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By-elections results: PDP, others in panic review ahead of 2027
- ADC Rep Abejide predicts collapse of coalition by Sept
- Says failure in recent by-elections ominous sign
- APC hails Nigerians for vote of confidence
POST mortem on last weekend’s by-elections in parts of the country has begun in earnest for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) both of which posted dismal performances at the polls.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), which won 12 of the 16 seats at stake, yesterday expressed gratitude to Nigerians for reposing confidence in the party and President Bola Tinubu.

The PDP, which had only its victory in Ibadan North Federal Constituency to show for its efforts, has drafted its state governors to Gusau, Zamfara State for an immediate review of the party’s performance.

One of the early arrivals for the Gusau meeting scheduled for last night and today was Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Writing on his X handle Gov Ademola Adeleke @AAdeleke_01 last night, the governor said: “I just arrived at Zamfara State Government House for the @OfficialPDPNig Governors’ Forum meeting this evening. “Together, we are ready to chart a new course to advance the future of our great party.”

The only member of the ADC in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, declared yesterday that the party’s poor performance was a clear sign that the party’s involvement in the coalition of opposition politicians against Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections was doomed.

The party won no seat at all in the by-election.

Sources in PDP said yesterday that the party’s outing last weekend was too bad to be glossed over.

“We can’t approach 2027 in this shape. We must sit up,” one source said

Also on top of the agenda of the PDP Governors Forum meeting in Gusau is preparation for the party’s national convention scheduled for Ibadan in November.

Stakeholders are already expressing concerns over the planned convention following the escalation of tension between supporters of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and his antagonists who want him sanctioned for alleged anti-party disposition.

The anti-Wike PDP members accuse the minister and his supporters of making demands on the party that some governors and members of the party’s National Working Committee find either unworkable or too difficult to meet.

Although Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde told reporters in Lagos on Thursday that efforts would be made to address Wike loyalists’ complaints over alleged marginalization in the constitution of the committee on zoning of party positions across the south, the governors and NWC members have largely ignored the minister’s demands that the South-South PDP zonal congress that elected Chief Dan Orbih must be upheld instead of the continued recognition of the Chief Emmanuel Ogidi-led South-South Caretaker Committee.

Besides, the FCT Minister does not want Chief Ali Odefa recognised as National Vice Chairman (South East) as the courts have invalidated his right to claim the position.

While some anti-Wike forces within the party are contemplating the possibility of invoking sections of the PDP constitution against him, others – including some NWC members and governors – are pleading caution to avert potentially disastrous consequences through litigations that can hold up plans for the November national convention in Ibadan and even the preparations for 2027 elections.

”Legal landmines may have been laid already before Wike begins to talk. He waits and allows his detractors to make mistakes, and by the time he brings up a few issues in court, some people will once again begin to run helter-skelter and others will be wondering how he keeps coming out victorious in most legal battles he chooses to back,” one source told The Nation.

He added:“One of the recent examples is that of what initially appeared to be a resolute position against the return of Wike’s associate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu to the position of National Secretary, even though the PDP Governors’ Forum and members of the NWC made elaborate efforts to stop it.”

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, host of the PDP Governors Forum meeting, hopes it can help in resolving some of the party’s current knotty issues and strengthening party unity in preparation for the forthcoming national convention.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said after arrival and dinner on Friday night, the governors would sit down for a closed-door session today.

Idris said: “Governor Dauda Lawal extends a warm welcome to his counterparts, the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State.

“The governors are convening today for an important meeting of the PDP Governors Forum. Governor Lawal will host a dinner for the governors tonight, before the closed-door meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

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“This meeting will provide party leaders with the opportunity to discuss pressing political issues, plan for party unity and collaborate on developmental initiatives within their respective states.

“Additionally, the governors will address key concerns in preparation for the national convention organised by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025.”

It was gathered that the meeting might consider a response to Wike loyalists’ allegations of deliberate marginalization in the zoning arrangements across southern states.

After a strategic meeting in Abuja on Wednesday night, Wike’s loyalists, led by Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Kingsley Chinda, had alleged “brazen disregard for established structures and statutory organs of the PDP that not only offends the spirit of collective decision-making but also risks undermining the very foundation upon which our party was built.”

Citing last Thursday’s meeting convened on the party’s zoning of offices, Wike loyalists alleged that the minority leader in the House of Representatives, several former governors and other principal officers of PDP from the South-South and South-East were deliberately sidelined and denied participation in the meeting where far-reaching and sensitive decisions on zoning, power rotation, and political equity were being discussed.

They branded the meeting illegal and divisive and asked the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Executive Committee (NEC) and all stakeholders of the party to “disregard any outcome of the said meeting.”

They added: “TAKE NOTICE that where any iota of regard is given to the outcome of the purported meeting, we shall not hesitate to take appropriate steps in line with our party constitution to resist same with full force.”

Signatories to the statement read by Hon Kingsley Chinda included: Hon. Austin Nwachukwu (state party chairman, Imo State and chairman of all PDP state party chairmen); Hon. Elder Abraham Amah (state chairman Abia State); Barrister Venatius Ikem (State Chairman, Cross River State); Hon. Aniekan Akpan (State Chairman, Akwa Ibom State); Hon Aaron Chukwuemeka (State Chairman South-East); Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck (PDP National Vice-Chairman, Southeast); Barrister Okechukwu Osucha (Deputy National Legal Adviser); Hon. Mike Ahumbe (Southeast Zonal Organising Secretary); Senator Igwe Nwagu; Senator Mao Ohabunwa; Senator George Sekibo; Senator Mike Ama Nnachi; Chief Mudi Erhenede (ex-Ebonyi State legal adviser); Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, former Acting National Secretary); Rep. 0. K. Chinda (Minority Leader, House of Representatives))

Coalition against Tinubu will collapse by Sept, says ADC Rep Abejide

Reviewing last weekend’s by-elections, Representative Leke Abejide (Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro, Kogi State), described the party’s poor performance as the “beginning of the end” of the coalition of opposition politicians against Tinubu ahead of 2027.

He said the coalition would collapse by next month following its failure to win a single seat out of the 16 in contention.

“You can see that the coalition collapsed last Saturday; all over the country, they could not even win one seat. That was the beginning of the end,” he said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief

Abejide, who described himself as the ‘landlord’ of ADC, added: “By early next month, the coalition will collapse completely, because you cannot come to somebody’s house, hijack his house, and think the person will just be looking at you.”

He was referring to the take-over of ADC National Executive Committee by defectors from other parties including former Senate President David Mark, who is now protem national chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.

Abejide, who claimed to have been instrumental in sustaining the ADC, said: “I will let them know that I am the landlord. I didn’t establish the party, but I am the one who made the party remain where it is today.

“I have never decamped to a big party; I have used it [the ADC] to contest all my elections and brought people, apart from myself, to the National Assembly and the state assembly.”

Abejide said the coalition was unsustainable and its promoters lack legitimacy within the ADC structure.

APC thanks Nigerians

The APC in a message to voters yesterday on last Saturday’s by-elections expressed gratitude for the ‘massive votes’.

APC Nigeria @OfficialAPCNg in an X post said: “THANK YOU NIGERIANS FOR OUR MASSIVE BYE-ELECTION VICTORIES. Your massive votes were not just for our candidates in the various constituencies, but also a vote of confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT , and an endorsement of our Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Secured by the ruling party were one senate seat, four in the House of Representatives and seven House of Assembly seats.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) took one Senate and one House of Assembly seats while PDP won one House of Reps seat.

ADC won nothing.

Just before the polls, National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi told The Nation that the party should not be judged by its performance in the contest as it was coming late into the show.

“You see, there’s a tendency for people to want to use this by-election as some sort of measure of our party’s strength or weakness. For us, that’s not the case,” he said.

He added:”This is part of a process that began long before our party came on board. That’s why we’ve allowed some members to complete the process under the platform of their original party.

“We are supporting our candidates, monitoring the process, and giving them all the necessary backing.

“But the outcome will not be an indicator of future elections. Regardless of what happens, we’re looking ahead with great hope.

“By 2027, our party will have a clear direction. Once we complete our congresses, hold our convention, and produce a candidate, you’ll see a different picture.

“Right now, much of the real work is going on below the radar. What you see are press statements and routine reactions as any opposition party should do.

“But behind the scenes, systems are being set up across the country, and we will be fully ready when the election comes.”
August 23, 2025
FAAC distributes record N2tr revenue to federal, state, local govts

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) yesterday shared a record N2.001 trillion from the July 2025 Federation Account Revenue to the three tiers of government, making it the highest monthly allocation so far this year.

The allocation was confirmed at the August 2025 FAAC meeting held in Abuja, where officials disclosed that the revenue pool for the month was drawn from multiple statutory sources including Value Added Tax (VAT), the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and exchange gains.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant General (OAGF), Mr. Bawa Mokwa, the distributable revenue consisted of N1.282 trillion statutory revenue, N640.610 billion from VAT, N37.601 billion from EMTL, and N39.745 billion from exchange difference.

Mokwa explained that the total gross revenue available in July stood at N3.836 trillion, from which N152.681 billion was deducted for the cost of collection, while transfers, interventions, refunds and savings accounted for N1.683 trillion.

“Gross statutory revenue for July was N3.070 trillion, which is lower by N415.108 billion compared with the N3.485 trillion received in June. On the other hand, gross VAT revenue rose to N687.940 billion in July, higher than the N678.165 billion recorded in June by N9.775 billion,” the communiqué noted.

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From the total distributable revenue of N2.001 trillion, the Federal Government received N735.081 billion, State Governments got N660.349 billion, and Local Government Councils shared N485.039 billion. The sum of N120.359 billion, representing 13 percent of mineral revenue, was allocated to oil-producing states as derivation.

Breaking down the statutory revenue of N1.282 trillion, the Federal Government took N613.805 billion, States N311.330 billion, Local Governments N240.023 billion, while N117.714 billion went to the oil-producing states as derivation.

From the N640.610 billion distributable VAT revenue, the Federal Government received N96.092 billion, States N320.305 billion, and Local Governments N224.214 billion.

The EMTL revenue of N37.601 billion was shared with the Federal Government receiving N5.640 billion, States N18.801 billion, and Local Governments N13.160 billion. Similarly, from the N39.745 billion exchange difference, the Federal Government received N19.544 billion, States N9.913 billion, Local Governments N7.643 billion, while N2.643 billion was shared as derivation.

The communiqué further disclosed that Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Oil and Gas Royalty, EMTL, and Excise Duty recorded significant increases during the month. VAT and Import Duty rose marginally, while Companies Income Tax (CIT) and CET Levies declined.

August 23, 2025
Terrorist thrive on funds from illegal goldmine, says CDS

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa has revealed that terrorists use funds from illegally mined gold to sustain their operations.

Speaking on a national television programme yesterday, he explained that it was difficult to immediately expose or prosecute terror financiers from within because of their complex networks and international connections.

Gen. Musa also spoke on the capturing of Ansaru terror leaders, the current security situations in the Southeast and Southern Kaduna and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

When asked about the main source of financing for terror groups, the defence chief replied, “Gold. They try to circulate this money, and that is why it is important for us to be able to track these things.

“The process is on. It has to do with a lot of legal issues, and because it has to do with international connections, some of them have funds coming from outside, we cannot do anything from within.”

The CDS    added that locally, terror groups receive money daily from some individuals hired by them.

“The local ones, what they do normally is that they try to employ a few individuals, provide motorcycles to them, something to do, and those are remitting funds daily into some account,” he said.

Gen. Musa attributed the recent capture of the leaders to thorough planning by the Nigerian Air Force(NAF), the Nigerian Army(NA),   the Nigerian Navy, the Directorate of Military Intelligence(DMI) and the Department of State Services(DSS).

He said: “What has changed is that we have synergy with all the organisations… and that is why we have seen all the successes.

“On the terrorist commanders who were arrested. This is one of the most significant arrests that we have made.

They key leaders arrested are: Mahmud Muhammad Usman of Ansaru and Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda group.

Gen. Musa added: “Getting the two of them shows how detailed and how the planning went through, and that was how they were able to pick the two of them.

“These are guys that were haunted for a very long time. It shows that intelligence and operational work are working together.”

Musa, who explained that military personnel worked covertly day and night before “picking the guys,’’ assured that the war against terrorists and other non-state actors is going to be better.’’

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National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu had last week announced the arrest of the terror leaders.

The duo headed Ansaru, an al-Qaeda-linked group, and Mahmuda, a relatively new and lesser-known militant group. Mahmuda gained national prominence after a string of attacks earlier this year in the North-Central.

The defence chief said insecurity has notably decreased all over the country.

“Things are improving by the day, and it will get better. We are not going to rest on our hoarse and things will be better.

“I want to assure Nigerians that we’re working covertly to continue to get these terrorists.’’

Nigerians should acquire combat skills

Asked whether he would advise Nigerians to learn combat skills for self-defence, Gen Musa said: “That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim. Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct.

“In Europe, swimming is compulsory. Learning and teaching about security is compulsory. because you have to learn what security is.”

Need for review of the legal system, stricter sanctions

Gen. Musa called for a review of the legal system, stricter sanctions and punishment against all forms of insurgency and terrorism.

“We need to review our legal system. Maybe we’ll have special courts that will attend to such cases as fast as possible. I think we also need to review some of the punishments.”

DSS, NIA tracking politicians funding terrorists

The CDS added that the DSS, the NIA and other security agencies are also tracing political actors who fund insecurity.

“I can assure you the attorney-general of the federation and the NSA (Nuhu Ribadu) are all working seriously to ensure that we address those issues.”

NFIU commended

Gen Musa also commended the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for its role in tracking financial links to terrorism.

“The NFIU has been doing so much; apart from the intelligence set-up, the financial links are also being followed through and through, and arrests have been made,” he said.

Peace returning to Southeast after Ekpa’s arrest

The CDS also said that since the arrest of pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, in Finland last November, the Southeast has been experiencing relative peace.

He added that troops have activated operations to apprehend Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi and Abia states.

Musa said, “He (Ekpa) is still undergoing prosecution in Finland. So, we are hopeful. When we talked about him, people thought we were making noise, but since he has been arrested, the Southeast is getting better.

“We are going to go after the likes of him, wherever they are, and whatever it takes until we bring them down.

August 22, 2025
Be part of our steady rise, Tinubu tells diaspora Nigerians

The rise of Nigeria to its rightful place in the comity of nations has begun, the president declared yesterday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured Nigerians in the Diaspora that the country’s economy is stabilizing, opportunities are expanding, and reforms are yielding visible results.

He spoke during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Japan.

The session was held on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

The President said his administration is determined to reverse negative trends and make the country a land of prosperity for its citizens at home and abroad.

“All I want to do is assure you that things are stable, the economy is stabilized, the opportunity is immense, people are coming back, we are reversing the medical tourism in every way that we could, and I can give you the assurance we are seeing the beginning of Nigeria rising,” Tinubu said to an applause.

He reminded the Diaspora audience that while it is a personal right to remain abroad, the nation still depends on their input to achieve its developmental aspirations.

He said government’s priority is to create an environment where every citizen, home or abroad, can feel the positive impact of change.

“I am happy to listen to you for whatever. Happy to report to you that many of our people are coming back home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away, it’s a fundamental right of the individual, but for the economic growth and opportunity that is available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.

Tinubu emphasized that his government is committed to creating an environment where every Nigerian can thrive, noting that governance is about “thinking and doing,” promoting unity, stability, and progress.

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He urged Nigerians abroad to remain good ambassadors of their country and to reflect positively on its image, stressing that “poor comments and negative reflections will not help the growth of Nigeria.”

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted the bold reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration since its first day in office.

He recalled that the World Trade Organization’s Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had recently commended Nigeria’s policy direction, describing the reforms as the foundation of future growth.

According to him, we have a President who is undoubted, who is focused, and who is pursuing the reforms that our country deserves.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate (fifth right); Japan Int’l Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Vice President, Ms. Imoto Sachiko (sixth right); World Bank Vice President of Africa, Mr. Ousmane Diagana (fourth right), and other public health and finance leaders during the TICAD9 Japan

Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), reported that Nigeria is now witnessing accelerated technology transfer as a direct result of presidential policies.

He said that more than 1,000 applications had been received globally for investment in Nigeria’s technology and industrial sectors, with over $2 billion already committed and factories set to be established in partnership with Japanese firms.

From the private sector, Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, praised the administration’s economic reforms, especially the liberalization of the exchange rate and removal of fuel subsidies.

He said these decisions had improved government revenues, boosted foreign investment, and spurred growth across sectors ranging from oil and gas to mining, telecommunications, and small enterprises.

“We’ve never experienced the closeness with government as we do today,” he remarked.

Also, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tokyo, hailed the contributions of Nigerians in Japan, particularly academics and professionals excelling in various fields.

She acknowledged the challenges posed by a few nationals in breach of immigration laws.

She described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with the Diaspora community under Nigeria’s new foreign policy thrust.

The President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, Emeka Egbogota, welcomed Tinubu to the “Land of the Rising Sun” on behalf of the community, describing his presence at TICAD9 as a source of pride and unity.

He praised the President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria driven by technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, pledging the community’s support for his administration’s agenda.

The interactive meeting ended with a renewed sense of partnership between the government and its citizens abroad, with President Tinubu reiterating his commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has a role to play in the unfolding story of the country’s progress.

August 22, 2025
Student Loan disbursement hit N86.3b, says NELFUND

The Federal Government’s Nigerian Student Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed N86,347,458,384.00 for the upkeep allowance of students and institutional fees under the student loan scheme.

A breakdown of the figure showed that the agency has paid N38,718,120,000.00 as upkeep allowance to beneficiaries of the loan scheme.

The figures further showed that NELFUND paid N47,629,338,384.00 as institutional fees of students benefiting from the loan scheme.

Details of the disbursement were obtained from the official X handle (formerly Twitter) of NELFUND, as of yesterday.

The organisation said 449,039 students have so far benefited from the loan while 218 tertiary institutions have subscribed to the loan scheme.

According to NELFUND, 754,862 students have registered on the agency’s portal, while 750,892 have applied for the loan.

Also, the agency said it has introduced new guidelines for its upkeep allowance.

NELFUND said upkeep loan disbursement is now tied to the academic session of each institution.

The agency said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Director of Strategic Communications, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

The statement said: “In line with this directive, students shall only be entitled to upkeep loans for their current academic session. Upon the conclusion of an institution’s academic year, upkeep payments for that session shall automatically cease. Consequently, students who transition into a new academic year will no longer receive upkeep disbursements for the preceding session.

“Furthermore, interested loan applicants are required to apply for the loan at the beginning of every academic session to be eligible for both institutional charges and upkeep for that particular session.

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“To ensure accuracy and transparency, the NELFUND loan portal is being automated to reflect this adjustment. The portal will henceforth display only the upkeep loans that have been collected by each student within the relevant session.

“Institutions are, therefore, strongly advised to upload their academic calendars and sessional information in a timely manner to guarantee that their students receive the full upkeep benefits due to them for an entire academic year.

“NELFUND remains committed to its mandate of providing accessible, transparent, and efficient loan support to Nigerian students, and counts on the cooperation of all stakeholders in the smooth implementation of this directive.”

On July 17, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the student loan scheme after signing its Bill into law on April 3, 2024.

According to the law, repayment will start two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

The ambitious cardinal programme is being funded with one per cent of the total annual collectable revenue by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

It is one of the key initiatives of the Tinubu administration.

August 22, 2025
PDP Convention threatened by leaders’ battle over zoning
- S’south, S’east party chiefs reject Diri/Makinde stakeholders Lagos meeting decisions
The proposed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention is being threatened by a deep-seated rift among its leaders.

It is over the zoning of party offices and the 2027 presidential ticket, it was learnt yesterday.

The November 15 and 16 elective convention is scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

A 110-member National Convention Committee headed by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has been inaugurated by the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

Although the mood in the opposition party tilts towards the zoning of the presidential slot to the South, there is division among leaders from the three geopolitical zones over which zone should produce the candidate.

At the PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit in Lagos convened by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, leaders from the South resolved to propose a formula for the micro-zoning of the party offices and the presidential ticket among the three geo-political regions – Southeast, Southsouth and Southwest – at the next NEC meeting.

However, some Southsouth and Southeast leaders are kicking against the plan by the Diri/Makinde group.

The group of Southsouth and Southeast leaders is made up of state chairmen, serving and former lawmakers and other party elders.

They accused those behind the micro-zoning plan of harbouring the agenda of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s return or for Makinde to contest for President.

Sources explained that the group may organise a parallel convention if the rift is not properly resolved.

‘We are committed to micro-zoning’

Makinde, who spoke with reporters after the meeting, said micro-zoning of the presidential slot was on the agenda, adding that the outcome of the parley and further consultations would be forwarded to the NEC for consideration.

He noted the objection to the Lagos meeting by some chieftains, saying that it is normal in a democracy.

Makinde said: “We just finished the consultative meeting of the PDP Zoning Committee for the South, and nothing should stop us from consulting.

“Democracy is about the minority having its say and the majority having its way.

“So, we’re democrats. The South has taken far-reaching decisions, and in the days ahead, wider consultations will also take place.”

The governor said those saying that PDP is either dead or has become a carcass should pull the brake, stressing that PDP serving governors, elders and leaders, including the former Senate President and BoT chairman (Adolphus Wabara), have reiterated their commitment to its survival.

Makinde added: “They are all here and committed to PDP taking back its rightful position in Nigeria.

“So, in the days ahead, some of the things discussed here, you’ll see them in place.”

The governor, who debunked the allegation of exclusion, said: “Governor Adeleke was here. He came back into this country, I believe, this morning, and went straight to Osogbo to address some governance issues. But he said whatever we decide, he is with us.

“Governor Diri is here. Governor Peter Mbah, who couldn’t make it physically, sent the deputy governor. You have the chairman of our board of trustees here.

“You also have no fewer than 12 of the 17 members of the zoning committee from the South here.

“It is one per state. So, you have 12 states here. You have in each zone, you have House of Representatives members here, you have senators from each zone in the South, the three zones.

“You have BoT members from the three zones in the South. So, yes, I won’t say maybe, the organisers will score 100 per cent. You don’t score 100 per cent in politics.”

Makinde said consultation is a continuum, assuring that the Southern PDP leaders would reach out and engage more members to drive a consensus.

He stressed: “We’re trying to get all stakeholders, all tendencies in the PDP together so that we can give a credible alternative to Nigerians in the years ahead.”

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Makinde, however, clarified that the decision of the Southern PDP Zoning Summit is not final, stressing that it would be subject to ratification by NEC.

He said: “This consultative meeting is not statutory in the constitution of PDP. But democracy is inclusivity, reaching out and ensuring that all stakeholders are carried along, which is what we’ve done today.

“NEC is on Monday. Today is Thursday. You will definitely have a decision.”

‘I won’t be dragged into gutters by low people’

Makinde clarified that no chieftain has been picked from the South as an anointed presidential candidate for 2027.

He said: “We haven’t even gotten there. We need to have a party first before you start talking about presidential candidates. If we don’t have a party, anything that you’re trying to do will fall flat.

“So, our efforts right now are directed towards having a viral and united PDP that Nigerians will be proud of and again they will believe in.”

Makinde took exception to party members from the South who attacked the organisers of the summit.

He said: “Personally, when people go low, or they go into the gutters, I don’t go with them.”

However, he said all stakeholders would be engaged to make contributions.

He added:” We will reach out to them. I mean, that is democracy. We will reach out to them. I can disagree with people, but there shouldn’t be anything personal here.

“It should be about what we are giving to Nigerians because they are watching. We want to give a formidable PDP to Nigerians. In Oyo, they showed last Saturday that PDP is not dead.

“In most other places of the 12 states, PDP came second in each of those states. It’s some indication to us that if we continue to work hard, if we continue to strive hard, if we continue to bring our people together, we will get to a point where Nigerians will really start listening to us.”

Chinda: summit resolution can’t stand

Spokesman of the Southsouth/Southeast leaders’ group and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, disowned the Lagos meeting.

He insisted that many stakeholders from the South were not consulted.

He said the lack of wide consultation and exclusion of many stakeholders had eroded the legitimacy of the meeting.

Chinda, who protested being sidelined by the organisers, said the meeting was divisive and unconstitutional.

He told reporters in Abuja that any party meeting where zoning, power rotation and distribution of offices are to be discussed should be all-inclusive.

Chinda said the meeting has brazenly disregarded the statutory organs of the party and violated the criteria of inclusivity of democratic participation.

He said: “We dismiss the resolution and outcome of the meeting. It is not binding and not reflective of the opinion of the generality of stakeholders.”

Chinda said any decision reached in secrecy and seclusion cannot be consensus-driven, adding that it would be resisted in accordance with the constitution of the party.

He urged members of the party to disregard the outcome.

State chairmen reject summit

Also, some party leaders, including state chairmen, former governors, federal lawmakers, serving and former members of the National Working Committee (NWC), dissociated themselves from the meeting.

They said: “Any resolution, communique, or outcome purportedly emanating from this meeting is neither binding nor reflective of the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria.”

They also said in a statement that “decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus.”

Signatories to the statement were state chairmen – Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Abraham Amah ( Abia), Venatius Ikem (Cross River), Aniekan Akpan (Akwa Ibom) and Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers).

Other signatories are National Vice Chairman (Southeast), Chidiebere Goodluck, Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo, Mike Ama Nnachi, former National Secretary, Rt Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, and former Ebonyi State Legal Adviser, Mudi Erhenede.

The statement titled: “Re: Purported Meeting of PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit,” reads in part: “The attention of the undersigned state Chairmen of the PDP from the South and some critical stakeholders has been drawn to a meeting ‘nichodimously’ summoned in Lagos today 21st August 2025 by some persons purporting to do so on behalf of PDP Members of the South tagged: ‘PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit’ convened by the Administrative Secretary, Zoning Committee of the PDP at the behest of the Chairman Zoning Committee, H.E Senator Duoye Dirii, at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

“The said meeting, tagged ‘a summit’, was allegedly convened in the name of the three geo-political zones of Southern Nigeria — Southeast, Southsouth, and Southwest.

“It is highly regrettable and indeed, deeply disturbing that such a meeting was convened without the courtesy of inviting state chairmen from the Southeast and Southsouth, as well as the duly elected National Secretary and Deputy National Legal Adviser of our great party.

“Even more troubling is the inexplicable exclusion of several national officers, eminent leaders, and critical stakeholders of the PDP.

“Shockingly, the Minority Leader in the National Assembly and other principal officers of our party from the Southsouth and Southeast were also deliberately sidelined and denied participation in a meeting where such far-reaching and sensitive decisions on zoning, power rotation, and political equity are to be discussed.

“Equally concerning is the deliberate omission of most former governors from the Southeast and Southsouth, who, by every standard of history, pedigree, and institutional memory, remain critical stakeholders in any conversation about the future direction of our party.

“Such a brazen disregard for established structures and statutory organs of the PDP not only offends the spirit of collective decision-making but also risks undermining the very foundation upon which our party was built.

“The PDP, since its inception, has been anchored on the values of inclusivity, equity, consultation, and collective responsibility.

“Any process that deliberately sidelines key stakeholders, ignores the legitimate authority of national officers, and excludes elected leaders and ranking lawmakers erodes trust, fuels division, and threatens party cohesion at a time when unity is most needed.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we categorically dismiss any resolutions, communiqués, or outcomes purportedly emanating from this meeting as neither binding on, nor reflective of, the collective will and aspirations of the PDP family across Southern Nigeria.”

“Decisions reached in secrecy and exclusion cannot and shall not assume the authority of consensus.”
August 22, 2025
Tinubu assures Nigerians in Diaspora: “Nigeria’s rise has begun”

…urges Nigerians in Diaspora to join hands in advancing national progress

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that the rise of Nigeria to its rightful place in the comity of nations has already begun, assuring Nigerians in the Diaspora that the country’s economy is stabilising, opportunities are expanding, and reforms are yielding visible results.

Speaking at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Japan, held on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the President said his administration is determined to reverse negative trends and make the country a land of prosperity for its citizens at home and abroad.

“All I want to do is assure you that things are stable, the economy is stabilised, the opportunity is immense, people are coming back, we are reversing the medical tourism in every way that we could, and I can give you the assurance we are seeing the beginning of Nigeria rising,” Tinubu said to applause.

He reminded the Diaspora audience that while it is a personal right to remain abroad, the nation still depends on their input to achieve its developmental aspirations.

He said the government’s priority is to create an environment where every citizen, at home or abroad, can feel the positive impact of change.

“I am happy to listen to you for whatever. Happy to report to you that many of our people are coming back home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual, but for the economic growth and opportunity that is available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.

Tinubu emphasised that his government is committed to creating an environment where every Nigerian can thrive, noting that governance is about “thinking and doing,” promoting unity, stability, and progress.

He urged Nigerians abroad to remain good ambassadors of their country and to reflect positively on its image, stressing that “poor comments and negative reflections will not help the growth of Nigeria.”

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted the bold reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration since its first day in office.

He recalled that the World Trade Organisation’s Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had recently commended Nigeria’s policy direction, describing the reforms as the foundation of future growth.

According to him, “we have a President who is undoubted, who is focused, and who is pursuing the reforms that our country deserves.”

Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), reported that Nigeria is now witnessing accelerated technology transfer as a direct result of presidential policies.

He disclosed that more than 1,000 applications had been received globally for investment in Nigeria’s technology and industrial sectors, with over $2 billion already committed and factories set to be established in partnership with Japanese firms.

From the private sector, Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, praised the administration’s economic reforms, especially the liberalisation of the exchange rate and removal of fuel subsidies.

He said these decisions had improved government revenues, boosted foreign investment, and spurred growth across sectors ranging from oil and gas to mining, telecommunications, and small enterprises.

“We’ve never experienced the closeness with the government as we do today,” he remarked.

Also speaking, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tokyo, commended the contributions of Nigerians in Japan, particularly academics and professionals excelling in various fields, even as she acknowledged the challenges posed by a few nationals in breach of immigration laws.

Read Also: I’ll back anyone who supports Tinubu – Wike

She described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with the Diaspora community under Nigeria’s new foreign policy thrust.

Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, Emeka Egbogota, welcomed Tinubu to the “Land of the Rising Sun” on behalf of the community, describing his presence at TICAD9 as a source of pride and unity.

He praised the President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria driven by technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, pledging the community’s support for his administration’s agenda.

The interactive meeting ended with a renewed sense of partnership between the government and its citizens abroad, with President Tinubu reiterating his commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has a role to play in the unfolding story of the country’s progress.

August 21, 2025
Okpebholo seals properties of suspected cult leaders

Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has sealed more buildings belonging to suspected cult leaders in the State.

The buildings were sealed during a coordinated operation, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers” led by the Squad’s coordinator, Idemudia Noah, in collaboration with security agencies.

At Egbaen community, Egor Local Government Area, the team acting on intelligence stormed a building where they found a white casket and fetish items believed to have been used for initiation rituals.

The building was immediately sealed as part of ongoing effort to dismantle the physical and spiritual infrastructure sustaining cultism across the state.

At Evboyare community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, where a bloody cult clash recently occurred and one Festus was killed, the security team sealed the residence of an alleged Maphite leader, Felix Aigbedion.

Read Also: Edo Assembly clears Okpebholo’s commissioner-nominees

Speaking after the operation, Idemudia Noah, said many families of Evboyare have fled their houses during the fracas.

Noah said two locally made firearms were recovered from a poultry house in the community.

According to him, “The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is unwavering in its determination to purge Edo State of cult-related violence and criminal syndicates.

” We have sealed the property of Mr. Felix Aigbedion, who has been implicated in the fatal clash at Evboyare, as well as the Egbaen residence of Mr. Marvellous Adetarami, where a shrine was uncovered. These measures are not symbolic. They are a clear statement that clandestine activities will no longer find sanctuary in Edo State.”

August 21, 2025
PDP Southern leaders disown Lagos zoning meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sunk deeper into crisis over plans by a section of the party to micro-zone its presidential ticket to a particular zone in the south without wider consultations.

Although some stakeholders in the south are clamouring for zoning, there is no consensus on the zone that would produce the candidates among the Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth.

Also, some stakeholders have rejected the agitation for zoning to the South, saying that the ticket should be open to the six zones.

Today, a meeting has been slated for Lagos to discuss the proposal for zoning, with the aim of micro-zoning the ticket to either of the three zones.

The meeting, tagged the “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit”, was convened by the party’s Zoning Committee at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja.

There are allegations that some chieftains are rooting for micro-zoning to either Southwest or Southsouth.

There have been calls on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race.

But irked by the micro-zoning move, PDP state chairmen, former governors and National Assembly members disowned the Southern zoning meeting, describing it as divisive and unconstitutional.

PDP House of Representatives Leader Kingsley Chinda said the Lagos meeting has excluded and sidelined critical party leaders.

Read Also: PDP asks court to sack four Osun lawmakers over defection

He told reporters in Abuja that any party meeting where zoning, power rotation and distribution of offices are to be discussed, it should be all-inclusive.

Chinda said the Lagos meeting has brazenly disregarded the statutory organs of the party and violated the criteria of inclusivity, consultation and participation.

He said, “We dismiss the resolution and outcome of the meeting. It is not binding and not reflective of the opinion of the generality of stakeholders.”

Chinda said any decision reached in secrecy and seclusion cannot be consensus-driven, adding that it would be resisted in accordance with the constitution of the party.

He therefore, urged members of the party to disregard the outcome.

Also, state Chairmen, former governors, National Assembly members, and other key party stakeholders from the South East and South South zones said they were neither invited nor consulted.

In another statement, the state Chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers—Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Venatius Ikem, Rt. Hon Aniekan Akpan, and Aaron Chukwuemeka—alongside National Vice Chairman (South-East) Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck and Chinda, said the meeting’s outcomes should not be recognized.

The statement read, “The PDP has always stood for inclusivity, fairness, consultation, and collective decision-making. Any meeting that ignores key leaders and elected officials breaks trust, causes division, and threatens party unity. We therefore, reject any outcomes from this summit as neither binding nor representative of the PDP in Southern Nigeria.

“The meeting is also premature and seems aimed at serving the interests of a few, especially since the Zoning Committee has not yet submitted its report for party approval.”

“We remain fully committed to the unity, stability, and success of the PDP. We urge all leaders and stakeholders to resist any attempts to manipulate zoning through secretive or unfair methods.

“The Southeast and Southsouth, together with the South West, stand united in promoting fairness, justice, and equity. As custodians of our members’ mandate, we will defend the integrity of the party and ensure that any decisions affecting Southern Nigeria are made openly, consultatively, and inclusively.”

August 21, 2025
Nigeria projects $1b in trade, investment from Japan Summit
- Tinubu vows to tackle underlying causes of terror
Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, is anchored on an ambitious mission: to attract over $1 billion in trade and investment.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he and his team aim to accelerate green innovation and industrial growth, expand opportunities for youths, and position the country as the heart and gateway to West Africa’s vast market.

Noting the need for peace to attract investments, he vowed to tackle the underlying causes of terror and praised the Armed Forces for their efforts.

According to him, victory over terror will come not only through the might of the armed forces but through reforms that deny extremism fertile ground.

In a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, President Tinubu underscored the central goal of his trip, noting that Nigeria was not attending TICAD9 as a passive participant, but as a continental leader with clarity of purpose.

“At #TICAD9, themed ‘Co-create innovative solutions with Africa,’ Nigeria comes with clarity of purpose.

“Our participation aims to unlock $1Billion+ in trade & investment, drive green innovation & industrial growth, expand opportunities for our youth, and position Nigeria as the heart and gateway to West Africa’s vast market,” the President wrote.

He described the summit as a launchpad for “lasting development and global partnership, anchored on technology, talent, and trust”.

The President stressed that the country would lead from the front as Africa charts a path to prosperity, saying “Nigeria will lead, and Africa will rise”.

TICAD9, jointly organised by the Japanese government and international development partners, brings together African leaders, global investors, and multilateral institutions to craft solutions for sustainable economic growth across the continent.

Nigeria will defeat terrorism by tackling its root causes

President Tinubu declared that his administration will confront terrorism by addressing its root causes while sustaining the successes recorded on the battlefield.

Speaking at the plenary on Peace and Stability during the TICAD9 opening session, he lauded the military for its commitment and courage in defending the country against insurgency, banditry, and criminality.

He said the sacrifices of the Armed Forces had created the foundation for peace and stability, which his government is determined to consolidate with reforms, investments, and inclusive governance.

“Nigeria’s brave Armed Forces can win any number of battles, but we do justice to their heroism only when we, as government, are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the underlying causes,” the President said.

He emphasised that lasting victory against insecurity lies in combining military gains with strong social and economic reforms.

“We have learned that our brave armed forces can win many battles. But we can do justice to their heroism and sacrifice only when we, as governments, display the courage to be tough, not only on terror, but on the causes of terror,” he added.

President Tinubu reaffirmed that inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law remain Nigeria’s greatest strengths, describing the current momentum in the armed forces as a springboard for national development and stability.

He said the government was deepening investments in infrastructure, institutional reforms, and collaboration with civil society and international partners to improve living standards across the country.

“We should be under no illusions about the scale of our task. But neither should we underestimate the successes we have had.

“In the past, competition for resources has weakened states and triggered conflict.

“Now, we see mediators directly linking outcomes to investment in Congo.

“It is working and underlines the need for fresh thinking in everything we do to deliver peace and stability,” he stated.

President Tinubu renewed Nigeria’s call for reforms at the United Nations Security Council, stressing the need for fairer African representation.

“It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand.

“Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto.

“Africa also deserves additional seats in the non–permanent seat category of the Security Council, as encapsulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration,” he said.

President Tinubu also urged international cooperation in ensuring that technology becomes a tool for peace and trust rather than division and alienation.

Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, announced a new collaborative economic framework between Japan and the African Development Bank that will see a maximum of $5.5 billion mobilised for Africa through the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s private sector investment finance.

“We will nurture and expand the industrial ecosystem between Japan and Africa.

“African startups and Japanese companies will jointly develop industries, which will be an initiative of Japan and Africa co-creation for industry, and we will promote this initiative in terms of finance.

“We will strengthen the functions of the enhanced private sector assistance for Africa, a collaborative framework between Japan and the African Development Bank, which will be expanded to a maximum of $5.5 billion and utilising JICA private sector investment finance as a catalyst.

“We will mobilise $1.5 billion in public-private impact investment. We will also make full use of trade insurance to reduce business risk.

“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa.

“So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at the TICAD 9, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and Regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa,” he said.

He appealed to African countries to assist Japan as it grapples with the challenges of a declining population and shrinking agricultural land.

Tuggar: Nigeria aiming to deepen ties with Japan

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said Nigeria is leveraging the conference to strengthen its relationship with Japan and rally support for Africa’s representation in global decision-making bodies.

Beyond trade, Tuggar reiterated that TICAD also serves as a stage for advancing Africa’s political and institutional interests.

He drew parallels with Japan’s post-war economic rise, noting how Japanese corporations expanded across Asia during the 1960s and 1970s in what became known as the “flying geese effect”.

“We’re already doing that. If you look at the continent, you’ll see that Nigeria has its banks in other countries. It is Zenith, it is GTBank, it is UBA, it is Access Bank.

“If you look at businesses — Dangote, BUA, Sahara, and many others like TGI. If we continue as a government to support that, which is what Japan did deliberately, which is what the president is committed to, that way we can create those jobs for our teeming youth, tackle the issue of unemployment, and of course those macroeconomic reforms of President Tinubu are already in progress and we’re beginning to feel the positive effects.”

Read Also: Japan seeks Nigeria’s partnership for economic summit

‘Presidency clarifies Nigeria’s mission at TICAD 9’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anmabra State Governor Peter Obi had criticised the government over a viral clip showing an unmanned booth at the conference.

The video was shared by an entrepreneur Idris Ayodeji Bello, indicating that only Nigeria’s booth was empty while others were busy with other countries’ officials receiving visitors.

Atiku stated on X: “Just like the ongoing show of shame at the empty Nigerian booth in faraway Japan, two years into this administration, we are probably waiting for an official inauguration or preferably an ‘unveiling’ of Renewed Hope before Nigerians can experience good governance.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that “the Nigerian booth will be officially inaugurated on Thursday, 21 August, after which it will become fully operational.”

More criticisms trailed the ministry’s response, with some wondering why Nigeria would “inaugurate” its booth a day after others did theirs.

But, the Presidency dismissed the criticisms, insisting that the country’s participation is focused on high-level strategic engagements rather than trade expos.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the viral video was not reflective of the country’s mission at the triennial conference.

“While we understand the urge by many social media users to seek clicks with incorrect posts, we also recognise that some of these concerns may have been borne out of patriotic sentiment.

“But it is a concern inspired by ignorance about Nigeria’s mission at TICAD,” the statement read.

Onanuga stressed that the Nigerian delegation is “laser-focused on achieving tangible outcomes” from bilateral and multilateral engagements in priority sectors such as power, industry, and agriculture.

He explained that the Nigerian team, working alongside leading figures in Corporate Nigeria, did not travel to Japan for an open trade fair but to secure concrete investments and partnerships that would drive national development.

Highlighting the delegation’s activities, the statement said the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) will host an investment forum today, while ministers and senior officials are engaged in sideline discussions.

The spokesman said President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with global corporate leaders and institutions, including Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation.

The statement pointed to the Ministry of Power’s ongoing negotiations with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on several projects, including the Lagos–Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement, designed to boost grid stability and industrial connectivity.

It referred to a partnership between the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) and JICA to enhance vocational training in the sector, and a $190 million Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-up project.

The Presidency said the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, will engage with top Japanese Original Equipment Manufacturers such as Toshiba and Hitachi.

The Bank of Industry, under Dr. Supo Olusi, is also pursuing annual global fund syndication talks with JICA and other multilateral institutions.
August 21, 2025