Category: Local

By Our Reporters Tensions are rising within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as party leaders are divided over a recent call by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and some stakeholders, for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South. The call, made during a meeting in Abuja on Monday by Wike and a group of “Concerned Stakeholders,” has drawn criticism and conflicting responses from within the party hierarchy. Wike’s group also reaffirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP—a move that has added to internal disagreements following a controversial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in May. Disagreement Among Party Leaders Reacting to the Abuja meeting, PDP Board of Trustees member and former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jones Onyereri, faulted the NEC meeting, alleging that it was not properly convened in accordance with the party’s constitution. According to him, “Only the National Secretary has the authority to issue notices of meetings. Senator Anyanwu confirmed in writing that the NEC meeting was cancelled. Therefore, it was not properly convened.” On the issue of zoning, Onyereri supported the group’s call for the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, stating that the party must uphold its constitutional principles of rotation and fairness. Bode George Urges Restraint In contrast, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, cautioned against airing internal disagreements in public. He warned that such behaviour could damage the party’s unity and reputation. “We have a functional national executive, and family matters are not to be discussed in the marketplace,” George said. “We must all wait for the next NEC meeting scheduled for June 30. This is not the way to run a party.” Party Official: No Contradiction in Zoning Call Speaking on behalf of the party, PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, downplayed the controversy, saying the call for a southern presidential candidate aligns with the party’s broader position. “What they said in the communiqué is not different from what the party believes in,” Bature told Vanguard. “There is no decision from the last NEC meeting that is binding, so there is no need for alarm.” When asked about the claims that the NEC meeting was improperly convened, Bature acknowledged the procedural issues but maintained that no critical decisions were taken. PDP to Respond Formally The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told reporters that the party would formally respond to the Wike-led stakeholders’ position in due course. “There is a process in our party. We have a NEC and a committee responsible for these matters. The party will respond appropriately,” he said. Fayose Warns of Party Collapse Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has warned that the PDP risks becoming a “political carcass” if urgent reforms are not implemented. Speaking during a visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Monday night, Fayose said the party is in decline and requires drastic internal restructuring. “Without urgent action, the PDP is headed for serious decline,” he warned. “I’m not defecting to the APC, but as someone who once led the opposition, I must speak the truth.” He praised President Tinubu for his initial efforts in office, noting that although challenges remain, “there is a clear difference from the last administration.” Background The internal rift within the PDP comes as the party struggles to regroup following its loss in the 2023 presidential election. The battle for control of the party’s leadership and the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket are expected to dominate the agenda at the upcoming NEC meeting.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, is set to commission a total of 18 critical infrastructure and healthcare projects across the state this week, in a major push under his administration’s “New Abia” transformation agenda. According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the commissioning ceremonies will take place between Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11, 2025, covering Abia South and Abia Central Senatorial Zones. Governor Otti will on Tuesday commission 12 completed road projects in Aba, the state’s commercial capital, under the supervision of the Greater Aba Development Authority and the Ministry of Works. The roads include: A public rally will follow the commissioning at St. Joseph’s College (CKC), Asa Triangle, Aba. On Wednesday, June 11, the focus shifts to Abia Central, where the Governor will inaugurate four fully equipped Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) in Isiala Ngwa South, Umuahia South, and Umuahia North LGAs. These fall under the Project Ekwueme PHC Program, which aims to establish functional health centers in all 184 wards across Abia State. Two major road projects will also be commissioned: Both road projects were executed by the Ministry of Works. A rally will be held afterward at Ibeku High School, Umuahia. This marks the first phase of Governor Otti’s larger plan to commission and initiate 55 key projects across the state in the coming weeks, reinforcing his commitment to transparent governance, infrastructure renewal, healthcare enhancement, and socioeconomic revitalization.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has described the Nigerian Civil War as the most challenging period of his life, stating that his actions during the conflict were driven by the burden of national unity, not by hatred. Gowon made this revelation in Abuja on Saturday after receiving a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award at the 5th Convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Abuja Anglican Diocese. “I always remember the Civil War. It was the most difficult period of my life. It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together. It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you,” Gowon said. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and truth, urging Nigerians to work together in promoting peace and unity across religious and ethnic lines. Reflecting on his leadership style, Gowon explained that he had always leaned on prayer and integrity in decision-making. “As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers. I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people. That is why, at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added. Commending Nigeria’s post-war progress, Gowon urged citizens to continue supporting government efforts to sustain peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. Representing former President Goodluck Jonathan, John-Kennedy Opara, who chaired the occasion, praised the awardees for living with integrity. “These men have touched lives, and God has used them in different ways to touch the nation,” he noted, citing Psalm 25:14 to encourage men to uphold integrity in all circumstances. Also speaking at the event, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, urged Christians to stand boldly for truth and righteousness, starting from their families to the broader society.

Tensions between tech billionaire Elon Musk and former U.S. President Donald Trump have reached a boiling point, prompting reports that White House aides may attempt to mediate the feud on Friday. Sources told Fox News that while a direct conversation between Musk and Trump is unlikely today, members of the Trump team could reach out to Musk in a bid to defuse the situation. The public spat escalated after Musk alleged on X (formerly Twitter) that Trump appears in sealed Jeffrey Epstein court documents — a claim that reignited political and media firestorms. “@RealDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files,” Musk posted. “That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” He followed up with, “Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.” The White House has distanced itself from the dispute. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Musk’s comments as “an unfortunate episode” rooted in his dissatisfaction with the administration’s latest legislation, nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Leavitt said the president remains focused on policy, not personal drama. Trump, for his part, fired back on Truth Social, accusing Musk of lashing out after losing influence over electric vehicle mandates. “Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave,” Trump wrote. “I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars… and he just went CRAZY!” Trump also took aim at Musk’s financial ties to the government: “The easiest way to save money in our Budget… is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.” Amid the feud, a red Tesla reportedly purchased by Trump during a White House EV demonstration remains parked near the premises, with reports suggesting it may soon be given away or sold. The fallout marks a significant break between two high-profile figures whose previous interactions were seen as occasionally aligned on business and technology fronts.

The realization of the Dangote Refinery project in Lagos has been hailed as a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Supporters and observers have credited Tinubu’s foresight and strategic support as instrumental in paving the way for industrial giants like Aliko Dangote to transform bold ideas into national assets. Reflecting on the achievement, many described Tinubu as a “destiny helper” whose developmental vision for Lagos set the stage for landmark investments such as the multi-billion-dollar refinery, now Africa’s largest. “Every Dangote out there needs a destiny helper like Asiwaju Tinubu,” a statement read, underscoring the synergy between political vision and private enterprise that birthed the project. The refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported fuel and boost the economy through job creation and industrial growth. “Invest in Lagos today,” the message urged, positioning the state as a thriving hub of opportunity for both local and international investors. Congratulations have poured in for Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, whose resilience and commitment have brought the refinery project to fruition, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward self-sufficiency and economic transformation.

In a further sign of a growing rift between President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor was conspicuously absent on Thursday during the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the deep seaport access road in the Epe-Ijebu Ode area of Lagos State. Although a seat was clearly reserved for the governor, he did not attend the high-profile event. Instead, his deputy, Dr. Femi Hamzat, represented the state and was the one addressed directly by President Tinubu during his remarks. The president used the occasion to caution state governors against granting planning approvals for unauthorised islands and developments that encroach on designated road setbacks and maritime zones. “Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the federation and the ministry of works on these roads,” Tinubu said. “I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos State is here. Take it that we will revoke all those approvals given on setbacks, and please note that we are very serious about it. No more approvals for those unapproved islands being created illegally.” The Lagos State Government has yet to release an official reason for Sanwo-Olu’s absence, but the event comes amid increasing speculation of a political rift between the governor and the president. Just days earlier, during the commissioning of the completed Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, President Tinubu appeared to snub Governor Sanwo-Olu. As he greeted dignitaries, Tinubu skipped over Sanwo-Olu and extended a handshake directly to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who was next in line. Observers believe the tension may be linked to the February impeachment of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa—an ally of President Tinubu—by lawmakers allegedly aligned with Sanwo-Olu. The speaker was reinstated 49 days later, reportedly following Tinubu’s intervention. The unfolding events suggest a possible breakdown in the long-standing political alliance between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu, raising questions about the governor’s political future and the internal unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. Analysts warn that continued public snubs and behind-the-scenes power struggles could have significant implications for governance and the party’s cohesion in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

In a stunning political twist, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement, made Wednesday morning, sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape. Governor Eno, who rose to power under the PDP, said his decision followed “a series of consultations” and was rooted in a desire for “progressive alignment” with President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the federal level. “I am deeply grateful to the PDP for the platform and support, but it is time to take a bold step forward. Akwa Ibom must not be left out of the benefits of full national integration,” the governor stated. Despite the dramatic party switch, Eno promised that his commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom remains unwavering, emphasizing that development would continue across all sectors—“regardless of party lines.” This move, however, is likely to reshape political alliances in the South-South and ignite fierce reactions within the PDP’s national structure.

In a bold move to position Nigeria on the global electric vehicle (EV) map, the federal government has selected 12 universities—two from each geopolitical zone—to design and manufacture 100% made-in-Nigeria electric vehicles. The project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s First Nigeria policy, with financing support from the Bank of Industry and other key financial institutions. Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Oluwemimo Osanipin, made this announcement in Uyo during a stakeholder engagement session with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) and the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA). He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to EV development and local component production as a pathway to industrial self-reliance. According to Osanipin, these universities are already working on a prototype dubbed the “University Shuttle Bus”—a fully electric vehicle designed and manufactured domestically. “Most parts will be sourced locally,” he said, noting that 10 of the universities already have EV charging stations built in anticipation of the rollout. The project aims not only to reduce import dependency but also to jumpstart a local auto-parts industry with comparative advantages in areas like plastic production and petroleum by-products. “Even global carmakers don’t build all components in-house,” Osanipin explained. “What matters is building a reliable after-sales ecosystem and parts supply chain.” He highlighted the economic opportunity in servicing Nigeria’s 18 million vehicles on the road today, compared to the 500,000 produced annually. “We’re building infrastructure and parts for the future—gradually but deliberately,” he added.