Four South-East state governments have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid, in a show of support in a region widely seen as Peter Obi's stronghold.

What happened

At an APC Women Mega Rally and Empowerment Programme for the South-East at Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday, 31 October 2026, the governors reportedly urged residents to back the President and APC candidates at all levels in the January 2027 elections.

What the governors said

Enugu Governor Peter Mbah said the region should build on the government's economic reforms rather than change course, comparing it to a sailor who does not abandon his ship mid-sea. He also described an empowerment programme for 5,000 women across the five South-East states. Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma said Igbo people were now seeing real inclusion and development under Tinubu, and that improved federal allocations had helped his state pay salaries and pensions regularly. Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru praised the APC's skills programmes and denied links to any coalition outside the party. Anambra Governor Charles Soludo was represented by his deputy, Gilbert Ibezim, who said the region should repay the administration with votes. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also spoke, noting that no Igbo person had been president in six decades and praising the South East Development Commission.

Background

Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate and a former Anambra governor, won most of the South East in the 2023 presidential election. He has said he would serve only one term if elected, while some APC figures argue the region should aim for a longer stay in power through alliances. Obi had not responded to the rally at the time of the report.

What happens next

Both the APC and the NDC are expected to intensify their campaigns in the South East, which is likely to be one of the most closely watched regions in the election.

A pro-Tinubu support group has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the dispute over its candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District could hurt the party in the South East ahead of 2027.

What the group said

In a statement signed by its national president, Gbenga Owojori, and reported on Saturday, 31 October 2026, the Renewed Hope Foot Soldiers for Tinubu reacted to the Federal High Court ruling that recognised former governor Rochas Okorocha, rather than Governor Hope Uzodimma, as the APC candidate for Imo West. The group argued that shutting out candidates from the South East could weaken the coalition President Bola Tinubu needs for re-election.

Its demands

The group called on party leaders to resolve the matter through inclusive dialogue and transparent party processes, and said Uzodimma should be given a fair chance to pursue his ambitions, including a possible bid for the Senate presidency. It also made claims, which it did not support with evidence, that some senior political figures were working against Uzodimma. Those named have not responded to the claims.

Background

Okorocha went to court claiming he won the APC primary on 18 May, while the party's returning officer declared Uzodimma the winner. The court ordered INEC to publish Okorocha's name, and former APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje later visited Okorocha to congratulate him. The case also raises the question of whether a sitting governor can contest a Senate seat while still in office. Uzodimma has not said publicly whether he will appeal.

What happens next

The dispute is expected to continue in court and within the party, with both camps seeking the backing of the national leadership.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken out against a string of reported attacks on opposition politicians, accusing supporters of the ruling party of trying to intimidate rivals ahead of the 2027 elections.

What he said

In a statement on X on Saturday, 31 October 2026, Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), condemned the assault on AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore in Ado-Ekiti and the attack on the convoy of Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State. He also criticised what he said was harassment of residents in Sokoto for wearing ADC-branded clothing, and described the unexplained disappearance of some social media influencers as a warning sign.

Who he blamed

Atiku blamed loyalists and enforcers of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that the attacks happened while President Bola Tinubu was abroad on a religious pilgrimage. He described the violence as a sign of desperation and said the ADC would resist any attempt to wipe out political opposition.

His demands

He called on the federal government to order immediate and transparent investigations into the attacks on Sowore and Dan'iya, and to guarantee a free, fair and competitive environment for the 2027 elections.

Background

Sowore says he and his team were attacked at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti on Friday; police deny he was kidnapped and have ordered an investigation. Dan'iya says his convoy was blocked and shot at near the Sokoto airport on Friday night. The APC and the Sokoto State Government had not responded to Atiku's statement at the time of the report.

With Nigeria's 2027 general elections still ahead, popular television journalist Seun Okinbaloye has raised a serious concern about the credibility of the electoral process.

What he said

In a statement now circulating widely online, Okinbaloye reportedly said the 2027 election has already been rigged. Reports link his warning to concerns about flaws in the national voter register.

The allegation raises troubling questions about Nigeria's democracy and about whether citizens will be able to freely choose their leaders.

Why it matters

The claim comes at a time when public confidence in Nigeria's electoral system remains a major issue, especially after the controversies that followed previous elections.

For millions of Nigerians, the concern goes beyond which political party wins or loses. The bigger question is whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can guarantee a transparent, credible and fair election in 2027.

A claim, not proof

However, the allegation should not be mistaken for established evidence that the election has been manipulated. A claim this serious needs clear facts and proper investigation.

If Nigerians are already questioning the credibility of an election that has not yet taken place, INEC and the relevant authorities have a responsibility to address those concerns before voters head to the polls.

Democracy loses its meaning when citizens begin to believe that election results are decided before voting begins.

What do you think? Can Nigerians still trust INEC to conduct a free and fair election in 2027?