‎Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ebonyi State Council, has called on politicians and political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against the use of inflammatory rhetoric, character assassination, and divisive politics.

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‎The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Friday at the end of the union’s congress held at Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki, and presided over by the State Council Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor.

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‎The congress urged political actors to comply with electoral guidelines and focus on policies, programmes, and ideas that would promote peace and democratic development in the state.

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‎On agriculture, the union expressed concern over delays in the distribution of government farm inputs and appealed to the state government to ensure timely delivery to genuine farmers to boost food production and food security.

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‎The congress also advised residents of flood-prone communities to adhere strictly to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities and avoid blocking drainage channels to reduce the risk of flooding during the peak rainy season.

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‎The NUJ appealed to Goverror Francis Nwifuru to allocate an alternative parcel of land to enable it realize its proposed journalists’ housing estate project following the revocation of its earlier allocation at the EBSU Pocket Layout.

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‎The journalists reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, responsible journalism, and sustainable development in Ebonyi State.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Ebonyi State chapter, has said it was not part of the purported claim of backing the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Ifeanyi Odii.

The party stated that the purported endorsement was allegedly being master-minded by sacked officials of the NDC in the state. 

Speaking to newsmen on Friday, in Abakaliki, the chairman of NDC in Ebonyi State, Hon. Enyinnaya Udensi Alum, said the party had no intention to endorse any politician other than its gubernatorial candidate.

He called on all NDC faithful in the state and supporters to steer clear from the purported endorsement, adding that the move was antithetical to the tenets and principles of the party. 

He said, “Information reaching me, Hon. Prince Alum Enyinnaya Udensi, the Ebonyi State Chairman of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is that a few former members of the party, who were sacked over financial impropriety and anti-party activities are purportedly going to endorse one of the factional governorship candidates of the PDP on behalf of the NDC tomorrow or soon after. 

“Ebonyians, NDC members and other teaming supporters of the NDC in the state should note that the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Ebonyi State has its governorship candidate, and that the party has not and will at no time endorse any other candidate of any party other than the NDC governorship candidate. 

“NDC members are hereby requested not to attend any such gathering as it amounts to anti-party activities, while the general public is asked to desist from dealing with the above named individuals as they are no longer NDC members and do not represent the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”

The full fixtures and dates for the World Cup Round of 16 fixtures have been confirmed.

This follows the conclusion of the Round of 32 fixtures played today.

Recall that Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 to progress to the Round of 32, while Colombia eliminated Ghana from the competition following a 1-0 win.

Argentina will now face Egypt in the last-16 on Tuesday, while Colombia will take on Switzerland.

Co-host nation Canada will tackle Morocco on Saturday.

2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 fixtures in full:

Saturday, July 4:

Canada vs Morocco

Paraguay vs France

Sunday, July 5:

Brazil vs Norway

Mexico vs England

Monday, July 6:

Portugal vs Spain

United States vs Belgium

Tuesday, July 7:

Argentina vs Egypt

Switzerland vs Colombia