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  • Malami, El-Rufai can’t speak for CPC, says forum

    Malami, El-Rufai can’t speak for CPC, says forum

    Forum of Elected Members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) from the Seventh National Assembly yesterday said a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have no right to speak for the defunct party.

    The forum expressed commitment to All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

    Its Chairman, Alhaji Basiru Baballe, spoke at the end of its meeting in Abuja.

    Baballe, reacting to comments credited to Malami, said he had no authority to speak for the defunct party.

    Malami had questioned the credibility of the CPC bloc, led by Tanko Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State.

    Baballe recalled that CPC, which commanded the loyalty and support of more than 12 million Nigerians during the 2011 general elections, was a formidable political movement.

    The defunct CPC was one of the political parties that merged to form APC in February 2013, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

    The forum’s chairman said the party was built on the principles of progressive change, integrity and the aspirations of Nigerians.

    Read Also: On fresh calls for state police

    “It has come to our attention that certain individuals, groups and entities, who had no electoral value during the heyday of CPC, have falsely claimed to speak for or represent CPC.

    “Purporting to act on behalf of its legacy and its millions of supporters, we categorically declare that no person, group of persons or entity has the authority to speak for or on behalf of the defunct CPC,” he said.

    According to him, only the elected representatives of the defunct party who were duly chosen by its supporters in 2011 can speak for it.

    He said members of the forum and many more who stood for elections remained the only legitimate and authentic voice of the defunct CPC.

    “We are the true custodians of the party’s legacy and the representatives of the 12 million Nigerians, predominantly in northern Nigeria, who entrusted us with their mandate,” he said.

    He, therefore, called on Nigerians, particularly supporters of CPC in the North and beyond, to disregard any unauthorised statements, actions, or representations made in the name of the defunct party.

    Baballe reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to upholding the values of APC and ensuring that the voice of its supporters was not misrepresented or exploited.

    He urged the media, civil society organisations and the general public to verify the authenticity of any claim related to the defunct CPC.

    Baballe also enjoined the media to recognise only the elected members of the Seventh Assembly and Al-Makura, its leader, as the legitimate representatives of the defunct party’s legacy.

    He added that, though after the merger, the CPC had ceased to exist as a political party, its ideals, vision and the mandate of its supporters remained sacrosanct within APC.

    He added that the values of the defunct party were as valid today as they were during the formation of the APC.

    Baballe emphasised that the forum recognised only Al-Makura, the only governor it had produced as its leader, saying it would work with him to ensure that the sacrifices put in place to build APC were not destroyed.

    He said the forum would join efforts to ensure that APC delivered on its campaign promises.

  • Malami, El-Rufai have no locus to speak for CPC, says forum

    Malami, El-Rufai have no locus to speak for CPC, says forum

    The Forum of elected members of the 7th National Assembly under the defunct Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) has declared that former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and Malam Nasir El-Rufai have no locus to speak for the former legacy party.

    The group declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    They recognised former Nasarawa State Senator Tanko Al-Makura, who was the only elected governor under the platform of the defunct CPC, as their leader.

    Rising from a crucial meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the forum dismissed Malami and El-Rufai, describing them as lightweights with a negative balance in terms of political value.

    Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Nasiru Baballe Ila, said the group remains committed to the ideals and values that led to the formation of the ruling party with total support for the President Tinubu administration.

    Dismissing the Malami-led faction, Ila said, “It has come to our attention that certain individuals, groups, and entities who had no electoral value during the heyday of the CPC have falsely claimed to speak for or represent the CPC, purporting to act on behalf of its legacy and its millions of supporters.

    “We categorically declare that no person, group of persons, or entity has the authority to speak for or on behalf of the defunct CPC, except the elected representatives of the party who were duly chosen by its supporters in 2011.

    Read Also: Kaduna governor revokes land, houses sold by El-Rufai

    “We, the former elected Members of the CPC from the 7th Assembly and many more who stood for elections, won and were subsequently robbed of their hard-earned, hard-won, yet short-lived victories, remain the only legitimate and authentic voice of the defunct CPC.

    “We are the true custodians of the party’s legacy and the representatives of the twelve million Nigerians, predominantly in Northern Nigeria, who entrusted us with their mandate.”

    The forum called on all Nigerians, particularly the supporters of the CPC in Northern Nigeria and beyond, to disregard any unauthorised statements, actions, or representations made in the name of the CPC.

    They also reaffirmed their commitment, support, and loyalty to the President Tinubu-led administration, insisting that they shall uphold the values of the APC and ensure that the voice of its supporters is not misrepresented or exploited.

    The forum then urged the media, civil society, and the general public to verify the authenticity of any claims related to the defunct CPC, adding only the elected Members of the 7th Assembly and the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, as the legitimate representatives of the defunct party’s legacy.

    Those in attendance include Senator Ibrahim Musa, Honourable Ibrahim Gobir, Honourable Sanusi Aliyu, Mohammed Tukur (Katsina Central), Senator Ahmed Sani, Honourable Ibrahim Chachangi, Honourable Yusuf Bala, Honourable Garuba Datti, the 7th Assembly Caucus Leader, and now APC National Vice Chairman (North West).

  • Kaduna governor revokes land, houses sold by El-Rufai

    Kaduna governor revokes land, houses sold by El-Rufai

    Institutional houses and plots of land sold in Kaduna State by the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai have been revoked by the state government.

    The revocation of the properties within Alhuda-huda College, Zaria; Queen Amina College, Kaduna and Government Commercial College, Zaria, was ordered yesterday by Governor Uba Sani.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. AbdulKadir Mu’azu Meyere, who announced the revocation in a statement, said decision was taken for overriding public interest and for the common good.

    He said efforts were being made to ensure all payments made to the government coffers in respect of the sold houses are refunded.

    “In line with its commitment to human capital development and to ensure conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning in schools, the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, had revoked all previous sales of institutional houses and land allocations within Alhuda-huda College, Zaria, Queen Amina College, Kaduna and Government Commercial College, Zaria for overriding public interest and for the common good.

    Read Also: Atiku, El-Rufai face backlash over alliance plan

    “The revocation was approved last year and the revocation order has been conveyed to all allottees, while steps are being taken to refund amounts paid in respect of the sold houses as directed by His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State.

    “As one of the key pillars of His Excellency’s Human Capital Development, Uba Sani noted that effective learning can best take place in a conducive atmosphere without distractions and sundry interferences.

    “The governor has always argued that education is not just a leveler but also a ladder for upward mobility which can transform lives and improve livelihoods.

    “To secure the future of our children, the Governor has been expanding access to education in the last two years, by bridging the infrastructural deficit at both primary and secondary schools across Kaduna State.

    “In fact, one of the first decisions that His Excellency took upon assuming office was the slashing of the school fees of Kaduna State-own tertiary institutions on August 21, 2023.

    “Apart from tertiary institutions, the Senator Uba Sani administration has also improved access by building new primary and secondary schools as well as blocks of classrooms since he became Governor of Kaduna State.

    “Indeed, the Sani-led administration has built over 2,336 new classrooms, renovated more than 707 others and provided 3,704 and 30,742 furniture, for teachers and pupils.

    “Similarly, Kaduna State Government, has sunk 51 boreholes, provided 918 cubicle toilets for both pupils’ and teachers’ use in all the Local Governments to make learning more conducive,” the added.

  • Adebayo to Atiku, El-Rufai: you can’t hijack SDP for personal battle against Tinubu

    Adebayo to Atiku, El-Rufai: you can’t hijack SDP for personal battle against Tinubu

    The 2023 Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Malam Nasir El-Rufai  and other opposition leaders that they cannot hijack the party for personal fight against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He told them that SDP is not a “getaway car for a conspiracy and robbery”.

    Adebayo spoke on Monday night during the 50th birthday celebration of his wife, Queen Lillian Adebayo in Abuja.

    The legal luminary, who said he was still in the race for the 2027 presidential elections, maintained that SDP is not a platform for personal political battles.

    “Of course, my party knows that I’m running for the 2027 election. As for the coalition, we are listening to them. We don’t want to be a getaway car for a conspiracy and robbery we did not plan. That’s not available.

    “If the coalition is for the Nigerian people, the SDP is available. But if it is just a crime centre for disappointed Tinubu followers, they should go back to him and resolve their differences there. Don’t come to SDP to borrow us for a fight we are not involved in,” he added.

    On the killings in Benue and Plateau, Adebayo advised the president to restrategise the security architecture to address insecurity in the country.

    In the same vein, former African Action Congress (AAC) Presidential Candidate, Omoyele Sowore took a swipe on the ongoing coalition move by opposition elements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Read Also: Atiku playing politics with blood of innocent victims — Onoh

    Sowore, who spoke with newsmen, said he was in support of coalition and opposition in a democratic setting but argued that the individuals involved in the current coalition move lack the credibility to champion real change.

    “I support coalitions and opposition. But not the kind that has people like El-Rufai. When the time comes, the moment they are offered what they want, they will go back to where they came from.

    “The APC was a coalition. Did you forget? The people who are asking to form another coalition were former APC members. In fact, most of them were Buhari cabinet members who are supposed to be in prison forming a union of prisoners, not coalitions,” he stated.

    Chairman Forum SDP State Chairmen and Lagos Chairman, Hon. Femi Olaniyi Ferrari, said the party provides Nigerians with the opportunity to address the country’s challenges.

    “We can all understand what Nigerians are going through. We asked for change, but the change has shortchanged us,” he said.

  • Fresh headaches for Atiku, El-Rufai, others over coalition

    Fresh headaches for Atiku, El-Rufai, others over coalition

    • Other parties should empty into PDP – National Secretary

    • ‘Party’s governors focusing on re-election, not merger’

    • Three PDP governors may join APC rather that go with coalition

    • Atiku, El-Rufai, Tambuwal, others pay post-Sallah visit to Buhari

    The prospects of a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election are not looking good yet despite spirited efforts by its promoters to work out a coalition, an investigation has revealed.

    Several issues, including zoning of the presidential ticket and the platform for contesting the election, are already giving the promoters of the deal cause for concern, it was learnt.

    Notwithstanding, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State Malam Nasir El-Rufai and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal are pushing hard to give their supporters some hope.

    Yesterday, Atiku led other members of the group to pay what they called post-Sallah homage to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna.

    But observers said it was all part of giving some semblance of progress in the coalition talks. 

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from which Atiku in particular hopes to draw much support for the coalition is already split down the line over the issue.

    While top party leaders like the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara appear to back the idea of rallying the nation’s political opposition towards re-enacting the opposition success in Senegal and other places, other critical forces within the party are having none of it.

    National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, told The Nation that it would be too far-fetched to assume that the party would be involved in any ongoing arrangements for a merger or political coalition for the 2027 presidential race.

    “As far as I know, such issue (merger) has not come up for the PDP to discuss as a party,” he said.

    “Besides, with PDP’s history, size and presence across virtually all local government areas across Nigeria, it is logical to expect that other political parties, including those ones that arrived yesterday, should empty themselves into the PDP; no party should expect PDP to join or follow,” he added.

    Party sources said it was inconceivable that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, both of whom are nursing presidential ambition, would encourage the party to join any coalition move.

    Answering reporters’ questions after a four-hour closed-door meeting at Akwa Ibom Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja mid last year, Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, lashed out at those who were promoting such agenda.

     “We are aware that there are some marauders hanging around somewhere, trying to factionalise our party and take one faction to go and do coalition (with another party); we are not going to allow that,” he said.

    In a  subsequent statement on June 4, 2024 entitled “We Are Not in Any Merger Talks with Another Political Party,” PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba emphasised that the National Working Committee of the PDP had taken a resolute position that formally foreclosed any possibility of merger with any other political party.

    Ologunagba said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after its 587th meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, restates for the umpteenth time that the PDP is not engaged in any merger, fusion or amalgamation talks with any other political party or interest.

    Labour Party’s (LP’s) presidential candidate in the last election, Mr. Peter Obi, who appeared uncomfortable with Julius Abure as National Chairman, has now fully embraced the party’s National Caretaker Committee and his supporters are confident that he can have a fresh shot at the presidential race in 2027 on the party’s platform.

    They do not see the need for him or the party to go into coalition with anyone where he may not stand a good chance of getting the ticket.

    While Governor Bala Mohammed’s position against the coalition agenda is well known, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Atiku’s Adamawa state may be the most unlikely supporter.

    Although he and Aiku belong to the same political party, PDP, many believe that Atiku’s support for APC governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, Aisha Ahmed Binani, contributed to her superlative electoral performance.

    Now that three North East governors – Fintiri (Adamawa), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) will not be seeking re-election after the completion of their second terms in 2027, much independence can be asserted.

    Besides, Fintiri remains a strong loyalist and personal friend of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has pledged to ensure President Tinubu’s re-election, but he accords Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the basic courtesy of his position as former Vice President.

    In Gombe State, two former governors, Danjuma Goje and Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, who both exert much political influence, appear more likely to be focused on a return to the Senate.

    In Plateau State, there are speculations that Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang may be one of the PDP chieftains contemplating a move to the APC before the 2027 elections.

    While the SDP-led coalition is said to be making very little success in Delta State, there are increasingly loud whispers that Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori may be on his way to the APC.

    Till date, other than the Benue State governor, Rev Father Hycinth Alia, who denied plotting to join the SDP, no state governor has been identified as a supporter of the opposition coalition.

    Part of the factors adduced for explaining the success of the APC opposition coalition in 2015 was the vibrant support of some state governors, Senators and other influential politicians across the country before the APC was founded on 6 February 2013 – a clear two years before the subsequent general elections.

    With only 678 days to the February 20, 2027 presidential elections today, opposition forces in Nigeria may be facing an uphill task in their agenda to unseat the APC in 2027.

    Coalition talks doomed, says Bwala

    In an interview posted on YouTube yesterday, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Communications, Daniel Bwala, roundly dismissed the merger/coalition.

     “Yes, I’m aware of the movement for a wild goose chase, a movement for the chase of a rabbit that is nowhere in sight; I’m aware of the association of aggrieved politicians who are desperate for power,” he said.

    “The perceived coalition is going to be a silo where you’ll find different characteristics of politicians – there are some who are just aggrieved and want to be in power, there are those who have left power and cannot survive without it and there are those that have kept trying to get back into power while Nigerian people are saying that ‘we don’t want you’ and there are still others whose mission is based on sentiments.

    “One peculiar thing is that none of them is anchored upon the national interest, they don’t push forward any logical argument to justify their coalition movement: normally, people in new political movements bring alternative programmes and policies if they think that the ones being implemented by those in government are not good enough, but for the past two or three months, they are only talking about themselves, none of them is talking about any serious policy,” Bwala stated.

     Atiku leads El-Rufai, Tambuwal on Sallah homage to Buhari

    Atiku’s visit came on the heels of a similar one on ex-President Buhari by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The former VP, who holds the title of Waziri Adamawa, said he could not come earlier as he had to stand in for the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, during the Eid celebrations.

    Details of yesterday’s discussions were not disclosed.

    But Atiku said on his X handle that he had a “wonderful time” with Buhari.

    He wrote: “As the Waziri Adamawa, I was obligated to be in Adamawa during the Sallah celebrations. I held forth for the Lamido Fombina (Adamawa) in some of the activities of the Sallah celebrations.

    “Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2015-2023. It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up (to the extent that my ribs were hurting) with his peculiar humour.”

    Speaking on the visit, former Governor El-Rufai said, “We are here to pay Sallah visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari because I was not around during the Sallah period”.

    Seen on a video recording of the visit were former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami; former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa; former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam; and former Governor of Adamawa State, Jibrilla Bindow, among others.

  • Tinubu doing a lot for the North, APC zonal Chairman tells Atiku, el-Rufai

    Tinubu doing a lot for the North, APC zonal Chairman tells Atiku, el-Rufai

    National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Garba Datti Muhammad has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was doing a lot to enhance the development and welfare of the North. 

    Datti, who was a member of the House of Representatives, asked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and a former Kaduna Governor Malam Nasir Ahmed El-rufai to thread the part of caution ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

    He said the former Vice President should “perish the thought of another presidential contest” and remain the statesman that he is.

    While stressing that Atiku has been contesting for the presidency since 1993, the APC Chieftain said: “As we approach the next general elections, you are at it again. Having sensed that your party, the PDP may not cede the presidential ticket to you, you are now considering joining forces with some aggrieved politicians to form a coalition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027.

    “For you, Alhaji Atiku, our former Vice President, my freehearted advice is, in your best interest and the interest of Nigerians, it is better you drop the idea of contesting for president in 2027, by which time you would have already turned 80 years.

    “The Wazirin Adamawa, you should rather remain the elder statesman that you currently are. I thinks you shouldn’t waste your time and resources. At least, you should take your cue from another former Vice President, Arc. Muhammad Namadi Sambo, who has been operating in the background and remains an elder statesman since he left office in 2015.”

    The former lawmaker said Atiku should not listen to some politicians such as El-rufai who “are dangling the carrot of a coalition” to him ahead of 2027.

    “In truth, even if you contest, you have nothing new to offer. Remember, you are also a proponent of subsidy removal. It is on record that, as Vice President, you spearheaded the privatization of some key national assets when you chaired the committee on privatization during the Obasanjo administration, while former governor El-rufai was the Director General of the Bureau for Public Privatization (BPP).”

    Datti also asked the former Kaduna Governor to reconcile with the APC as he is a founding member of the party who toiled to see its success.

    He said: “It is on record that you were part of the founding members of the APC. Having worked for the party tirelessly and served as governor under its platform for eight years, it is rather worrisome that you decided to leave APC at this critical point.

    “While still serving as governor in 2022, during one of your media chats, you averred that “the moment I leave APC, then I have quit politics altogether.” At this critical point, you should ponder and reconcile with the APC or quit politics altogether.

    “The world knows that it was you who announced that you were not interested in any position in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. Why should you turn to a critic overnight just because you perceived things were not going your way when you had unfettered access to the leadership of the party and the President?

    “As someone who was once close to you, I want to advise you to refrain from using emotions, sentiments, and unsubstantiated claims/allegations in politics.

    “I would like to tell you for free that no PDP governor will join the SDP because their party already has a structure on the ground. Who will leave certainty to uncertainty? You may end up committing political a serious miscalculation.

    “Frankly speaking, I think you should reflect deeply. One would expect that as a leading figure who supported the presidency to go to the South in 2023, you would support the zone to finish its eight years before canvassing for the rotation of the position to the North.”

    He said both Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Governor Uba Sani have been working assisuously and harmoniously for the benefit of Kaduna State.

    According to him, the North West never had it this good under any administration, saying “currently in the North-West, we have the Speaker of the House of Representatives from Kaduna State and the Deputy President of the Senate from Kano State. 

    He said: “It has never happened in the history of Nigeria where two Presiding Officers of the National Assembly came from the same zone. We also have the National Chairman of our great party from Kano State.

    “Additionally, the North West also got 12 ministerial appointments some of whom are manning critical ministries such as the two ministers of Defence; Budget and National Planning; Environment; two ministers of Housing; Culture and Creative Economy; Ministers of State for FCT, Education and Works etcetera. The zone also has the two Service Chiefs: the Chief of Defence Staff from Kaduna State, and the Chief of Air Staff from Kano State.

    “The Tinubu administration is also working assiduously to make life better for Nigerians following subsidy removal. Naira is now gaining strength by the day. Prices of foodstuffs are dropping drastically by the day. The economy is gradually taking a new turn.

    “Kaduna State, in particular, has never had it this good with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Governor Uba Sani working harmoniously for the good of the state. The Speaker, working in collaboration with Governor Uba Sani, has so far attracted about seven higher institutions to the state. 

    “The Speaker and Governor Uba Sani have also attracted the metro rail line (intra-city) worth about 250 billion Naira, already approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which will run from Rigachikun to Maraban Rido. This will ameliorate the transportation challenges residents of Kaduna metropolis face on a daily basis. A similar project will be executed in Kano State.”

  • Join our party from your wards, SDP chairmen tell El-Rufai, others

    Join our party from your wards, SDP chairmen tell El-Rufai, others

    From the Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) came yesterday a directive to   Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and other opposition leaders planning to join the party:  follow due process.

    The chairmen said that new members can only be admitted  from their wards.

    Arising from an inaugural meeting of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory  (FCT) Chairmen in Abuja yesterday, the forum said there will be no sacred or preferential treatment for  new joiners.

    Last month former Kaduna State governor, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai through his X handle  announced his membership of the SDP, a move the Kaduna State chapter of the party disowned.

    The party stated that he is not a recognised member .

    It’s  Assistant National Secretary (North West) , Idris Inuwa, at a news conference said El-Rufai’s entry into the party remained a rumour as he was yet to follow due process.

    Welcoming new members  after its meeting, the Chairman of the forum and Lagos State Chairman,  Femi Olaniyi said the forum resolved to welcome the influx of new members, including prominent politicians from across the country but gave conditions to be fulfilled .

    Outlining the conditions, Olaniyi said: “New members will be admitted and registered through the party’s internal structures, led by the  Chairmen”,” adding that “new members cannot admit or register themselves as members of the party.”

    On the ongoing moves by some opposition elements to join the party ahead of 2027, the SDP sub-national leaders warned that “democratically elected structures of the SDP at the state and National levels must not be truncated or dissolved to appease new joiners or at the whims of any individuals or interests. Elected officials should be allowed to serve out their terms.

    Admitting that the merger talks with the party may warrant some structural adjustments to accommodate new members, the state chairmen warned that fundamental issues such as changes to the party’s name, logo, insignia, slogan, or any drastic alterations to the party’s Constitution or Manifesto must not be undertaken lightly.

    Read Also: Peter Obi, El-Rufai turn to TikTok for 2027

    According to them, such issues and changes should be thoroughly discussed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party before any action is taken.

    The state chairmen also demanded that consultative and democratic cultures of the party must be maintained and engaged in all decision-making.

    This, they argued was “to ensure that the party is open to all Nigerians fairly and transparently and equitably for all legitimate aspirations without subsuming the SDP under the ambitions of individuals, sections or groupings or parochial interests.”

    Asked if not threatened of a possible hijack by the opposition heavyweights coming into the party, Olaniyi said the forum is more concerned about certain impostors creating chaos in the party.

    “We are not afraid anybody will hijack our party. We are welcoming the influence of new members into the party. But we don’t want those manipulators, especially from APC, PDP or Labour Party, to do a kangaroo registration for them.

    “We acknowledge that some structural adjustment may be necessary. So we are going to harmonize and see how we can go about it. If you are bringing 30,000 people to my 40,000 structure, I cannot expect to have the chairman and secretary.

    “But we must go with it in a very rightful manner and allow the internal mechanism to decide the situation.”

    The forum  passed vote of confidence in  the Shehu Musa Gabam-led National Working Committee  (NWC). They also hailed  members nationwide for their outstanding efforts in building and positively repositioning the party.

  • Go to your wards to join our party, SDP state chairmen tell Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai 

    Go to your wards to join our party, SDP state chairmen tell Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai 

    The Forum of State Chairmen of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has directed prominent opposition figures, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, to adhere to due process if they wish to join the party, emphasizing that new members must be admitted through their respective wards.

    Following its inaugural meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the forum, comprising chairmen from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), insisted there would be no preferential treatment for any new entrants.

    Last month, former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, announced via his X handle that he had joined the SDP. However, the Kaduna State chapter of the party disowned the claim, stating he was not a recognized member. 

    SDP Assistant National Secretary (North West), Idris Inuwa, further clarified at a press conference that El-Rufai had yet to complete the necessary registration process.

    Addressing journalists after the meeting, the forum’s chairman and Lagos State SDP Chairman, Hon. Femi Olaniyi, welcomed the influx of new members, including notable politicians. 

    However, he stressed that all new members must comply with the party’s internal structures, which are led by state chairmen.

    “New members will be admitted and registered through the party’s internal structures, led by the State Chairmen,” Olaniyi stated. “No individual can self-admit or register as a member of the party.”

    Regarding ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, the SDP leaders warned that the party’s democratically elected structures at the state and national levels must not be dismantled or altered to accommodate new entrants. 

    They insisted that elected officials should be allowed to complete their terms without interference.

    Admitting that the merger talks with the party may warrant some structural adjustments to accommodate new members, the state chairmen warned that fundamental issues such as changes to the party’s name, logo, insignia, slogan, or any drastic alterations to the party’s Constitution or Manifesto must not be undertaken lightly. 

    Read Also: Peter Obi, El-Rufai turn to TikTok for 2027

    According to them, such issues and changes should be thoroughly discussed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party before any action is taken.

    The state chairmen also demanded that consultative and democratic cultures of the party must be maintained and engaged in all decision-making.

    This, they argued was “to ensure that the party is open to all Nigerians fairly and transparently and equitably for all legitimate aspirations without subsuming the SDP under the ambitions of individuals, sections or groupings or parochial interests.”

    Asked if not threatened of a possible hijack by the opposition heavyweights coming into the party, Olaniyi said the forum is more concerned about certain impostors creating chaos in the party.

    “We are not afraid anybody will hijack our party. We are welcoming the influence of new members into the party. But we don’t want those manipulators, especially from APC, PDP or Labour Party, to do a kangaroo registration for them.

    “We acknowledge that some structural adjustment may be necessary. So we are going to harmonize and see how we can go about it. If you are bringing 30,000 people to my 40,000 structure, I cannot expect to have the chairman and secretary. 

    “But we must go with it in a very rightful manner and allow the internal mechanism to decide the situation.”

    The forum then passed vote of confidence on the Shehu Musa Gabam-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. They also commend party members nationwide for their outstanding efforts in building and positively repositioning the party.

  • Peter Obi, El-Rufai turn to TikTok for 2027

    Peter Obi, El-Rufai turn to TikTok for 2027

    As Nigeria continues to embrace the digital age, social media platforms have transformed how citizens interact with public and private institutions as well as prominent personalities.

    For example, with over 2.8 million followers, Dino Melaye is the most followed Nigerian politician on Instagram. He is closely followed by Bola Tinubu who has 1.1 million followers and Prof Yemi Osinbajo who has 997K followers. Others are Peter Obi with 933 thousand followers and Governor Babajidr Sanwo-Olu – with 882K thousand followers, among others.

    In the past few weeks, TikTok has become a powerful stage and a fleeting spotlight for many politicians. Two prominent politicians — Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai — captured the hearts of many Nigerians, especially youths from the Northern and Southern bases on TikTok.

    TikTok is very popular with young audiences – and Nigerians are no exception. It appears to be the most popular social media platform in Nigeria. It has continued to gain dominance by the day, and is gradually diverting young Nigerians from other social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Over time, TikTok just like other social media platforms have also played undeniable roles in spreading the popularity of viral slangs/phrases and footage. In particular, TikTok creators hold live sessions, and as such, the platform is no stranger to the whirlwind of trending topics, memes, and heated debates that define it.

    Read Also: What to know about wanted socialite Achimugu

    Days after former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai created a TikTok account, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), followed suit.

    El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), argued that he created the TikTok page to engage Nigerians on political issues and his new party’s activities.

    El-Rufai in the past few weeks has been vocal on X (formerly Twitter). His screen buzzes with the unrelenting flow of tweets, each competing for attention.

    His TikTok page gained significant traction within 24 hours. At the time of this report, he had amassed over 200,000 followers.

    For Obi, the 63-year-old stated that he opened the account as part of his commitment to nation-building. As of the time of filing this report, the account had gained over 10k followers. Obi’s announcement video had garnered 30K views, 6K likes, and 2K comments.

    There are several TikTok accounts, including parody accounts of President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other politicians which appears to be personally managed by their comms team or they were created and operated by their loyalists.

    The duo — Obi and El-Rufai, joining TikTok, illustrate how the power of ordinary citizens, armed with smartphones and social media, can drive significant change and hold those in power and their leaders accountable.

  • El-Rufai not our member – Kaduna SDP

    El-Rufai not our member – Kaduna SDP

    The Kaduna chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating that he is not a recognised member of the party. 

    The founding member of the All Progressives Congress(APC)dumped the ruling party for the SDP.

    The former Governor cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for the decision.

    El-Rufai said:”As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC. Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics.”

    However, at a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, the SDP’s Assistant National Secretary, Northwest Zone, Idris Inuwa, emphasised that El-Rufai’s entry into the party remained a rumour because he was yet to follow due process.

    “It has come to our notice that certain individuals, including Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, are being rumored to have joined the SDP. However, neither the Chairman of the Kaduna North Local Government Chapter in Kaduna State, nor the leadership of Unguwar Sarki ward, has any record of these memberships,” Inuwa said.

    Inuwa advised El-Rufai and his cohorts to follow proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party.

    “We advise him and any other interested individuals to follow the proper procedures if they wish to officially become members of the party,” he said.

    Read Also: El-Rufai’s back-duty accounting

    Inuwa also rejected the purported dissolution of the Kaduna State Working Committee of the SDP, stating that it is unconstitutional and an affront to the principles of due process and internal democracy.

    “The Kaduna State Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) categorically rejects the purported dissolution of the State Working Committee as contained in a letter from the National Secretariat dated 25 February, 2025,” Inuwa said.

    Inuwa emphasised that the Kaduna State Executive Committee is a product of a duly conducted State Congress and holds a four-year mandate that remains valid and binding.

    He added that the SDP constitution clearly outlines the process and procedure for dissolving a State Executive Committee, which includes initiating an investigation, setting up a committee, and providing fair hearing in a transparent manner.

    “The Kaduna State Executive Committee is the legitimate outcome of a duly conducted State Congress, reflecting the will of the party members and adhering strictly to the party’s constitutional provisions. This body holds a four-year mandate that remains valid, binding, and legally recognized throughout its tenure.

    “The SDP constitution state very clearly the process and procedure to follow in dissolving a State Exco; which includes but limited to initiating an investigation, setting up committee, providing fair hearing in a transparent manner before a decision is taken; none of this was done-only the resort to the illegal unilateral letter of dissolution,” Inuwa said.

    Inuwa emphasised that the Kaduna State SDP remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to the established procedures.

    “While we recognize the growing interest of individuals and groups in joining the SDP, we emphasize that there are well-defined guidelines and constitutional provisions governing membership admission. The State Executive Council (Exco) remains open and welcoming to all prospective members who adhere to these established procedures,” he added.