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Prioritise Nigeria’s development over ‘Japa’ – Tacha tells youths

Reality TV star Tacha Akide has expressed disappointment with youths, describing them as timid and unwilling to make sacrifices for national change.

In a recent post on X, Tacha lamented the current generation’s lack of involvement in the country’s political and social struggles.

According to Tacha, earlier generations of Nigerians were brave enough to get involved in national power and risk their lives for what they believed in.

She cited the example of former late President Buhari, who was part of a coup in his 20s, fighting for what he believed in.

In contrast,Tacha said today’s 20-year-olds are more focused on leaving the country, creating online content, and chasing comfort.

Tacha opined that the current generation has failed the next generation and has “buried” it.

Read Also: Tacha warns Nigerians about harsh realities of living in the UK

She, however, emphasised that she has used her voice to speak up and show up for what she believes in, unlike many young Nigerians who she claims are too scared to sacrifice comfort for the country’s betterment.

She wrote: “Listen, my generation of Nigerians is the dumb*st and most cowardly.. funny how we blame the ones before us for ruining Nigeria, but at least they had the guts to fight, ex president Buhari in his 20s was part of a coup fighting for what he believed in .. buh what’s Today’s 20-year-olds up to? japa. Believe me when I say, we’ve not just failed the next generation..we’ve buried it. Young Nigerians back then were bold enough to insert themselves in national power.

“Today? We insert ourselves into visa queues.. banger tweets & vibes. Yall ask “what have you done?” I’ve used my voice. I speak, I show up, I don’t stay silent. This tweet was never about me. It’s about a whole generation that’s too scared to sacrifice comfort for country”.

July 24, 2025
Northcentral favoured to produce Ganduje’s sucessor
- APC NEC meets today in Abuja
- All party organs activated
Northcentral geopolitical zone, which has been agitating for the chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), may have its wish today, it was learnt last night.

In the APC zoning arrangement, Northcentral was allotted the chairmanship seat, which was occupied by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who led the party to the 2023 presidential election victory.

But following his resignation in August 2023, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje from the Northwest took over.

With his exit on June 27 on health grounds, the Northcentral resumed the agitation.

It was learnt that picking a new chairman from the zone might have been agreed upon at the various meetings held by the party’s organs between Tuesday and last night.

A minister is believed to be on top of the shortlist.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda was widely touted for the position, but it could not be confirmed.

Prof. Yilwatda was the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 election.

An engineer and academic, he was the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Benue State between July 2017 and December 2021.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, after a meeting of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Aso Villa, said: “We came as a group to formally commiserate with the President over the passing of the former President Muhammadu Buhari and also to discuss the upcoming National Executive Committee (NWC) meeting of our party tomorrow (today).”

Giving further insight, Uzodimma explained: “The party only advertised the NEC meeting.

“We did not advertise or send out letters for the caucus meeting, and from all indications, tomorrow’s (today’s) meeting will be a very brief one that will centre on the appointment of National Chairman.

“The NEC may delegate its powers to NWC on the issues of ratification of the schedule for congresses and standing committees, as well as an update on the party’s e-registration process across the 36 states.”

In effect, Uzodimma confirmed that the caucus meeting, which usually precedes the NEC meeting, would not be held last night.

Read Also: Why I missed Tinubu’s Kano condolence visit – Ganduje

He added that the meeting with the President offered an avenue for a “convivial discussion” on how to reposition the party and deepen its grassroots support.

The governor said: “We also shared some ideas with Mr. President on how best to strengthen our party at the grassroots, at the local government, at the state level, up to the national level.”

Asked whether the NEC meeting would produce a consensus on the appointment of a new chairman, Uzodinma was non-committal, saying that the outcome would become clear after the meeting.

“It is a NEC meeting; we cannot say what the outcome will be. When you come there tomorrow (today), you will see it.”

National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said in a statement that the NEC meeting had been shifted from the Secretariat to the Aso Villa for 10 am.

Last night, APC governors, state chairmen and NWC members held a series of meetings ahead of today’s NEC meeting.

Led by PGF Chairman Uzodimma, they included 22 governors and the deputy governors of Katsina and Akwa Ibom states.

Among them were the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRasak AbdulRahman (Kwara), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Umar Bago (Niger).
July 24, 2025
Why PDP should zone 2027 presidential ticket to South, by Gana
- Party will return strong, Olawepo-Hashim predicts
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should zone its presidential ticket to the South in 2027 in the spirit of equity, fairplay and justice, one of the founding fathers of the party Prof. Jerry Gana said yesterday.

He also said that for the opposition party to grow, emphasis should be on youth inclusion.

Gana, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), spoke on why the party should return to the vision of the founding fathers during the Consultative Conference held at the Nigeria Airforce Conference Center in Abuja.

Party elders were locked in sober reflection on the fate and future of the platform at a pre-National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where the impact of the recent defections from the party was critically assessed.

The defections are ongoing with seven federal lawmakers defecting to the All Progressives Congress APC during plenary yesterday.

Gana and other party leaders – Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu – said despite the mounting challenges, there is hope for PDP.

Dissecting the various problems facing the party, they said the party should focus on discipline, reconciliation and generational renewal.

Also, a chieftain, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, said PDP would rise again to rebuild the country.

PDP can’t ignore zoning, says ex-minister

Urging the party to restore the zoning principle, Gana said: “In tune with this patriotic wisdom of the founding fathers, we urge all our leaders to support the strategy of bringing out our presidential candidate for 2027 from the Southern states.

“Such a strategy will not only ensure victory at the polls, but promote justice, fairness and equity.”

The former minister also advised the party to choose a credible party leadership in a transparent election at the proposed national convention.

He added: ”We must also develop a new focus on empowering the next generation. We reaffirm our commitment to youth inclusion and generational equity, which is very crucial; the PDP must deliberately open the space for younger Nigerians; brilliant, energetic and innovative minds should be allowed to participate actively as leaders within our party structures and as candidates at all levels in the 2027 general elections.

“Their ideas, energy and digital fluency are essential for building the Nigeria we all deserve and our 2027 electoral strategy must elevate young leaders with fresh ideas and proven commitment; we should deliberately mainstream youth and women into our party’s core leadership structure, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions are highly valued.”

Damagum: defection can’t affect platform

Damagum said the defections cannot affect the PDP, recalling that it survived similar threats in the past.

He said: “This gathering is more than symbolic, it is a reaffirmation that the People’s Democratic Party is alive, resolute, and focused on reclaiming its rightful place at the centre of Nigeria’s political life. We will not fail. We will rise to the challenge. And yes, the centre will hold again.”

He paid tribute to the founding fathers, including the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, and General Yakubu Danjuma, recalling that the party was “born out of necessity to dismantle authoritarianism and restore democratic governance.”

Damagum said: “Much of the injury the PDP has suffered has been self-inflicted. From the Obasanjo era to this moment, we have too often jettisoned ideology in favour of personal ambition. This has cost us dearly.

“If we return to our core, and rise above personal interest, there remains a bright and redemptive future for the PDP, and for Nigeria.”

Saraki who was among those who left PDP, to form the APC in 2014, urged the party to brace for the future.

He said: “For many who had already buried this party before now, your presence here speaks volumes—that nobody is going to bury this party.”

Read Also: JUST IN: Three PDP Reps members defect to APC

Aliyu: No more nomadic politicians

Aliyu warned against the party’s habitual tolerance of “nomadic politicians” whose defections and returns have destabilised the PDP.

He said: “You don’t invite nomadic politicians back to your place; these were people with a history of nomadism.”

The former governor called for strict adherence to party discipline and meritocracy, saying: “Our constitution is specific, when you leave the party; you join the queue. The party is not just to win elections.

“The party is also to ensure the culture of selling real, principled politics. Even if we don’t win elections, but we are one united, principled party, we will be recognised.”

At the meeting were BoT Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Youth Leader, Muhammed Sulieman, his Deputy, Comrade OTimothy Osadolor, National Woman Leader, Amina Bryhm, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, National Vice Chairman (South East), Ali Odefa and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba

The meeting was also attended by former Governor of Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo. former Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, former Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki.

Others include Chief Bode Goerge, Labaran Maku, Senator Yakubu Lado, Director General PDP Governors Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, former PDP National Chairman, Abubakar Baraje and former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Maryam Ciroma.

PDP will rise again, says Hashim

Olawepo-Hashim, who addressed the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held at the party secretariat in Abuja, said the party would rise again.

He said: “From the beginning, the PDP was built as a national platform. Since 1998, there has been a sizable PDP presence in virtually every polling unit across the country,” Hashim stated.

“This legacy remains alive, and it is that national spread that makes PDP the only credible alternative to the APC.”

Olawepo-Hashim dismissed fears about the party’s dwindling influence, stressing that its grassroots base is intact, despite the defection of elected officials due to pressure and blackmail.

He said: “Don’t be discouraged by those who have left. The real strength of any party is not in a few powerful individuals, but in its people and the people are still with the PDP.”

Olawepo-Hashim, a former deputy national publicity secretary, lauded Damagun for his steady leadership during turbulent times.

He said: “The wisdom and calm with which Amb. Damagun has held the reins of this party is commendable. He has kept the house standing when others wanted to tear it apart.”

He urged the party to present a credible and visionary candidate in 2027 who will prioritize national security, economic revival, and social justice.
July 24, 2025
Govt unveils ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative with N500b Off take Guarantee Fund
- 150 trucks to ease food logistics
- CDS hails venture
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday launched the Produce for Lagos Programme and the N500billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, an initiative of the state government aimed at boosting food security, reducing imports and enhancing agricultural productivity across Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the programme and the fund reflected his administration’s commitment to achieving food security, inclusive prosperity and sustainable growth not just for Lagos State, but also for Nigeria.

Speaking during the launching of the programme at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is Nigeria’s largest food market, consuming over 50 per cent of the food traded in the Southwest with a food economy valued at N16.14 trillion.

The governor expressed optimism that the programme would provide guaranteed off-take contracts, access to financing and logistics support, connecting Lagosians directly with Lagos’ dynamic food economy.

He said the initiative, which was a partnership between government and the private sector, would boost agricultural production.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also announced and commissioned the deployment of a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks, the largest of its kind, in partnership with the private sector.

Read Also: Lagos traders seek probe over viral rice smuggling claim

He said the initiative “will boost agricultural production and reduce reliance on informal and uncoordinated supply channels, create jobs for our youths and increase economic returns for all ecosystem stakeholders.

“It will be implemented through the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO) and supported by key Special Purpose Vehicles like the Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog (Eko Logistics), and the Produce for Lagos Fund.

“This N500 Billion Offtake Guarantee Fund will provide working capital for bulk traders, finance for logistics operators, liquidity for aggregators and credit support for food producers across Nigeria. It is a demonstration of our understanding that our food economy cannot thrive on policy alone – it requires financing.

“This fund is not a subsidy; it is an investment vehicle that will catalyse private capital, stabilise food prices and de-risk agricultural operations across the value chain. What we are doing here is creating a whole new agricultural ecosystem, one that rises to meet the demands of today and of tomorrow—combining policy, financing, infrastructure and data.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu called on all state governors, financial institutions, development organisations, foreign missions ‘’and diplomatic representatives from our valued partner nations, regulatory bodies, multilateral organisations, captains of industries, our able farmers nationwide, and other relevant value chain actors to produce for Lagos.’’

“Let us rise together to feed this nation sustainably. Let us collaborate across borders, build resilient infrastructure, support, and secure our food future not just for Lagos, but also for Nigeria. Let us lead, let us inspire, and let us grow for the prosperity of our people and the greatness of our country,” he said.

Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Usman Ododo of Kogi hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State Government for the bold initiative on food security.

The governors, whose states are expected to be major beneficiaries of the Produce for Lagos Programme and N500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, expressed readiness to partner with Lagos State in the areas of comparative advantages in boosting food security, not only in Lagos, but also in Nigeria.

Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Livestock, Idi Maiha; and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, lauded the Lagos State Government for the Produce for Lagos Programme, noting that it underscored the state’s commitment to food security and partnership with other states.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed confidence in the initiative, saying it would work well in addressing food security challenges in the state.

He also expressed the readiness of the armed forces to support the Produce for Lagos Programme initiative, which, according to him, would tackle hunger in the country.

Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative aimed to centralise agricultural aggregation to cut post-harvest losses, stabilise food prices and create an efficient urban food supply logistics system.

She said Lagos State Government had launched programmes, including the Lagos Innovation Club, Lagos Food Festival, Lagos Agriculture Scholars Programme, and Lagos Apprenticeship Programme, to support agricultural entrepreneurs and promote food culture.

The Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince S. J. Samuel, expressed the commitment of the private sector to the Lagos State agriculture transformation and called for more partnership between public and private sectors for food security in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
July 24, 2025
BREAKING: Tinubu set to meet APC Govs ahead crucial NEC session

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is about to host a meeting with Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) this evening at the State House, Abuja.

The high-level meeting, scheduled to commence from 7:00 pm at the conference hall of the State House, will bring together members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the umbrella body of APC governors.

It comes just hours ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for Thursday by 2:00 pm in the Banquet Hall of the State House.

Imo Governor and PGF Chairman Hope Uzodimma is expected to lead his 23 other colleagues to the meeting, which sources describe as “crucial,” given recent developments within the ruling party.

Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Oniru of Iru Kingdom at 55, hails his service, leadership

As of press time, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) had arrived at the venue ahead of their counterparts.

The President is expected to brief the Governors on the Federal Government’s current policy direction as well as the party’s internal agenda, including a possible consensus on a new substantive APC National Chairman following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje last month.

The outcome of tonight’s session is likely to shape Thursday’s NEC proceedings, where key party leadership decisions are anticipated.

July 23, 2025
JUST IN: APC shifts NEC meeting to Villa, adjusts time

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a change in the venue and time of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Originally planned to hold at the party’s National Secretariat on Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, the meeting will now take place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

READ ALSO: Troops foil terrorist attacks, neutralise dozens in Zamfara-Niger axis

The time has also been rescheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The development was confirmed in a statement by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who attributed the adjustments to logistical reasons.

July 23, 2025
JUST IN: Police arrest three gun runners, firearms over Benue killings

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have arrested a notorious arms supply syndicate responsible for arming bandits in Benue and other north-central states.

The development, Force Headquarters said, is in continuation of police investigation on the deadly attacks by bandits on communities last month in Benue State.

Force Police Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said operatives of the FID-IRT, acting on credible intelligence on the activities of some bandits who participated in the Yelwata killings on June 21, 2025, stormed the hideout of the bandits in a forest at the boundary of Kardako, Nasarawa and Yelwata, Benue States.

Adejobi, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said a fierce gun duel ensued between the police and the hoodlums, causing the bandits to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, adding that two GPMGs were recovered from their hideout in the process.

He further explained that on July 8, 2025, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), in a tactical operation, along the Lafia–Makurdi expressway in Makurdi, Benue State, arrested a 25-year-old Abubakar Isah in possession of three AK47 rifles and 1002 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

READ ALSO; Shippers’ Council commits to execution-driven reform framework

“The arrest followed actionable intelligence indicating an impending arms movement intended for distribution to bandit groups known to be terrorising various communities in Benue State.

“Further investigations revealed that the arms and ammunition were supplied by a notorious arms dealer, Jacob Adikwu, operating from Abinsi, Guma Local Government area of Benue State, and was to be delivered to one Dan Hassan, a bandit kingpin known for orchestrating deadly attacks against communities across Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara States”, Adejobi stated.

In another related development, on July 12, 2025, FID-IRT operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested one Ibrahim a.k.a. Chelsea, who confessed to having sent the sum of N6,500,000 to the same Adikwu Jacob.

He said, “While N6,000,000 is payment for delivery of two AK47 rifles and 2000 rounds of live ammunition, N500,000 would serve as payment for construction of a compartment in the Volkswagen vehicle to conceal the said arms for transportation to Kwara State.”

In a swift follow-up clearance operation, Adejobi said the operatives stormed Abinsi town and successfully apprehended Adikwu on July 16, 2025 and recovered three AK-47 rifles, 220 rounds of live ammunition and a Volkswagen car from his hideout.

The police said further investigation on July 17, 2025, led to the recovery of an additional five AK-47 rifles, one rocket launcher, and 1,000 rounds of live ammunition from the same arms dealer.

He said efforts were being intensified to ensure that Dan Hassan and other criminal elements responsible for terrorising Benue State and other parts of the country were brought to book, while others in custody will have their day in court upon conclusion of investigation.

July 23, 2025
BREAKING: Four PDP senators defect to APC

Four Senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further weakening the opposition’s grip in the Senate.

The defectors are Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi (Osun Central).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read their letters of defection during plenary, signalling the latest wave of political realignments within the National Assembly.

Read Also: JUST IN: Three PDP Reps members defect to APC

Present in the chamber to witness the defection were APC national secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; Senator Chris Ngige; and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, the member representing Ogbomoso North, South, and Orire Federal Constituency, among others.

Details shortly…

July 23, 2025
Court strikes out charge against Otudeko as EFCC withdraws case

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi on Wednesday struck out the N12.3 billion charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, and three others.

The charge was withdrawn following submissions by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who informed the court that the matter had been amicably resolved between the nominal complainant, First Bank of Nigeria, and the first defendant, Otudeko.

The EFCC had filed a 13-count charge (Suit No. FHC/L/20C/2025) against Otudeko, former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to fraudulently obtain N12.3 billion from First Bank by misrepresenting the funds as credit facilities requested by V-TECH Dynamic Links Ltd. and Stallion Nigeria Ltd.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Otudeko’s counsel, Bode Olanipekun SAN, informed the court that all issues leading to the charge had been resolved.

Oyedepo, for the EFCC, confirmed that both parties had settled and that the resolution was formally communicated to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

He referred to several correspondences between the parties and the AGF documenting the settlement terms. He also stated that the first defendant had fully repaid the funds at the heart of the matter.

“In the interest of justice and to prevent abuse of the court process, the Attorney General has decided to discontinue the prosecution,” Oyedepo said.

He further explained that after the charge was filed, the AGF received applications from the defence proposing an amicable resolution. This led to a meeting convened by the AGF with all parties.

According to him, in a letter dated July 16, 2025, First Bank formally withdrew its complaint, confirming that the matter had been settled. On the same date, Otudeko’s counsel also wrote to the AGF affirming the settlement. A follow-up letter from First Bank on July 21 reiterated that the parties had resolved their differences and requested that the charge not be pursued.

“Upon thorough review of the allegations, and considering that the depositor funds involved in the charge have been fully recovered and returned to First Bank’s treasury, the AGF decided—under Section 180 of the ACJA—to withdraw the charge,” Oyedepo submitted.

All defence counsel, including Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN) for Onasanya, Tunde Afe Babalola (SAN) for Akintayo, and Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips (SAN) for Anchorage Leisure Ltd., confirmed that the matter had been amicably resolved.

In a brief ruling, Justice Aneke struck out the charge.

Honeywell Group, in a statement signed by its General Counsel, Olasumbo Abolaji, welcomed the development, describing it as a reaffirmation of Dr. Otudeko’s integrity.

“Honeywell Group confirms that the legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC against our Chairman, Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, in connection with matters relating to First Holdco Plc, have been formally withdrawn.

“This development marks the closure of a chapter that, while challenging, never diminished our confidence in Dr. Otudeko’s integrity or our belief in the principles that have guided his life and leadership.

Read Also: Otudeko exits First Holdco in N323b deal

“At no point was there any finding or admission of wrongdoing, and this conclusion further affirms what we have always maintained — that this was a commercial transaction, investigated by the EFCC and resolved eight years ago.

“Dr. Otudeko’s service, enterprise, and nation-building record stand firm and unblemished. For over six decades, he has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic and institutional development, including distinguished tenures across banking, industry, and public service. His leadership of First Bank was marked by stability, stewardship, and strategic vision.”

The Group reaffirmed its commitment to creating value through enterprise in food, energy, infrastructure, and financial services.

July 23, 2025
APC, PDP kick-start 2027 plans with key NEC meetings
- Ganduje’s replacement, standing committee top ruling party agenda
- PDP pushes for cohesion after Atiku, others exit
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will begin preparations for the 2027 electioneering with crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.

Today, the PDP will commence the process that will culminate in its 101st NEC meeting on Friday.

The meeting, during which the date of its convention will be decided, will lead to the election of new national officers.

They will take the party through the primaries and the 2027 general election.

Between today and Friday, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) will meet to resolve outstanding issues before the NEC meeting on Friday.

The party has been hit by the defection of prominent chieftains to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) – the coalition platform.

A critical challenge for the opposition party is to resolve the crisis arising from the position of the National Secretary.

Although the party had asked Senator Samuel Anyanwu to continue in the position in accordance with a court verdict, some party leaders have continued to kick.

However, a party source said the acrimony would be laid to rest during the national convention when a new leadership would emerge.

APC to pick Ganduje’s successor

The APC caucus, which usually precedes the NEC meeting, will meet today to set the template for tomorrow’s NEC meeting.

Top on the agenda of the NEC will be the ratification of the National Chairman to replace the immediate past chairman, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned voluntarily on June 27 on health grounds.

Following his exit, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, has been acting as chairman.

Standing committee members of the APC will be ratified at the meeting, it was learnt.

National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, who spoke on the preparations, said he would tender the annual report before the highest decision-making organ of the party.

Ganduje, who is from the Northwest, became chairman following the resignation of his predecessor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu from the Northcentral, in August 2023.

The Northcentral caucus has intensified the campaign for the selection of a new chairman from the zone.

But it is not clear whether the zone will get it because the Northwest is still angling to retain the position.

The NWC held its meeting on Monday, where the NEC meeting agenda was prepared and agreed upon.

Although the outcome of the NWC meeting, which lasted for two hours, was not made public, a source said the party would release the timetable for the congresses ahead of the National Convention.

Read Also: Senate okays Tinubu’s $21bn foreign loan request

Expected at the NEC meeting are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, NWC members, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy Senator Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, his deputy Benjamin Kalu, APC governors, Speakers of APC-controlled Houses of Assembly and state chairmen.

A follow-up and an enlarged meeting of the NWC and Forum of State Chairmen convened by the acting national chairman took place at the party secretariat yesterday.

According to the source, the objective was to forge a synergy with the state chairmen on the timetable for the proposed congresses.

A similar meeting was held between the NWC and the Governors’ Forum at Asokoro, in Abuja.

An NWC member said: “We are prepared for the NEC meeting.

“Letters have been sent out to all the members of the committee, and the NWC has been meeting with other organs of the party in order to have a hitch-free meeting on Thursday.

“Mr. President and other leaders of the party and all NEC members have been invited, and the meeting will surely produce a substantive National Chairman that will replace Dr. Ganduje.”

Anxiety over PDP NEC meeting

There is anxiety over the PDP NEC meeting following the collapse of trust and persistent suspicion after the defection.

There is also disquiet over the announcement by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and key PDP leaders to work for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

The governor explained that they took the decision “after weeks of consultations with stakeholders across the state — from traditional rulers and civil servants to market leaders and grassroots party members”.

On his X handle, Adeleke wrote: “I remain in the PDP, the party that gave me the platform to serve the good people of Osun.

“I have been unanimously endorsed by the Osun PDP for a second term in 2026.

“Our party in Osun has also endorsed President @officialABAT for re-election in 2027, recognising him as a proud son of our state.”

Before yesterday, the three PDP senators from the state pledged their total support for President Tinubu’s re-election.

A staunch member and four-time House of Representatives member, Oluwole Oke, defected to the APC.

Fears are also rife that more pro-Atiku Abubakar chieftains may dump the party for the ADC.

Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum will preside over the NEC meeting, which will be preceded by a pre-NEC meeting where contentious issues will be discussed.

Also, the PDP National Caucus is scheduled to hold tonight at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge in Asokoro.
July 23, 2025