Breaking: Ex-Senate President David Mark Dumps PDP Emerges Interim ADC Chairman

A former President of the Senate, Dr. David Mark, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party. The Eagle Online recalls that Mark was announced late on Tuesday as the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, which is being primed as the vehicle for the opposition elements to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress from power in 2027. The resignation of the retired Nigerian Army general was made known via a letter dated June 27, 2025 to the PDP leadership in Otukpo Ward 1, Benue State. It was titled: “NOTICE OF RESIGNATION FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY,” Mark, who was the president of the Senate in the 6th and 7th Assemblies, wrote in the letter dated June 27, 2025: “I bring warm greetings to you and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otukpo Ward 1, and by extension, to the entire Benue State and Nigeria. I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect. Olunloyo: Reverse your decision, Ibadan poly alumni beg Makinde“You may recall that over the years, I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP. Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing. “I have worked steadfastly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party, efforts which without sounding immodest helped restore the PDP to national relevance and made it once again a party of choice for many Nigerians. “However, recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule. “After wide consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I have resolved to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria, as part of the collective effort to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy. “Thank you, and may God bless you.”

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PDP at a Crossroads: Internal Power Struggles Threaten 2027 Prospects

As the 2027 general elections approach, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faces deepening internal divisions reminiscent of a chaotic household, raising concerns over its viability as a national political force. Once Africa’s largest party, the PDP is now struggling with unresolved power struggles, factionalism, and a lack of ideological coherence. From its fall in 2015 to the unresolved tensions of the 2023 elections — including the fallout from Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy and the G5 governors’ rebellion led by Nyesom Wike — the PDP has battled internal sabotage and defection. The entry of Wike into the APC-led government has further eroded trust. With no clear consensus on zoning, questions around Atiku’s potential sixth presidential run, and the absence of a unifying vision, the PDP risks collapse unless it reforms. Analysts warn that without generational leadership, internal democracy, and a compelling national message, the party may lose relevance in 2027.

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Tension at PDP Secretariat as Heavy Security Presence Blocks NEC Meeting

A significant security presence has been recorded at Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, ahead of the party’s scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today. According to Channels Television, dozens of armed policemen were deployed around the area, particularly Dalaba Street, which leads directly to the PDP secretariat. Officers were seen cordoning off access routes, effectively preventing the planned Expanded Caucus Meeting from taking place. A party official, who spoke anonymously, suggested that the deployment was a deliberate move to halt internal party proceedings amidst increasing internal tensions. The reason for the NEC meeting’s controversy remains unclear, but the presence of security forces has heightened speculation about possible factional disputes within the party. As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the Nigeria Police Force or the PDP national leadership regarding the purpose of the security deployment or whether the NEC meeting will proceed. More updates are expected as the situation unfolds.

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SDP Suspends National Chairman, Others

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has suspended the party’s national chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, the national auditor, Nze Nnadi Clarkson, and the national youth leader, Uchechukwu Chukwuma. The SDP National Chairman was suspended following the resolution of an NWC meeting. A statement from the party’s national publicity secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, revealed that overwhelming evidence has been presented linking the suspended officials to a series of unauthorized financial transactions, personal enrichment schemes, and the movement of funds from the party’s accounts without the necessary approvals from the National Working Committee (NWC). The statement read in part, “In exercise of its exclusive powers are guaranteed in Article 19.1, 19.3(i) and 19.5 of the party’s constitution (2022 as Amended), the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has approved the immediate suspension of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, along with two members of the National Working Committee (NWC), namely Nze Nnadi Clarkson, National Auditor, and Uchechukwu Chukwuma, National Youth Leader, over grave allegations of gross financial misconduct, embezzlement, misappropriation, and diversion of party funds.” According to the statement, the NWC’s action to suspend the trio was to demonstrate to Nigerians that the party, generally seen as a disciplined and credible alternative political platform for national redemption, has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office. “The decision to suspend the national chairman and other implicated NWC members is to allow for a thorough investigation. Our integrity as a political party must be upheld at all times,” the statement stated. It informed that an interim investigative panel had been constituted to audit all the party’s financial records and recommend further disciplinary or legal actions. “In the interim, the deputy national chairman, Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar, has been directed to assume leadership of the party, pending the outcome of the investigations,” the statement added. It equally revealed that the misappropriated funds amounted to hundreds of millions of Naira, including donations and resources realised from the sales of nomination forms in the 2023 general elections and other funds from the party accounts. “The suspension has been communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). All relevant anti-graft and security agencies have been formally notified. “The suspension takes immediate effect. The general public is hereby requested to be appropriately guided by the development,” the statement submitted.

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PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens as 11 NWC Members Reject Reinstatement of Senator Anyanwu

PDP Leaders Meet with INEC Officials in Closed-Door Meeting

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Damagum, on Tuesday led a delegation of party leaders to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja to discuss lingering issues surrounding the position of the party’s National Secretary. Following initial remarks during media interaction (before the closed-door meeting), the meeting was called at the request of the PDP to clarify procedural issues and legal concerns that have arisen since the Supreme Court issued a ruling related to the party’s internal leadership structure. In his opening remarks, Damagum expressed appreciation to INEC for hosting the meeting. Damagum explained that the meeting was aimed at addressing confusion related to the party’s National Secretary, following both internal decisions and court rulings. “We are here today, as you are aware, to have issues pertaining to the status of our National Secretary. We have gone into litigation, I think, from the beginning of last year until when the Supreme Court made a pronouncement of which INEC was a party,” he said. He further noted that the PDP’s National Executive Committee had mandated him to sign a letter to INEC to clarify the party’s position and to avoid further controversy. “We are here to interact sincerely with you off camera so that it will guide us when we get back to have a position. “Most of my members that are here will also help in bringing out the position that we felt we should combat together,” he added. Responding, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu welcomed the PDP delegation, noting that the commission is always open to engagements with political parties. Yakubu said, “This meeting is at the instance of the party. They requested to interact with us and our doors are always open to meet with leaders of political parties in our capacity as the registrar and regulator of political parties in Nigeria.”

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Fubara Visits Tinubu in Lagos

Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. The Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the visit. Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025 declared a state of emergency citing the need to restore law and order as the crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike festered. He also announced the suspension of Fubara, his Deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the Rivers Assembly for an initial six months. This was followed by the nomination of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas administrator to steer the affairs of the state, during the period of the emergency rule. Onanuga on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday said: “Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers, now on suspension from office visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Tuesday.”

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Ondo Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader Resign

The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan has resigned his position, citing the need to align with the conventional arrangement of elective position in the state. The resignation letter of the former deputy speaker – representing Ilaje Constituency 1, – who is the son of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, was read at the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Benjamin Jayeiola. Akinruntan, who was absent during the plenary, was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly in June 2023, a position he occupied until his resignation. The resignation letter read: “I hereby tender my resignation from the office of the Deputy Speaker effective from today, 2nd June, 2025. Recall the House was inaugurated June, 2023 and I was unanimously elected as Deputy Speaker by members as stipulated in our standing order. “My resignation is borne out of the need to align with the conventional arrangement in power sharing of elective positions in the state. I want to appreciate all members and staff for their contributions and support.” Following Akinruntan’s resignation, the lawmaker representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, Ololade Gbegude was subsequently nominated by Oluwatoyin Japheth (Akoko North East Constituency) and seconded by Chris Ayebusiwa (Okitipupa Constituency 1) as the new Deputy Speaker. Following the nomination of Gbegudu, which was not contested, he was subsequently sworn in as the Deputy Speaker with the pledge that he will serve in his new role with due diligence. Similarly, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, also stepped down from his position, with the lawmaker representing Ose Constituency, Olatunji Oshati, announced as the new Majority Leader. Also, Muritala Sulaiman, representing Akoko South East, was announced as the new Chief Whip, while Fabiyi Olatunji, Odigbo Constituency 1, becomes the Whip of the Assembly. The Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, commended the former deputy speaker and the erstwhile majority leader for their maturity. He said: “He (Akinruntan) has been a peaceful ally. He has support the house. I want to appreciate him for the maturity displayed for ensuring a peaceful transition. “The same thing goes to the former majority leader. He has been a stabilizer in the House and also a good and dependable ally.” It was gathered that the change of the positions of the principal officers became imperative in order to balance the unwritten elective political arrangements in the state. Akinruntan and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hail from the same Ilaje Local Council Area of the state, while the erstwhile Majority Leader, Ogunmolasuyi is from Owo Local Council, where the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami hails from.

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2027: Labour Party Rejects Claims of Endorsing Obi, Declares Presidential Ticket Open

The Labour Party has denied reports suggesting it is celebrating Peter Obi’s declaration to contest the 2027 presidential election on its platform. In a statement released on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party clarified that such claims are “erroneous, inaccurate, and do not reflect the position or mood of the party.” The statement reads, in part: “I was quoted out of context, and the impression conveyed by the media report is misleading. While we are not opposed to any individual seeking the Labour Party’s ticket in the 2027 general election, it must be made categorically clear that the party has an established process for selecting its candidates. An automatic ticket is not one of those routes.” Ifoh reminded Nigerians that the party had previously rescinded its 2024 National Convention decision, which erroneously granted automatic tickets to its 2023 presidential candidate and the only Labour Party governor. He further expressed concern over Obi’s recent appearance at a pro-coalition meeting in Abuja, noting that it was done without the knowledge or consent of the Labour Party leadership. “This is confusing, and it appears that Peter Obi has not fully clarified his intentions for the 2027 presidential race,” Ifoh stated. The Labour Party reaffirmed its stance against any form of coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general election, describing Obi’s continued involvement with coalition activities as “distasteful, unacceptable, and an affront to party leadership.” Ifoh concluded by reiterating that the Labour Party’s presidential ticket remains open to all aspirants: “We are letting Nigerians know that the presidency for 2027 is open to anyone who wants to run under the platform of the Labour Party.” The development adds a new twist to the evolving dynamics within the party ahead of the next general election.

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