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Tag: Makinde

  • Pro-Wike PDP NEC expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Bode George, others

    Pro-Wike PDP NEC expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Bode George, others

    …dissolves Oyo, Bauchi, Ekiti, Lagos, others

    A factional National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the expulsion of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, alongside Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, and several others for alleged anti-party activities.

    The committee also sanctioned the dissolution of the State Executive Councils in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti States.

    These decisions were reached during the party’s 103rd NEC meeting held on Tuesday at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.

    Presenting the memo recommending the expulsions, the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, said the affected members were sanctioned for allegedly disregarding court judgments, a conduct he described as bringing the party into disrepute.

    The communique of the meeting was read by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    It reads, “The National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 18 November 2025 to address recent developments affecting the unity, stability, and constitutional order of our Party. At a time when Nigerians look to the PDP for leadership, NEC convened to uphold truth, justice, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

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    “NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending a purported and unauthorized convention. This act triggered confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and legislators nationwide.

    “NEC reaffirmed that the PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity.

    “NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the Party into disrepute.

    NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following: Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel, and Emmanuel Enorden.

    “NEC further resolved that Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024. These actions are taken to preserve order and discipline within the Party. NEC also ratified Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East).

    “NEC ratified the dissolution of State Excos in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti. The NWC is directed to constitute caretaker committees and begin fresh congresses immediately, while the Edo State Exco, led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva has been approved.

    “NEC directed Deputies in all National Working Committee positions now vacant owing to expulsion to assume the substantive positions in acting capacity and function as NWC members.

    “NEC also formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

    “NEC directed the legal team and NWC to commence immediate constitutional action to recover seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

    “NEC approved a Party-wide reconciliation initiative to heal divisions and rebuild trust, while ensuring that reconciliation does not undermine discipline. A nationwide membership audit and revalidation will begin ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “NEC acknowledged the anxieties among members but assures the Party faithful that these decisions are aimed at stabilising and strengthening the PDP.

    “The NEC affirms that the era of indiscipline is over. The PDP will not bow to lawlessness or personal ambition.

    “With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle.”

    Earlier in their opening remarks, the BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, urged the party members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP will surmount its problems.

  • JUST IN: Turaki, Govs Makinde, Mohammed tear gassed as Wike arrives PDP Secretariat

    JUST IN: Turaki, Govs Makinde, Mohammed tear gassed as Wike arrives PDP Secretariat

    Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tanimu Turaki were part of a crowd tear gassed by police operatives to disperse a crowd of supporters at the PDP National Secretariat on Tuesday. 

    The Governors and Turaki were denied access to Wadata House by Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led faction, which manned the main gate. 

    As the gathering became rowdy, police operatives fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police fire tear gas, disperse crowd at PDP secretariat

    But the gate was thrown wide open when FCT Minister Nyesom Wike arrived the Wadata House. 

    Details shortly…

  • Makinde to present 2026 Budget proposal Nov. 24

    Makinde to present 2026 Budget proposal Nov. 24

    • Lagos Assembly receives Sanwo-Olu’s request to present 2026 budget

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly on Monday.

    The 2026 Budget Estimate will be the seventh Appropriation Bill presented to the lawmakers by the governor since his election as the governor in 2019.

    Recall that the state government held series of stakeholders’ consultative and engagement meetings on the 2026 Budget across the seven zones of the state a few weeks ago, with a view to engaging residents in their expectations for 2026 Budget.

    The state’s Executive Council, Ministries, Departments and Agencies concluded the Treasury Board Meeting on the Budget estimate yesterday, with the governor set to present the same to legislators next week.

    Lagos State House of Assembly has received formal notice from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu requesting to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

    The Clerk, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, read the governor’s letter during yesterday’s plenary session.

    He said the governor asked the Assembly to set a suitable date for the budget presentation.

    Onafeko noted that the letter initiated the legislative process for the 2026 Budget.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Govs Makinde, Fintiri, Mohammed, Lawal arrive PDP convention

    He added that the governor was proposing a N4.237 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

    During the plenary, the House also nullified the nomination of Mrs Adebisi Adelabu as General Manager of the Lagos State Parking Authority.

    Presenting the screening report, Committee Chairman Mr Mojeed Fatai said Adelabu had served in the role since 2021 without appearing for confirmation.

    He said the breach of legislative procedure informed the committee’s recommendation for nullification.

    The House adopted the recommendation in line with Section 92 of the Lagos State Transport Reform Law.

    However, the Assembly confirmed two other nominees for key positions in the state administration.

    Mrs Khadijat Adeyemo was confirmed as Executive Secretary of Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission.

    Mrs Adebayo Adepoju was confirmed as Chairman of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.

    Speaker Mudashiru Obasa praised the committee for its thorough work.

    He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to due process, accountability, and the proper screening of public office nominees.

  • How Makinde, others outsmarted Fintiri, Muftwang over Wike’s expulsion

    How Makinde, others outsmarted Fintiri, Muftwang over Wike’s expulsion

    The decision to expel FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu and others from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during Saturday’s national convention was kept a secret from Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri and his Plateau counterpart, Caleb Muftwang, the Nation learnt on Monday evening. 

    Fintiri, who was the chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee and Muftwang, immediately dissociated themselves from the decision, which took them unaware. 

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    A source close to the party told The Nation that the plot was already hatched before the delegates arrived Ibadan but kept away from the two Governors for fear that they may work against it. 

    “Fintiri is Wike’s friend and they know that he has been playing double game all through. But they needed him to be at the convention. If they had told him, of their plans, the fear was he would not have agreed to go along with the plan and the tendencies that he would not have been at the convention was there. 

    “Muftwang on the other hand owes Wike. Don’t forget that all PDP lawmakers from Plateau State lost out due to internal crisis in the party. He lost at the tribunal and Appeal Court.

    “That is why they immediately distanced themselves from the expulsion. They did not know about it until the motion was moved by Chief Bode George. As you know, the National Convention is the highest organ of the party.”

  • Convention will bring turn around, say Makinde, Damagum

    Convention will bring turn around, say Makinde, Damagum

    Oyo Governor and host of the 2025 Elective National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Seyi Makinde and the factional National Chairman Illiya Damagum have called for calm.among the delegates as the voting comes underway.

    The duo made the appeal in a remark while addressing the delegates at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan on Saturday.

    Damagun, who appealed to the delegates for starting the Convention late, enjoined the delegates to stay calm as they go about the business of the day.

    He said it was an honour for the delegates to have travelled from far places all over Nigeria to be part of the convention, saying the decision shows their commitment to the party.

    He also urged the delegates to be peaceful in their conductwhile thanking the National Convention Organising Committee and host Governor for the efforts out in place to organise the Convention.

    He acknowledged all the BOT members, governors, leaders and members present at the Convention having arrived since Friday.

    He noted that the large turnout and presence of the youths and women at hteh Convention shows that the party belongs to the youths and women, thanking them for coming.

    He declared the 2025 Elective National Convention opened.

    Makinde assured that the Convention will be remembered as the one that brought about the turn around in the party nationally.

    He also urged the delegates to take advantage of the visit to the state to have a feel of the cuisine and hospitality that the state is known for.

  • Makinde unveils GSM bus terminal, 30-buses

    Makinde unveils GSM bus terminal, 30-buses

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has lauded transformation of state-owned Pacesetter Transport Services, following acquisition of 30 intercity buses in partnership with Leyland Nigeria, inauguration of a CNG station in partnership with Atlas Core Nigeria and launching of Seyi Makinde Bus terminal.

    The development underscores the state ’s commitment to modernising public transport infrastructure, promoting sustainable energy, and enhancing efficiency of interstate, intra-and-intercity travel.

    Makinde hailed management of Pacesetter, led by Dr. Dikko Salami, for its approach to public transport.

    He said the introduction of CNG-powered buses aligns with his government’s goals of environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.

    “The buses and CNG station are not just vehicles or facilities; they represent a cleaner, smarter, and more reliable future for Oyo State,” he said.

    “We are setting the pace in public transport and demonstrating how innovation and sustainability can drive our economy forward.”

    The station, first in the state, will provide affordable and eco-friendly fuelling alternative for Pacesetter buses.

    The initiative will reduce operational costs, encourage adoption of cleaner energy, and lower transport costs.

    Read Also: Investor backs Wike’s reforms, urges diaspora Nigerians to replicate master communities at home

    In addition, the governor also launched the terminal named after him. Strategically located in Pacesetter’s headquarters, the terminal features modern amenities, including VVIP and VIP lounges, ticketing boot, waiting areas, and others to enhance commuter comfort and convenience.

    Makinde said the terminal is a demonstration of the administration’s focus on world-class service delivery, efficiency, and passenger comfort.

    He praised Salami, noting Pacesetter’s initiatives under him have brought innovation to the state transport system.

    “The efforts of the team, particularly under Chairman Dikko Salami, are laudable. They have enhanced public transport infrastructure and created a legacy that will benefit generations,” the governor said.

    Salami lauded Makinde’s leadership and support, acknowledging that the governor’s commitment to modern, safe, and sustainable public transport provided the enabling environment for the developments.

    “We are grateful to the governor for believing in the potential of Pacesetter and for providing the resources and political will to make these projects a reality,” Dikko said.

  • Halt demolition of properties for circular road, Oyo APC urges Makinde

    Halt demolition of properties for circular road, Oyo APC urges Makinde

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to halt demolition of properties belonging to citizens in some parts of Ibadan.

    According to the party, only stoppage of the demolition can forestall imminent revolt against Makinde’s administration by victims and other residents.

    A statement by APC Publicity Secretary in Oyo state, Olawale Sadare, faulted the defense put forward by the Makinde administration as justification for the encroachment on some Federal Government facilities and properties spread across the Ibadan and Saki.

    Sadare said: “The lamentations coming from the victims of the ongoing demolition of citizens’ properties along the road stretch anticipated for the Ibadan Circular Road Project are so deafening that no sensitive government should ignore. 

    “Property owners express their frustrations everywhere around Ibadan and on social media as lives are being lost on account of disappointment and shock Gov. Makinde seems not bothered or concerned.

    “To make the matter worse, the state government has not been able to convince the whole world on why it must render several thousands of families homeless just because a 110km road project is to be delivered. 

    “Questions have been asked regarding what the governor planned to do with the over 500,000 plots of land being forcefully taken from the rightful owners majority of whom are poor citizens but there are no answers coming from the government.

    “Now that the citizens are being pushed to the wall, it is natural that people would consider the self help option. The signals are so loud that mammoth crowd of victims should be taken for granted again. 

    “We do not want any crisis in our dear state and this is why we are appealing to Gov. Makinde to reduce the set back or corridor on the road to 100metres as against the 500metres (on both sides) being implemented. 

    “In case of any protest, Gov. Makinde should know that beleaguered residents with bottled up anger against his administration would join hands and the results might be pleasant. 

    “Apart from individuals whose lands have been grabbed by the agents of the state government in the last six years, we have traders and business across major markets, in Ibadan, who have been shortchanged in one or the other and this set of people would want to take full advantage of the situation. Therefore, Gov. Makinde must act fast and address the issue immediately.”

  • Ibadan North Bye-election: Makinde engages SAN, 13 others to defend PDP, Folajimi at Tribunal

    Ibadan North Bye-election: Makinde engages SAN, 13 others to defend PDP, Folajimi at Tribunal

    Governor Seyi Makinde, has engaged services of some lawyers, led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Tunji Ogunrinde, to defend the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s candidate in last August 16, 2025 House of Representatives by-election in Ibadan North federal constituency at the election petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan.

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) filed a petition before the tribunal challenging emergence of PDP candidate, Hon. Sunday Oyekunle Folajimi as the winner of the election.

    In the petition with the suit number:EPT/OY/HR/01/2025, the SDP is praying that the election and return of Hon. Folajimi as member representing Ibadan North federal constituency is vitiated by non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.

    Read Also: We’re unlocking prosperity, saving for tomorrow, says Governor Makinde

    The party also prayed the tribunal to cancel the bye election and conduct fresh or supplementary election in the affected polling units of the federal constituency.

     Ogunrinde in his reply to the petition, filed a notice of pleminirary objection challenging the competence of the petition for petitioner’s failure to comply with extant position of the Electoral Act 2022.

    He prayed the tribunal to dismiss the petition with substantial cost as same is baseless, gold-digging, frivolous, vexatious, petty and lacks merit.

    At the resumed hearing, on Wednesday 15th of October, 2025, the Tribunal sought for the cooperation of all parties, including counsels and the court further adjourned to Thursday 16th of March, 2025.

  • APC chieftain slams Governor Makinde

    APC chieftain slams Governor Makinde

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Oyedele Alao, has slammed Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent criticism of Minister of Works David Umahi of ‘dancing around the cost’ on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

    He described Makinde’s remarks as hypocrisy, alleging the governor must first account for his inflated road contracts before attacking anyone at the federal level.

    A statement by Alao, an engineer, said the costs of roads by Makinde’s administration defied logic, accusing him of turning road construction into a cash-draining adventure that had produced some of the highest cost-per-kilometre projects.

    Read Also: Makinde gets kudos for creating ministry

    He said: “These are not rumours; these are the governor’s own public figures. No civilised state should pay such outrageous sums without a clear Bill of Quantities or cost justification. Governor Makinde should publish the contracts.

    “Oyo people deserve to know where their money is going. Until the governor opens his books, he has no moral ground to lecture the Federal Government on transparency or efficiency.

     “As an engineer, I think the governor has an explanation to make on the roads and other infrastructural projects his administration has embarked on since 2019, most especially when the government has claimed it completed 14 road projects, totalling 224.32 kilometres between May 2023 and May 2025.

    “Leadership is by example, not about grandstanding or media drama. Makinde should clean up his own administration before pointing accusing fingers at others. The people of Oyo State are watching, and history will not be kind to those who squander public trust.”

  • Oyo APC chieftain slams Makinde over comments on Lagos-Calabar highway project

    Oyo APC chieftain slams Makinde over comments on Lagos-Calabar highway project

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Oyedele Hakeem Alao, popularly known as “Allow Alao,” has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde over his recent comments accusing the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of “dancing around the cost” of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

    Alao described Makinde’s remarks as hypocritical, arguing that the governor should first explain his own administration’s inflated road contract costs before casting aspersions on federal projects.

    In a statement, Alao alleged that the cost of road projects executed by the Makinde administration “defies logic,” describing them as some of the most expensive per kilometre in Nigeria’s history.

    He said, “How can a governor who spends between ₦285 million and ₦7 billion per kilometre on state roads accuse others of waste? It is the height of double standards and moral bankruptcy. These are not rumours; these are the governor’s own public figures. No civilized state should pay such outrageous sums without a clear Bill of Quantities or cost justification. Governor Makinde should publish the contracts or keep quiet.”

    Read Also: Makinde gets kudos for creating ministry

    The APC chieftain also recalled controversies surrounding other state projects, including the ₦5.5 billion reportedly spent on the remodeling of the Lekan Salami Stadium, which flooded during its commissioning and has since deteriorated.

    Alao further accused the governor of poor accountability, citing the ₦63.4 billion earmarked for the renovation of the Government House, of which ₦131.75 million was approved solely for the hiring of professional gardeners.

    He challenged Makinde to publish full details of all contracts, including Bills of Quantities, contractor names, and payment schedules, to ensure transparency and public accountability.

    “Oyo people deserve to know where their money is going. Until the governor opens his books, he has no moral ground to lecture the Federal Government on transparency or efficiency.

     “As an engineer, I think the governor has an explanation to make on all the roads and other infrastructural projects his administration has constructed since 2019, and most especially when the government has claimed that it completed 14 road projects totaling 224.32 kilometers between May 2023 and May 2025”.

    “Leadership is by example, not about grandstanding or media drama. Makinde should clean up his own administration before pointing fingers at others. The people of Oyo State are watching, and history will not be kind to those who squander public trust.”