The Nation Newspaper

Category: News

  • Tinubu hails Waltersmith Petroman chairman, Abdulrazaq Isa, at 65

    Tinubu hails Waltersmith Petroman chairman, Abdulrazaq Isa, at 65

    …says entrepreneur’s success affirms Nigeria as fertile ground for investment

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, co-founder and chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a business leader with the “Midas touch” whose career reflects Nigeria’s enterprise potential.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that Isa, who turns 65, has built a reputation spanning more than three decades as a banker and entrepreneur, and now leads one of Nigeria’s most successful independent oil and gas producers.

    Tinubu said Isa’s record of transforming an indigenous company into what he described as a global brand in the oil and gas sector underscores the strength of Nigerian entrepreneurship and the country’s prospects for sustainable investment.

    “The efforts of entrepreneurs like the chairman of Waltersmith Petroman affirm Nigeria as a fertile place for investments and reinforce faith in the nation’s business environment,” the President said.

    He commended Isa for what he called his resilience and renowned business acumen, acknowledging his contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly at a time when the sector is central to the country’s revenue and energy-security objectives.

    Tinubu also highlighted Isa’s philanthropic activities, especially in supporting the development of science education, urging him to remain a “lodestar and an inspiration” to younger Nigerians and emerging business leaders.

    As the Waltersmith Petroman board chairman marks the milestone, the President joined Isa’s family and friends in wishing him good health and greater success in his endeavours.

  • Osun: N16.5bn dual carriageway, township roads to boost Ilesa economy

    Osun: N16.5bn dual carriageway, township roads to boost Ilesa economy

    The Osun State Government on Saturday said the N16.5 billion dual carriageway and 10 township roads in the Ilesa industrial corridor were constructed to stimulate economic growth, expand business hubs, and support start-ups in the ancient town.

    The Director of Highways, Engr Moruf Ojebode, told journalists during an inspection of the projects that the roads formed part of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s infrastructure-driven agenda to reposition Ilesa as a major commercial and economic hub.

    He said the improved road network, spanning about 20 kilometres, has eased movement, improved access to markets and industrial clusters, and created a more enabling environment for investors and small-scale businesses.

    Ojebode added that Ilesa had never had a dual carriageway before the current administration. 

    He said the new road stretches from the palace of the Owa-Obokun through the International Brewery axis to the Ilesa–Akure expressway, covering about 6.2 kilometres, with walkways and solar-powered street lights.

    “If you look at the geography of Ilesa, you will discover that the industrial section of it is the road that we have chosen. We have International brewery and others that are located in the corridor of that road. You will discover that after the completion of that road, those areas and houses have transformed into companies and business hubs.”

    He continued, “That dual carriageway has put Ilesa in limelight, it has developed the town more by bringing out majestic upliftment of the ancient town.

    “We have completed other roads in the town numbering about 10 namely; Ademoroti, Ogbon titun, Bonke, Ita Ofa, Atakunmosa market, Imose, Adeti, Oke Ese, Ajimoko and INEC roads.”

    The community through their leaders lauded the infrastructure interventions and endorsed Governor Adeleke for Second term in office, stating that it resonated with their demands. 

    The council chairman of Ilesa West, Hon Oladiti Aluko, advised the residents and road users against activities that is capable to damage the road, saying, “our governor has fulfilled part of his electoral promises to us and we must make good use of the road.”

    Also, a community head, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said “All Ilesa indigenes are behind Governor Ademola Adeleke for second term. He has done so well in the area of infrastructure and we must continue to support his government.”

    Similarly, the Vice Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW), Abuja Park, Temitope Matthew, said “this road is beneficial to my members and we are in full support of this government. We will vote for him massively in 2026 guber poll.”

  • Insurgency denying children immunisation in North East, says ex-Reps member 

    Insurgency denying children immunisation in North East, says ex-Reps member 

    Former member of the House of Representatives and medical practitioner, Dr Wale Okediran, has said insurgency in the North East has deprived children and infants of essential immunisation for more than five years.

    He made the disclosure while speaking on Guest Platform, a monthly programme of the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).

    Okediran said the development poses serious risks to the health of affected children and infants, warning that failure to address the situation could lead to higher child mortality rates and possible outbreaks of epidemics.

    He also lamented that the Boko Haram insurgency has restricted the movement of people in some northern states, adding that the crisis has disrupted commercial activities and reduced their internally generated revenue (IGR).

    He said, “The North of Nigeria has been a very difficult story. When we were young many of us loved going to the North. We have our railway system which at that time unified Nigeria. Many of our parents were railway workers.

    “People like late Chief Bola Ige and his generation were all born in the North. If I may recall, Chief Ige told us that his first language was Hausa. Imfact, he came to the Southwest of Nigeria when he was about twelve years old. He couldn’t speak a word of Yoruba because his parents were railway workers who were working in the North.

    “In those days, the railway system and many other things were good, you have many Yoruba extraction growing up in the North. They were even born there and the movement was peaceful.

    “Unfortunately, in the last decade or so because of the onslaught of insurgency, the North has become a difficult place to visit.

    “When I was working on my book, ‘Madagali’ I had the opportunity of working in Yola, Adamawa state. I used that opportunity to tour the areas of the North down to Borno state. I had first hand information of the devastation caused by the Boko Haram insurgency. 

    “I was totally depressed about what was happening couple with this out of school children. The insurgency has affected so many indices including health.

    “Where I am bothered as health practitioner is that because of insurgency, we have not been able to immunize many children in the North for years.

    “When you want to look at the indices of Nigeria when it comes to vaccination, the North’s record will always go down.

    “Also the rate of out of school children is on increase while farming has also been affected. Many areas of human endeavour has been affected by the insurgency.

    “I am hopeful that with this collaboration between Nigeria and some other foreign countries to stem insurgency, the North will be able to regain its glory pf previous years.”

    On the military assistance being rendered by the United States government to stem insurgency, Okediran said, “the assertion that the genocide is against the Christians is wrong because we all know that when it comes to terrorism, there is no religious bias. Both Christians and Muslims are affected.

    “Also, I know by hindsight that when a country needs external help to tackle some of its problems, there is nothing wrong in calling for help. We remember the ECOMOG military force that was drafted to Liberia and Sierra Leone when they had civil war. It was ECOMOG that helped these countries to clear their mess.

    “My own feelings is that if Nigeria has needs for external helps either from the US or the NATO particularly in the area of the Military Intelligence or Technology, there is nothing wrong in asking for help.”

  • Oshiomhole hails Trump’s recognition of First Lady

    Oshiomhole hails Trump’s recognition of First Lady

    Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo North) says U.S. President Donald Trump’s public recognition of Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, carries a strong message of diplomacy, unity, and national cohesion.

    He spoke on Friday to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, describing the encounter as cordial and respectful.

    Oshiomhole highlighted that Trump’s remarks emphasise religious harmony, noting that Tinubu is a Muslim, while his wife is a Christian pastor, symbolising Nigeria’s religious diversity.

    “The recognition shows Trump understands that the Nigerian President is a Muslim, but he celebrates his Christian wife, who is also a pastor.

    “So there can be no tension between the Qur’an and the Bible,” Oshiomhole explained, saying the message is a model for peaceful coexistence.

    He stressed that the development should remind Nigerians to cooperate for the common good, overcome national challenges collectively, and strengthen unity across all regions and communities.

    Oshiomhole said governance must deliver benefits fairly to all citizens, noting that shared progress is essential for social stability and national development.

    The senator revealed he visited President Tinubu to greet him and wish him a happy new year, having not seen him since the start of 2026.

    He also congratulated the President over Trump’s respectful comments about the First Lady, describing her as responsible, respectable, and an inspiration to Nigerians nationwide.

    “The public applause following the recognition reflects the positive impression created. For me as a Nigerian, that is worth celebrating,” Oshiomhole said, urging unity and national pride.

    (NAN)

  • Lagos taskforce cracks down on street trading

    Lagos taskforce cracks down on street trading

    The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) conducted an enforcement operation on Lagos Island on Friday to curb street trading and illegal shop extensions.

    Taskforce Chairman, Mr Adetayo Akerele, in a statement, said the operation was part of a clean-up exercise to remove street trading, unauthorised displays, road blockages, and other environmental offences.

    The enforcement covered Marina, Davies Street, Breadfruit Street, and surrounding areas, targeting traders causing obstructions and environmental nuisance along key roadways.

    “Traders were found displaying goods on highways, roadways, and walkways, obstructing free movement along the Lagos Marina Expressway,” Akerele said.

    He expressed concern over persistent disregard for environmental and traffic regulations by some traders, urging compliance for public safety.

    “Traders had blocked the entrance of St. Paul Primary School, making access difficult for pupils and staff,” he added.

    During the operation, all illegally displayed goods on Davies and Breadfruit Streets were confiscated, restoring order and normalcy in the affected areas.

    “Davies Street, once a vibrant social hub, had deteriorated due to street traders and illegal stalls obstructing roads and walkways,” Akerele explained.

    The agency also cleared Iyana-Ipaja Underbridge of unauthorised stalls, easing movement for motorists, commuters, and pedestrians.

    All confiscated goods will be forfeited to the Lagos State Government under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

    Akerele warned traders against obstructing highways and road corridors, stressing that violations increase travel time and attract strict enforcement.

    He urged street traders and illegal occupants to desist from such acts or face the full weight of the law.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu hosts Sani at State House

    Tinubu hosts Sani at State House

    President Bola Tinubu on Friday received Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State at the State House, Abuja.

    The meeting formed part of the ongoing consultations between the Presidency and state governments to strengthen collaboration on national development priorities.

    Although details of the closed-door discussion were not disclosed, the engagement was believed to have focused on governance, security and socio-economic development in the state.

    The visit also underscored continued engagements between the Federal Government and state leaders in addressing key challenges and improving citizens’ welfare.

    (NAN)

  • Bimbo Ademoye to sponsor IVF for fan after film success promise

    Bimbo Ademoye to sponsor IVF for fan after film success promise

    Actress and filmmaker Bimbo Ademoye has announced plans to fund an IVF procedure for an individual, fulfilling a personal vow she made before the release of her 2025 film, Broken Hallelujah.

    In a video shared online, Ademoye said she had promised God that if the film recorded significant viewership, she would take a step to positively impact someone’s life.

    Although Broken Hallelujah has attracted over 11 million views on YouTube, she noted that another film released in December 2025, Where Love Lives, also performed strongly, which she described as an answer to her prayers.

    “When I was about to release Broken Hallelujah I had a made a promise to God I said if I get certain number of view specially like 15-20million views, I was going to do something that will touch one person life . I want to pay for someone IVF procedure. Even if it is not Broken Hallelujah, it is another project that has answered my prayer,” she said, adding that the impact of the movie on viewers and messages she received confirmed her decision to honour the promise.

    Ademoye expressed her intention to keep the specifics of the gesture private for now, stating that it will help change one person’s life.

  • Kwara Killings: How terrorists lured victims with prayer call

    Kwara Killings: How terrorists lured victims with prayer call

    • Survivors relive escape from deadly attack •US slams killings, backs Tinubu’s security deployment
    • 50 victims recuperating in hospitals; NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama
    • Gov announces committee on humanitarian support for victims

    It was a typical late-afternoon harmattan scene. The temperature had begun to fall, but the sun still hung hazily in the sky, the air dry and dust-laden.

    Farmers were returning from their fields, while some traders were closing their shops.

    For a group of young men, including 26-year-old schoolteacher Umar Bio Kabir, the hour marked the start of a routine football game.

    The calm was disrupted when a long convoy of armed men on motorcycles rode into Woro, in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, last Tuesday.

    Residents said there was no need for warning or speculation.

    The identity of the invaders and the intent of their visit were immediately clear.

    Moving swiftly, they selected their targets and opened fire.

    Within moments, the market descended into chaos, the football pitch was abandoned, and the streets emptied as residents fled for safety.

    Kabir, 26, ran alongside his friends, escaping the gunfire.

    Although, he survived the attack, some of the young men who had been playing football with him were not as fortunate, as they were struck dead by the attackers’ bullets.

    The government and security agencies subsequently confirmed the gunmen to be terrorists, who struck because the residents rejected their ‘strange’ doctrine.

    About 75 victims have been reportedly buried in the aftermath of the massacre.

    “God said I would survive or else I would have been among the dead,” said Kabir.

    Another survivor, Razaq Abdulazeez, was returning home on the fateful day when he encountered people running out of the village.

    Immediately he got wind of what was happening, he dashed into his house to rescue his loved ones. “I gathered my family members and we escaped into a bush, faraway, on the outskirts of the community.”

    Abdulazeez said a number of people who could not run out of town climbed trees to hide.

    An agency report said that in one of the communities, the terrorists went into a mosque, announced the call to prayer and shot everyone who turned up.

    Attacked were Woro and Nuku, both of which are largely Muslim communities.

    The invaders fired sporadically for about 10 hours, survivors of the attack said.

    At least 50 people who escaped the violence are currently receiving treatment in hospitals for varying degrees of injury. The Senator representing Kwara North, Sadiq Umar, has visited some of the survivors.

    Scores of other residents have fled the affected communities with whatever remained of their belongings, relocating to neighbouring towns in a bid to restart their lives.

    By Thursday, only about 20 men were left behind in the villages, charged with the grim task of burying scores of victims. This occurred as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced the deployment of a response team to assess the situation and coordinate intervention efforts in the aftermath of the attacks.

    AbdulRazaq appoints committee on humanitarian support for victims

    NEMA said it had also arranged relief materials, including food and non-food items, which have already been delivered to support victims in the affected communities. In a parallel move, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq appointed a seven-man committee to engage directly with the communities impacted by the invasion.

    The committee is headed by Alhaji Ahmed Kiwozi, a former lawmaker from Kaiama Local Government Area.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    To serve with  Alhaji Kiwozi on the committee set up by Governor AbdulRazaq are Vice Chairman of the Local Government Council Aisha Abubakar Sadiq; Abubakar Mora; Woro Village Head Umar Bio Saliu; a representative each of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP); and a representative of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

    The committee has four weeks to carry out its assignment and, so doing, “interface with the community leaders on rebuilding efforts, areas of need of the survivors, and other outstanding issues,” according to the state government.

    United States condemn killings

    Meanwhile, the United States has condemned the killings, describing them as horrific.

    “The United States condemns the horrific attack in Kwara state in Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 160 people, with the death toll still unconfirmed and many still unaccounted for,” the US Mission in Nigeria said on X.

    The statement added, “our deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless violence,” and welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s “order to deploy security forces to protect villages in the area and his directive to federal and state officials to provide aid to the community and bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice.”

    NEMA deploys response team, relief items

    The Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, yesterday, directed the team from the Agency’s Minna Operations Office, which covers Kwara State, to temporarily relocate to the affected areas to conduct a detailed on-the-ground assessment of the situation and the needs of the impacted communities.

    The agency said the assessment was being carried out in collaboration with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant security agencies to ensure an effective, coordinated, and well-informed response.

    Umar expressed her sympathies to the affected communities and the Kwara State Government over the unfortunate incident and assured them of the Agency’s full support.

    Lai Mohammed condoles with Kwara over killings

    Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has expressed profound condolences to the government and people of Kwara State on the killings.

    In a statement issued in Abuja by his media office, Mohammed sympathised with bereaved families, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear their immense losses and repose the souls of the departed.

    The former Minister also commended the affected communities for their courage and steadfastness in the face of intimidation, highlighting their determination not to yield to the reign of terror imposed by the assailants.

    He further applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention in ordering the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama LGA to neutralise the terrorists, describing the action as a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting innocent Nigerians, not only in Kwara State but across the nation.

    Alhaji Mohammed called on the people of Kwara State to continue cooperating with both state and federal authorities in efforts to halt the attacks and restore peace and normalcy to affected communities.

    In light of this tragedy, the former Minister has postponed his planned donation of copies of his latest book, Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration, to tertiary institutions in the state, originally scheduled for next week, out of respect for the victims of the heinous killings.

    He stated that a new date for the donation will be communicated in due course.

    • More reports on the attacks on Page 11
  • Tinubu unveils major sports sector reform, orders funding reset from 2026

    Tinubu unveils major sports sector reform, orders funding reset from 2026

    • Says Nigeria won 373 medals in 2025
    • Approves unified funding framework under NSC

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set in motion, a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s sports sector, directing key ministries and agencies of the Federal Government to reset sports funding and make the industry more economically viable.

    The President announced the plan on Friday evening in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, where he described sports as one of Nigeria’s strongest national brands and a major tool for unity and global influence.

    Tinubu said the reforms were anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which he described as a strategy to position sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment, and global influence.

    He added that his administration would build a stronger sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, active grassroots participation, revitalised sports federations, and hosting major international events in Nigeria.

    “Sports is our national asset and thus must be administered, managed, and funded in alignment with its special nature and demands devoid of any bureaucratic bottlenecks,” he said.

    Tinubu pledged that the future of Nigerian sports would be “planned, properly funded, and competitive,” assuring that athletes would be supported early, prepared thoroughly, and celebrated proudly.

    “Nigeria will continue to win, with pride,” the President declared.

    “In 2025… scores of athletes representing Nigeria made our nation proud,” Tinubu wrote, citing the achievements of individual champions in athletics and other sports, Nigeria’s “winning female football and basketball teams,” and the Super Eagles who, despite finishing with a bronze medal at AFCON 2025, “captured our hearts.”

    The President disclosed that Nigerian athletes recorded what he called an unprecedented 373 medals across all sports in 2025, stressing that the performances proved Nigeria’s capacity to excel when talent is supported with structure and preparation.

    “From grassroots competitions to continental and global stages, the evidence is clear that when talent is supported with structure and preparation, Nigeria delivers,” he said.

    Tinubu commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for making progress despite challenges, praising the commission’s leadership under its chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, for driving a reform agenda aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and “shared prosperity vision.”

    Read Also: Food prices ease under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, markets urged to reflect gains

    However, the President acknowledged longstanding issues that have undermined Nigeria’s sports development, particularly delays in funding and weak infrastructure investment.

    “For too long, sports funding was slowed by bureaucracy, fragmented across institutions, and when funds are released, they come too late to support proper preparation and even participation,” he said, adding that “no meaningful investment is made towards sports infrastructure development and maintenance that meets international benchmarks.”

    Tinubu declared that the cycle must end, announcing that he had approved and directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Budget Office of the Federation to reset sports funding starting from the 2026 fiscal year.

    He said adequate provisions must be made in Nigeria’s annual budget for sports infrastructure development, maintenance, sporting activities, programmes, events, and participation in international competitions.

    He further directed that all funds appropriated for sports must be released immediately once the budget is passed and assented to.

    “Nigerian athletes deserve certainty, not excuses,” the President stated.

    As part of the reform, Tinubu said allocations for sporting activities currently spread across various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) would be reviewed, restructured and streamlined, with savings transferred into a unified funding framework under the NSC to strengthen domestic programmes and international participation.

  • PDP factions square up over reopening of national secretariat

    PDP factions square up over reopening of national secretariat

    • Sealed building to be reopened Monday, says Anyanwu •Turaki group warns police against giving pro-Wike faction access

    The two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) launched into a fresh face-off yesterday after the pro-Wike group announced its plan to reopen the Wadata Plaza national secretariat in Abuja for business on Monday.

    The announcement did not go down well with the Tanimu Turaki-led faction which warned that any such move would amount to self-help, and declared that “responsibility for any injury to persons or damage to property arising therefrom should be placed solely on the aggressors and their security collaborators.”

    The building was sealed by the police on November 19, 2025 following a clash between the Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) and that of the factional acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed.

    It has since remained out of bounds to both sides.

    However, the Wike faction said at the end of Thursday’s meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) and leaders of political parties that it was preparing to resume operations at the building on Monday.

    The faction’s admission into the meeting was based  on a recent court interim injunction.

    Asked why the party leaders had not possessed the Wadata Plaza, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, the acting National Secretary, said the building  was locked, following a clash between the two groups in the party.

    “We wrote to the police. Remember that the police sealed the place and then the other group went to court to ask the police to open it.

    “The matter was dismissed because they have no locus. So by Monday, we are taking over the office,” he said.

    Anyanwu claimed  that there are no factions in PDP and that the party remains under the leadership of Mohammed, the reason they attended INEC meeting with other political parties.

    His words: “Yes, we had issues, court issues, and last week Friday, as a matter of fact, the Federal High Court in Ibadan made it very clear that the problem of PDP is over because the so-called convention of November 15 and 16, 2025 is a nullity.

    “No other person should parade himself or herself as a member of the NWC of the PDP.

    “The body that has the full powers to speak for the party and administer the party is the National Caretaker Committee, led by Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammad,” he said.

    Anyanwu said that members are now happy that normalcy has returned to the party.

    For those who were afraid that PDP would not have candidates in the forthcoming elections, he said it was now settled that the party would field candidates for all positions.

    “So we’re happy; people are happy that normalcy has come to the party now.

    “You can see something different because you have old hands who have been in this party, who have been managers of this party for a long time, for the last 25 years.

    “We are still involved. So, we are going to fast-track everything,” he said.

    On the forthcoming FCT area council elections, Anyanwu said that interim caretaker committee would work for the victory of the party in the exercise.

    “We are going to hit the ground running with our campaign until the February 18, the last day for campaign,” Anyanwu said.

    Read Also: INEC can’t choose leadership for PDP – Turaki

    The faction said the decision of INEC to recognise the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led  National Caretaker Committee would  help restore stability and constitutional governance within the party.

    National Publicity Secretary of the caretaker committee, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said in a statement that the decision of the commission to respect lawful court order was commendable.

    “By affirming a lawful leadership structure following the Federal High Court judgement, INEC has helped to remove uncertainties capable of undermining the party’s organisational processes and electoral readiness,” Mohammed said.

    He added: “This development should serve as a rallying point for all loyal party faithful. The time has come to set aside differences, embrace reconciliation, and channel our collective energy towards strengthening the PDP ahead of 2027 Elections.

    “Nigerians look to our party for responsible leadership and a credible alternative, and we must not allow internal disputes to distract us from this historic responsibility.

    “We therefore urge stakeholders across all levels of the party to support the recognized leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed as it works towards organising a successful convention, restoring cohesion, and laying the groundwork for the emergence of competent candidates who will carry the banner of the PDP to victory in the next electoral cycle.”

    The Nation gathered that the Wike group also plans to conduct a  thorough screening of party staff with a view to weeding out  the  ‘compromised.’

    “A screening and likely replacement of such persons are being considered,” a source said.

    National Publicity Secretary of the Wike group, Hon. Jungydo Haruna Mohammed, said plan by the Turaki faction to approach the court would not hinder ongoing plans to reposition PDP and hold a more acceptable national convention.

    “The Kabiru Turaki group actually plans to go on appeal as we heard, but they will never succeed; fact is fact and law is law. Nothing can change that.

    “But we appeal to them to reconsider their position in the overall interest of the party,” he said

    “We are putting in place all necessary machinery and arrangements toward the conduct of an acceptable National Convention; we will ensure that all state congresses are conducted where necessary in accordance with the judgement of Justice Omotosho, and we shall also ensure that PDP does not suffer in the conduct of any off cycle election.”

    The group, invoking Article 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution, has constituted Caretaker Committees for the various states, including Zamfara, Oyo, Bauchi and Yobe states where the governors and former National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, remain opposed to Wike loyalists ahead of its planned National Convention  next month.

     Those appointed for Plateau State are Dr. Gideon Nandem Tyem (Chairman), Hon Plangnan Gorip, Alh (Dr.) Samaila A.A. Rukuba, Hon. Rangdat Moeshep, Hon. Francis David Pam, Alh. Adullahi Useni, Hon. Clara Adidi, Alh. Ishap Umar, Anthony M. Bukum, Hon Silas Lukawan, Hon. Mrs Lubabatu Mohammed, Hajiya Mariam Aliyu and Hon. Goje A. Hirfo (Secretary).

    Those appointed for Zamfara State are: Hon. Zilkikar Auwal Tambaya (Chairman), Hon. Salisu Usman Zurmi, Hon. Abubakar Adullahi Anka, Hon. Ashiru Muh’d Dan Ango, Hon. Mustafa Ahmad, Hon. Surajo Adamu Tsafe, Hon. Mati Rabo Shinkafi, Hon. Imrana M. Hassan T/Mafara, Hon. Adullahi Abubakar, Hon. Adullahi Salmanu, Hon. Maryam Lawal, Hon. Ibrahim Mande Sai’, Hon Aliyu Sani, Hon. Kabiru Aliyu Bakura, Barr. Babaginda Garba, Prof. Ubaidu Mani, Hon. Saadatu Kasimu and Hon. Rabiu Mani Shinkafi (Secretary).

    Members of the new Caretaker Committee for Kano State are: Dr. Bello Gambo Bichi (Chairma), Engr Auwal Sale Yau, Hon. Ali Mati Shantake, Engr. Sagir Abdulkadir Dambatta, Dr. Hafsat Abubakar, Malam Yahuza Mahraz, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Muhammad, Abubakar Lamido, Haj. Fatima Ahmed Baffa, Hon. Mukhtari Dansarai, Haj. Naja’ atu Sharada, Hon. Hussaini Ahmad Rahama, Alh. Gambo Adullahi Doguwa, Haj. Rashida Yakubu Khalid, Alh. Sabo Ajingi, Adamu Adullahi Nalange and Hon. Rabiu Sale Wangal (Secretary).

    For Yobe State, the Caretaker Committee members are: Hon Yusuf Adullahi Mallushe (Chairman), Hon Halilu Abubakar Mazangane, Ali Mohammed, Zamma Modu, Abdulraham Zabairu, Mohammed lawan Aapchi, Abubakar Inuwa, Ali Adamu lyam, Haruna Garba Goje, Tela Jaji Maajl, Hauwa Mohammed Damaraturu, Alhaji Bulama Balle, Mall Aahiru Gulani, Hajja Bukar Abdul, Sale Ibrahim, Hassan Abdullahi Tela and Mairambe Alhaji Modu (Secretary).

    Earlier on January 15, the National Caretaker Committee had constituted state Caretaker Committees Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Imo, and Osun states while a state Caretaker Committee led by Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso (Chairman) and Dr Biola Olanipekun (Secretary) had been put in charge of Oyo state PDP since December, 2025 despite Governor Seyi Makinde’s intense displeasure.

    According to party sources, two PDP governors – one each in the North and South may have concluded plans to insert their loyalists into the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in their respective states as a sort of Plan B, in case they eventually lose remaining legal battles to loyalists of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

    Turaki’s faction warn police against allowing Wike group access to secretariat

    In a swift response, the Tanimu Turaki led NWC asked the police to not succumb to the entreaties of the other faction.

    National Publicity Secretary of the group, Comrade Ini Ememobong said in a statement that the secretariat is a subject of litigation instituted by the  Wike backed group at the Federal High Court,Abuja and the Court of Appeal.

    He said: “Any attempt to enter and occupy these property will be a resort to self-help and an affront to the time-tested principle of law that parties who have submitted to the jurisdiction of courts should not act in ways that will render nugatory, the powers of the Court.”

    Continuing, Ememobong said: “”In this particular instance, the case pending before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik was instituted by the expelled members, they cannot resort to self-help, until judgment is delivered in the matter.

    “This statement serves to remind all the dramatis personae, especially the Police Force, which is a party on record in the said matter, that any action taken to grant access to anybody, pending the determination of the suit, is a contempt of the court.

    “We assure that we will deploy all legal means to defend our property from trespass. Responsibility for any injury to persons or damage to property arising therefrom should be placed solely on the aggressors and their security collaborators.”

    The Taminu Turaki-led NWC had on Thursday said INEC could not  choose a leadership for the party.

    It faulted the commission’s decision to invite “some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee, to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution.”

    It added: “This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal response.

    “Though not unexpected of this current INEC leadership, but it is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal.

    “This include the judgment which they are relying upon, which, when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration; and exercised restraint, therefrom.

    “We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” Ememobong said.

    He urged all PDP members to remain calm and hopeful that soonest, the Court of Appeal would hear and determine all the cases concerning the leadership of the party.

    “We assure that the rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure.

    “It will ultimately surmount all these challenges, to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians, as a credible alternative to the ruling party,” he said.