PDP Governorship Candidate Jude Ezenwafor Shot in Abuja

PDP Governorship Candidate Jude Ezenwafor Shot in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the upcoming 2025 Anambra State election, Chief Jude Ezenwafor, has been shot by unidentified gunmen in Abuja. The attack occurred on Friday night around the Wuse 2 area of the capital city as Ezenwafor was returning home from an appointment. He is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the FCT. Speaking from his hospital bed early Saturday, the visibly shaken candidate recounted his ordeal: “I’m currently in the hospital. The doctors are making efforts to operate on me so they can pull out bullets from my body,” Ezenwafor said in a faint voice. His media team confirmed that he sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to the emergency unit for urgent treatment. Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement, but a source close to the PDP campaign team disclosed that the incident has been reported to the police and an investigation is underway. Ezenwafor, a former presidential aspirant under the Labour Party, recently returned to the PDP and was confirmed as the party’s flagbearer for the Anambra governorship election scheduled later this year.

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Atiku’s Exit Won’t Affect PDP Says Governor Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed concerns that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would negatively impact the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking to journalists in Akure on Wednesday after delivering a keynote address at the colloquium marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Makinde described the PDP as an institution where “people have the freedom to come in and go out.” “Atiku’s resignation will not make any dent on the PDP as a party,” he stated. The governor also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a threat, calling it just another political platform among many others. Makinde highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in governance, describing them as “enduring pillars of identity and cohesion.” He urged governments to accord them due recognition, noting that Oyo State has integrated traditional leaders into its governance framework to positive effect. The Deji of Akure commended Makinde for his support of traditional institutions and reiterated their role in fostering unity and development.

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Edo Guber: Ighodalo Crises Foul Over Supreme Court Verdict

A candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo State 2024 Gubernatorial election, Barrister Asue Ighodalo has expressed reservations over the verdict of the Supreme Court as delivered on Thursday. A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment, held that the appellant failed to prove allegations of non-compliance, as well as claim that Monday Okpebholo did not win lawful votes cast during the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. .Ighadalo, in a swift reaction posted on his social pages, disagreed with the Court’s stance, insisting that it was a stolen mandate. He wrote; “My dear people of Edo State, “Today, the Supreme Court has ruled. “Though I accept the finality of its judgement, I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice. “What happened in the September 2024 Governorshp Election was not a contest. It was a robbery. Coordinated. Deliberate. And now, tragically validated by the highest court in the land. I will not and cannot obstruct any judicial pronouncement, no matter how flawed, I must never fear to speak the truth to power. “Like you, I feel a deep sense of betrayal. Not just by those who rigged the process, but by the very institutions we trusted to protect our democracy. You came out in hope. You voted for competence, for progress, for prosperity. And now, we are told that your voice does not matter. That your freely given mandate can be trampled without consequence. “I feel your pain. I share your anger. And I will never forget your courage. “To every young person who saw in this moment the birth of a new Edo. “To every elder who longed to see our state rise again. To every woman and man who prayed, campaigned, and voted. We may not have won the office, but we won something greater. We found one another. We discovered our collective strength. “Though this painful chapter closes today, our beautiful story does not end. The struggle to reclaim the soul of our beloved state continues. “Yes, dark days may lie ahead. The weight of this illegitimacy will unfortunately echo beyond the halls of the Supreme Court. I fear Edo will feel it in the absence of leadership, in the poverty of policy, and in the daily suffering of her people. “But we are neither fearful nor a broken people. We may be wounded. But all wounds heal. So let this be our vow. We will not retreat. We will not be silenced. And we will never forget. “To those who now hold power undeserved, lead with humility. Govern with conscience. History sees what the courts may not. And one day, it will deliver its own verdict.”

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Wike Blasts ADC-Led Coalition Labels Members Desperate Power Seekers and Defectors

Abuja — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a fierce attack on members of the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing the group as lacking credibility, cohesion, and the capacity to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during a media chat with journalists on Thursday, Wike described the coalition as a “desperate alliance of failed political actors” who, according to him, are merely regrouping after being edged out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “There is no coalition,” Wike said bluntly. “The opposition has decimated themselves. The only party that can, if they put themselves well, challenge this government is the PDP.” Wike specifically took aim at former Senate President David Mark, now interim chairman of the ADC coalition, accusing him of previously attempting to hijack PDP’s leadership. “David Mark wanted to be chairman of the PDP, and we resisted it,” Wike said. “Now he has gone to chair the coalition. Let’s see who Nigerians will listen to.” Also in his line of fire was Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine and a former presidential aspirant, whom Wike described as “politically irrelevant.” “Dele Momodu ran for president and didn’t get one vote. That one is in the coalition too,” Wike mocked. The minister, known for his hard-hitting political commentary, accused many in the coalition — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar — of serial defections driven by personal ambition. “Atiku left PDP for AC, came back, joined APC, returned to PDP, and now he’s in ADC again. They just want to control wherever they go,” Wike alleged. He also questioned the sincerity of coalition members who frequently invoke national discontent as a rallying point. “They keep saying Nigerians are angry. Just say you’ve been defeated and stop projecting your failure onto Nigerians.” Wike challenged any member of the coalition to match his record in public office, particularly in his current role as FCT minister. “If I leave office today, I can list my achievements. Let any of them do the same.” He also hinted that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s involvement in the coalition may be due to political frustration. “If the President hadn’t dumped El-Rufai, would he be in a coalition today?” With the 2027 general elections looming, Wike stressed that despite internal wranglings, the PDP remains the only viable opposition party — if it maintains its unity and structure. “Politics is about interest. They did everything to hijack the PDP chairmanship and we resisted. If the PDP stays united, it alone can challenge the APC,” he concluded.

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PDP Warns Defectors Accuses APC of Intimidation Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong warning to members considering defection, declaring that decisive action will be taken against those attempting to undermine the party’s unity. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum stressed the PDP’s preparedness for the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the party remains resilient despite internal challenges and would not tolerate disloyalty. “If you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those who go out to demarket the party,” Damagum said. “We are watching, and we will take appropriate action at the right time.” Damagum also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying intimidation and inducements to poach PDP members. He assured Nigerians that the next election would be decided by the people, not through manipulation. Blaming the APC-led government for worsening national insecurity and economic hardship, he urged it to “reflect and correct its ways,” adding that the PDP remains the only party with the structure and democratic values capable of rescuing Nigeria. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to meet from July 23 to 25, with major strategic discussions expected ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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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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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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