Allow Tinubu Second Term–APC chieftain Osita Okechukwu urges Nigerians and Northern politicians to respect zoning and allow President Bola Tinubu complete his second term to sustain reforms and national unity.

Sunday, January 18, 2026 | Enugu

Allow Tinubu Second Term – APC Chieftain Makes Case for Zoning, Stability

Tinubu Second Term should be respected in the interest of national unity, equity, and democratic stability, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Chief Osita Okechukwu, has said.

Okechukwu, a former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), made the call on Saturday during the flag-off of the APC e-registration exercise at Eke Ward, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Speaking yesterday after registering, the APC stalwart urged Nigerians–particularly Northern political leaders–to allow President Bola Tinubu second term in line with the country’s informal zoning and rotational presidency arrangement.

He argued that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was widely expected to emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and should, therefore, respect the rotational understanding that returned power to the South in 2023.

“By the time Tinubu finishes in 2031, any southerner who is coming for president, we will not allow the person because it will then be the turn of the North,” Okechukwu said.

According to him, any move by Atiku to contest against a sitting Southern president would amount to undermining the unity and balance of the federation.

Okechukwu recalled that Atiku himself benefitted from zoning in 1999 when he emerged as Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo, following the collective sacrifice of several qualified Northern leaders.

“If not for good faith, restraint and self-censorship, leaders like Abubakar Rimi, Umaru Shinkafi, Adamu Ciroma and Bukola Saraki were all qualified but conceded power to the South. That was how Atiku became Vice President,” he noted.

Tracing the intellectual roots of rotational leadership, Okechukwu explained that the principle dated back to Switzerland in 1848, where power-sharing was adopted to foster national cohesion and a sense of belonging among diverse groups.

He said Nigeria embraced a similar understanding after years of military rule, especially following the annulment of the June 12 election, with patriots agreeing that power should rotate between North and South.

“From 1999 to 2007, the South completed its tenure and handed over to the North. That agreement stabilised the country,” he said.

The APC chieftain recalled that Atiku’s 2003 presidential ambition disrupted the zoning formula within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a development he claimed plunged the party into a crisis that weakened it significantly.

He expressed concern that the ADC, under Atiku’s influence, had thrown its presidential ticket open, thereby undermining the rotational consensus that has helped manage Nigeria’s diversity.

“To sustain Tinubu’s economic reforms, protect Nigeria’s democracy and preserve peace, the South under Tinubu should be allowed to complete its eight years,” Okechukwu stressed.

Commending President Tinubu’s economic policies, he said early indicators suggested the economy was rebounding and expressed optimism that Nigerians would experience greater benefits if the reforms were allowed to mature into a second term.

Also speaking, an APC member in the ward, Mrs. Kate Offor, described the e-registration exercise as evidence of transparency within the party, expressing confidence that the 2027 general election would be free, fair and credible.

She said the digital registration process would prevent inflation or manipulation of party membership figures, predicting a landslide victory for Tinubu Second Term in 2027.

Meanwhile, the APC e-registration agent in Eke Ward, Mr. Chibuzor Onyeama, confirmed that the exercise had commenced smoothly, despite minor network challenges.

“The registration requirements are the National Identification Number (NIN), voter’s number and phone number. Our only challenge so far has been little network hitches,” Onyeama said.

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Benin coup attempt: On 7 December 2025 a small group of soldiers launched a coup attempt in Benin, seizing state television and announcing a takeover. Loyalist forces intervened quickly, restored control, and confirmed President Patrice Talon remains safe.

Coup attempt, swift response, and government control

Early on 7 December 2025, a group of at least eight soldiers appeared on national television in Benin Republic claiming they had seized power inba Benin coup attempt. The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) and led by Pascal Tigri (Lieutenant-Colonel), announced the removal of Patrice Talon from office, the dissolution of all state institutions, suspension of the constitution and political party activity, and closure of Benin’s air, land and maritime borders.

In the broadcast addressed to the nation, the soldiers declared their vision for “a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail.”

According to later statements by the government, however, the Benin coup attempt was quickly reversed.

Government response and loyalist intervention

Shortly after the Benin coup attempt announcement, the signal to the state broadcaster was cut – a move the government describes as limiting the coup plotters’ reach.

Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, the Foreign Minister of Benin, told news agencies that only a “small group” of soldiers attempted the coup, and that most of the national armed forces remained loyal. “There is an attempt, but the situation is under control,” he said.

Similarly, the presidency declared that the regular army and national guard had regained control of seized facilities, including the national broadcaster. The office emphasized that the country – its capital and other cities – was now secure.

Reports of gunfire around the residence of President Talon – especially near the military base at Camp Guézo – prompted foreign embassies to urge their citizens to stay indoors.

The broader picture, as of mid-day Sunday, is that while the Benin coup attempt plotters briefly controlled state media, they failed to secure wider support, and loyalist forces re-established order.

Context: why now?

The Benin coup attempt comes against the backdrop of rising political tension in Benin. President Talon – in power since 2016 – was scheduled to step down after his second term in April 2026, with a presidential election ahead.

Observers note that the takeover attempt in Benin is part of a recent wave of military interventions across West and Central Africa.

According to critics, the political environment has sharpened in recent months amid constitutional changes, restrictions on opposition parties, and disqualification of some opposition candidates – developments that may have contributed to discontent among fringe military factions.

What this means for Benin and the region

For now, the legitimate government appears firmly in control: President Talon is reportedly safe, and national institutions remain intact.

The quick collapse of the plot suggests the attempted takeover lacked widespread military support – limiting its reach beyond state broadcast infrastructure.

Yet, the incident highlights deeper fractures: political unrest, dissatisfaction among dissident soldiers, and the fragility of stability even in countries considered relatively democratic.

Regionally, the failed coup reinforces concerns about a growing “coup belt” – where several West and Central African nations have experienced military takeovers since 2020. Benin’s attempt follows closely on a successful coup in Guinea-Bissau.

What to watch next

Authorities have not yet released full details about the identity or fate of the coup plotters. Analysts will also be watching for reactions from regional blocs such as ECOWAS, as well as diplomatic responses from major foreign partners.

Additionally, with elections scheduled for April 2026, the episode may increase tension and suspicion around upcoming political contests – especially if perceptions of exclusion, repression or lack of fairness persist.

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Anambra 2025: APC’s Uche Ekwunife Alleges Massive Vote Buying, Calls for Electoral Integrity

November 8, 2025: Awka, Anambra State

The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Anambra 2025 governorship election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has alleged massive vote buying across several polling units in the state.

Ekwunife made the allegation shortly after casting her vote at Polling Unit 001, Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area, on Saturday. She described the situation as a grave threat to democracy and a setback to the integrity of the electoral process.

According to the APC chieftain, credible intelligence from party agents and observers indicated that huge sums of money were distributed at polling stations to induce voters.

“Many voters in the state were pressured through financial inducements into voting against their conscience. It is disheartening that instead of allowing the people to freely choose their leaders, some political actors have chosen to corrupt the process with money,” Ekwunife said.

The APC deputy governorship candidate lamented that despite repeated warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies against electoral malpractices, vote buying still occurred on a large scale. She called it “a betrayal of the people’s will and a dangerous setback for Nigeria’s democracy.”

Ekwunife emphasized that vote buying undermines public trust in elections and discourages genuine participation. She urged authorities to take immediate action to curb the menace and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.

“This kind of monetisation of democracy must stop if we truly want progress in Anambra and Nigeria at large,” she added.

Despite her concerns, Ekwunife commended the impressive turnout of voters across the state, describing it as a sign of renewed hope and political awareness among the electorate.

“The enthusiasm of the electorate today shows that our people are tired of bad governance and economic stagnation. I am confident that the APC will emerge victorious because the people are yearning for a new direction,” she said.

Ekwunife urged INEC officials and security agencies to remain vigilant, impartial, and professional in discharging their duties, ensuring that the Anambra 2025 election outcome reflects the genuine will of the people, not the influence of money or intimidation.

She concluded by appealing to voters to resist all forms of monetary temptation, stressing that the future of the state depends on their integrity and courage to vote their conscience.

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