Sule Lamido Officially Declares Bid For PDP National Chairman Amid Party Divisions

Sule Lamido Officially Declares Bid For PDP National Chairman Amid Party Divisions

Former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido has officially announced his intention to run for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Lamido made the declaration on his verified Facebook page on Monday, stating that he would visit the party’s national headquarters at Wadata Plaza to purchase his nomination form. “By the grace of God, I shall today, Monday, 27th October 2025, by 11 a.m., be at Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to purchase the nomination form to run for the office of National Chairman,” he wrote. A senior PDP leader and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lamido pledged to work toward rebuilding the party and preparing it for future elections. “My commitment to democracy and resolve to restore our dear party to its old glory is unstoppable,” he added. The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, is expected to elect a new National Chairman at its forthcoming national convention. Lamido’s announcement comes after northern party stakeholders endorsed former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as their consensus candidate for the position. At the PDP’s 102nd National Executive Committee meeting on August 25 in Abuja, the party decided to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while reserving the National Chairman slot for the North. However, factions allied with Lamido and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike rejected Turaki’s endorsement, claiming the decision lacked proper consultation. The disagreements underline rising tensions within the PDP as it seeks both internal unity and credible leadership ahead of the 2027 elections. The party is scheduled to hold its 2025 Elective National Convention from November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. A 13-member National Convention Screening Committee has been appointed to vet aspirants for national offices. The screening exercise will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and will be chaired by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), a former Ondo State governorship candidate and respected legal luminary. The announcement was made by the PDP’s National Convention Organising Committee and signed by its Chairman, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

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SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam Insists He Remains Party Leader, Rejects Reported Expulsion

SDP Chairman Shehu Gabam Insists He Remains Party Leader, Rejects Reported Expulsion

Shehu Gabam, the embattled National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has insisted that he remains the legitimate leader of the party, rejecting reports of his expulsion as “illegal, null and void.” Gabam, along with the National Youth Leader, Ogbonna Uchechukwu, and other party officials, was reportedly expelled on Thursday. In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by his legal aide, Abubakar Baba, Gabam said the expulsion was unconstitutional and had no legal effect. The statement cited Article 13 (iv) of the SDP constitution, which gives only the national chairman the authority to preside over meetings of the national convention, national executive committee, national working committee, and national caucus. “Any meeting convened or presided over without the consent of the duly recognized chairman constitutes a gross violation of the constitution and a brazen attempt to usurp legitimate authority,” the statement read. Baba also accused the party’s national secretary, Olu Agunloye, of breaching INEC regulations by allegedly notifying the commission of the disputed meeting’s decisions. A certified true copy from INEC confirming Gabam as the recognized chairman was attached as evidence. The statement further challenged the authority of Sadiq, who chaired the meeting announcing the expulsion, saying he “was neither a member of the party nor of its national executive committee and thus had no authority to preside over any of its meetings.” Gabam’s camp urged the public to disregard the actions of the “Dr Sadiq-led group,” describing them as impostors who would face legal consequences. Meanwhile, the SDP’s national publicity secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, stated that Gabam’s expulsion followed months of investigation and disciplinary proceedings aimed at restoring discipline and accountability within the party. Gabam’s team reaffirmed his leadership, stressing that the SDP remains committed to “upholding the rule of law, maintaining internal order, and protecting the integrity and reputation of the party,” while focusing on building the party and promoting Nigeria’s democratic ideals in partnership with loyal members.

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Northern PDP Leaders Endorse Tanimu Turaki as Consensus National Chairman Candidate

Northern PDP Leaders Endorse Tanimu Turaki as Consensus National Chairman Candidate

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North have endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as their consensus candidate for National Chairman ahead of the party’s convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State. The announcement was made by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who spoke on behalf of the Northern zone after a meeting of PDP leaders in Abuja on Wednesday. Fintiri confirmed Turaki as the consensus choice while stressing that any aspirant unhappy with the decision is free to contest. Turaki, a senior lawyer with expertise in constitutional law, election petitions, commercial arbitration, international criminal law, intellectual property, oil and gas, and mergers and acquisitions, previously served as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs and Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity under former President Goodluck Jonathan. The PDP had earlier zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South and the National Chairmanship to the North, with Northern leaders further micro-zoning the chairmanship to the Northwest. Turaki emerged as the unanimous choice following consultations with party leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. Fintiri, who also chairs the National Convention Organising Committee, said: “We have reflected deeply and widely through consultations, and as we go to Ibadan for our national convention, we have adopted a consensus candidate to represent the North, and by extension, Nigeria, as the Chairman of the PDP. That gentleman is K.T. Turaki, SAN.” He added that other positions will be resolved at the regional level and that anyone still wishing to contest remains free to do so. The endorsement comes amid rising tensions within the party, particularly from supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who are reportedly dissatisfied with Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum’s leadership. Internal disputes over party structures, micro-zoning of key positions, and unresolved leadership issues in the South-South have also sparked court cases and legal battles, including claims of forgery related to the party’s convention notification to INEC. The Northern PDP meeting was attended by several key figures, including Governors Bala Mohammed, Caleb Mutfwang, and Dauda Lawal; former governors Ahmed Makarfi and Sule Lamido; Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana; and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, among others.

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PDP Reacts To Senator Jarigbe’s Defection To APC

The Cross River State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has finally responded to the defection of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that his exit will not weaken the party but instead strengthen its unity and resolve. In a statement released on Thursday, the PDP described Jarigbe’s defection as a personal decision that holds no consequence for the stability or structure of the party in the state. It reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding a stronger, more united organisation at all levels. According to the statement, the senatorial mandate currently held by Jarigbe was the product of the collective efforts and sacrifices of PDP members and supporters in Cross River North. The party expressed disappointment that the senator chose to abandon the platform that enabled his political rise. “His decision is regrettable, but it will only serve to strengthen our internal cohesion and renew our dedication to the principles that have sustained the PDP as the most organised and people-oriented political movement in Cross River,” the statement read in part. Under the leadership of the Caretaker Committee chaired by Rt. Hon. Bassey Ewa, the PDP reiterated its focus on restoring unity, deepening grassroots mobilisation, and strengthening structures ahead of future elections. The party also emphasised that it remains steadfast in its mission to serve the people of Cross River through credible leadership and inclusive governance. Dr Maurice Ekong, the PDP’s Director of Media and Communications, urged members and supporters to remain calm and confident, assuring them that the party is “moving forward — stronger, more focused, and more determined than ever.”

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Hoodlums Burn ADC Ekiti Secretariat Ahead of State Executive Council Inauguration

Hoodlums Burn ADC Ekiti Secretariat Ahead of State Executive Council Inauguration

Hoodlums reportedly set ablaze the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Ekiti State, just ahead of the inauguration of the party’s State Executive Council. The fire destroyed several properties, including a 1,000-capacity canopy with chairs, a 150-capacity canopy, and parts of the building. Party members condemned the attack and urged security agencies to apprehend those responsible. ADC loyalists have gathered at the secretariat on Basiri Road, Ado Ekiti, awaiting national officers who are expected to officiate the inauguration of the new state executive members. Some members warned political thugs against actions that could spark unrest in the state, questioning why such violence occurred even before the start of political campaigns.

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Benue Lawmaker Ojema Ojotu Defects To APC, Giving Ruling Party Complete Control Of State’s Federal Seats

Benue Lawmaker Ojema Ojotu Defects To APC from PDP

Ojema Ojotu, the House of Representatives member for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in Benue State, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary session, reading Ojotu’s letter to the House of Representatives. With Ojotu’s defection, the APC now controls all 11 federal constituencies in Benue State, marking complete dominance of the state’s representation in the House. In his letter, Ojotu cited the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP as the reason for his departure. “After consulting my constituents, family, and political associates, I have decided to leave the PDP for the APC,” he stated. The move immediately sparked controversy. Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki of the New Nigeria Peoples Party invoked Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, urging that Ojotu’s seat be declared vacant for leaving the party that sponsored his election. House Majority Leader Ibrahim Halims countered the argument, maintaining that a member may leave a party if it is embroiled in unresolved crises that threaten their political future. Deputy Speaker Kalu welcomed Ojotu to the APC and assured him of the party’s full support. Ojotu’s defection is part of a broader wave of lawmakers moving to the APC in 2025, a trend that opposition parties have attributed to pressure from the ruling government — claims President Bola Tinubu has denied, urging other parties to address their internal issues.

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Alex Otti Refutes Defection Rumours, Affirms Loyalty To Labour Party

Governor Alex Otti Denies Defecting To APC, Says Rumour Is Cheap Propaganda

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Addressing the rumours, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the claim as baseless propaganda being spread by political opponents unsettled by Otti’s growing popularity and achievements in governance. Kanu emphasised that Governor Otti remains a loyal and active member of the Labour Party, the platform through which he was overwhelmingly elected by the people of Abia. He said the governor’s attention remains fixed on delivering effective leadership, not political distractions. “Governor Alex Otti is a proud member of the Labour Party, focused on rebuilding Abia, restoring accountability, and ensuring that citizens enjoy the real dividends of democracy,” Kanu stated. He added that just last week, during the October edition of Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, the governor made it clear that he had no interest in political defections or alliances, stressing that his commitment lies in transforming Abia State and serving its people with integrity. According to Kanu, Otti’s administration continues to pursue a clear development agenda built on transparency, fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, and economic growth — principles that align perfectly with the Labour Party’s core values. He urged residents to disregard the false reports, describing them as a deliberate attempt by detractors to distract the government and undermine the visible progress being achieved across the state.

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Peter Obi Dismisses Fears Of Atiku Hijacking ADC Ticket Ahead Of 2027 Election

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has broken his silence on mounting fears that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH during his visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, Obi said he had no fear of Atiku’s political influence, describing him instead as “a dear elder brother and respected leader.” “I have great respect for Atiku. He’s a dear elder brother and a leader. I’m a member of the Labour Party and part of the coalition forming the ADC for 2027. Other parties and individuals will also join because this is about rescuing Nigeria, not fighting one another,” Obi said. His response comes amid reports that several of Atiku’s loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been defecting to the ADC coalition — a move that sparked tension among Obi’s supporters and fueled talk of a possible takeover. The unease grew after Atiku, in a BBC Hausa interview, stated that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries. The comment reignited speculation about his 2027 presidential ambitions. Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, also stirred the debate, warning on X that “it would be difficult for any aspirant to defeat Atiku if he makes it to any party primaries.” Obi, however, maintained that he was not bothered by Atiku’s moves, stressing that the coalition was built on unity and national interest. “I’m contesting, and I’m sure I will be. What matters is competence and capacity. I believe I’m qualified and have the ability to deliver. In four years, I can change Nigeria’s direction for the better,” he declared. He also urged Nigerians to move beyond political power struggles and focus on the real issues affecting citizens. “We’ve talked too much about politics in this country. I’ve visited villages in Anambra and seen poverty everywhere. Instead of debating party primaries and chairmen, we should be talking about what truly benefits the people,” Obi added. Both Obi and Atiku were defeated by President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, one of the most fiercely contested polls in Nigeria’s democratic history.

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