The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • BAO, Olajumoke, Ojo pick nomination forms

    BAO, Olajumoke, Ojo pick nomination forms

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Abimbola Olajumoke and Kayode Ojo obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the October 27 shadow election.

    Members of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, led by Dipo Bamisaye  purchased the N50 million expression of forms for the governor.

     Olajumoke personally picked the forms last week.

    A group led by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Kolawole Adeyemi, bought the forms for Ojo, pro-chancellor of the University of Nigeria (UNN) Nsukka.

    The former Speaker, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said: “Ekiti is bleeding. The state has lost its way under the incompetent leadership of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and our people are yearning for a leader who can restore confidence, ignite development, and deliver good governance.

    “The same grassroots leaders and party stakeholders who championed his candidacy, endured the rigours of campaigns and delivered victory at the polls have now been alienated and left to languish in irrelevance.

    “His distance from the party’s base has created an unmistakable disconnect between the government and the people, eroding loyalty and weakening mobilisation strength across the state.

    “One of the gravest missteps of Governor Oyebanji has been his reckless disregard for party loyalty in appointments. Over one hundred positions, including key commissionerships, have been handed to members of opposition parties, while committed APC leaders and faithful who worked tirelessly for his emergence remain sidelined.

    “This unprecedented preference for political outsiders over loyal party members has sown deep resentment, painting the governor as one who rewards adversaries while punishing his own base. The resulting disenchantment has left many within the APC questioning whether the sacrifices they made for his election were in vain.”

    But Bamisaye faulted the allegations, saying that the governor has done well in his first term and deserves to be supported to get another term.

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    Accompanied by some of the contributors, he said the governor has excelled in all aspects of governance, including agriculture, health a d social benefits.

    He added that since the era of Oyebanji, the security situation in the state has improved with the attendant growth in infrastructural development.

    Bamisaye stressed: “Our expectations on him is high because of what he has done we believe he is going to do more. His economic policies, interventions on Agriculture, social benefits to the retired civil servants pensioners. We know he we definitely win the second term and he is going to compliment what he has started.

    “There is security in Ekiti State today. Security of lives and properties. As far as security is concerned, Ekiti State ranks number one in Nigeria. I will leave this and go to infrastructure. In infrastructure we are talking about electricity, it was so rough in the past with a lot of communities not linked to electricity but l can tell you today that all the communities have been joined to the grid. This is what we are talking about.

    “I will also add that we have a lot of backlog of pensioners arrears cleared in just three years he has been on that seat. So, if l have to talk about Agriculture it will take time. Are you talking about internal roads, are talking about supporting the indigent and payment of stipends to the old that was started by his predecessor.

    “These are the social benefits we are talking. He is one of the first to approve the minimum wage for workers in the state. What else are we asking. To further justified what he has said, we have listened to stakeholders in Ekiti State, eminently personalities on Eliti State, the Afe Babalolas, the Wole Olanipekuns,we have listened to all of them to their comments, he is still best governor Eliti has ever produced.

    Bamisaye said due to the excellent performance of the governor, he is going to be the first to be re-elected, back to back, because most of the stakeholders in the state have endorsed him, including all the past governors and legal luminaries, Chief Afe Babalola and Chief Wole Olanipekun.

    “Not only that, for the first time in Ekiti all the former governors in Ekiti State came together to endorse this young man. So, we are happy that one of us is better than all of us and by the special grace of God he is going to be the first governor of Ekiti State to be elected the second time back to back and that is why we have gathered to purchase his form.

    “We are proud of him that he has not gone there to destroy his name, the institution’s name. He has cleared the road so that others can survive. So, we are appreciating him, that is why we have come, we must say this only just 6 people contributed the money and we are ready to do more”.

    So far, no other candidate has purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for the forthcoming governorship election.

  • PDP regrets fielding Atiku in 2023 – Sen. Abba Moro

    PDP regrets fielding Atiku in 2023 – Sen. Abba Moro

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regrets fielding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro has said. 

    He described the move as an error that cost the party dearly. 

    Moro, who spoke in a televised interview, revealed that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) made a bold decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region, a move he insists is rooted in fairness, equity, and justice.

     “Zoning the ticket to the south was a strategic correction of past mistakes. To people who have been somewhat pessimistic about the resilience of the PDP, it could be shocking,” he stated, addressing the surprise that greeted the NEC’s announcement. 

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    “You will recall that I have told you here that a lot of activities have been put in place by the PDP towards resolving some of the conflicts within the party. And that out of the ashes of the storm, we’re going to bounce back.”

    Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Moro admitted that fielding a northern candidate like Atiku was a miscalculation. 

    “Majority of us, virtually all of us, agreed that a mistake was made in 2023, fielding a northern candidate,” he said.

     “And this time around, in the spirit of unity, in the spirit of fairness and justice, PDP leaders decided to swallow their saliva and say, look, let’s take this thing to the south, where majority of the people expected that it would have been.”

    The Senate Minority Leader acknowledged the party’s regret over the 2023 outcome, stating, “To lose a very monumental election in that disastrous manner, as it were, certainly is something for regrets.” 

    He explained the decision to open the ticket in 2023, allowing a northern candidate to succeed a northern president, “backfired” as Nigerians resisted the move, contributing to the PDP’s electoral loss.

    On the possibility of former Anambra Governor Peter Obi returning to the PDP, Moro revealed ongoing efforts to woo him back. 

    “In the run-up to 2027, I’m aware that certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi, saying, hey, come back home.

     “This is what we are likely going to do. And if you come, you stand a chance of being a candidate,” he said. 

    He added that Obi’s potential return could bolster the PDP’s chances, noting, “If Peter Obi comes back and is the most favoured candidate, the most supported candidate, and becomes a candidate, the PDP will make an impact in the 2027 election.”

    Moro also addressed speculations about former President Goodluck Jonathan as a potential candidate. 

    He dismissed concerns about constitutional barriers, citing judicial precedents. 

    “In 2015, when President Jonathan and GCFR wanted to run, there were hews and cries all over the place about the constitutionality of his candidature,” he said. 

    “But eventually, it was settled, even by the court, that he was qualified to run, and that is why he ran.” 

    He argued that Jonathan’s prior tenure, including the period he completed late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s term, does not disqualify him from contesting again.

  • Ekiti 2026: Alumni association purchases nomination forms for Oyebanji 

    Ekiti 2026: Alumni association purchases nomination forms for Oyebanji 

    …says he will be first to win back-to-back 

    Ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, members of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association have purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

    Led by Engr. Dipo Bamisheayi, the group said they pooled resources to support the governor’s re-election bid, noting his impressive performance in his first term.

    Bamisheayi, accompanied by some contributors, praised Oyebanji’s achievements in agriculture, healthcare, social welfare, and security, adding that the state has witnessed significant infrastructural growth under his leadership.

    “Our expectations on him is high because of what he has done we believe he is going to do more. His economic policies, interventions on Agriculture, social benefits to the retired civil servants pensioners. We know he we definitely win the second term and he is going to compliment what he has started.

    “There is security in Eliti State today. Security of lives and properties. As far as security is concerned, Eliti State ranks number one in Nigeria. I will leave this and go to infrastructure. In infrastructure we are talking about electricity, it was so rough in the past with a lot of communities not linked to electricity but l can tell you today that all the communities have been joined to the grid. This is what we are talking about.

    “I will also add that we have a lot of backlog of pensioners arrears cleared in just three years he has been on that seat. So, if l have to talk about Agriculture it will take time. Are you talking about internal roads, are talking about supporting the indigent and payment of stipends to the old that was started by his predecessor. 

    Read Also: Nobody can incite Ekiti against Tinubu, says Oyebanji

    “These are the social benefits we are talking. He is one of the first to approve the minimum wage for workers in the state. What else are we asking. To further justified what he has said, we have listened to stakeholders in Ekiti State, eminently personalities on Eliti State, the Afe Babalolas, the Wole Olanipekuns,we have listened to all of them to their comments, he is still best governor Eliti has ever produced. 

    Bamisheayi further stated that due to the excellent performance of the governor, he is going to be the first to be reelected back to back because most of the stakeholders in the state have endorsed him, including all the past governors and legal luminaries, Chief Afe Babalola and Chief Wole Olanipekun.

    “Not only that, for the first time in Ekiti all the former governors in Ekiti State came together to endorse this young man. So, we are happy that one of us is better than all of us and by the special grace of God he is going to be the first governor of Ekiti State to be elected the second time back to back and that is why we have gathered to purchase his form. 

    “We are proud of him that he has not gone there to destroy his name, the institution’s name. He has cleared the road so that others can survive. So, we are appreciating him, that is why we have come, we must say this only just 6 people contributed the money and we are ready to do more”.

    So far, no other candidate has purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for the forthcoming governorship election.

  • PDP zoned presidency in error against constitution, says group

    PDP zoned presidency in error against constitution, says group

    …vows to continue supporting Gbenga Hashim for presidency in 2027

    The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has faulted the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the south, describing it as a constitutional and strategic blunder.

    The GHSM declared that it will continue to advocate for Dr. Gbenga Hashim’s presidential candidacy in 2027, despite what it described as the strategic and constitutional error committed by the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC).

    The group warned that such action may not only jeopardize the party’s chances in 2027, but could also expose its candidate to possible disqualification by the courts.

    In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the movement argued that the PDP NEC, despite acting on a resolution that may enjoy majority support, lacks the legal authority to restrict elective offices to any region, saying, “this violates both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) and the PDP’s own constitution.”

    The group cited Section 42(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which forbids any form of discrimination against citizens on grounds of ethnic group, place of origin, religion, sex, or political opinion, adding that shutting out aspirants based on “zoning” runs contrary to this provision.

    He further referenced Section 7(2)(c) of the PDP Constitution, which affirms that the party shall “conform to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” stressing that zoning elective offices amounts to a direct violation.

    The movement reminded Nigerians that in 1999, despite the overwhelming sentiment of the June 12 annulment, the PDP did not zone its presidential ticket.

    It stated that aspirants from across the country contested freely, including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (South West), Dr. Alex Ekwueme (South East), Chief Jim Nwobodo (South East), Alhaji Abubakar Rimi (North West) and Dr Francis Ellah (South South).

    “In that election, every aspirant exercised their democratic rights, and Nigerians expressed their sentiments through legitimate votes, not through exclusion,” Hamzat recalled.

    Read Also: PDP knocks out Saraki, Bala from 2027 presidential race

    Similarly, in 2003, despite being the sitting president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was not handed an automatic ticket. 

    He contested alongside other heavyweights such as Chief Barnabas Gemade (North Central) and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi (North West), while aspirants from other regions were also cleared to participate.

    The group further recalled that the PDP’s loss of power in 2015 was largely a consequence of the party’s deviation from this tradition. 

    By granting President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket and shutting out northern aspirants, the party provoked a major rebellion that saw five northern governors and several key stakeholders walk out of the convention in protest.

    “History has shown us that whenever the PDP abandons its democratic tradition of open contests, it pays a heavy price,” Hamzat stated. “The zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket is, therefore, not just an error but a dangerous miscalculation.”

    Hamzat maintained that no political party in the history of Nigeria has ever zoned its presidential ticket to a particular region, stressing that the PDP NEC’s action sets a negative precedent that could deepen regional divisions and make national unity more elusive.

    The movement reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for a level playing field within the PDP and vowed to sustain its support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in the 2027 presidential race.

    “We believe Dr. Gbenga Hashim represents the true spirit of unity, inclusivity, and visionary leadership that Nigeria desperately needs. No amount of unconstitutional zoning will deter our movement. We will continue to push for the reversal of this error before the November convention,” the statement concluded.

  • Oborevwori: Expanding democratic dividends in Delta

    Oborevwori: Expanding democratic dividends in Delta

    When Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori assumed office as the fifth democratically elected Governor of Delta State on May 29, 2023, he pledged to deliver a people-first agenda built on his MORE agenda of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

    Two years into his first tenure, that promise is already reshaping the state’s development trajectory, blending infrastructure with compassion and balancing long-term investments with immediate human needs.

    From championing renewable energy to lifting widows out of poverty, and from clearing pension backlogs to sealing landmark energy partnerships, Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated that governance, for him, is about touching lives.

    His approach is not only pragmatic but also symbolic – signaling a leadership style that balances hard infrastructure with soft human concerns, ensuring that progress is measured not just in projects, but in the dignity and well-being of the people.

    …Powering Communities Beyond the Grid

    Energy remains central to sustainable industrial growth, yet Delta—like most other Nigerian states—continues to grapple with inadequate electricity access, particularly in rural communities.

    This challenge persists despite the state hosting major national power assets such as the plants in Ekrerhavwen/Ekakpamre near Ughelli, Ogorode in Sapele, and Okpai in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, all of which feed directly into the national grid.

    Determined to change this narrative, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has placed renewable energy at the heart of Delta’s future power strategy, positioning it as the backbone of sustainable electrification and inclusive development across the state.

    Speaking at the recent Rural Electrification Agency (REA) State-by-State Roundtable in Abuja, Oborevwori declared that “reliable electricity is a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing livelihoods.” With over 22 million Nigerian households still unconnected to electricity, Delta is determined not to lag in this direction.

     To this end, the state has developed a Decentralized Energy Plan to power critical institutions such as the Government House, the new State Secretariat Complex, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba Airport, and the state’s four universities using renewable energy.

    Beyond government facilities, Oborevwori’s strategy emphasizes rural communities, schools, and hospitals, where energy poverty has for decades stunted progress.

     Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass are no longer experimental, the Governor insists, but “powerful tools for inclusive growth and rural transformation.”

    By positioning Delta to tap into national programmes such as the Nigeria Electrification Project and the Energizing Education Programme, the state aims to draw both federal resources and private investors.

    Already, the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, has praised Delta for domesticating the Electricity Act 2023 and creating its own regulatory commission, noting that “these efforts put Delta ahead of most states, positioning it to take charge of its own energy future.” With REA’s $1.16 billion fund for renewable projects waiting to be unlocked, and private investors eyeing ventures such as a 600MW solar panel assembly plant, the opportunities are immense.

    According to Delta- born Doris Uboh, the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, bridging Delta’s electricity gaps could create over 31,200 jobs and attract $158 million in investments. Areas such as Ndokwa East, Burutu, Ughelli South, and Warri South West stand to benefit most, as they remain among the most underserved.

     For Oborevwori, the payoff is simple: “This is a win-win situation where investors make profit while Delta gets powered.”

    …Compassion at the Centre: A lifeline for widows

    Yet, Oborevwori’s governance philosophy is not only about megawatts and infrastructure. He has also made compassion a credible active policy. Nowhere is this clearer than in the Widows’ Welfare Scheme, a landmark initiative flagged off on Monday,  18th August 2025 to support 10,000 widows across Delta.

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     “Being a widow is not by choice, and it will never be anyone’s choice,” the Governor said at the launch. “Beyond the pain of losing a loved one, widows are left with the burden of survival. That is why this administration is determined to improve their living conditions and give them hope.”

    Under the scheme, each widow will receive N15,000 monthly, with three months paid in arrears to ease immediate burdens and the beneficiaries accounts were immediately credited.

    More importantly, all beneficiaries are being enrolled in the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, guaranteeing free medical care at accredited facilities across the state.

    For women like Christiana Akaluzia and Elizabeth Mukoro, the gesture is more than financial aid, it is dignity restored.

    What makes the scheme particularly groundbreaking is its non-political, community-driven design. Beneficiaries were identified across all 270 wards of the state, vetted by traditional rulers, civil society groups, and community leaders to ensure only genuine widows benefit. Politicians and civil servants were deliberately excluded.

    Coordinated by the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Social Investment Programmes, Elder Isioma Okonta, the scheme reflects a continuation of Oborevwori’s social welfare legacy.

    Since 2023, over 266,000 people have benefited from empowerment initiatives, youth programmes, and business grants. The widows’ scheme, however, is uniquely personal, drawing inspiration from the Governor’s long-standing private commitment to supporting widows before he entered public office.

    “This is governance with a human face,” said Okonta. “The Governor has become a father to widows and a pillar of support for the poor.”

    …Restoring dignity to retirees

    While widows represent one vulnerable group, another constituency has also received the Governor’s attention: pensioners. For decades, retirees in Delta have struggled with unpaid arrears, leading to frustration, poverty, and, in some cases, premature deaths.

    Determined to change the narrative, Oborevwori, Tuesday, approved the immediate  release of N10 billion to clear outstanding pension backlogs.

     Meeting with the Pension Board and leaders of retirees, the Governor acknowledged that arrears predated his administration, but insisted they must be tackled with urgency. “Our retirees are men and women who gave their best years in service to the state. It is only just that they receive what is duly owed to them,” he said.

    The N10 billion release comes on top of N36.4 billion already paid out in pensions since his assumption of office. The state also continues to release N1.4 billion monthly to meet ongoing obligations. For retirees who had lost hope, the announcement was a welcome surprise.

     “You took us unawares; what we were expecting was far less,” said Comrade Anthony Osanekwu, State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees. “I am elated, and I know that when pensioners across the state hear this news, they will be very happy.”

    By constituting an oversight team to supervise disbursement, Oborevwori also sent a message about transparency. For him, clearing pension backlogs is not only about settling debts but also about restoring dignity to senior citizens.

    The Governor also on Wednesday in Abuja, paid a condolence visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, over the death of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda.

    Oborevwori, who was accompanied by members of the National Assembly from Delta State including Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Hon. Francis Waive, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, and Hon. Ngozi Okolie as well as his Senior Political Adviser, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, noted that the late matriarch lived a fulfilled life, raising a family that has produced a professor, a minister, and now the National Chairman of the ruling party.

    …A leadership philosophy rooted in balance

    What unites Oborevwori’s renewable energy drive, widows’ welfare scheme, and pension bailout is a leadership philosophy anchored on balance: infrastructure and compassion, jobs and dignity, megawatts and monthly stipends.

    This blend reflects the central spirit of the MORE Agenda—inclusiveness. As the governor puts it: “As we build roads, bridges, and infrastructure, we must also invest in the welfare of our people. True governance is not just about physical projects but about touching lives and giving hope.”

    Analysts note that this deliberate mix of hard and soft policies creates a unique governance ecosystem. Energy investments promise long-term growth, while welfare interventions deliver immediate relief. Together, they uplift both the economy and the most vulnerable.

    For Delta’s widows, pensioners, and rural communities still waiting for electricity, these policies represent more than statistics—they are lifelines. For investors and development partners, they signal a state open to business and social innovation.

    For Governor Oborevwori, they embody his vision of a Delta where development is meaningful, opportunities abound, reforms are realistic, and peace is enduring. Still, the ultimate test lies in consistent delivery.

    Renewable energy projects must advance from policy papers to solar panels; stipends must flow without disruption; and pension arrears must never again be allowed to pile up. Yet, if the early momentum is any indication, Sheriff Oborevwori is determined to govern with both power and compassion—electrifying communities while lighting up lives.

    • Ahon is Chief Press Secretary the the Governor
  • Kogi govt creates new traditional stools

    Kogi govt creates new traditional stools

    The Kogi State Government has approved the creation of three new traditional stools as part of efforts to strengthen the traditional institution and deepen grassroots governance across the state in line with the policy of the Ododo Administration.

    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat, announced the decision while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held in Lokoja on Friday.

    He said the new stools include the Ohiekura of Osara, the Ohireba Anebira of Lokoja, and the Ohi of Eganyi, which will henceforth be known as the Ohi of Ajaokuta and serve as the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Traditional Council.

    Read Also: Shettima leads Fed Govt delegation on condolence visit to Kogi governor

    In a related development, the State Executive Council has lifted the suspension of the Onu Ife of Omala, His Royal Highness Boniface Musa, who also serves as Chairman of Omala Local Government Traditional Council. Barr. Deedat explained that the reinstatement followed the monarch’s expression of remorse and regret over his earlier actions, which had led to his suspension.

    The Commissioner noted that these decisions reflect the Ododo administration’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, promoting peace, and enhancing the role of traditional rulers in community development across Kogi State.

  • Kano denies protocol director diverted N6.5 billion

    Kano denies protocol director diverted N6.5 billion

    Kano State Government on Monday denied the allegation of N6.5 billion diversion by the Director General, Protocol Directorate of Kano State Government House, Abdullahi Rogo.

    A statement by the Governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa, said the allegation was nothing more than a work of fiction, carefully crafted by political opponents.

    The statement said the allegation was part of the opposition members’ blackmail and propaganda in their desperation to remain relevant ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “One of the ill-intended narratives, most likely sponsored, was a publication on Daily Nigerian, a Kano-based online news platform, on August 22nd, 2025, which particularly drew government attention to the allegation of withdrawal and diversion of ₦6.5 billion from the state treasury.

    “First, government makes bold to say every cash outflow into Ministries, Departments, and Agencies is properly budgeted with clear codes well spelt out in the fiscal policy of the state. Hence, no individual in government MDAs handles public funds without proper designated purpose.

    Read Also: NPFL: Barau  to upgrade Bayero University Kano Stadium 

    “The Directorate of Protocol, Kano State Government, handles critical responsibilities in Government House and key operations in the Office of the Chief Executive of the state.

    “These responsibilities cover but are not limited to logistics, accommodation, welfare, and management of the Governor’s itineraries within and outside the country.

    “The Directorate of Protocol is equally entrusted to provide required logistics to VIPs and VVIPs, which include the Presidency, Ministers, foreign aides, and other diplomatic visitors on official state visits to the Governor.

    “The large number of personalities captured in this category also includes ordinary citizens that mostly attract the special attention of the Governor.

    “Expectedly, over 95 per cent of the responsibility of the Directorate of Protocol involves large volumes of financial transactions and more often than not, settles liabilities incurred on the state at the instance of His Excellency.

    “While the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will remain focused on governance and maintain its position on financial prudence, accountability, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, the government will not sacrifice the integrity of its aides to deliberate acts of political blackmail being orchestrated by unpatriotic elements of society.

    “The government is also not in doubt of the credibility of the Director General, Directorate of Protocol, Government House, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo,” the statement reads.

  • I’m vindicated over PDP zoning of Presidency to South, chairmanship to North – Wike

    I’m vindicated over PDP zoning of Presidency to South, chairmanship to North – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Monday described the zoning of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the South and retaining the National Chairman of the party in the North as clear vindication of his position and that of the G-5’s position in 2022.

    The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka,  who reacted to the zoning in a statement in Abuja asked;  “Now, that the party has realised its mistake of not listening to Wike and the G-5 in 2022, and have chosen to do what they said, three years after, have they not been vindicated now?” 

    “Recall that the FCT Minister and the G-5 had insisted that the presidential candidate of the PDP and its National Chairman must not remain in the same zone, insisting that since Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, from the North had emerged as the presidential candidate,  Senator Iyorchia Ayu, also from the North must resign to pave the way for a National Chairman from the South. Ayu, however insisted on not resigning, with Atiku and his group backing him. Aftermath of this was the electoral misfortune the party suffered in 2023, followed by instability after the elections.

    Read Also: UPDATED: I will back Tinubu’s supporters – Wike

    “But today, the NEC resolved that since the National Chairman of the party is zoned to the North, the PDP 2027 Presidential ticket be zoned to the South.

    “Has PDP not come back to eat its own vomit? 

    “Sadly, they know the truth. Wike simply said, take the chairmanship to the South if you want to gain the presidency, but they said no, they must take the two, and the PDP lost!

    “They have realised the mistake they made in 2022 and are correcting it in 2025. But is it not too late already, bearing in mind that the only way the zoning can be justified is for the South to conclude its eight years, while the presidency returns to the North in 2031?”

  • APC blames Adeleke for seized Osun council allocations

    APC blames Adeleke for seized Osun council allocations

    The All Progressives Congress(APC) in Osun State on Monday blamed Governor Ademola Adeleke for the continued seizure of local government allocation. 

    It also accused him of using the leadership of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to ground the running of the councils. 

    The Nation recalls that there is crisis over control of local governments in Osun State, fuelled by disputes between All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) over conflicting court rulings, which stalled governance at the grassroots level leading to the withholding of allocations since February 2025. 

    The APC in a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, cautioned Adeleke to stop misinforming the public about the authentic reason the federal allocations have not been accessed by the local government council areas. 

    It stated that the Court of Appeal verdict of February 10,  2025 reinstated the October 2022 APC LGA chairmen and councilors. 

    The party wondered: “Why is it that Governor Adeleke is not bold enough to tell the unsuspecting members of the public that he is the one who has been working in cahoot with the leadership of the state chapter of the NULGE to withdraw the services of the council workers in a sympathy protest since then?

    “What could be the rationale behind a state chief executive sponsoring a strike of the council workers against his own government for a selfish reason when it is known to all and sundry that such a protest would affect the people negatively at the grassroots level?”

    Read Also: PDP more democratic than APC, says Olawepo-Hashim

    The party said stakeholders in the Osun project within and outside the State should impress it on Adeleke that it is only an act of wickedness and lack of empathy on the part of the Governor that could make him imbibe such unpopular and anti-democratic route.

    The party added: “Must Adeleke be playing politics with everything without thinking of the untoward effects it would have on the people? The sponsored interest groups who have been labelling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being responsible for the inability of the council chairmen to access the accumulated local government allocations from the federation account should redirect their plea to the governor to release the NULGE to resume work in all the local government councils.

    “It is because the Governor Adeleke-led administration has been the one preventing the NULGE to resume that has resulted to the inability of the traditional rulers in the state to be paid their statutory allowances and salaries.

    “With the NULGE staff on the sympathy strike with Governor Adeleke, there are no local government workers who would prepare the salaries of the traditional rulers in the state.If only for the sake of the royal fathers in the state, Governor Adeleke should sheathe his sword and allow the NULGE to call off their sympathy strike.”

    Efforts to get reaction from Adeleke’s spokesperson Olawale Rasheed were abortive. 

    He didn’t get Adeleke’s reaction across to newsmen as promised as of the time of filing this report. 

  • JUST IN: PDP zones presidency to south, confirms Damagum as national chairman

    JUST IN: PDP zones presidency to south, confirms Damagum as national chairman

    After a series of closed-door meetings involving key organs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

    In the same development, Ambassador Umar Damagum has been confirmed as the substantive National Chairman of the party.

    This was disclosed in a communiqué read by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, following Monday’s meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

    “NEC received and, after extensive deliberation, approved the report of the National Convention Zoning Committee, which recommended as follows,” Ologunagba said.

    *That all PDP National Office positions currently in the Northern Region of the country remain in the Northern Region.

    *That all PDP National Office positions currently in the Southern Region of the country remain in the Southern Region.

    *That having retained the position of the National Chairman in the Northern Region of the country, the Presidential Candidate of the Party for the 2027 General Election is hereby zoned to the Southern Region.

    *That the Regions should immediately micro-zone positions within its Region for implementation.

    Giving immediate effect to the implications of the decisions, Damagum was sworn in by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade swore in Damagum as substantive National Chairman.

    At the end of PDP’s 102nd NEC meeting, they further resolved as follows:

    “NEC expressed satisfaction over the level of preparedness of the Party at its various Organs, Chapters and Structures for the 2025 Elective National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital on Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th November 2025.

    “NEC acknowledged with satisfaction the efforts and commitment of PDP Governors’ Forum, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Assembly Caucus and other relevant bodies of the Party towards the success of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention at Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

    “NEC also received update from the PDP Constitution Amendment Committee and directed the Committee to circulate the Draft Constitution Amendment to various Organs and Chapters of the Party for further inputs.

    “In recognition of the efforts of the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum in stabilizing the Party, NEC hereby ratifies and confirms the appointment of Amb. Iliya Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the Party with effect from today, Monday, 25th August, 2025 until the National Convention holding at Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital on 15th to 16th November, 2025,” they stated.

    Alleging that the ruling APC has an agenda to ‘to turn our country into a totalitarian one-party state’, the PDP NEC gave a r3reassurance that the party will work harder towards repositioning itself, to regain power in 2027 while its next (103rd) meeting is to hold on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025

    During the PDP NEC meeting at Wadata Plaza on Monday, about one thousand supporters of the former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, stormed the venue, with placards expressing their demand that he declares interest in the 2027 presidential election.

    The jubilant crowd, clad in colorful vests and face caps, carried bold banners and sang solidarity songs in support of the business mogul and politician, describing him as “a credible alternative and a unifier the nation urgently needs at this critical time.”

    Read Also: PDP confirms Damagum as chairman until November

    The rally was coordinated by three major support groups: Hashim Unity Group, led by Hon. Musa Makanda, former Speaker of Bwari Area Council; The Hashims, led by Mr. Sunday Tsado; and Hashim Advocates, led by Mallam Abba, former PDP youth leader in the FCT in 1999.

    Speaking at the gathering, the group leaders said Dr. Hashim embodies the finest qualities of leadership within the PDP vision, integrity, and a consistent track record of advocacy for democracy and good governance.

    They urged the party leadership to emulate his political conduct and prepare him as the PDP flagbearer ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    In a related development, PDP youth leaders from the 36 states of Nigeria had, in the past week, formally welcomed Dr. Hashim to the party.

     The youths also called on other party leaders to emulate him in his support for the youths of the party as the PDP prepares for 2027.