Politics Archives | Page 8 of 21

Tension at PDP Secretariat as Heavy Security Presence Blocks NEC Meeting

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

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.

SDP Suspends National Chairman, Others

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

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.

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

PDP Leaders Meet with INEC Officials in Closed-Door Meeting

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

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.”

Fubara Visits Tinubu in Lagos

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago01 mins

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.”

Ondo Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader Resign

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago04 mins

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.

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

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago13 mins

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.

PDP Crisis Deepens: Wike Withdraws from Party Agreements, Accuses Makinde, Mbah of Betrayal

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago44 mins

Abuja, Nigeria — May 25, 2025 | The ongoing crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced his withdrawal from all previous agreements reached within the party. In a detailed statement released on Sunday, Wike accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of being the “chief architect” of the party’s internal turmoil, citing breaches of trust and dishonesty among key stakeholders. Wike, who has been a major figure in the PDP’s internal wrangling since the 2023 general elections, revealed that efforts to stabilize the party through a series of high-level reconciliation meetings have been sabotaged. According to him, a critical meeting of the G5 Governors held in Lagos ended with a resolution to move forward, but these agreements were not upheld. He particularly fingered Makinde and Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for allegedly orchestrating moves to replace Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary, despite a Supreme Court judgment affirming Anyanwu’s position. Wike further alleged that a scheduled PDP Zonal Congress in Jos was aborted because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refused to attend, citing an invalid invitation signed by the Deputy National Secretary instead of Anyanwu, in violation of legal and procedural norms. “It is disheartening that even before the Bukola Saraki-led Reconciliation Committee could begin its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached was already being violated,” Wike said. He added, “I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained.” The former Rivers State Governor expressed his disappointment in PDP leaders, noting that he had worked tirelessly for the party since 1998 and had contributed to the electoral successes of several governors, including those now undermining him. Wike’s decision is likely to deepen the crisis within the PDP, coming at a time when the party is grappling with leadership disputes and internal factionalism, particularly in the build-up to upcoming elections in Anambra and the North-Central region. The PDP is yet to officially respond to Wike’s latest statement.

Tinubu’s Nigeria Worse Than Buhari’s Elections Are a Scam – Omoyele Sowore Fires Back in Explosive Interview

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago05 mins

In a no-holds-barred interview, fiery activist and opposition figure Omoyele Sowore has unleashed a stinging critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, branding it as worse than Buhari’s and declaring that elections in Nigeria are “rigged and irrelevant.” Sowore, speaking ahead of Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations, dismissed the occasion as meaningless, stating: “There’s nothing to celebrate. Tinubu has done irreparable damage—economically, socially, politically. Buhari killed Nigeria in eight years; Tinubu came, in two years he is burying it.” He described Nigeria’s current system as a “shambolic democracy” where the ideals of free speech, credible elections, and freedom to choose have been “completely destroyed.” On the controversial proposal by the House of Representatives to make voting compulsory, Sowore scoffed at the idea, arguing: “If you have to force people to vote, democracy is dead. It’s not about participation; it’s about cooking up numbers to create fake legitimacy.” Responding to critics who label him as “too radical,” the former presidential candidate shot back: “I don’t think I’m radical enough. Every meaningful change came through radicals. I will not water down my convictions to please people who want me to fit into a box.” Sowore also took a swipe at the so-called opposition, saying most of them are “political mercenaries” with no ideology, just waiting to jump ship for the right price. “There’s no real opposition in Nigeria. They’re all fighting for a share of the loot, not to serve the people,” he stated. On whether he plans to run in 2027, Sowore replied with characteristic defiance: “I’ve never stopped running. But the ballot system is a scam. The only thing that can change Nigeria is rebellion—an uprising, not another sham election.” He ruled out any political alliance with Labour Party or Peter Obi, insisting: “The alliance I care about is with the oppressed. The 50 million voters who don’t show up at the polls—they’re my alliance.” Sowore also blasted Tinubu’s much-touted economic reforms, warning Nigerians not to be fooled: “They say removing fuel subsidy and floating the naira is the ‘hard road to prosperity.’ I say it’s a road to destruction. Prices are rising, the naira is crashing, and the suffering is unbearable.” On former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Sowore dismissed his relevance in Nigerian politics, saying: “Atiku’s time has passed. He’s just hanging around, hoping to be President. That’s all he cares about.” Sowore’s message to Nigerians? “Forget about 2027 elections. Organise, mobilise, and resist. That’s the only way forward.” As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, Sowore’s blistering critique serves as a stark reminder of the deep political discontent in the country—and a warning that without systemic change, the cycle of dysfunction and decay will continue.