Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun) have arrived Lekan Adamasingba stadium, venue of the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) National Convention.
They arrived a few minutes ago as the convention kicked off.
Factional National Chairman of the party Ambaador Damagun is also in attendance as well as a member of the Board of Trustees(BoT) Chief Bode George and others.
Details shortly…
Scores of terrorists were neutralised in Zamfara State when the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets bombed their enclave at Sauri, Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.
The strikes also destroyed terrorists’ critical structures and logistics points, a move that may likely withered the criminals’ operational capability in the area.
This came a day after Minister of State for Defence Bello Mattawale announced that the Federal Government had deployed additional troops and ordered decisive action against armed groups across the state.
According to a statement by NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday, the strikes were conducted on November 14, after “comprehensive intelligence and surveillance operations confirmed significant terrorist activity and rustled livestock concealed in a high-ground hideout used by the criminals as both a defensive position and a logistics hub.”
The statement said the Air Component, acting on the intelligence, executed multiple coordinated strikes on the identified targets, achieving direct hits that dislodged surviving terrorists who attempted to flee into surrounding vegetation but were subsequently tracked and effectively engaged.
“The successful mission resulted in the neutralisation of numerous terrorists and the destruction of critical structures and logistics points, significantly degrading the criminals’ operational capability in the area,” it said.
The statement said the decisive action by the Air Component against the terrorists reinforced the recent directive of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to “find them, hunt them down, and protect our people.”
It said the operation also underscored the unwavering resolve of the Joint Task Force and the NAF under the Operation FANSAN YAMMA to “deny terrorists safe havens, strengthen security in Zamfara State, and support wider national efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the North West.”
Hundreds of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continued to pour into Ibadan last night from different parts of the country as leaders of the Damagum faction of the party worked underground to save the planned National Convention from possible collapse.
Host Governor Seyi Makinde spent much of Thursday with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to persuade him to be part of the Ibadan gathering.
Lamido will boycott the convention.
Other likely absentees are Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas who is on his way to the All Progressives Congress (APC); Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike; and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, among others.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday ordered suspension of the convention until Lamido is allowed to buy nomination form for election as national chairman of the party.
Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment in a suit filed by the former governor, also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or recognising the outcome of any convention the party would hold without the inclusion of Lamido, as a contestant.
However, a counter ruling came from an Oyo State High Court giving the party the nod to proceed with the meeting, and an order for INEC to monitor and recognise the convention.
Sources at the national headquarters of the commission told The Nation last night that they were studying the situation.
The Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba, Ibadan venue of the convention was agog last night with party faithful dancing and singing while officials were giving finishing touches to the sitting, lighting and public address arrangement and security.
The stadium has been given a new look with white, red and green colors of the umbrella party adorning the main bowl.
Several banners with the inscription ‘Seyi Makinde for president’ were placed in and around the stadium.
The party, in a series of posts on X, said it was going ahead with the convention.
It posted video recordings of its members drumming, singing and dancing at the stadium.
“With the venue fully aglow and preparations hitting fever pitch, the stage is set for a convention that would redefine the PDP’s trajectory toward 2027,” the PDP wrote in a one of the posts.
The Oyo State Police Command pledged to ensure a hitch-free convention.
Party sources expressed deep concerns last night over the conflicting court rulings.
Some feared that there was no guarantee that decisions taken at the convention would stand the test of time as they could be overturned by the a higher court.
By last night, delegates from Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Kwara, Delta, Adamawa, Zamfara, Edo, Bayelsa and Cross River had arrived in Ibadan and lodged in hotels across the city.
Others were said to be on their way.
Dozens of luxury buses branded in the PDP Convention colours were parked at the Government House Ibadan.
They will be deployed to convey delegates from their various hotels to the venue.
Court orders PDP to allow Lamido contest chairmanship position
Justice Lifu ordered PDP to make arrangements for Alhaji Lamido to contest its chairmanship position in its planned national convention.
He said the party should provide Lamido opportunity to obtain the nomination form for the position and prepare for the election.
The judge said evidence before his court showed that Lamido was unjustly denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest the National Chairmanship position of the party, contrary to both the Constitution and Regulations of the PDP.
He declared that the PDP was under obligation to create opportunity for its members to serve by putting deliberate measures in place to enable them to realise their aspirations.
Justice Lifu ordered that the planned convention must be put on hold to allow the plaintiff (Lamido) to obtain the nomination form, mobilise his supporters, and conduct his campaign.
The judgment was on a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025 by Lamido, in which he complained among others, of being denied the opportunity to contest the party’s chairmanship position.
Justice Lifu held that no political party should be allowed to profit from its disobedience of its own constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The judge noted that the plaintiff, by virtue of the evidence before the court, appeared to have met the basic requirement for him to contest the party’s chairmanship position.
He held that from all indications, it was clear that the first defendant (PDP) breached its constitution and other relevant laws.
Justice Lifu resolved the three issues submitted by the plaintiff for the court’s resolution, in favour of the plaintiff.
He said: “An order is hereby made that before any convention is held, the PDP is to make nomination forms available to the plaintiff (Lamido).
“In the light of the above, it is hereby held that the convention be put on hold for the plaintiff to obtain a nomination form, campaign and mobilise supporters,” Justice Lifu said.
Lamido raises alarm over fake news
A few hours after the judgment, the former governor raised the alarm over alleged fake news that he had withdrawn his case against PDP.
He said it was all mischief.
He confirmed that the Federal High Court “passed a judgment affirming my right to contest the Chairmanship of the PDP denied me earlier.
“An order was made, stopping the Ibadan PDP Convention from holding on 15th and 16th November 2025 until the PDP complies with the Court ruling.
“It also stops INEC from supervising/observing the Convention
“A certified order stopping the Ibadan Convention has already been delivered to both INEC and PDP
“Please disregard the story in its entirety.”
Oyo court adjourns ruling on jurisdiction objection to Dec 8, reaffirms ex-parte motion
Also yesterday, the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan adjourned ruling on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction to hear a suit filed by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Folahan Adelabi, concerning the party’s national convention scheduled for today and tomorrow.
At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to INEC, Mr O. Adeyemi, argued that the commission, being a Federal Government agency, is only subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
He urged the court to strike out the case for lack of jurisdiction, noting that the Court lacks locus standi to entertain the matter.
However, counsel to the claimant, Mr Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, opposed the objection, stating that the argument infringed on the claimant’s fundamental rights.
He said the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to lawful assembly and convention.
Quoting Section 251 of the Constitution, Mr Adetumbi contended that INEC does not fall within the category of agencies that place the case exclusively before the Federal High Court.
He asked the court to dismiss the objection and proceed with the substantive suit.
After listening to both sides, Justice Ladiran Akintola, fixed ruling for December 8, 2025.
He also reaffirmed that the interim order earlier granted, which restrains the defendants from disrupting or interfering with preparations for the PDP national convention, remains in force.
Police express readiness for hitch-free PDP Convention
Spokesman for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, a Chief Superintendent said the Command was ramping up security measures to guarantee a safe and peaceful event.
He added that anticipating a large turnout, the Command, in partnership with other sister services, has meticulously developed a robust security strategy which includes proactive patrols designed to build public confidence, increased surveillance activities, and intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations throughout the state.
He warned against any form of public unrest, including unauthorised rallies or gatherings within the city before, during, or after the event.
He furthered said that attention will be heightened at all key access points into and out of Oyo State, especially around the convention venue, adding that critical locations such as public parks, train stations, and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan will be closely monitored.
We asked the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or concerns to the nearest police station or through the dedicated emergency contact numbers provided by the police.
Rivers PDP disclaims convention
The Rivers State chapter of the PDP said it would not be part of the convention.
Leaders of the party said in a disclaimer that the decision was on account of the “ leadership crisis in the party at the National level, which has polarized the party in so many state chapters.”
Also cited for their action were the “various litigations and counter litigations that have further deepened the crisis in the party,” and lack of “proper communication channel between the National leadership of the party and our leader, His Excellency, Sir. Siminalayi Fuba GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, which has consequently left us incommunicado.”
PDP reconciliation committee recommends inclusive caretaker committee
The Ambassador Hassan Adamu led PDP Reconciliation Committee set up by the Board of Trustees of the Party recommended that the Ibadan convention be put on hold and an all- inclusive Caretaker Committee be put in place to resolve all contending issues.
At a stakeholders meeting on Thursday night, the National Convention organising Committee led by Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri declared that the Ibadan convention was sacrosanct and would go ahead despite the recommendations.
The report of the Committee made available to newsmen yesterday indicted some PDP governors and some other party members of working for their own selfish interest.
The report of the committee which was submitted to the Senator Adolphus Wabara led BoT drew attention to the rift between some PDP governors and FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike.
The report was signed by Amb. Hassan Adamu (North East) – Chairman, Chief. Mike Oghiadomhe (South South} – Secretary, Prince Olagunsonye Oyinlola (South West), Sen. Zaynab Kure, (North Central), Dr. Lubna Gusau (North West) and Chief Ugochukwu Okeke (South East) who served as members.
The report said: “In the course of this assignment, we found out that friction, distrust and lack of sincerity had festered for too long amongst the key players (governors & NWC members) and the year 2027 became an issue with regards to who gets what. This affected the smooth running of the Party.
Job descriptions were tempered with within the NWC. The spirit of carrying each other along got affected. Camps became birthed within. Loyalties got shifted more to individuals than the Party.
“Litigation in courts across the strata got attended to, not with the speed and candor resulting into more crises”.
It recommended that: “going ahead with the convention at this time must be subject to favourable legal status and disposition of INEC. However, considering the multiple court orders and judgments, INEC is not likely going to monitor the Convention.
“Accordingly, an all- inclusive Caretakers Committee (CTC) is recommended because a failed convention will incapacitate tenability of the party to field candidates at all levels nationally. For this to be effected, all the NWC should reverse to status quo ante immediately.
“Suspension orders should be lifted and all parties brought together for genuine reconciliation. The BoT must be given its prime position to be able to mediate and guide processes within the Party. On her part, the BoT must be seen to be neutral always.
“The constitution of the Party must be amended to accommodate some key issues. The intention to grant the Governors Forum status of an ORGAN of the party by constitutional amendment should not be done at this time.
“Above all, the Party constitution must be upheld always. Party supremacy and discipline is core. There is therefore the need for the BoT,NWC, Governors Forum, and all critical stakeholders to come together and resolve all these issues to allow for a successful hitch free convention going forward”.
The Committee reported that it met with the FCT Minister, the PDP Governors Forum led by Senator Bala Mohammed, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Ambassador lliya Damagum, and the suspended members of the NWC comprising Sen. Anyanwu (the National secretary), Bature (the organizing secretary), and Barrister Ajibade, SAN (the National legal adviser) as well as former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in the course of its assignment.
It reported that “Wike questioned the reconciliation committee’s integrity and neutrality, citing its formation in a meeting attended by the Damagum-led NWC, while objecting to the BoT’s declaration supporting the Damagum-led NWC and the Oyo State High Court judgment, feeling it prejudiced his cooperation.
“Minister Wike suggested the BoT should have met without parties present and then invited both sides. He criticised the zoning committee’s process, alleging fundamental errors and exclusion from consultations.
“Minister Wike accused the Governors’ Forum, led by Gov. Bala and Seyi Makinde, of hijacking party processes and pursuing selfish agendas. He alleged some Governors, including Diri, Kefas Agbu, and Peter Mba, secretly collaborated with the ruling party.
“Minister Wike expressed discontent over cancelled congresses, particularly in South-South, South East, Anambra, and Ebonyi states. He insisted the convention would only proceed if the Abuja High Court orders are obeyed, threatening continued activism due to Governors’ non-compliance with agreements”.
On the meeting with the governor, the report said ‘Governor Bala Mohammed met with the committee, accompanied by Governors Muftwang and Makinde, who excused themselves due to other commitments. They assured that discussions would be binding on them.
“Governor Bala accused Minister Wike of betrayal, causing confusion, and disregarding the party constitution. He stated that the Governors’ Forum had fulfilled agreements, but Minister Wike insists on absolute control. He alleged that Minister Wike aims to weaken and destroy the PDP.
“Governor Bala described Minister Wike as trouble-prone and unlikely to cease attacks on the party and its structures.”
Rival factions battle for control of party’s national headquarters
The battle for the soul of the PDP has now shifted to the control of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Following last week’s suspension and counter suspension by the Damagum and Wike groups,both sides wrote to INEC, seeking recognition as the authentic PDP.
The Wike group is understood to be preparing to flush out party employees deemed to be loyal to the Damagum group.
Although Damagum made an attempt to sack PDP staff deemed to be loyal to Wike/Anyanwu two weeks ago, Anyanwu issued a counter-directive reversing Damagum’s move to tinker with the staff list at PDP headquarters which has now been locked up under the firm control of Senator Anyanwu.
Job vacancies have been declared in the party’s various directorates, with more than 34 positions being declared vacant.
According to party sources, it will be difficult for any staff found to have mobilized others in stoking the party’s internal crisis to find a way back to Wadata Plaza,
Fresh applicants have been directed to submit their applications on or before Monday, 17th November, 2027.
In the Directorate of Administration, positions declared vacant are those of director, deputy director, Assistant Director, Supervisory/Admin Officers, Intermediate Admin Officers, Supervisory Stores Officers and Intermediate Stores Officers.
Similar levels of staff, including Departmental Directors and subordinate staff in the Directorate of Youth, Directorate of Finance, Directorate of Organisation and Mobilisation, Directorate of Women Affairs, Directorate of Legal Services and the Directorate of Publicity are all to be replaced.
Magistrates in Ondo State, under the umbrella of Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), have decried the absence of official vehicles required for effective discharge of their duties.
They lamented that the situation has forced many of them to rely on commercial vehicles often in the company of suspects and litigants, posing danger to their safety and undermining the dignity of their office.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to a former Senator representing Ondo North, Hon. Bode Olajumoke, the association’s spokesperson, Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni, disclosed that no fewer than 60 magistrates in the state currently operate without official vehicles.
Sekoni, who was accompanied by MAN’s state chairperson, Magistrate Funmi Edwin, said the development compromises both the security and efficiency of judicial officers in the state.
According to him, some magistrates have sustained varying degrees of injuries from commercial motorcycle accidents on their way to court to perform official duties.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, he said it is demoralising to see judicial officers commute in the same commercial vehicles as litigants and crime suspects.
“On a daily basis, we hop on commercial vehicles, most times with criminals and litigants standing trial before us, exposing ourselves to grave security risks.
“Magistrates in the state are constrained to share public transport with the public, including litigants appearing before them in court,” Sekoni said.
He appealed to Senator Olajumoke to intervene by raising their concerns with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, stressing that the request for official vehicles is a necessity, not a luxury.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, Onimisi Friday Umar, lamented what he described as the poor treatment of magistrates by the Aiyedatiwa administration.
Umar noted that the last time magistrates in the state received official vehicles was during the administration of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, adding that many beneficiaries have since retired.
He further recalled that although approval had been granted for the procurement of 10 new official vehicles, nothing had been heard regarding the implementation.
“It is sad that magistrates in this state board the same commercial vehicles with criminals to attend court, while their counterparts in other states travel by air to attend conferences.
“We do not know what the judiciary has done to deserve this kind of treatment. We need a respite,” he said.
The NBA chairman urged the governor to prioritise the welfare of judicial officers, saying this would enhance morale, ensure safety, and promote the efficient delivery of justice.
He also commended Senator Olajumoke for constructing a relaxation centre for the NBA.
Responding, Senator Olajumoke assured the delegation that he would look into their demands and discuss the matter with the governor.
He also urged members of the association to uphold professional ethics at all times.
In his remarks, the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, applauded the magistrates for the visit and encouraged them to continue defending the rule of law and maintaining integrity within the justice system.
Efforts to reach the Attorney General and Commissioner for justice in the state, Kayode Ajulo,
SAN, yielded no result as his mobile phone was switched off when contacted.
Paystack, an online payment solutions company, has suspended its co-founder Ezra Olubi over allegations that border on sexual misconduct.
The allegations were further boosted by the resurfacing of disturbing past tweets.
Mr Olubi had posted several controversial tweets dating as far back as 2010, including sexually explicit jokes and comments that resurfaced online.
A woman who previously had a relationship with Olubi had published her personal complaints online on Wednesday, triggering renewed attention and widespread circulation of his old, controversial tweets.
According to TechCabal, Paystack has issued a statement announcing Olubi’s suspension from his duties and responsibilities, pending the investigation’s outcome.
“Paystack is aware of the allegations involving our Co-founder, Ezra Olubi.
“We take matters of this nature extremely seriously.
“Effective immediately, Ezra has been suspended from all duties and responsibilities pending the outcome of a formal investigation.”
“Out of respect for the individuals involved and to protect the integrity of the process, we will not be commenting further until the investigation is complete,” Paystack said.
In the past couple of days, Olubi has come under heavy fire following recent allegations of sexual misconduct.
Instablog reports that Max Obae, also known as Maki, a former partner of the Paystack co-founder, brought allegations of manipulation, abusive behaviour, and disturbing misconduct during and before their relationship.
In a live audio recording, which trended on the internet, Maki said she entered a polyamorous relationship with Mr Olubi in September 2023 involving herself and her wife.
She also alleged that the founder was sexually involved with a junior colleague of his.
Maki claimed she later became concerned about Olubi’s pattern of control, emotional detachment, and alleged mistreatment of domestic workers, describing his behaviour as manipulative, demeaning, and “psychotic.”
According to her, the Babcock University graduate pretended to be gay to lure feminists into his circle and slowly break the feminism out of them, through depressing humiliation rituals, using them as sex objects and keeping them in check with money.
Following Maki’s expose, netizens dug up Mr Olubi’s old posts, which some have described as disturbing and reeking of depravity.
The posts on his now-deactivated X account covered topics from sexual harassment to downright paedophilia and subtle bestiality. The founder spared no words in describing his escapades.
In one of the posts, Mr Olubi, 39, claimed that having sex with a minor cures HIV, urging those living with the virus to explore that as an option.
“On a lighter note, I hear sex with a minor cures HIV. So my +ve followers, help yourselves. Ur neighbour’s daughter isn’t looking bad today,” he wrote.
He also claimed that he secretly records his female friends in his bathroom.
“I judge my female friends by the sound their pee makes. Thanks to the audio recorder in my bathroom,” a tweet from 2012 read.
He also, among many other things, claims to “like them young, innocent and clueless.”
Born on 12 November 1986, Ezra Olubi is an IT expert, software engineer, mobile app developer, and entrepreneur.
He graduated from Babcock University in Nigeria, where he studied computer science alongside Shola Akinlade.
After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree, he worked with North Ocean Logistics and Solutions Limited, Softcom Imagio Limited, Softcom Limited Nigeria, Jobberman Limited, Delivery Science Incorporation, Alexander Haring Limited, and Paystack.
In 2015, Mr Olubi co-founded Paystack alongside Shola Akinlade.
Paystack grew to become the leading payment system in Nigeria. In 2020, it was acquired by Stripe, a payment processing and software programming company, for USD 200 million.
In 2022, the late former president Muhammadu Buhari made him a member of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Ex-partner alleges abuse, manipulation
Media personality Max Obae has accused Olubi of abuse, manipulation and misconduct.
In a deeply emotional and lengthy public disclosure, Max Obae, former partner of the Paystack co-founder, has come forward with explosive allegations detailing manipulation, abusive behaviour, and disturbing misconduct during and before their relationship.
Speaking in a live audio recording, Obae said she felt compelled to speak out after realising “the depth of the depravity” surrounding Olubi, stressing that she does not consider herself a victim but believes the public needs to hear the truth. According to her, she first approached Olubi in September 2023 with the intention of forming a polyamorous relationship involving herself and her wife. She admitted that at the time, her interest was driven partly by financial motivations, as she hoped to leave corporate America.
Obae said the relationship began remotely and only became physical when she visited in December 2023, which was also the first time she met a junior employee Olubi was allegedly sexually involved with. Although the subordinate told her the relationship was cons+nsual, Obae now says she is ashamed she looked away, adding that she believes the situation was far more complicated and that more individuals may have been involved.
She also claimed she later became concerned about Olubi’s pattern of control, emotional detachment, and alleged mistreatment of domestic workers, describing his behaviour as manipulative, demeaning, and “psychotic.”
Obae revealed that she and Olubi eventually ended their relationship in June 2024 after months of conflict.
“However, she said what ultimately compelled her to speak publicly were revelations involving her sister’s marriage.
Breaking down at several points, Obae said she now feels she “brought a monster” into her marriage, insisting that the behaviour she witnessed was alarming and harmful not only to her, but to others in Olubi’s orbit.
Olubi had not responded to the controversy at press time.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has recaptured a top commander of the Ansari terrorist group, Abdulazeez Obadaki, believed to have masterminded the August 7, 2012 mass shooting of Christian worshippers at a Deeper Life Bible Church, near Okene in Kogi State.
At least 19 worshippers, including the pastor were killed, with several others sustaining varying degrees of injuries after three men armed with AK-47 rifles walked into the church and opened fire on the worshippers.
Security sources said Obadaki, who, after the church mass shooting, also masterminded another attack on five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State, was arrested but escaped during the July 2022 jailbreak at Kuje Custodial Centre.
Security sources disclosed that the suspected terrorist leader confessed to orchestrating the Kuje Custodial centre jailbreak following his transfer from Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022.
According to the sources, after over three years of being on the run, DSS operatives in a, well-oiled intelligence operation recaptured Obadaki aka Bomboy, on Friday morning.
This arrest comes barely two months after the secret police arraigned five suspects linked to the 2022 Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State.
During the February 2022 daylight bank robberies in Uromi, Edo State, which instilled widespread fear across the region, several policemen and bank customers were killed while hundreds of millions of Naira was reportedly carted away.
Former Anambra Governor Chief Willie Obiano said he was shocked to hear the news of his death in the social media.
Obiano, who reacted in a telephone interview, from his Houston , Texas, United States home, said: “I was shocked, very shocked. Iam not dead. Iam alive and kicking.
“I give God all the glory. That is what i can say for now.”
‘Ola Oluwa ni a nje, a de ma je pepe( we are enjoying the grace of God, and we will enjoy it fully), “his wife, Ebelechukwu, who hails from Ogbunike, Anambra State, said in Yoruba.
“My wife speaks better Yoruba than you do,” Obiano jocularly told this reporter.
Contrary to widespread rumours, former Anambra Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, is alive, hale and hearty, The Nation has learnt.
His former Commissioner for Information, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, debunked the now viral report circulated by some new outlets (not The Nation).
He described the reports as false and mischievous.
Adinuba said he had personally spoken with Obiano and confirmed that the former governor is not only alive but “hale and hearty” and residing in the United States, not the United Kingdom as claimed by an online report.
“Obiano has never lived in the United Kingdom. He lives in the United States of America. I just spoke with him now,” Adinuba stated.
He urged the public to disregard the rumours, noting that such unfounded claims were capable of causing unnecessary distress to the former governor’s family, associates, and the people of Anambra State.
All is set for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Delegates from across the country have begun arriving in the city, with coaster buses deployed to convey them from their hotels to the venue. The convention is expected to draw governors, senators, House of Representatives members, and other top party officials.
Despite legal challenges, the Oyo State High Court has given the PDP the green light to proceed, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor and observe the exercise to ensure transparency and fairness. The ruling cleared the final hurdles to the party’s preparations.
However, controversy lingers as a faction led by Sam Anyanwu declared the convention postponed, citing internal disagreements. The Damagum-led national leadership has dismissed the claim, insisting the convention will hold as scheduled.
The convention is viewed as a pivotal moment for the PDP as it seeks to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party stakeholders hopeful for renewed unity and strategic focus.
Speaking to journalists at the venue, Oyo State PDP Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogunsina, affirmed that the convention would proceed as planned in line with the court’s directive.
He assured that security arrangements were robust and that the event was expected to set a new benchmark for political gatherings in Nigeria.
Ogunsina added that the party was optimistic about a successful, peaceful convention, after which it would strategize on how to unseat the APC administration.
The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended its former Majority Leader, Hon. Saater Tiseer, and former Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Michael Audu, over alleged gross misconduct deemed capable of undermining the unity and integrity of the House.
The decision was taken during plenary on Friday, presided over by Speaker Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga.
The two former principal officers were accused of abusing their positions for personal gain, in violation of the House’s Standing Orders.
Moving the motion, the current Majority Leader, Hon. Thomas Dugeri, said the conduct of the former leaders had brought the House into disrepute.
He explained that an ad-hoc committee investigating their activities found them guilty of misusing their offices in ways incompatible with their oaths of office and membership.
Following the committee’s indictment, the House suspended Hon. Saater Tiseer for six months and Hon. Michael Audu for three months to serve as a deterrent to others.
In a related development, the Assembly also removed Miss Dorcas Faeren Mbatiav as a member of the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission for gross misconduct and misuse of office.
According to the motion moved by Hon. Shimawua Terna of Kyan Constituency, Mbatiav was found to be leaking confidential information of the Commission, an act which violates Section 6(2) of the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission (Establishment) Law, 2018.
Members also noted that she lacked the required public service background stipulated in Section 5(2)(c) of the law.
Lawmakers argued that her continued stay on the Commission posed a threat to its credibility and set a dangerous precedent.
The House consequently voted unanimously to relieve her of the appointment to safeguard the integrity of the Commission.