.
As was earlier asked by a group who condemned the elections: “If Osun State could get it right under Senator Ali Modu Sherrif by electing a Senator without rancor, why would Anambra State get it wrong under Ahmed Makarfi?
“Why must PDP allow the party to die because of Mr. Peter Obi who is the alleged man in the middle of this acrimony?”
The unlawful process that took place on the 28th of August, 2017 in the guise of Primary Election has not only jettisoned the appropriate electoral college, it has also jettisoned the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the Electoral Act 2010, the Constitution of the PDP 2012 and the PDP Electoral Guidelines as amended.
It is a total illegality, nullity, sham and an insult to the sensibilities of every faithful PDP member nationwide, right-thinking Anambrarian and by extension, Nigerian.
In the quest for justice, I submit myself to fight this illegality and injustice for my sake as well as that of anyone who aspires to contest under the party’s platform and I hope that justice will prevail in the end.
I will, in subsequent media chats and as things unfold, reveal more information on the sham and complete illegality that was tagged a Primary election conducted by the PDP.
God bless the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)!
God bless Anambra State!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
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(DDM) – A dramatic scene unfolded in Aku community, Imo State, as a family burial turned chaotic over allegations of financial settlement demands by the deceased’s first son.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the first son, identified as Uzoma Nwawere, reportedly blocked the burial of his late mother, insisting that his married sisters and their husbands must “settle” him before interment could proceed.
The incident occurred at the family compound where a large crowd gathered for the ceremony, only for the event to descend into confusion.
Eyewitnesses said Uzoma argued that his late mother and sisters had allegedly disrespected him while she was alive, depriving him of the recognition traditionally accorded to a first son.
A retired police officer at the scene narrated in Igbo that the deceased’s husband, Godwin Nwawere, had passed away earlier, leaving behind Uzoma as the first son and several daughters now married into different families.
The officer alleged that Uzoma had lived in the family compound for years, claiming he was left to fend for himself “on credit” while his sisters enjoyed better treatment.
He accused the daughters of conspiring with their late mother to undermine Uzoma’s status as heir to the family property, a situation that allegedly fueled tensions even before her death.
Reports indicated that Uzoma insisted the burial could not hold in the family compound, which he now claims as inheritance, unless his in-laws complied with his demands for settlement.
A viral video from the scene showed mourners and family members exchanging heated words near a freshly dug grave as light rain drizzled over the area.
In the footage, relatives and sympathizers were seen pleading with Uzoma to allow the burial to proceed, but he reportedly stood his ground.
The argument quickly attracted onlookers, causing embarrassment for the family and disrupting what was expected to be a solemn ceremony.
Cultural analysts say disputes over inheritance and burial rites are common in parts of Igbo land, particularly when tensions exist between sons and married daughters.
They note that first sons traditionally hold significant authority in family affairs, including burial decisions, but such authority can spark conflicts when perceived to be misused.
Social media reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some condemning Uzoma’s action as insensitive, while others argue that cultural norms were ignored by the deceased’s daughters.
As of press time, it was unclear whether the burial was eventually completed or postponed, as efforts to reach the family for clarification were unsuccessful.
(DDM) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of thirty-six suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.
The sting operation reportedly took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at various locations within Port Harcourt.
According to EFCC officials, the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to widespread internet-related fraud.
Authorities disclosed that the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria’s southern region.
Recovered items from the suspects included exotic vehicles, a Q-link motorcycle, and several high-end mobile phones.
Laptop computers reportedly containing incriminating documents were also seized during the coordinated raid.
EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the scale of the fraudulent activities uncovered.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court as soon as preliminary investigations are concluded.
The anti-graft commission maintained that no one would be spared in its fight against cybercrime and financial malfeasance.
Background of EFCC’s operations
The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on internet fraud across Nigeria in recent years.
In 2024, the agency recorded multiple arrests in Lagos, Abuja, and Benin City as part of its cybercrime crackdown.
Cybercrime, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” in Nigeria, has continued to tarnish the nation’s international image.
According to law enforcement data, billions of naira are lost annually to internet scams originating from Nigeria.
Experts link the rise of internet fraud to unemployment, economic hardship, and greed among youths.
EFCC has repeatedly urged young Nigerians to explore legitimate sources of income rather than resort to fraudulent schemes.
Port Harcourt under spotlight
Port Harcourt, a major commercial hub in the Niger Delta, has seen a surge in cybercrime activities in recent years.
Authorities believe the city’s thriving nightlife and influx of oil wealth make it a hotspot for fraud syndicates.
Previous raids in 2023 and 2024 led to the arrest of over 150 suspects, with many facing prosecution.
The EFCC warned that more sting operations would follow as part of its ongoing anti-fraud campaign.
Conclusion
The latest arrests signal a renewed drive by the EFCC to dismantle cybercrime networks across Nigeria.
The agency has promised to release further updates as investigations progress and suspects face legal proceedings.
News
Anambra Govt Arrests, Beats Up 18 Journalists Monitoring Senatorial Bye-Election
By Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra State Government has reportedly arrested eighteen journalists, who were touring electoral Wards and communities of the 7 Councils that made up the Anambra South senatorial zone where the bye-elections were held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Our correspondent reported that the journalists were arrested and detained at gunpoint by the operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service, generally known as Udo-Gachi.
The journalists had gone to Nnewi, in Nnewi North, as well as Ukpor, Osumenyi, Ezinifite, Amichi and other communities in Nnewi South LGA of the State to monitor proceedings in the bye-elections.
The journalists, it was learnt, were rushing after the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, for his remarks on the day’s process after covering the day’s proceedings.
At a spot, described as Eke Orsumenyi, they were jolted when their vehicle was forcefully stopped.
They were, thereafter, detained for more than three hours, allegedly on the orders of the State ‘s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, according to the security operatives.
“Journalists are the problem of Nigeria, they write whatever they like and deceive the people.
“We will deal with you people today,” an overzealous Udogachi operative threatened the journalists.
Some of the journalists and their cameramen were arrested and detained by the vigilante goons.
The journalists include correspondents of The Guardian, Daily Independent, Authority Newspaper, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Arise TV, TVC, National Vision and National Daily newspapers.
The leader of the over one hundred vigilante operatives who kept surging in with about 20 vehicles said that the arrest was on the instruction of the Anambra State Deputy Governor.
As the altercations continued, the Deputy Governor, in company of Nnewi South LGA Mayor, arrived the scene and ordered a thorough search of the media practitioners.
Information of the development later got to the APC gubernatorial candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Prince Ukachukwu quickly arrived the scene and ensured that the detained journalists were released, insisting that they we’re merely doing their normal civic duties.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of the bye-election in the seven local government areas that constitute the Anambra South senatorial zone.
(DDM) – Popular Nollywood actor Segun Remi, widely known by his stage name Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.
The news of his death was confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post on Friday morning, though details surrounding the cause of his passing have yet to be disclosed.
Chief Kanran was a celebrated figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his distinctive style, sharp humor, and commanding presence that endeared him to audiences over several decades.
He was recognized for his memorable performances in numerous stage plays and films, often portraying authoritative and affluent characters, and was considered a household name in Nigerian cinema.
Segun Remi began his career in the arts in the mid-1970s and gained popularity with notable roles in Ola Rotimi’s play “Kurunmi,” and the Lagos Television drama “Aláàfin Kanran” in 1988.
His extensive filmography includes several acclaimed Yoruba films such as “Vigilante,” “Ose-Sango,” “Eri Okan,” “Itunnu,” and “Orire,” among others.
Despite his success, Chief Kanran faced significant personal challenges, including devastating fire incidents that destroyed his home, studio, and equipment, which left him struggling and at one point homeless.
His contributions to Nollywood have been widely celebrated, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a veteran actor who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
This news comes as the Nollywood community recently mourned other actors, adding to the list of notable film personalities who have passed away this year.
Chief Kanran’s legacy as a pioneer and beloved actor will continue to be remembered by fans and the wider film fraternity.
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the convictions of three internet fraudsters following a sweeping operation at a hotel located within the precincts of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta.
The operation, which initially saw 93 suspects apprehended, has shone a spotlight on the rising tide of cybercriminal activities in high-profile Nigerian locations, underscoring the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes in the country’s digital age.
The suspects, Isaac Akinwale, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo, pleaded guilty to an array of charges linked to false pretence, identity theft, and illicit acquisition of funds, contravening provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and the EFCC Act, 2004.
Presiding over the proceedings as a vacation judge, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down measured sentences designed both as punishment and deterrence, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views such offences.
EFCC operative Umar Shuaibu revealed that Isaac Akinwale operated a celebrity scam on WhatsApp under female pseudonyms, defrauding a victim of $500.
The court accepted multiple exhibits tendered by prosecution counsel Franklin Ofoma, including a 2007 Toyota Camry, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and a N400,000 bank draft, as proceeds and instruments of crime.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced Akinwale to three months imprisonment or an alternative fine of N1million.
Olatunji, convicted for running a romance scam, was sentenced to one month imprisonment or a N500,000 fine.
Oshundairo, who posed as an expert in service certificates and tax preparation through a fraudulent Gmail account, was ordered to perform 30 days community service.
His punishment is publicly symbolic: he must carry a banner with the cautionary message, “Cybercrime Does Not Pay. Stay Away from Cybercrime”.
In a notable twist, fourth defendant Onunoye Fawas Olamilekan entered a not guilty plea to charges of impersonating a nurse on Facebook and controlling $50 acquired via fraudulent transactions.
His counsel disputed the validity of the charges under the Cybercrimes Act, prompting the court to remand him at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further trial in October 2025.
The EFCC had flagged a total of 23 suspects for arraignment, but only four were accommodated by the court during its session, indicating broadening investigations and prosecutions may follow.
This operation marks one of the EFCC’s largest anti-fraud sweeps from a single Nigerian location in recent memory.
The prominence of the Obasanjo Presidential Library as the scene of the arrests dramatically heightened public awareness, raising questions about the security and due diligence in hospitality establishments across the country.
Nigerian authorities continue to escalate efforts against cybercriminals, aiming to assert the rule of law over digital spaces.
The EFCC, empowered by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other statutes, urges citizens to remain vigilant online and to report suspicious activities.
With growing internet adoption in Nigeria, law enforcement faces an evolving battle against increasingly sophisticated scams, making deterrent convictions like these a critical step in restoring confidence in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
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