Abia Governor Alex Otti Confirms Peter Obi’s Plan to Quit Labour Party but Rules Out Defection, Says He Will “Continue the Struggle” to Rescue LP

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has confirmed that former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi plans to leave the Labour Party (LP), a development that has intensified speculation about political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Umuahia, Otti disclosed that Obi personally informed him of his decision to exit the party, adding that he gave him his blessings. However, Otti firmly dismissed claims that he would defect alongside Obi, insisting that he remains committed to the Labour Party “for now” and will continue efforts to reform and reposition it.
The governor stressed that his political journey with the LP predates Obi’s entry into the party and that the platform remains the one that brought him to power. He said only a failure to rescue and restructure the party would force discussions about alternative options, ruling out any immediate defection. Otti also rejected overtures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including calls from Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, saying he would not be distracted from governance. While confirming Obi’s planned exit, Otti declined to reveal the party the former Anambra governor intends to join, amid reports linking Obi to an opposition coalition believed to be adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its vehicle for the 2027 elections.

Nigerian House of Representatives Proposes New Constitutional Law to Protect Pregnant Women on Death Row, Commute Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment

The Nigerian House of Representatives has proposed a major constitutional amendment aimed at protecting pregnant women sentenced to death and safeguarding the lives of their unborn children. The proposal, adopted by the House Committee on Constitution Review chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, seeks to amend Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution to ensure that any pregnant woman convicted of a capital offence is sentenced to life imprisonment instead of death.

Under the proposed new subsection, courts would be required to commute death sentences once pregnancy is proven, recognising the unborn child’s right to life. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, praised the bill as humane and progressive, arguing that executing a pregnant woman amounts to the unjust killing of an innocent unborn child. He cited international human rights principles, U.S. constitutional arguments, and moral considerations in support of the amendment.

Constitutional lawyer Abdul Mahmud also endorsed the proposal, describing it as a balanced effort to align criminal justice with evolving global human rights standards, while raising broader questions about the continued relevance of the death penalty in Nigeria.

In addition, the House proposed a separate amendment to guarantee Nigerians’ right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment, including access to environmental information and accountability for pollution. The twin proposals reflect a broader legislative push toward human rights protection, environmental justice, and constitutional reform in Nigeria.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu proposes penalties for officials who negotiate ransom payments within six months

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has proposed that government officials who negotiate ransom payments face penalties within the next six months.

The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of six additional states. This was one of the key resolutions reached at the end of the two-day retreat, co-chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt—Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in Lagos.

National Assembly Approves Creation of 6 New States.

Nigeria is set to have six new states as the National Assembly joint committee on Constitutional Review has approved the proposal for their creation.

The approval was one of the major outcomes of a two-day retreat held in Lagos, jointly chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

A unanimous decision was reached by the committee after reviewing 55 separate requests for state creation from across the country.

The lawmakers also considered 69 bills, two boundary adjustment proposals, and 278 requests for new local government areas during the retreat.

According to the joint committee, one new state will be created in each of the six geopolitical zones: North West, North East, North Central, South West, South East, and South South.

If the recommendation sails through all constitutional processes, Nigeria’s number of states will rise from 36 to 42.

Speaking during the session, Senator Barau Jibrin noted that the committee’s decision followed years of consultations, engagements, and public hearings involving citizens, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

“We have been in this process for the past two years, engaging our constituents, critical stakeholders, institutions, civil society organisations and interest groups in town hall meetings, interactive sessions and public hearings, harvesting and synthesising views and perspectives which has ultimately culminated in what we have here today – 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments and 278 local government creation requests,” he said.

Gov Otti Sends Warning to Those Planning to Rig 2027 Abia Governorship Election.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has warned against attempts to manipulate the 2027 gubernatorial election results.

Speaking on Thursday at the Government House, Umuahia, during the October edition of Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, the governor cautioned those planning to rig the election to “write their wills” first.

Otti’s remarks came in response to comments attributed to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who had declared that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), would take over Abia in 2027.

While acknowledging Kalu’s right to contest the election, Otti emphasised that all candidates must play by the rules.

“I’ve heard some people say they must take over this state and manipulate results.

“My advice is simple, if they truly want to write results, they should first write their wills. That’s their choice,” he said.

Describing Kalu as a friend and younger brother, the governor added that he had forgiven him for past criticisms of his administration, stressing the need to maintain peace and decorum in Abia.

Otti also used the platform to reaffirm that he has no intention of joining the APC and remains a committed member of the Labour Party.

Bill for Creation of Ibadan State Passes Second Reading in House of Representatives.

A bill seeking to create a new state in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun, representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, the bill proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to establish Ibadan State from the current Oyo State.

During Thursday’s plenary, Adigun argued that Ibadan, once the capital of the old Western Region, deserves statehood, noting that other regional capitals like Enugu and Kaduna have since become states. He described the proposal as a “monumental step toward equitable development and true federalism.

Adigun cited Ibadan’s large population and landmass as justification, claiming that “one local government in Ibadan is bigger than three in Bayelsa State.” His comment sparked protest from Bayelsa lawmaker Obuku Ofurji, who called it “disrespectful.” Adigun later apologised but maintained that his statement was factual.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further consideration.

The proposal aligns with renewed agitation for state creation across Nigeria. In September, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure Ibadan State is created before 2027.

Creating a new state under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution requires approval by two-thirds of the National Assembly, the affected state’s assembly, local councils, and a referendum supported by two-thirds of residents in the proposed area.

No new state has been created in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Reps Reject U.S. Senate’s Genocide Claim Against Christians in Nigeria.

The House of Representatives has dismissed the U.S. Senate’s claim describing Nigeria’s insecurity as genocide against Christians or state-sponsored persecutiom, saying it misrepresents the country’s true situation.

The decision followed a motion by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, titled “Urgent Need for a Coordinated Diplomatic and Domestic Response to the Proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (U.S. Senate Bill S.2747)”.

Kalu said the U.S. bill, introduced on September 9, 2025, which seeks to label Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act, is based on incomplete assessments. 

He stressed that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that insecurity is multi-causal, driven by insurgency, banditry, separatism, and communal clashes—not religion.

Lawmakers warned that the U.S. claim could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and strain diplomatic ties. Julius Ihonvbere called for swift diplomatic engagement, while Oluwole Oke described the claim as a “deliberate attempt to damage Nigeria’s image.”

The House reaffirmed constitutional religious freedom, condemned all forms of violence, and rejected the U.S. Senate’s portrayal of Nigeria’s crisis. 

It also directed the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington to lodge a diplomatic protest and present factual data to U.S. and international bodies.

Benjamin Kalu Reflects on Nigeria’s 26 Years of Democracy, Calls for Renewed Commitment to Justice and Freedom

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, highlighting both its achievements and ongoing challenges 26 years after the country’s return to civilian rule.

In a video shared by Symfoni TV, Kalu reminisced about the nation’s optimism at the dawn of democracy in 1999, following decades of military dictatorship. He said Nigerians had hoped that the new era would usher in freedom, justice, and prosperity for all citizens.

Speaking during an update on the ongoing constitutional amendment process, Kalu stated that the 1999 Constitution was designed to lay the foundation for a Nigeria where citizens wield real power, rights are protected, and government institutions exist to serve the people.

However, he questioned whether that vision has been fully realized, noting that while progress has been made — including seven peaceful general elections and smooth power transitions between political parties — more work still lies ahead.

Kalu acknowledged that civil society has grown stronger, the media enjoys greater freedom, and the judiciary, despite challenges, continues to assert its independence.

He also emphasized the role of political parties as vital channels for citizen participation, noting that millions of Nigerians continue to cast their votes because they believe in the value of democracy.

“The Constitution of 1999 brought about the return of Nigeria to democratic governance 26 years ago. For a moment, there was great anticipation — we dared to think that a new era of freedom, justice, and prosperity was finally within reach,” Kalu reflected.

Kalu concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that the ideals envisioned at the beginning of civilian rule continue to guide the nation’s path forward.

Deputy Speaker Kalu Hails First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at 65

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm felicitations to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she marks her 65th birthday, describing her as an inspiration to women and a pillar of support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Kalu praised the First Lady’s compassion and commitment to youth and women’s empowerment, which he said are evident through her various initiatives and pet projects.

The Deputy Speaker also commended Senator Tinubu’s strong advocacy for the reserved seats bill, aimed at tackling gender disparity and deepening women’s participation in governance.

Kalu said:

“I heartily congratulate Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of our President and leader, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of her 65th birthday. She is a passionate and kindhearted leader who has devoted her life to selfless service to our dear nation in different capacities, both in private and public service.

I commend her relentless advocacy for the advancement of the girl child and her unwavering commitment to education for children, women, and the less privileged. The parliament is proud of her achievements during her time in the Senate, and I urge her to continue setting shining examples for women in leadership and governance. Happy birthday, Your Excellency, and many happy returns. Congratulations.”

Kalu concluded with prayers for God’s continued guidance, good health, and long life for the First Lady, urging her to remain a role model for women in leadership and a source of strength for the nation.

House of Reps pass bill to increase Lagos local governments from 20 to 57.

The House of Representatives has approved a bill seeking to recognise the 37 development area councils in Lagos as full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs).

If signed into law, the bill will raise the number of LGAs in Lagos from 20 to 57.

The legislation, titled A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to Accommodate the Thirty-Seven (37) Development Area Councils of Lagos State as Full-Fledged Local Government Areas, was among 42 constitution amendment bills passed by the lower chamber on Wednesday.

It was co-sponsored by James Abiodun Faleke (Ikeja federal constituency), Babajimi Benson (Ikorodu federal constituency), Enitan Dolapo Badru (Lagos Island I federal constituency), and 19 other lawmakers.

The bill scaled second reading during a plenary session presided over by Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House.

If enacted, the total number of LGAs in Nigeria will rise from 774 to 811.

The change would also make Lagos the state with the highest number of LGAs in the country, overtaking Kano (44) and Katsina (34).

#Howofreppasslocalbill #

Following widespread backlash and pushbacks, Deputy Speaker withdraws Indigeneship Bill.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has formally withdrawn the proposed Indigeneship Bill from further consideration in the National Assembly.

Kalu explained that the decision followed widespread feedback from the public, stakeholders, and institutions, including a critical analysis by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). The report advised caution and called for broader consultations.

While the bill aimed to promote national unity, equity, and inclusiveness for all Nigerians—regardless of their state of origin—concerns were raised over how such changes might affect existing state laws and the rights of indigenous populations.

NILDS, in its recommendation, suggested that State Houses of Assembly should instead enact laws granting settlers equal rights and privileges. Kalu, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, emphasized his commitment to democratic processes and public engagement, stating that all legislative efforts must align with the aspirations of Nigerians.

He assured that the bill may be revisited after further legislative and public engagement to ensure it fully reflects the will of the people.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has proposed partnership with Montefiore Einstein Medical Centre, a United States-based medical institution and Nigeria to advance healthcare services .