Month: June 2025

The internal crisis plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Wednesday as 11 members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) publicly rejected the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. Earlier in the day, Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagum, announced Anyanwu’s return to office, describing it as a “painful decision.” He also declared the postponement of the 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting initially slated for June 30, 2025, replacing it with a caucus meeting. However, in a swift and coordinated response, 11 senior NWC members issued a joint statement rejecting both decisions. According to them, Damagum acted beyond his authority, as only the NEC has the constitutional power to determine such matters. “The pronouncements by the Acting National Chairman have no foundation,” the statement read. “No organ of the party, including the NWC, has the authority to override NEC resolutions.” The signatories include top party figures such as Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; Acting National Secretary, Hon. Setonji Koshoedo; National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba; and National Treasurer, Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, among others. The NWC members emphasized that the 99th NEC meeting had explicitly referred Anyanwu’s case to the upcoming 100th NEC meeting. They affirmed that the June 30 meeting remains on schedule and binding on all party organs and members. They also accused Damagum of undermining the party’s constitution, stating: “The NEC is the highest decision-making body of the party after the National Convention. Any attempt to vary its resolution is unconstitutional and therefore null and void.” The controversy comes after a meeting between party leaders and INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, raising speculation about the political motivations behind Damagum’s announcement. As tensions grow within Nigeria’s main opposition party, stakeholders and observers are watching closely to see whether the crisis will derail plans ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Cornelius Adebayo, a former Governor of Kwara State and ex-Minister of Communications, has passed away at the age of 84. The elder statesman died in the early hours of Wednesday, marking the end of a long and distinguished career in public service. Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, now within Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Adebayo was a respected figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. He entered national politics in 1979 as a Senator under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and was elected Governor of Kwara State in 1983, although his tenure was cut short by the military coup that year. He later served as Minister of Communications during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s civilian administration, where he contributed to the modernization of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. Reacting to the news, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed deep sorrow, describing Adebayo as “an administrator par excellence.” The Emir highlighted the former governor’s contributions to the state’s development and his legacy of integrity and service. A condolence message issued by the Emir’s Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, extended sympathies to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the people of Kwara, Adebayo’s family, and political associates. The Emir offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Adebayo’s soul and for strength and comfort for his family during this difficult time.

A heated debate erupted in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday over the confirmation of nominees to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), with lawmakers clashing over the appointment of Michael Odey, a Cross River State native, as chairman. The controversy emerged during deliberations on the report of the Senate ad-hoc committee on the emergency rule in Rivers State. Lawmakers raised concerns over ethics, constitutional interpretation, federal character principles, and political impartiality in a state currently under emergency governance. Despite stiff opposition from senators across party lines, the Senate confirmed Odey’s appointment along with six others: Lezaasi Torbira, Arthur Nwafor, Godfrey Mbudiogha, Joyce Akaniwor, Olive Bruce, and Chidi Halliday. The nominations, earlier submitted by President Bola Tinubu, were screened by an 18-member ad-hoc committee chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central). During plenary, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) led the dissent, questioning why a non-indigene was chosen to head a sensitive state electoral body. “There is no logical reason why a Rivers man cannot chair this Electoral Commission,” he argued. Supporting him, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) called for moral responsibility beyond constitutional legality, warning against undermining local trust. “We are supposed to be guided not just by the Constitution, but also by conscience,” he said. Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) raised concerns over political optics, especially given that the Rivers State administrator is also from Cross River. “We are looking at ethics. Six members are from Rivers—why not the chairman too?” he asked. In defense, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) insisted that constitutional provisions take precedence over regional sentiments. “Any Nigerian can be appointed anywhere. We swore to uphold the Constitution,” he maintained. Senate Leader Bamidele emphasized that the appointment complied with constitutional eligibility requirements, stressing Odey’s educational qualifications and neutrality. “Rather than grandstand, if we disagree with the court, we should legislate,” he said. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin echoed this sentiment, citing similar appointments in other states. “The Head of Service in Abia is from Edo, and nobody complained because it came from a Labour Party governor. But now that it’s APC, it’s an issue,” he said. The Senate ultimately dissolved into the Committee of the Whole and adopted the report, confirming all seven RSIEC nominees despite lingering divisions over federal character and political balance.