The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Obasa’s son deserves to succeed me —Lagos council chair

    Obasa’s son deserves to succeed me —Lagos council chair

    In an interview with select news media, the executive chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi, addresses the controversy trailing the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship and councillorship primaries ahead of the forthcoming council polls in Lagos State, scheduled for July 12. Speaking on various issues, Egunjobi also highlights his administration’s achievements and shares insights into the political dynamics within the party. Wale Akinola, Assistant Online Editor, reports:

     Your party, APC, May 10 primaries for the forthcoming council polls in the state have been mired in controversy. Some party members accused certain leaders of imposing their preferred aspirants on the party. What is your take on this?

    I think the reactions in those quarters where they are shouting ‘imposition’ are in the character of politicians in our clime. I’m sure if the results had gone their way, they would be lavishing praise on the electoral process. The reality is that politics in Nigeria is evolving, and one day those of us involved in it will be guided by the spirit of sportsmanship and selflessness. In my estimation of the just-concluded primaries, the process was transparent, free and fair. The election committee put up a good show and should be commended, same with the leadership of the party in the state.

     There was a joint protest in Agege and its sister council, Orile-Agege, by some APC faithful against the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. They accused him of imposing his subordinates and son on the APC as the party’s candidates in both areas for the coming elections.

    Well, I watched the video of the so-called protest, and I was amazed to see those who led it. A political neophyte, who is a charge-and-bail lawyer, anchored it. For your information, this man, until recently, was gushing about the Speaker, thinking singing the praise of Obasa would get him the party chairmanship ticket for Orile-Agege. The same goes for Sola Osolana, the Peoples Democratic Party chairmanship candidate for Agege in the last council poll. He just returned to our mid, APC, about two months ago, and coveted to have our chairmanship ticket in Agege.

    This is someone who is not qualified to contest for election in APC, going by the party guideline that forbids persons who drag our party to court from seeking elective office on the party’s platform. We allowed him to contest because of our magnanimity, and he is now trespassing on our hospitality. He is based in the UK like his co-travellers, Biodun Ogunji, a chairmanship aspirant too, and Bukola Sofidiya, who also wanted to be the Agege local government Chairman from the United States. We know that they are not alone in their ill-fated bid to belittle our leader, Obasa, by bad-mouthing him. We know some of their paymasters in the persons of a certain serving senator from Ogun state and a three-time House of Assembly member in our area, to mention but a few.

    Read Also: Agege Youth Vanguard endorses Obasa’s son for council chairmanship

     A full list of APC candidates for the council poll has been released by the party, with that of Agege having Obasa’s son as the running mate to the party chairmanship candidate in the area. Does that not validate the concern raised by those aggrieved leaders that Obasa wants to turn both Agege and Orile-Agege into his private fiefdom?

    One of the oldest democracies is that of the United States, and JF Kennedy, during his time as President, appointed his younger brother, Robert, the country’s Attorney General. When George Bush was U.S President, his son was Texas Governor and later became the country’s President too. The latter’s brother, Jeb Bush, was Florida governor from 1999 to 2007. That’s the democracy Nigeria patterned her own after. Now let come down home, at a time former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, was Kwara State Governor while his sister, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, was representing Kwara Central in the Senate at the same time. In this country, precedents are abound, even in other industries like the Dafinones, who are all chartered accountants: the family patriarch, Senator David, and matriarch, Ego, and their three sons and two daughters. I dare say that people blabbing ‘imposition’ in respect of the Speaker’s son’s matter are not fair to the young man and Agege. This is someone who is well read, a PhD student for that matter, who has been touching lives in Agege long before now. In fact, he deserves to succeed me. For your education, Osolana’s father, Alaba Osolana, is a former Council Chairman of old Agege, Sofidiya’s late father was a councillor here in Agege, and they’re aspiring for the council chair. Now, Agege people want Obasa’s son as the council chairman.

     You just touched on your succession. In about two months, your tenure will come to an end. What would you say are your administration’s achievements?

    We have done quite a lot in terms of physical infrastructure and human capital development. We built primary health centres in almost all our seven wards, roads were either constructed or rehabilitated, with drainage put in place in nearly all the nooks and crannies in our community. Several classrooms were built in public schools by us, and some were rehabilitated, while we regularly provide pupils with uniforms, bags, tables and chairs, and writing materials. The local government now has a Computer-Based Test, which my administration constructed and equipped, which now enables JAMB candidates from our area to sit for the exam at their doorsteps. We also built a conducive legislative building for our councillors, one of its kind in Nigeria.

    Furthermore, in the area of human capital, our vocational training centre was upgraded on my watch, and many of our graduates in tailoring, hairdressing, graphic design, and other lines are pulling their weight in their various businesses. We have a deradicalised programme for louts, which came into being immediately after EndSARS. Under this programme, repentant louts are made to acquire skills of their choice at our vocational centre, with each placed on a monthly stipend. You may not know that the Local Government Service Commission, a Lagos state government agency, employs councils’ staff in the state. But in our own wisdom, and under my watch, we employed over 700 non-pensionable staff and placed most of them on a monthly stipend of N30,000 each. In that league are officers of our security arm, codename Paramole, who get N50,000 each, every month, to maintain peace and order in our community.

    The Awori and non-indigene dichotomy has always been a fault line in Agege politics. As a stakeholder, where do you belong in the political divide?

    Well, I think weaponising some of these fault lines, such as religion, colour, tribe, and tongues, is doing a great disservice to the human race. As a matter of fact, we are all born and bred in Agege. Come to think of it, no Awori person in Agege is more Agege than me. Besides, the origin of all Aworis is either Isheri Olofin or Ota, and both are under the Egba traditional council. In Egbaland, I am a statutory chief as Otun of Egbaland. To me, the dichotomy doesn’t hold water, and it is inconsequential.

  • Wamakko’s enduring grip on northern politics

    Wamakko’s enduring grip on northern politics

    With decades of grassroots-driven leadership, Senator Aliyu Wamakko appears to have cemented his place as a pivotal force in northern politics ahead of 2027. Correspondent ADAMU SULEIMAN reports.

    In the dynamic and competitive arena of Nigerian politics, especially within the northern region, certain figures have not only defined the game but have consistently shaped its trajectory. Among them, former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, stands out as a generational political force whose influence transcends time, circumstances, and political divides.

    Over the decades, Wamakko has carved an enduring and unrivalled niche for himself through strategic engagement, grassroots mobilisation, and people-oriented leadership. His political journey, marked by resilience, foresight, and consistent results, has positioned him as a beacon within the Northwest and beyond.

    Since 2007, Wamakko’s political ascendancy has been both dramatic and strategic, strengthening the mainstream politics of the North. Despite the ever-changing dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape, where regional players constantly vie for relevance, Wamakko’s strength of purpose and enduring influence remain unshaken.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Six states where candidates affected by JAMB error will retake UTME exams

    Since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the North has produced star political figures who have redefined the country’s democratic leadership. The legacy left behind by the likes of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Aminu Kano, Shehu Shagari, Tafawa Balewa, and Maitama Sule continues to resonate, with new-generation drivers such as Muhammadu Buhari, Kashim Shettima, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and, notably, Wamakko himself steering the course.

    The strategic importance of the Northwest as the electoral battleground has made it a critical focus for any presidential hopeful. Within this context, Wamakko has emerged as a pivotal figure, nurturing a brand of politics built on grassroots inclusion, loyalty, and open-door policies summarised in his mantra: “Together we belong for all.”

    A leader known for his listening ear, Wamakko’s political journey has been shaped by his relentless focus on the people, smoothing his path through successive political dispensations, regardless of the odds. His political craftsmanship has not only guaranteed his electoral successes but has also paved the way for allies and protégés to ascend to significant positions.

    Wamakko’s benevolence, strategic thinking, and political acumen have earned him a towering presence beyond Sokoto State, positioning him as a go-to ally for presidential candidates seeking strong northern support. His track record of delivering convincing victories during general elections, both for himself and his chosen candidates, speaks volumes about his deep-rooted influence.

    His landmark journey took off in earnest when, in 2007, former President Olusegun Obasanjo lured Wamakko to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to strengthen the party’s mainstream presence in Sokoto State. Wamakko, then a strong figure in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), embraced the challenge, leading to a strategic shift that reshaped the political landscape of the caliphate.

    Upon clinching the governorship, Wamakko revolutionised grassroots politics by building a formidable support structure that made opposition forces struggle for relevance. His nurturing of key political figures like former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and current Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto further cemented his influence.

    His appointment as the Northwest Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign was a strategic masterstroke, one he executed with aplomb, delivering overwhelming results that contributed significantly to Buhari’s victories. Wamakko’s political prowess was notably on display during both the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections. As Director-General in the Northwest, he mobilised massive support across Sokoto and neighbouring states. His extensive grassroots networks and loyalty-driven structures were instrumental in turning the region into a decisive vote bank for Buhari, helping to secure an initial victory in 2015 and a resounding re-election in 2019.

    Despite his towering political influence, Wamakko’s career has not been without controversy. His tenure as governor attracted scrutiny from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial mismanagement. Though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing and no convictions have been recorded against him, the lingering investigations have occasionally provided ammunition for his political opponents, casting a shadow over his otherwise robust legacy.

    Wamakko’s politics is characterised by quiet strength — a man who speaks less and delivers more. His consistency, strategic mind, and loyalty to his people have made him a rare political compass in today’s Nigeria.

    As the race toward 2027 gathers steam, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko stands not just as a participant but as a force capable of tilting the balance. In a political era defined by shifting loyalties and fleeting alliances, Wamakko’s brand of enduring influence, rooted in grassroots loyalty and strategic depth, remains a rare constant. Whether as a kingmaker, power broker, or silent strategist, his imprint on Nigeria’s northern political landscape is undeniable — and his next moves could help shape the nation’s political destiny once again.

  • Lagos APC resolving post-primary crisis, says Oladejo

    Lagos APC resolving post-primary crisis, says Oladejo

    • Over 10 petitions before appeal panel

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) is resolving the crisis arising from last week’s local government primaries, Publicity Secretary Mogaji Seye Oladejo said yesterday.

    He described the protests by aggrieved chairmanship and councillorship aspirants as normal reactions in any democratic setting, adding that they are not ignored by the party leadership.

    Oladejo, who spoke on the television, said not all the claims of the protesters are genuine, pointing out that some people were not prepared to adjust to defeat in a contest.

    He lauded the party’s election committee headed by Babatunde Ogala (SAN) for conducting transparent and credible primaries.

    Noting that the complaints against the exercise were limited to between eight and 10 local governments, Oladejo said the committee scored a pass mark.

    He said: “If they are only complaining in 10 councils out of 57, then, the election committee scored a pass mark.”

    Oladejo, a former Commissioner for Special Duties, said the complaints are not ignored by the party ,which had set up the Primary Appeal Committee headed by Lawal Pedro, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

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    He said the petitions before the appeal panel would dispassionately considered in a bid to resolve the crisis.

    Lagos APC, led by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, had published the names of the 57 chairmanship candidates, sparking protests in 10 local governments.

    Protesters have continued to converge on the gate of the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, blocking the entrance.

    Police had to be drafted to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

    Protesters from Ikosi-Isheri Council objected to the victory of the chairman, Samiat Bada, saying that her choice smacked of a third term agenda.

    After completing the term of the deceased chairman, Hon. Oyesco, she won a fresh term four years ago, and she also won the recent primary.

    In a statement, Aderemi Coker, said “having served for five years as vice chairman and six years as chairman, her re-nomination smacks of a third-term agenda, a move that fundamentally challenges both the rule of law and democratic accountability.”

    He said:”Citizens, especially youths are questioning whether their- voices still matter in system increasingly monopolised by a handful ofpolitical elite.”

    “The party risks low voter turnout, internal sabotage, and even defections if it continues to ignore widespread discontent. APC must not allow its internal processes to become breeding grounds for political stagnation.

    “Bada’s re-nomination sends the wrong message to millions of aspiring leaders, especially in Lagos that power is inherited, not earned. It contradicts APC’s own rhetoric about youth inclusion and progressive governance. The rule ofl law, political fairness, and public confidence are on the line.”

    In Agege local government, party members said the results did not reflect their wish.

    They said Babatunde Azeez and Abiodun Akinola, who were declared as chairmanship candidates for Agege Council and Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) respectively, were imposed on  party members.

    Chairman of 2023  Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in Agege, Sabitu Kamorudeen, who led the protest, said most party members were against the emergence of the candidates for the two council areas.

    According to him, the two candidates were hand-picked by some party leaders to serve their selfish interests.

    “We are here to challenge those using President Bola Tinubu’s name to impose their candidates.

    “The results are not only misleading but are  a gross misrepresentation of the democratic will of our party members in Agege and Orile-Agege.

    “The outcomes are not  a reflection of due process but reek of  manipulation and abuse of party machinery by entrenched interests,who have hijacked our local politics,” he said. 

    Spokesperson, PCC Orile-Agege LCDA,  Adetunji Akinyemi said that  members of the APC in the area  acknowledge and respect the supremacy of party directives and structures.

    According to him, such deference must not be misconstrued as passive endorsement of tyranny or authoritarianism cloaked as leadership.

    “We cannot support a scenario where a single individual, wielding inordinate influence, positions himself as the sole arbiter of who rises or falls within the party in Agege.

    “That is not party discipline, it is political capture, and it is antithetical to the democratic ethos of our party, the APC.The political climate in Agege and Orile-Agege is uniquely troubling,” he said.

    Also, one of party leaders in the area, Akeem Ashiruurged the state council of APC, political leaders and members of the party’s  National working Committee to act on the matter and check what he called hijack of the party in Agege and Orile Agege.

    “This is Lagos and this is Agege, it is not a political estate to be inherited or transferred at will. For many of us,  Agege is not only our constituency,  it is our home.We have no ancestral retreats beyond these communities and so we must insist on justice, fairness and the preservation of peace,” Ashiru said.

    A member of the group, Asanat Lawal, said that their allegiance remained with the broader APC.

    According to her, party members are committed to the party and second-term bid of President Bola Tinubu, but will not remain silent in the face of oppression.

    “We will continue to resist every attempt to destroy our democratic foundation of our local politics and we will defend the rights of our people to be represented by individuals of their choosing not by fiat, coercion or hereditary succession,” she said.

    The party advised discontented aspirants to submit their appeals to the committee by 12.p.m. on Tuesday ( May 13).

    Also, delegates from the Badagry West Local Government have faulted the recently concluded local council primaries describing it daylight robbery of their votes.

    Speaking during a protest held at the Lagos State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Ogba, Ikeja, the protesters demanded outright return of their votes and a declaration of their candidate, Oluremi Funmi Nutayi as the winner of the election.

    Secretary of Nutayi’s campaign organization, Mr. Emmanuel Bankole urged the APC leadership and the electoral committee to consider the future of the party by doing justice to their appeal for restoration of Nutayi’s mandate.

    “APC  was founded on equity ad justice. But what happened last Saturday was nothing short of an eyesore. The security was so tight and the delegates were went in and our agent and aspirant were not given any tags of identification as against the rules of the election. They were asked to vote and leave the venue of the voting. As law abiding members of APC, our delegates voted and left the place. However, what was announced as result on Saturday was a complete embarrassment to the party.

    “We are dissatisfied with the result of the election hence we have filed our appeal to the Appeal Committee set up by the party. The rights of the delegates have been completely taken from them and our aspirant came with 13 delegates but by the time the results were announced we were told that one of the comtestanst got 19 votes, one other aspirant got one vote, one Sessi got one vote, Kudus Sewanu got one vote and Damilola James got one vote. Now, the total votes announced were 22 while the records showed that 25 delegates from Badagry West LGA participated and were allowed to vote. So, how could 13 votes belonging to our candidate disappeared without a trace?

    The party agent for the aspirant, Mawuyon Oluwasegun said:’’ It is seriously an embarrassment for us to bring 13 delegates to an election and their votes would not be recorded for our aspirant. It is nothing but a charade.

    ‘A chieftain of the party, Hodonu John File, said:’ “What happened during the election on Saturday was shameful and embarrassing ton our great party.  What we are saying is that party leaders and electoral committee should do the needful and restore the mandate stolen from our aspirant, Oluremi Funmi Nutayi. A situation whereby 13 delegates voted for an aspirant was not recorded for the aspirant is nothing but a case of stolen mandate that should not be allowed to stand.’’

    In Yaba LCDA, stakeholders protested at the APC state secretariat, rejecting the alleged imposition of Adebayo Adefuye, son of Senator Anthony Adefuye, as chairmanship candidate.

    The leader of the protest, Olorunibe Ismail, speaking on behalf of party members, students, artisans, and traders, condemned what he termed an assault on internal democracy.

    A petition, signed by stakeholders from all nine wards within Yaba LCDA, was submitted to the Appeal Panel.

    “There was no valid primary election in Yaba due to ongoing litigation. Yet, we were shocked to hear that Senator Adefuye had positioned his son from Shomolu Local Government as the sole candidate for Yaba LCDA,” Ismail said.

    He pointed out that Adebayo Adefuye ranked sixth during the party’s screening exercise and alleged that better-qualified aspirants were deliberately sidelined.

    The protesters demanded the reversal of Adebayo’s name and the conduct of a transparent primary election.

    Agbado-Oke-Odo: Petition highlights flawed primaries, at the APC state secretariat in Ogba, representatives from Agbado-Ijaye LCDA, led by Debo Owoseye, submitted a petition challenging the credibility of the primaries conducted in their council.

    Owoseye recounted how delegates and aspirants were initially denied access to the venue, later ushered into a secluded room guarded by security personnel, with no agents of aspirants allowed to observe the process. “Our delegates voted, came out, and were sent away without witnessing the movement or collation of ballots. What was later announced was a sham,” he said.

    The petitioners declared their support for Engineer David Oladapo Famuyiwa, insisting he deserved a second term and denouncing any imposition by party leaders. “We appeal to Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu, a man of justice and fairness, to intervene. This is not the vision he had when he fought to create these local councils to bring governance closer to the people,” Owoseye said.

    The coordinated protests underscore mounting discontent within the APC’s grassroots structure in Lagos, with aspirants and stakeholders calling for reforms to strengthen internal democracy, end the culture of imposition, and protect members’ rights to elect their leaders.

    Protesters across all three LCDAs made it clear that they expect the APC leadership, particularly President Tinubu, to uphold democratic ideals.

    The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh commended the peaceful protests.

    He said: “Before now, the party leadership informed us that after the election on Saturday, from Sunday, those with concerns about the elections might protest, and we are working hand-in-hand with the party executives to ensure that people are freely allowed to express their opinions.”

     emphasized that no security breach, injuries, deaths, or damage to property had been recorded, adding that the demonstration was a healthy part of democratic engagement within the party structure.

    “The protest has been very peaceful for people to express what they feel about the election. It’s part of democracy — even within the party, it is part of internal party democracy,” he noted.

    The Police Commissioner disclosed that security operatives had engaged with various protest groups beforehand, securing assurances of peaceful conduct.

    “We had an opportunity to talk with some of the groups who came to protest, and they assured me they would be open and peaceful in doing that. What is happening is not anything to worry about,”

    He urged Lagosians to go about their lawful activities without fear, assuring that the police had made adequate security deployments across strategic locations to prevent any potential disruption.

    “Our tactical commanders, DPOs, and other unit heads have been directed to maintain order and ensure no one hijacks these legitimate grievances for any unlawful purposes. So far, so good — everything is peaceful, and we intend to sustain this achievement.”

  • Umo Eno’s return to Bethel

    Umo Eno’s return to Bethel

    Last Sunday, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno returned to worship at The Apostolic Church, Maboju, Lagos, where it was prophesied 45 years ago that he would become governor. The governor and his family were members of the congregation before he went to serve his state. ANIEKAN UMANAH writes.

    Sunday, May 11, 2025 will linger in the memory of worshippers at The Apostolic Church, Maboju, a rustic,  settlement behind the Nigerian Air (Sam Ethinan) Base, Ikeja, Lagos. That morning, Maboju near Shogunle was astir, amid a procession of destiny, as a convoy of vehicles glided through the narrow lanes leading to the community. Nearby, the old chapel stood in its majesty. The air was thick with expectations, the altar lit with a prophecy fulfilled. Here was the womb that carried the prophecy!

    At the heart of it all was the compassionate Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who returned not merely as a politician, but as a son coming home to Bethel. He was sandwiched  by  his children, family members and a constellation of Nigeria’s finest: dignitaries, ministers, lawmakers, captains of industry, religious and traditional leaders. Their presence lent an incandescent aura to the day, but the spirit of the gathering was humbler as it was a day of thanksgiving.

      The governor, as usual cut a distinguished figure clad in a blue  designer suit that hugged his frame, a red silk tie, and an immaculate white shirt. His pure leather shoes exuded class with every step, while his wrist adorned an ornate  Swiss watch, merging timeless culture with contemporary elegance, all singing to the God who whispered his destiny earlier through the prophecy that has been fulfilled.

    The man of destiny recounted how, as a young boy, a little girl in the church prayer band prophesied that he would one day return to his homeland to govern his people. The governor had returned to his  homeland to do business and at the fullness of time govern his people. Yet, he  returned to where it all started for a thanksgiving, reliving a moment he once dismissed with disbelief and youthful  aggravation after the death of his father, and with six siblings to cater for, in addition to the fact that he was newly married.

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    In the governor’s characteristic life of appreciation, it was a journey back to his sacred roots, where he found healing in the church’s revival meeting that his mother took him to. It was there that he sang in the choir, prayed as a deacon, interpreted the Word, and even led the building committee. It was also there, in 1980, that a child’s voice, innocent yet anointed foretold his future as a governor.

    Over four decades and many battles later, he stood on that same altar, taller and fulfilled as the governor of Akwa Ibom in fulfilment of the  prophecy which he said “God used my boss and immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel to fulfil“.

    “The Spirit of the Lord laid heavily on my heart to return to Bethel,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of years and testimony. “When a child forgets the blessings of yesterday, he forfeits the blessings of tomorrow”. Many decades have passed, and as it was foretold, a five-star governor is here!

    The governor’s words echoed as he struck a chord of unity, soft yet firm, clear as the morning light.

    “Akwa Ibom is more united today than I met it,” he said, his words soothing to the nerve.

    In his vision, parties are just vehicles, not destinations. What matters is not the colour of allegiance, but the heartbeat of the people.

    “We govern beyond party lines for the  unity and progress of our state“, he said.

    Speaking not from the pulpit of power but his heart, Eno declared:  “No political party can define who I am”, asserting that identity, purpose, and leadership are crafted in the spirit, not by platforms. He spoke like a watchman who sees beyond the hills, urging the people to “understand the times and seasons,” as the sons of Issachar once did.

    “When a driver is on the steering, he’s the one who sees the potholes, he’s the one who knows how to dodge them. As the driver now by the grace of God, I know where to avoid potholes and ditches until we get to our destination” he quipped.

    And with scriptural solemnity, he declared: “He who has ear, let him hear what the Spirit says.”

    Preaching on the theme: “Greatness in humility,” Pastor (Dr) Gabriel Uyeh, National Vice President of The Apostolic Church, praised Eno’s simple and spiritual approach to leadership.

    “Humility is the foundation of greatness. And your thanksgiving today proves that leadership is a divine call, not a political career,” he said.

    In a gesture befitting the grace he received, the governor led a wave of giving and donations that raised over N250 million for the church, clergy, and community. But more than the money, it was the poetry of the moment that lingered.The boy healed in a revival, now blessing a generation.

    Pastor Solomon Nkopeti, Apostle of the District, spoke of Eno’s service in Maboju with glowing clarity. “You walked and worked among us, not with power, but as a brother in Christ. Your Excellency, you served here  with the humility of a brother in Christ. You are a faithful son of the Apostolic vision.”

    The choir, once led by a young Umo, now sang for a governor, yet in their voices, it was still the same faith.

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the governor as a ‘Lagos boy’. “Your thanksgiving reminds us that without God, we are nothing. Your leadership reflects your moral upbringing. Lagos is proud of your journey”, Sanwo-Olu said.

     Eno, graceful and grounded, ended with a lesson etched in wisdom: “God will use whomever He pleases. Your helper may not be from your village, or even your faith. Be kind, for destiny listens.”

    And so Maboju, dusty and small, became once more a stage for the miraculous. As the sun faded behind the chapel’s iron roof, time stood still bearing witness that grace, when remembered, becomes glory.

    The celebration transitioned into a vibrant reception ceremony at Ikeja GRA , echoing with traditional melodies and heartfelt testimonies. Guests were treated to a beautiful convergence of Akwa Ibom and English delicacies, with music, and joy radiating from every corner.

    The homecoming thanksgiving had top government officials legislators, religious and traditional leaders, and other eminent Nigerians in attendance.

    It was a fitting close to a day wrapped in grace where the past met the present, and a prophecy found its voice again at The Apostolic Church, Maboju Assembly.

    • Umanah is Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information

  • Delta PDP regroups after Oborevwori’s defection

    Delta PDP regroups after Oborevwori’s defection

    Despite the defections, the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State are fighting to reclaim the lost political ground. BASIL OKOH writes.

    The recent political upheaval in Delta State, triggered by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s surprise defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has left the party momentarily shaken but not broken.

    The party shows signs of renewed strength and resolve. The first alarm came from Ika South PDP in Agbor, where members reported an attempt to halt their party meeting at their usual venue on Mariere Street. This disruption followed Oborevwori’s stunning announcement: the entire Delta State PDP was defecting to the APC, and all party organs were instructed to shut down and individually register with the APC at the ward level.

    The Delta State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, thereafter announced the readiness of the APC organs at ward levels to receive and register every PDP defector.

    PDP members across Delta were stunned by the sudden defection of their leader, Governor Oborevwori. Like lions startled by an unexpected bang, they initially scattered in confusion. But as lions also do, they are now regrouping and roaring back to reclaim their territory in the political jungle of Delta State.

    What is left of the PDP leadership at the grassroots is rising to reaffirm its grip on the state the party has governed for 26 years.

    So, slowly but surely, in the 270 wards across the state, the PDP is rousing its members and getting them back together for political contention, signalling its readiness to fight for power again, without its titled leaders.

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    Emmanuel Ogidi of Isoko South has been tasked by the interim National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, to rally the remaining loyalists and lead the reorganisation and election of new party officers. It’s no small task, but Delta PDP was once a tightly knit machine that thrived through 26 years of uninterrupted rule.

    In recent years, however, the party became bloated and top-heavy, its voice growing louder but hollower. In that sense, this shake-up may be a blessing in disguise — a chance to shed the dead weight and rebuild smarter.

    The party had grown top-heavy and increasingly hollow, like a loud but empty drum. Now, forced to shed some weight, it would regain agility and purpose.

    The challenge to the resurgent PDP will not be from other political parties in the state or from its organisational failures, but from interferences from its previous leaders, particularly Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Governor Oborevwori.

    If a new interim leader can rally other members and elect a new executive council, the PDP reclaim the prime place in Delta politics with its new corps of leaders whose umbilical cords are not tied to the old guard.

    Nevertheless, the new PDP’s major challenge will be interference from its previous leaders who are now with the APC. They will not be able to stomach a challenge from their old party, particularly when both sides know and have practised in what they do to win elections without majority votes.

    It has been revealed that former Governor Okowa is sending messages through back channels to the previous state Chairman Esiso to take charge of the party.

    But Esiso has denied. Nevertheless, everyone knows that such orders are Okowa’s standard practice. Okowa’s method of political operations is to disrupt the opposition with bribery, buying off leading opposition members to stop them from presenting formidable challengers. He will continue this obstreperous practice with his old party.

    Oborevwori and Okowa’s positions in the APC are becoming increasingly untenable, with only a few old allies following them into the APC.

    The duo expected a flood of PDP members would follow them into the APC. With that support, they hoped to outnumber the party’s original members and dominate the upcoming party congress.

    Their goal was to overwhelm the old guard and seize full control of APC structures in the Delta State. To their consternation, that plan has not worked, as even their members felt betrayed by the leaders’ peremptory action.

    According to Ika South APC Chairman, Mr. Hilary Fada Ibude, fewer than five per cent of former PDP members have registered with the APC in his area.

    Across the state, tensions are rising at the ward level, as a small number of defectors clash with the overwhelming majority who refuse to follow their leaders into the APC.

    As PDP embarks on reorganisation, many defectors have opted to return to their old PDP, because the APC has introduced a countermeasure at ward registrations.

    Each new registrant is being asked to submit their PDP registration card for seizure or destruction before being issued an APC card. This is the quiet war going on at ward offices now.

    It is a reflection of the unpopularity of Oborevwori and Okowa that many old PDP allies are not following them to the APC and will not register for the APC. These two leaders took for granted that most members would follow them into their new party.

    They did not reckon with principles and the simple fact that people take pride and believe in their political party.

    Interestingly, none of the major PDP figures across the state have formally resigned from the party. Most are keeping their next moves quiet. Even Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa have yet to submit resignation letters to their PDP Ward Chairmen — the officials authorised to receive such notices. Nor have they registered with the APC. For now, all eyes are watching, waiting.

    • Okoh writes from Asaba, the Delta State

  • Lagos community urges APC on inclusion in appointments, representation 

    Lagos community urges APC on inclusion in appointments, representation 

    Residents of Ijaiye Housing Estate in Lagos have decried the alleged marginalisation of its community in All Progressives Congress (APC) political activities in Ifako-Ijaiye local government. 

    A petition signed by some of the leaders of the community, explained that the development is beginning to cause members to suffer some level of discomfort and political reputation damage within the community from residents who are becoming disillusioned. 

    It said, “For a fact, residents of this community have consistently towed and supported the ‘progressive causes’, since its inception. 

    “It is a well known fact in Ifako-Ijaiye political circles that majority of its Ijaiye Housing Estate Community residents have always overwhelmingly voted and supported the electoral aspirations of our great party (APC) and its precursors with progressive ideals in the past years. i.e, Alliance For Democracy (A.D), Action Congress (A.C), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). 

    “At the last General Elections of 2023, our party the APC had a good showing in all of the 5 polling booths within the estate. 

    “This is a consistent feat that has been achieved through the untiring efforts of committed and dedicated leaders and members of the progressive family, who leave no stone unturned to mobilize residents in order to ensure victory for the party each time, there is an election circle. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: PDP, NNPP Rep members dump parties, formally join APC

    “Our specific grievances are as follows; a) A continuous and deliberate lack of opportunities for key electoral representation (Councillorship position) and political appointments (Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, etc) within the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Council structure. 

    “b) An abysmally poor employment and empowerment opportunities for our teeming youths and women at the State and Local Government levels. 

    “c) The absence of infrastructural projects for developmental and/or urban renewal purposes within our community. In the light of the aforementioned, this negative impact of the insensitivity of the party’s leadership to our aspirations and desires through a continued marginalization undermines the principles of inclusivity and fairness, which our party preaches. 

    “This negative trend if allowed to persist will threaten the party’s strength, unity of purpose, mobilization efforts and its effectiveness to deliver on future electoral victories within the community. 

    “At this crucial moment, we collectively and respectfully urge you and the entire leadership to take steps to immediately address these grievances as we approach the forthcoming Local Government elections, so as to ensure that members of the party and the community in Ijaiye Housing Estate have an equal opportunity as we continue to contribute to the party’s growth and future electoral successes by ensuring a review of the party’s zoning processes for elective and appointive positions at the Local Government Council level.

    “As loyal members of the All Progressive Congress in Ijaiye Housing Estate. We believe it is pertinent to bring this issue of political and infrastructural marginalization to your attention in order to address these ugly development and foster a sense of hope and purpose that will promote a positive and tangible change in the scheme of things.”

  • Lagos LG polls: Three Labour Party factions invite LASIEC for primaries

    Lagos LG polls: Three Labour Party factions invite LASIEC for primaries

    …we’re going on with chairmanship primaries – Ekong

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has disclosed that three different factions of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos state have applied to participate in the upcoming July 12 local government elections.

    Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (retd.), Chairman of LASIEC, made this disclosure on Thursday, during a stakeholders’ forum, themed: “Enhancing a Credible and Inclusive Local Government Elections in Lagos, held in Ikeja.

    Okikiolu-Ighile stated that the three factions each invited LASIEC to observe their respective primaries ahead of the elections.

    “Three factions of the Labour Party in Lagos invited us to observe their primaries,” she said.

    However, LASIEC did not honour the invitations due to the perceived divisions within the party.

    “LASIEC officials did not attend their primaries today (Thursday) because of the perceived division in the party,” Okikiolu-Ighile added.

    The LASIEC boss further explained that the electoral body is currently awaiting guidance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the appropriate steps to take concerning the Labour Party’s participation in the local government polls.

    “We are waiting for INEC’s advice on the next steps regarding the situation with the LP,” she concluded.

    The development has raised concerns over the Labour Party’s preparedness and unity ahead of the crucial local government elections, as LASIEC aims to ensure credibility and inclusivity in the electoral process.

    Read Also: Lagos LG polls: APC, PDP return to trenches

    Meanwhile, the party chairman, Mrs. Dayo Ekong, who confirmed that the party held its councillorship primaries today (Thursday), said its chairmanship primaries will go on tomorrow as planned.

    According, there is no controversy over who is the authentic Labour Party group LASIEC should relate with, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had since settled that with LASIEC.

    “Yes, I am aware of the situation.  I can tell you that INEC, being the custodian of political parties, had since written to LASIEC on who LASIEC should relate with.

    “I don’t know why LASIEC is still talking about three groups in our party that have been resolved. I see no reason why that should be an issue. I don’t understand the game LASIEC is playing.

    “Though we wrote to LASIEC about our councillorship primaries today, we noticed that they were there.

    “Anyway, constitutionally, it is not mandatory that they should be there. INEC has the final say in this.

    “As planned, we shall be going with our chairmanship primaries tomorrow in all the local governments.

    “LASIEC is playing with fire. If INEC had recognised the authentic people, who are under watch, I see no reason why they were not there.  Anyway, the guideline does not say that they must be there.

    Ekong also denied membership in some of the sponsors of the factions.

    “Some of them are not our members.  They do not have the locus standi for doing what they do.  All they are doing is transactional, and we are not bothered by that because the members know the authentic group.”

  • Onjeh hails ‘leader of vision, integrity’ Alia at 59

    Onjeh hails ‘leader of vision, integrity’ Alia at 59

    Former All Progressives Congress (APC)  Benue South senatorial candidate, Comrade Daniel Onjeh,  has greeted Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia on his 59th birthday. 

    In a statement on Thursday, Onjeh described Alia as the quintessential servant leader, a beacon of hope, a symbol of integrity, and a man of unwavering commitment to the development of Benue State. 

    He hailed the Governor’s leadership style as visionary, people-oriented and focused on creating long-lasting change across the state’s diverse communities.

    “On behalf of myself, my supporters, and all well-meaning people of Benue South Senatorial District, I warmly felicitate with His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on the occasion of his 59th birthday. 

    Read Also: FULL LIST: APC candidates, running mates for Lagos council poll

    “Governor Alia’s journey from the pulpit to the public service space is a testament to his courage, compassion, and tireless commitment to the welfare of the people. His approach to governance is deeply rooted in empathy, transparency, and a strong moral compass, which is rare in today’s political landscape,” he stated. 

    Onjeh, who is also a former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), praised  Alia’s efforts in addressing the pressing needs of the state, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure and rural development. 

    He noted that within a short period in office, the Governor has initiated key reforms aimed at repositioning the state for sustainable growth and prosperity.

    “From the restoration of the dignity of the civil service to strategic infrastructural projects and youth empowerment initiatives, Governor Alia has shown that leadership is not about rhetoric but about impactful action. His Excellency has brought renewed hope to the people of Benue, rekindling faith in the government’s ability to serve and deliver,” Onjeh remarked.

    He further highlighted Alia’s firm stance against insecurity, a challenge that has plagued parts of Benue for years. 

    According to Onjeh, the Governor’s decisive steps towards ensuring peace and security demonstrate his deep understanding of the importance of safety in fostering economic development and communal harmony.

    “As a clergyman and now as a public servant, Governor Alia continues to exemplify humility, discipline, and devotion to service. His multifaceted personality—blending spiritual leadership with political wisdom—makes him uniquely equipped to lead Benue State at this critical juncture,” Onjeh added.

    Onjeh also used the opportunity to commend Alia’s inclusive approach to governance, which he said has fostered unity and given all sections of the state a sense of belonging.

  • Group warns Reps member over PDP crisis in south

    Group warns Reps member over PDP crisis in south

    A youth group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the banner of the Coalition of PDP Youth Defenders (CPYD), has expressed concern over the alleged involvement of Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere in the ongoing crisis within the party, particularly in the south.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, CPYD president, Comrade Ibrahim Mohammed Salihu, urged Ugochinyere to adopt a more constructive approach in engaging with internal party matters, especially as they relate to the political situation in Rivers State and preparations for the upcoming PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    Salihu noted that the group is worried about the rising tensions in the party, calling for unity, restraint, and adherence to internal processes.

    He also stressed the importance of respecting party leadership and allowing dialogue to guide the resolution of disputes.

    According to him, the PDP must remain focused on rebuilding trust, ensuring party cohesion, and preparing for future elections.

    He called on all party members, including elected representatives, to prioritise the collective interest of the party over personal or regional ambitions.

    Read Also: Southeast PDP threatens pullout from party

    The group also reiterated the need for transparent communication, especially regarding recent developments affecting the party’s structure and upcoming decisions. It urged all stakeholders to support peace-building efforts and avoid actions that could disrupt party stability.

    CPYD encouraged the PDP leadership to continue promoting reconciliation and inclusiveness as the NEC meeting scheduled for May 27 approaches.

    “The time has come for the PDP to draw a line. Ugochinyere is not bigger than the party. His constant meddling in state affairs, his media stunts, and his divisive press statements are hurting the PDP’s unity and distracting us from building for 2027. He should either fall in line or be shown the door,” he added.

    Salihu warned other PDP members to resist the temptation to follow a “loud but empty” brand of activism, noting that the party is built on collective decision-making, not solo battles driven by ego and ambition.

    “We must learn from Rivers. The lesson is that noise and rebellion do not equal leadership. Fubara listened to Ugochinyere, and today he has lost power, legitimacy, and his mandate is in jeopardy. That is the real tragedy, and we must not let it spread.”

    The CPYD reaffirmed its loyalty to the PDP, the constitution of the party, and the decisions of the National Working Committee.

    The group urged party leaders to prioritise reconciliation and discipline as the party heads toward its NEC meeting and future elections.

  • Lack of arrowhead, bane of PDP crisis, says Moro

    Lack of arrowhead, bane of PDP crisis, says Moro

    Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro spoke on the gale of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party and its implications for the party. Assistant Editor EMMANUEL BADEJO reports

    What do you think about the decision of the NWC to go legal in challenging the Delta State defections?

    I think that is the right thing to do for the PDP to do now. I do not know that after the PDP’s exit, it is trite that those elected on its platform should be challenged.  There is a moral question to answer in this case. It is unfortunate that these people who have grown through the ranks of the party and their political career, and having gotten everything through the party, they decided to leave the party midstream and this calls for some kind of apprehension within the polity.  I think it is reprehensible that this thing is happening at this point in time. I know that as a law abiding organisation, the party has the option of pursuing this issue legally not necessarily for the decampees to return to the party, but at least to show that you cannot bite the fingers that fed you.  I think the NWC has taken the right decision to make a statement that you cannot just watch the people betray the party and go scot free.

     Do you think that the party is in the right shape to pursue that course of action considering a statement by one of the defectors, who said he regretted being on a joint ticket with your presidential candidate in 2023?

    I will not like to join issues with Senator Ifeanyi Okowa in the first place.  Let me tell you that some people felt so disappointed that he was picked as the party’s vice presidential candidate in the first place. We found out that there were other persons who have contributed much more to the party; persons who were more committed; persons that would have ordinarily helped the party to win the election.  It is unfortunate that at his level, having been a senator, a governor under the platform of the PDP, I think it is uncharitable for him to come forth now and say that he regretted being on the joint ticket with Alhaji Atiku Abubarkar.  He was not forced, but he asked for it and he was given.

    But, was he not a choice of Atiku Abubakar?

    Yes, a choice of Atiku under certain conditions. There were insinuations, for instance, he was said to have contributed substantially to the campaign of Atiku, and it was in consideration that he was picked. Besides, there was this clamour within the party at the time of some level of marginalization of the Igbo nation. He was also considered as a bridge to stand in the gap. But, we have seen what eventually happened. At some levels, some people including myself concluded that his choice was a political miscalculation.  We should not have picked him in the first place. Having risen to such a level in the party, he could have simply walked away without making the excuse he advanced. He was picked, he was not forced.  He had the option of rejecting his nomination.  I think the most important thing is now that he has defected with his governors from the PDP to the APC, let the game begin.

    If Okowa was not on the ticket, would your party have won the 2023 general election?

    I would rather say that given what we know now, with the hindsight that we have now, some of us think that the party would have won the election, if another candidate other than Okowa from the South had been picked.

    So, there was an error in judgment of Atiku Abubakar picking Okowa?

    I think there was an error of judgment on the part of everybody that was involved in the choice of Okowa as a candidate.  Come to think about it: how else can you explain this scenario? That a sitting governor, a former senator, a vice presidential candidate of the party could deliver his state even to the presidential candidate. And to think that of all the senators from that state, the PDP won only one senatorial seat. I can tell you that that person may have won that election on his own merit because of his depth and his contribution to the community.  So, I think that picking Okowa as the presidential candidate of the party in 2023 was a very serious error of judgment.

    As it stands now, I can confidently conclude that we lost the election for lack of commitment, otherwise, how can you explain that shortly after losing the state, which should have been an easy pick for the PDP, instead of rendering an apology to the party and Nigerians, he decided to ditch the party?  That means, in the first place, his soul was not in the party, his soul was not in that election, hence, we performed miserably in Delta State. 

    If Atiku Abubakar leaves the PDP, will it be more damaging for your party?

    Atiku definitely has his own place in history and the formation and organization of the PDP.  He has his own place as a very strong member and two-term presidential candidate of the party. Yes, if he leaves, it will create a vacuum in the party. If he leaves, it will create some sore wounds at the party. But, if he leaves, it will be his choice. Nevertheless, I can assure you that for all of us who are here, there are other Nigerians that are out there and the PDP will reorganize itself in the absence of these people and forge ahead. People who are worried about damaging the PDP or leaving the PDP are those who are fixated on 2027.  The life of PDP is not tied to 2027.  The PDP is an organisation. Don’t forget that at some point, the PDP controlled 28 state governments, 28 houses of assembly and of course the two arms of the National Assembly. If the PDP is facing some dwindling fortunes now that is not to say the party will be dead. I can assure you that out of these failures and betrayers, the PDP is going to reorganise itself, learning from the mistakes and forge ahead.

    While Atiku is talking to other people pushing the coalition agenda, the PDP governors won’t have any of that. With the latest defections, do you also think it will not affect your party?

    I didn’t say that these defections will not affect the party, it will certainly do. Like I said at the beginning, it is rather unfortunate that people who have lived all their lives in the PDP, suddenly switched camps. One of the advisers of the Delta governor said that these people slept in PDP and woke up in APC.  The said adviser subsequently resigned his position because he chose not to go with the defectors to the APC.

    Read Also: PDP governors rally to hold party together

    The point I am trying to make is that, yes, we are having a gale of defections hitting the PDP, and unfortunately, some prominent members of the party have actually left the party.  Yet, in my own right, I am the leader of the party in my constituency, but I do not make either the electorate or the elections. Those who make the elections are the ordinary party, the masses; they are the ones who make the party. And so, if I say today that, yes, Okowa has left; yes, the governor has left, but I can tell you that within the party, you can find one or two people, who may not be governors, but can replace the governor.  The governor didn’t elect himself; the people elected him.

    Today, the euphoria trailing Okowa and the governor’s defections is because those appointed by the governor and those elected alongside with them, took the decision to move to the new party due to fear of losing their jobs. But, I can tell you that soonest, when reality dawns on them, they may regret their decision.

    As an experienced politician that you are, what do you think would have left Senator and the rest in Delta out of PDP?

    I think Senator Okowa had said before that he left to benefit the resources at the centre. Two, he left to enjoy the goodwill of the Federal Government.  But, when you look at it from the perspective of somebody who has been a two-term senator, a two-term governor on the platform of PDP, you’ll think that something must be wrong with Nigerian politics.  Otherwise, where morality counts, where conscience pricks, it is unimaginable that having gone through the ranks on the platform of PDP, now at the twilight of your life in politics, you decided to jump ship.

    What happens about your party being sick, having too many crises it is contending with?

    Well, what you are talking about is the crisis. All of these are happening due to the failure of the so- called leader of the party.  If the party, which you claimed to be a leader, is in crisis, it is your primary duty to fix it. So, why are they running away? Your house is on fire, you won’t put out the fire; you run away from your house and everything including your family inside the house gets burnt.

    Do you see the PDP being rescued from these crises?

    You can say that again.  We are here. I started with PDP in 1998 when I was elected as the chairman in my local government, and I’m still here. I am not going anywhere because I have no reason to go anywhere.  And because there are crises in the party now, the crises that ordinarily the leaders of the party should be able to fix, it is just unfortunate.

    If the PDP dies tomorrow, will you still stick with it?

    PDP will not die tomorrow, that I can assure you. I can assure that by 2026/2027, we’re going to tell a different story of the PDP.  Don’t forget that activities have been lined up like other political parties.

    What we are suffering from now is the challenge of the PDP not having an arrowhead that can knock heads together and stop the declension.  The APC is in power today, and it has the president as its apex leader, who frontally addresses some issues.  Otherwise, if you think about the legal implications of the crises in the PDP, the APC also has its own problems. The National Chairman is in court.  The party from the national level to the state is in crisis. 

    In Benue state for instance, we have two chairmen of APC.  While one was elected, the other was appointed by the incumbent governor. And they are all regarded as chairmen of the party in the state.  Nobody is talking about it today because they are in power.

    Your party always looks at either the president or the person who last held the ticket.  Do you think that Atiku Abubakar should rise to the action as many are afraid that if something is not urgently done, the party might lose its life?

    If you ask for my personal opinion, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is one person that I respect a lot. In the last general election in 2023, I was one person that stood out in the face of all odds branding new cars for Atiku. About seven or eight of my campaign vehicles bore his image. I did this because I recognize him, and I saw in him somebody, who ordinarily will be able to attend to the wishes of Nigerians.  And, having struggled that far, I worked for him.  After the election, given his ambition to become president and wishing to contest once more, I expected that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should have started from day one mobilising and galvanizing the people to have some levels of cohesion. Quite frankly, I think if there was anybody that could have brought the party together from the disastrous loss of the PDP in 2023, that person certainly was Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    Your party is also losing ground in the Senate, having lost about seven members to the ruling party and we are hearing that your party may lose four or five more states.  How can your party stop hurricane Tinubu sweeping your party away?

    The crises in the PDP, not necessarily about the Tinubu tsunami, as they call it.  I think that we have had our own fair share of internal crises. The challenge bedeviling our party is the lack of an arrowhead who can assuage the feelings of party members due to our failure in the 2023 general election. Having said that, I can say that some of the issues we are having now is lack of confidence.  In the run off to the state congresses that we held recently in the party, there are certain undercurrent factors. Let me take Delta for instance where the governor bought all the congress forms for all the elective offices in the state. At the time, Senator Ned Nwoko approached me with a complaint that he didn’t know what was going on in his party, constituency, local government and even in his ward. The chairman and the organizing secretary made efforts to reconcile issues, but it didn’t yield any result. Then, Senator Nwoko felt sidelined in the whole process.  Looking at it now, you can see the powerplay that played out.  I can tell you for free that some of these persons were compromised.

    Look at the case of Senator Kawo in Kano.  He is a vibrant politician, who will ordinarily not leave his political party that gave him the breath of life. Simply because he wants to be in the comfort zone, he jumped ship.

    What role do you think Minister Wike Nyesom is playing in all of this?

    The whole process is actually a long-drawn battle. That calls to question leadership.  The Wike disaffection arose from his perceived cheating in the convention. Wike contested to be a presidential candidate. Somehow in the process, he didn’t win.  He felt that certain elements in the party had connived to undermine his capacity to win that nomination. That brought some issues, which a very cohesive and organized party would have addressed.  Painfully, this was not done.