Tag: PDP governors

• Ex-Jigawa governor threatens legal action

• ‘Turaki fit to lead party’

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has taken on governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over their adoption of Minister for Special Duties Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as consensus chairmanship candidate.

The governors last week announced the decision, which has sparked controversy, ahead of the November 15 Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Sule chided the PDP governors for excluding him from the contest, saying that they had breached the time-tested procedure for leadership recruitment.

He threatened legal action should the party decline to sell a nomination form to him.

“They (governors) met me in PDP, for God’s sake. All of them met me in PDP. Where were they in 1998 (when the PDP was formed)? Where were they when we fought for the party all through the last 25 years? Don’t bring up issues that are very, very divisive. I don’t want to lose my composure,” Lamido told reporters at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja yesterday.

The former Foreign Affairs minister is one of the founders of the PDP. He was a leader of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the Second Republic and National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), the party that produced the late Chief Moshood Abiola, during the aborted Third Republic.

Lamido accused the PDP governors of deliberately excluding him from the chairmanship race in favour of Turaki.

He said last week, when a meeting of the Northwest zonal leaders was fixed for Wednesday in Abuja, the governors met the previous day and announced Turaki’s choice as the consensus candidate.

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Yesterday at the national secretariat of the party, his attempt to purchase the nomination form met a brick wall.

The office of the National Organising Secretary, where he expected to pick up the form, was locked.

I will sue if denied form, says Lamido

Lamido said he was shocked to learn that the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature,  was unaware of the number of forms printed for sale.

Dismissing Turaki’s endorsement as a consensus candidate as a ruse, he said, “If I am not able to get the form, I will go to court. Simple.

  “We are now going into a convention, and by the party constitution, sales of forms are normally at the party headquarters. I came here to purchase my own form. That’s why I’m here.

“I went to the office of the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, which is normally the office where the forms are sold, and the office was locked. I think it was officially locked because of his own position. So, I met him with the Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. I said, Look, I’m here to buy the form.

“Both of them said they had no idea where the forms are, not even how they were printed or the kind of forms that were printed, and they had no idea where they were being sold. So, I found it a little bit weird that the custodian of the system, who is the National Organising Secretary, is also being locked out because I’m coming in. So, they may not be able to go into the office.

‘”I went to the Secretary of the Party, and the two of them were there. They said, ‘Look, we have no idea what is happening about the party nomination, sales of the form, or even how they are printed, or the kind of forms. So, I’m now stranded”.

Lamido, who rubbished the Turaki consensus, said: “Consensus? If there are consultations, there can be consensus. But if there are no consultations, then, we are not united on board. I mean, the zone where I come from, we never met.

“We were supposed to meet on Wednesday, and the Governor of Zamfara State (Dauda Lawal) booked a hall at Transcorp Hilton for us from the Northwest to meet and come up with some kind of understanding.

“But to pre-empt our meeting, they fixed a meeting for Tuesday. So, we never met. The zone never met. That’s the problem. But it’s not the last one.”

Put your house in order

Lamido said the PDP should put its house in order to make a headway in future elections.

He stressed: “The PDP should be able to organise its own house to run the party based on the policies of the party, doing the right thing at all times. The only way we can win is by having a party that is disciplined party. If the party is not organised, if we don’t follow our own constitution and procedures, how do we win elections?

“How will a non-united party even win elections? So, you see, my main concern is getting the PDP properly restored into a stable, united family that will be able to stay focused on the bigger picture ahead — saving Nigeria and Nigerians from the APC.”

The former governor also said he was not aware of the announcement by the National Convention Organising Committee that it had taken over activities leading to the convention

He said: “It has been extended. In any case, all decisions of the party must be made by the NEC. You know, any change of date or time must be approved by the NEC. But somehow, I think the entire function of the NEC has been taken over by individuals. And therefore, we’ll find out how it’s going to work out.

“I’m an optimist. You know, it’s a family thing. We’ll never fight, no matter what, because we want to win the election. If we fight, we’ll lose. You know, our opponents are outside — APC. APC, not PDP. So, if you don’t have an organised house with a very organised force, how do you fight it out? So, please bear with us. Yes, it’s a family problem.

Lamido also objected to the hasty screening of aspirants, saying, “We have something called procedure and a system of doing things. Why the rush? Why this kind of cunny cunny thing, that kind of thing? It’s a family thing, for God’s sake.

But the screening, initially planned for today, has been postponed indefinitely.

“All right? I can only contest if I buy the form. I cannot buy the form, which is to be sold by the National Organising Secretary, and he is locked up.

“I went to the Secretary of the party, and they had no idea where the forms had been sold. I was told they are now under the control of the Governor of Adamawa. So, for me to buy the form, I have to go to Adamawa and buy the form?

 He dismissed the insinuation that the PDP governors sidelined him because of his closeness to senior figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Anyanwu, Bature: we don’t know anything about the sale of forms

Anyanwu and Umar said they knew nothing about the sale of forms, adding that their constitutional functions had been taken over by the convention committee.

 Anyanwu, who said he has an ambition to contest for a position, emphasised that he does not know the number and colour of forms printed for the convention.

The Secretary said he was only aware that the zoning committee said all positions in the North should remain in the North and those in the South should remain in the South.

He therefore dismissed the micro-zoning of the Secretary to the Southwest.

Anyanwu insisted that his signature was forged in the letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the date of the convention in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, adding that the matter is currently being investigated.

He vowed that those responsible for the forgery would be brought to book.

Bature also insisted that he was not aware of the printing and sales of forms for any elective position, although it is the responsibility of his office to sell forms for elective positions.

Screening suspended

The National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) has put on hold the screening of aspirants for the elective National Convention, earlier scheduled to hold today, due to unforeseen circumstances.

The chairman of the committee, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, said in a statement that a new date would be communicated.

He said: The NCOC regrets any inconveniences caused by the postponement. All Aspirants and members of our party should note the foregoing and be guided accordingly.

“The NCOC remains committed to delivering a credible, hitch-free 2025 Elective National Convention on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November 2025 in Ibadan,   Oyo State.”

Turaki campaign team: there was consultation on consensus

The Turaki Campaign Team dismissed Lamido’s claim that the consensus option was not a product of wide consultation..

The leader of the team, Alhaji Umar Sani, who spoke with reporters shortly after submitting Turaki’s nomination form, said the consultations were not restricted to the Northwest

He said Lamido, who was at the PDP National Secretariat to pick the nomination form, failed to follow to right procedure, adding that he went to the wrong place.

Sani said Turaki was not afraid of any contest,  adding that he does not belong to any of the factions tearing apart the party.

He said: “First, let me say that today is not a day for selling forms. Today is a day for the submission of forms. So if Sule Lamido went to Wadata looking for forms, he went to the wrong place, because the party has stipulated which day you are supposed to go and buy forms, and which day you are supposed to submit the forms. So, we have just submitted our own.

“If they don’t have it at Wadata House, we have no business with that. Our own business is that we bought the form, we have filled the form, we have followed all due process, and we have submitted the form. It is the responsibility of the PDP to explain to you. It is not our responsibility. Ours is to contest, and we are contesting.”

On how Turaki got the form, Sani said: “The party has the powers, in line with the latest judgment of the Supreme Court, to decide how it wants to run its own internal affairs. So, how we got the form is immaterial. We have gotten the form, and we are contesting.”

Emphasising that there was consultation on consensus, he said: “As a student of history, I am sure you are aware of how the PDP has been handling its own affairs, right from the time of Solomon Lar to date.

“I was the first Administrative Secretary of the PDP in Kaduna State in 1998. I will let you know that apart from Solomon Lar, whom the G34 nominated to serve for only one year, to put the party on a sound footing, all other party chairmen were not exclusive of either the President or the Governors. All of them.

“Banabas Gemade was the product of Obasanjo. Audu Ogbe was the product of Obasanjo. Ahmadu Ali was the product of Obasanjo. Vincent Ogbulafor was Yar’adua’s choice. The next person who was the choice of Jonathan was Bamanga Tukur. Adamu Mu’azu was chosen by Jonathan.

“When Adamu Muazu resigned, we all knew that Wike and Fayose brought Ali Modu Sheriff. After Sheriff, it was in Port Harcourt, I was there, when Babangida Aliyu, who was not even from our zone, nominated Makarfi, and he was made a Caretaker Committee Chair. After that, Uche Secondus was brought by Wike, and Iyorcha Ayu was brought by Samuel Ortom and Wike.

“So, the governors have an interest in the party. It is not about meeting in the Northwest, or whatever. The Chief Stakeholder in the North West, who is the Governor of Zamfara State, has aligned himself with the choice, which is very important.

“Consultations have been done because there was a meeting. It was not something that was announced. A meeting was held with all the relevant stakeholders in all the states in the North, adequately represented.

“The Governor of Zamfara State was there, the Governor of Adamawa State, Fintri, was there. I’m sure most of you know the meeting. So, I don’t have to even spoon-feed you with the information. And in that meeting, even the Governor of Taraba, who was not there, was represented by a Senator.

“So, they were all there, and the candidates were all there. They were asked to go and reconcile themselves. Why is Ibrahim Shekarau not arguing? He was also a contestant, and they were asked to go and reconcile among themselves. They came back and said they have left the choice to the governors, anybody they choose, they are okay with it.

“The governors went, held a brief meeting, and came back and said they have selected Turaki as the consensus candidate, and nobody present raised a finger in objection, nobody objected in the decision taken at the meeting.

“Why is it that it’s after the meeting that people are going all about shouting? I think that is very unfair to Turaki. He didn’t choose himself.

“Turaki is not afraid of anybody. He has not defected from the PDP. He knows the internal workings of the PDP. Secondly, Turaki has been in this party for a very long time. He has never aspired to become a House of Representatives member, a Senator or a governor. He aspired to become President.

“Even when he aspired to become President and was defeated at the primaries in Porthacourt, he became the Director of Administration and Finance of the Presidential Campaign Council. So, he is very much aware that he has a responsibility. He has never run away from the party. He has never said that he would never attend any party meeting until somebody is removed.

“He has always been in the party and has always provided his contributions where needed, both legal, financial, and otherwise. Now, if he is vested with the powers to continue to run the affairs of the party, he will put the party on a sound footing because he is neutral.

“He is neither with Wike nor the Governor’s Forum. He is an independent-minded person, and we hope that he will bring his wealth of experience, which he has gathered over the years, both as a legal practitioner and as a former Minister of Special Duties.”

• Effort fruitless, party is dead, says Ganduje

• Wike to challenge dropping of Anyanwu as secretary

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders yesterday resolved to reorganise the platform  and fortify its structures ahead of 2027 general election.

To prevent further escalation of the protracted crisis, the party set up a seven-man reconciliation committee headed by former Senate President Bukola Saraki to chart the path of peace.

The committee is mandated to organise a hitch-free National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27.

Prominent PDP leaders, including Chairman of Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Board of Trustees (BoT) Senator Adolphus Wabara and former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, vowed to avert the collapse of the party.

But the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said PDP is irredeemable, adding that the party is already dead.

The party stalwarts converged on the national secretariat in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to inaugurate new BoT members and brainstorm on strategies for resolving the leadership crisis.

Many PDP leaders are leaving the party in droves to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party was further decimated by the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa,  and the entire PDP structure to the ruling party.

The three PDP senators from Kebbi State are slated to move to the APC this wee.

Also, fears are rife among party faithful that more chieftains may dump the party unless it puts its house in order by resolving the leadership logjam.

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PDP can’t die, says Mohammed

Mohammed, who spoke with reporters after the meeting, said the gale of defections that hit the party can neither diminish nor weaken it. It resolve to forge ahead.

He expressed optimism that the party would wax stronger and forge ahead to consolidate its position in states under its control.

Mohammed noted that  the defection is normal in a democratic setting, stressing that it had motivated the chieftains to come together to plan for the future.

He said: “This is what is forcing us to come together. Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure, at least, those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone.

“They will be able to produce next governors of the PDP by the grace of God, because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up.”

Mohammed said the meeting was summoned to reassure supporters that the “PDP is working, the PDP is united.”

He said in a bid to resolve the crises, the party reached out to former governors to tap from their experience.

Mohammed added: “Whatever suggestions or opinions they may have will go a long way in giving an added impetus to the actualisation of our NEC, and our convention that is scheduled to take place on specific days.”

Aknowledging some missing gaps in the party, he said: “We set up a committee of seven, headed by  the former Senate President and  former Governor of Kwara State (Saraki) to ensure quick reconciliation in such a manner that we will have a very rancour-free and harmonious NEC and convention.”

At the meeting were Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu State),   Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ademola Adeleke (Osun),  Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Seyi Makinde (Oyo)  and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature.

The meeting was also attended by former Governors Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Dickson (Bayelsa), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Samuel Ortom (Benue); Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Adamu Muazu (Bauchi), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom).

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former Rivers State Govenror,  Nyesom Wike was at meeting. Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno was absent.

It was not clear whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was invited to the meeting.

Saraki heads reconciliation panel

Other members of the seven-man ‘Strategic Committee on Way Forward,’ are Governors Lawal,  Muftwang, Mba,  Senators  Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Ikpeazu.

Saraki said: “We hope to do our best in delivering on the assignment given to us. “

He added: “We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on May 27 and by August, we will have an early convention.

“So many issues and reports have been made, and it is an opportunity to close ranks, and to make sure that at least, there is no ill-feeling. There are no qualms, there are no misgivings between the leaders of the party.

“Governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have been there before, who have more experience. Whatever suggestions or opinions they may have, will go a long way in giving an added impetus to the actualisation of our NEC, and our convention that is scheduled to take place on specific days.”

BoT members inaugurated

Wabara, who inaugurated the 39 new BoT members, said that they were nominated by the states and zones based on their dedication, experience and unwavering loyalty to the party.

The BoT chairman urged the new members to consider their appointments as a call to service and uphold the integrity, unity and vision of the party.

He added: “The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, we shall overcome.”

 Damagum, who was represented by the Acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, assured that the NWC would continue to support the board.

A BoT member, Jones Onyeriri, said that the composition of  the board was a reflection of the party’s strength.

“It isn’t a big problem for some people that are defecting to other parties; even Jesus Christ, at a time, had some of his disciples who defected.

“So, for me, it is a sign that we are nearer to our crown. We have taken over and still strong.

“Nobody is sabotaging the party. Please, trust me on this, as anyone that is doing that is already out of the party,” Onyeriri said.

Another BoT member, Eddy Olafeso, said: “With the quality of leadership and the heritage of the past, we can make Nigeria better than it is today.”

How to avert collapse, by Dickson

 Dickson warned that PDP can collapse, if the governors fail to reorganise the party.

He expressed hope that the governors and other party leaders would follow the resolutions reached at the meeting, show greater commitment to the party and galvanise party members and other Nigerians.

In a tweet, Dickson said: “I hope the governors who are the operational leaders of the party follow through with the resolutions. They need to work closely together, show greater commitment to the party, galvanize and mobilize party members and Nigerians generally.

“We did that under President Buhari, with all the intimidation and harassments, and even in a crippling recession, we did not bulge but kept the party alive, won elections and handed it over to them.”

Wike warns against dangerous miscalculations

Wike lamented that PDP has not learn from its 2023 miscalculations, which was responsible for its defeat.

He frowned at the decision that prevented Senator Sam Anyanwu from staying on as national secretary until the party holds a valid national convention.

The FCT minister, who spoke on television, said holding a NEC meeting without a valid secretary could jeopardize its existence because the Supreme Court had already set aside the appeal court judgment that sacked Anyanwu

Wike said: “I will challenge the outcome of any meeting of NEC held without Anyanwu serving as secretary.”

The minister said  the PDP should avoid the mistake of 2023 when it produced the National chairman and presidential candidate from the same region.

Warning against “exclusionary politics and internal manipulation,” Wike said: “If PDP doesn’t take care, watch out for what will happen because selfish interest can kill an organization. You haven’t won an election, but you are excluding people.

“You want to play the same game you played in 2023; it will backfire. I have told people that this smartness will not help you. Wike is telling you now to stop this smartness.”

The minister accused the PDP leadership of tolerating impunity and failing to function like a serious opposition party ready to challenge the  APC.

He said: “No opposition party allows impunity; it’s only the ruling party. Opposition is going to organize itself to take over the affairs of government. How many times have they made efforts? How many people have you wooed?

“Rather they are after Wike; they abandoned what they are supposed to do – the only crime is that Wike is a minister under APC government”.

Wike said Oborevwori and other Delta defectors calculated well before dumping the PDP.

He said: “When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his predecessor moving out of PDP to APC, what wrong did he do? That he said he was going to support Tinubu, that was the crime.

“But the Chairman of the BoT who is the conscience of the party adopted Otti for second tenure. Why are people not commenting about that? The Chairman of PDP BoT adopted Alex Otti, governor under Labour Party, for second tenure.”

Highlighting his own contributions to the party, Wike said; “I’m the only former governor who did not support the presidential candidate, but made sure PDP won 100 percent in the governorship, State Assembly and National Assembly. Let any sitting governor or former governor come out to say that happened in their states.”

 Wike, who described Okowa as a smart politician, said he was surprised that the PDP didn’t see his defection coming.

The minister said Okowa did not want to live in pretence, supporting President Bola Tinubu while still in PDP.

He said; “If you don’t show leadership, you suffer for it. “This is what I’ve been saying. When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his deputy and all his team moved out of PDP to APC. What? What wrong did he do?

“I’m surprised that PDP said they didn’t see it coming. I won’t call the names of the governors. I call them. I said, ‘listen the way things are going, I have warned you people’. You said they are governors. I have no problem. Let’s see what will happen.”

PDP already dead, says Ganduje

 Ganduje insisted that PDP is dead, urging its members to come to APC.

He rejected the claim by Lamido that the APC would soon disintegrate and the defectors would return to the PDP.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the APC Chairman,  Edwin Olofu, quoted Ganduje as saying that “the APC will soon receive Sule Lamido into its fold.”

He said the opposition would go into extinction by the end of the year due to the internal squabbles in the party.

Ganduje said: “It is evident to any discerning observer that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC continues to gain momentum, with prominent political figures across the country defecting to the party in large numbers,” the statement said.

“With such overwhelming national support, the APC remains focused on consolidating its achievements and preparing for a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections.”

“In fact we will soon receive Sule Lamido because very soon he won’t have where to go, the PDP is dead.”

Ganduje advised Lamido to focus on resolving the PDP’s internal crises instead of engaging in unfounded speculations.

All is set for an epic battle at the Supreme Court between the Federal Government and the 10 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The Federal Government has not only faulted the PDP governors action, it is challenging the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to entertain the suit.

It said the PDP governors have no locus standi to initiate the matter.

It has also said that the PDP  plaintiffs’ suit is “hypothetical, academic and speculative.”

It described the PDP states as busy-bodies because  the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State does not affect them or their governors.

It asked the highest court in the land to dismiss the case.

The government’s response,  dated May 9, was filed by 16 lawyers, including 10 Senior Advocates of Nigeria and their six colleagues.

Led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), others are Prof. Kanyinsola Ajayi (SAN), Jelili Abiodun Owonikoko(SAN),  Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Tijani A. Gazali(SAN), Babatunde Ogala (SAN), and Olawale Fapohunda(SAN).

Others in the team are Olumide Olujinmi (SAN), Akinyemi Olujinmi(SAN), Ademola Abimbola (SAN), Akinsola Olujinmi, Oluwole Ilori, Abdulwahab Abayomi, Mojeed Balogun,  Jideuche Ezi and Ramat Tijani.

The plaintiffs states are  Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara.

There were Indications that Delta State may withdraw from the matter because it is now a state of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Delta was part of the suit when it was under the control of the PDP.

The  government put forward five grounds of preliminary objection.

The pegs are:

● The original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution is exercisable only in a dispute between the Federation of Nigeria and a State or between States in so far as the dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact) on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends. The plaintiffs have not disclosed any dispute, let alone, a justiciable dispute, between the Federation and the Plaintiffs.

●The plaintiffs’ suit has not disclosed any cause of action

● The plaintiffs have no locus standi to institute this suit.

●The plaintiffs’ suit is hypothetical, academic and speculative

●The suit is an abuse of the process of court .

The Federal Government said: “The 1st defendant(the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) will at or before the trial of this case, raise the following preliminary objection against the competence of this suit notice of which is hereby given to the plaintiffs.

“The 1st defendant will preliminarily urge the Supreme Court to dismiss this suit on each of the following grounds.”

The Federal Government said there was no dispute to invoke original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

It accused the PDP governors of filing a pre-emptive suit to forestall a situation where the President would declare a state of emergency in their own states and suspend them from office.

It said based on speculation by them, a dispute has arisen, which is a false assumption by the PDP states.

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It said: “The contention of the 1st defendant (the Attorney-General of the Federation,  Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN) in this ground of objection is that this suit as composed does not fit into the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution which is exercisable only in a dispute between the Federation and a State or between States in so far as that dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact) on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.

“ The plaintiffs have not disclosed any dispute, let alone, a justiciable dispute, between the Federation and the plaintiff States. In support of this contention we rely on paragraphs 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the plaintiffs’ affidavit. The case made in those paragraphs by the plaintiffs can be summarized as follows:

(a)  that because a state of emergency had been declared before in Plateau and Ekiti States and now in Rivers State, the plaintiffs’ have filed this suit to forestall a situation where the President would declare a state of emergency in their own States and suspend them from office.

(b) that based on that speculation by them, a dispute has arisen which according to them is made manifest by a statement they credited to the 1st defendant at a press briefing in which he was said to have stated that it is Rivers State’s turn today, it can be anybody’s turn tomorrow. That the alleged statement of the 1st defendant amounts to an “imminent threat and present danger that the proclamation of a State of Emergency and suspension of their offices will be replicated in other States of the Federation including their own states.”

The Federal Government asked the apex court to take judicious notice that PDP states have false sense of “imminent threat and present danger” because  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

It also claimed that the main opposition party went into panic mode and instituted the suit because of a press  briefing by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,  Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

 The government said: “Submit, the following points are clearly deducible from paragraphs 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the plaintiff’s affidavit, viz:

●That the so-called dispute relied upon by the plaintiffs to predicate their suit relates to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the President and an alleged press briefing by the 1st defendant which together have led to the plaintiffs’ false sense of “imminent threat and present danger” that they may suffer a similar experience in the hands of the President and the Attorney General of the Federation, i.e. the 1st defendant herein. Submit, apart from the speculative nature of the plaintiff’s deposition, neither the President nor the 1st defendant or both of them together is synonymous with ‘Federation’ which is defined in Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution as amended to mean “the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. As prescribed in Section 2(1)(2) and Section 3 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Federation consists of 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory. That definition of Federation does not include the President or the 1st defendant, the Attorney General of the Federation. We humbly refer to A.G Federation v. A.G. Anambra (2018) 6 NWLR (PT. 1615) 314 at 338GH in which this court pointed out the differences between Federation or Federal Republic of Nigeria and Federal Government. The Supreme Court held at page 338E that the word Federation means Federal Republic of Nigeria, which presently consists of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory called Abuja. It follows that for a dispute to come within the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, the subject matter of the dispute must be a matter in which the interest of the Federation unit consisting of the interest of the 36 states and the FCT, is in issue.

● The term President is also defined in Section 318 to mean the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As also prescribed in Section 1501) of the 1999 Constitution, the Attorney General is the Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Minister of Government of the Federation. The power to declare a state of emergency in any pert of Nigeria is specifically vested in the President by section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as amended and not in the Federation and not the Attorney General of the Federation.

●Beyond any doubt therefore, the plaintiffs have not shown any dispute between them and the Federation. The complaint of the plaintiffs is directly against the President through the Attorney-General of the Federation who has been sued in this case as the 1st defendant. This much is clear from all the questions formulated by the plaintiffs and the reliefs they are seeking in their originating summons. As held by this Court in A.G. Lagos State v. A.G. Federation & Ors reported n (2014) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1412) 217 for the original jurisdiction to be properly activated, the dispute for adjudication must be between one of the States of Nigeria and the Federation of Nigeria. The Court held at page 270H to 271A-D as follows:

“From the interpretation of the provisions of section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution in the relevant cases referred to earlier in this judgment, it is quite clear that for this court to exercise its original jurisdiction under this section, the plaintiff’s action against the 1st defendant, this court has to be satisfied that the dispute for adjudication in the action is one between the plaintiff Lagos State of Nigeria as a constituent unit of the Federation of Nigeria and the Federation of Nigeria also as a distinct unit under the Constitution. The words used in Section 232(1) of the Constitution describing the parties are “the Federation”, ‘a State” and “States”. In other words, the dispute must be between the Federation and a State or between the Federation and more than one State or between a State or States in their capacities as members of the federating units of the Federation of Nigeria. The section in my view is not expected to provide avenue for the resolution of disputes between the Federal Government of Nigeria and a State Government of Nigeria or between a State Government and another State Government of Nigeria all of which ae only products of elections. Therefore, since the reliefs claimed by the plaintiff particularly the injunctive relief is against the Federal Government of Nigeria, its servants and its agencies, the relief not being against the Federation of Nigeria or any State or States of the Federation as constituent units of the Federation, is not within the purview of section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution to confer original jurisdiction on this court.” See also: A.G. Kano State v. A.G. Federation (2007) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1029) 164 at 182; A.G. Anambra State v. A.G. Federation (2007) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1047) 4 at 42; A.G. Abia State v. A.G. Federation (2007) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1029) 200; A.G. Ondo State v/ A.G. Federation (2002) 9 NWLR (Pt. 772) 222.

The government counsels said all the questions formulated by PDP states were directed at the actions of the President and not the, AGFand Minister of Justice.

The government said the plaintiffs’ application before the Supreme Court was incompetent.

It added: “In the same vein, all the questions formulated by the plaintiffs in their originating summons and all the reliefs they are seeking are directed at the actions of the President and the 1st defendant and not against the Federation of Nigeria.

“To that extent the plaintiffs’ suit is incompetent and same is liable to be dismissed preliminarily.”

The government also said the plaintiffs suit has not disclosed any cause of action.

It said: “The contention of the 1st defendant under this head of the preliminary objection is that the plaintiffs’ suit has not disclosed any cause of action which is a prerequisite for a plaintiff to initiate a suit in court.

“The Supreme Court in Onvekwasi v. R.T.C.M.Z.C (2011) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1243) 341 at 359H put it as follows: “There must be a cause of action before an intending litigant can seriously think of initiating proceedings in a court.

“ For the purpose of litigation, a cause of action has been comprehensively defined to entail the fact(s) or combination of fact(s) which gives se to a right to sue and it consists of two elements: the wrongful act of the defendant which gives the plaintiff his cause of complaint and the consequent damage. It is thus constituted by the aggregate or bundle of facts which the law will recognize as giving the plaintiff a substantive right to make a acclaim for remedy or relief against the defendant”.

“See also: Uwazaruonye v. Governor of Imo State & Ors (2013) 8 NWLR (Pt. 1355) 28 at 56H where this Court held that “a plaintiff has a cause of action when his pleadings reveal that there has been an infraction or trespass to his rights and obligations…….. It must be clearly seen in the plaintiff’s pleadings the wrongful act of the defendant, which in effect gives the plaintiff his cause of complaint and the resultant damage from the defendant’s wrongful act.

“Now it is settled law that in an action commenced by originating summons, the affidavit in support of the originating summons serves as the plaintiff’s pleadings. We humbly refer to Uwazuruonye v. Governor of Imo State & Ors (2013) 8 NWLR (Pt. 1355) 28 at 56H Looking at the 32 paragraph affidavit in support of the plaintiffs’ originating summons there is no deposition therein of any wrongful act done by the President or the 1st defendant to the plaintiffs which has caused them damage as to give them the right to complain to this court. Indeed as deposed at paragraphs 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the plaintiffs’ affidavit, they are only by this suit seeking preemptively to “forestall a situation” where the President may declare a state of emergency in their states as has happened in Rivers State. In other words, they have not alleged that any wrong has been done to them or that they suffered any damage as a result of any action of the President or the 1st defendant. Rather, by this suit, they are only ‘standing sentinel’ over the territorial arcade of their offices as Governors of their States. This is no doubt because they found the prospect of a sequestration of their rather exalted offices, even if only temporarily by the engagement of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, too grim to contemplate.

“ So they embraced the nuclear option of this pre-emptive action in the misplaced hope that it would offer them deliverance from their baseless fear. Reacting to a similar situation in Uwazuruonye v. Governor of Imo State & Ors (supra) at page 57C-F this court held as follows: “There can be no doubt after examining the plaintiff’s pleadings that the appellant is assuming the role of a watchdog to see that legislation is in order as perceived by him. Since he has been unable to show his cause of complaint and the wrongful act of the respondents he clearly has no cause of action.”

“Clearly, from the facts deposed to in their affidavit, the plaintiffs have not disclosed any cause of action and this suit is consequently not justiciable and liable to be dismissed.”

The Federal Government said the PDP states have no any standing to file the suit at the Supreme Court.

It said: “The third ground of objection raised by the 1st defendant queries the standing of the plaintiffs to institute this suit.

“It is settled law that for a plaintiff to have the competence to institute an action, he must have the requisite standing. Dilating on the point in Uwazuruonye v. Governor of Imo State & Ors (supra) at page 57G, this court held as follows: “It has long settled that a party instituting proceedings must have locus standi. Locus standi means the legal capacity to institute proceedings in a court of law. “It is only if a plaintiff has locus standi that he can file, maintain an action relating to his rights and obligations. Such a plaintiff can/may be a human being, persons, statutory body, a government and must be a juristic person. In the absence of a reasonable cause of action or any cause of action for that matter the appellant has no locus standi.”

A major plank of the Federal Government’s argument is the challenge of the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to hear the suit.

The parties to the case have drawn a battle line which the Supreme Court will address.

The Federal Government insisted that the apex court has no jurisdiction on the matter.

 It said: “In the context of a suit brought under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, as herein, it has been held by the Supreme Court in A.G. Anambra v. A.G. Federation (2007) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1047) 1 that the dispute that must invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court must not be personal dispute but must be a dispute affecting the state. “The Court held further that since the dispute in the case was in respect of the tenure of a Governor, even though it was commenced by the Attorney-General of Anambra State the matter did not affect the State and so the plaintiff had no locus to initiate the suit.

“The Supreme Court again confirmed the same issue in Cross River State v. FRN (2019) 10 NWLR 401 at 448C in which the Attorney General of Cross River State initiated a suit under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in which the central issue had to do with the plaintiff state seeking to enforce the rights of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria. Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen.

“ Upholding the preliminary objection against the suit, this court held at page 441-G as follows: “In the instant suit, it is evident from the originating summons that the cause of action by virtue of which the plaintiff sets out to invoke the original jurisdiction of this court is as to the civil rights and obligations of Hon. Justice Onnoghen, the Hon. CIN, the plaintiff perceives are violated and or threatened with violation by the defendants rather than the plaintiff’s own rights and obligation. On the authorities, therefore, it lacks the necessary standing to invoke the court’s jurisdiction under section 232 of the Constitution.”

“Just as in the cases of A.G. Anambra v. A.G. Federation and A.G. Cross River v. FRN (supra), even though the suit was commenced by the Attorneys General of the 10 plaintiffs States, the issue they have raised concern only the tenure of office of the Governors of the states, which at paragraph 7 of their affidavit they maintain is for four years. The plaintiffs have also at paragraphs 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15 of the affidavit and all the questions formulated by them for determination and the reliefs they are seeking, shown that the suit is about the tenure of the Governors, Deputy Governors and the House of Assembly of the plaintiff States. As held in A.G. Anambra v. A.G. Federation and A.G. Cross-River v. FRN (supra), such suit about the tenure of office of individuals is not about the civil right and obligation of the State. Therefore the plaintiffs have no locus standi to institute the suit. His Lordship, Onnoghen JSC as he then was in his contribution in the case of A.G. Anambra v. A.G. Federation (supra) put it as follows: “………it is very clear that the dispute that must invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court must not be a personal dispute particularly as the purpose of the Constitution is not to make personal dispute a subject of the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. It is also the requirement of the section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution that the dispute must relate to the existence or extent of a legal right, which must not be personal”.

On the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State by the President,  the Federal Government said it has no effect on the 10 states  and their governors.

 “Again, the other aspect of the case is, that the plaintiffs question the manner of approval of the emergency proclamation in their question no. 6 and their relief no. 6. The question to consider is how did the manner of approval of the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State affect the civil right and obligation of the plaintiff states or even that of the Governors of the 10 States? “Certainly, the manner of approval of the proclamation of emergency is not a matter within the civil right and obligation of any of the 10 states.

“It follows therefore that the fact that the Governors of the ten states used their Attorneys-General to file this suit on their behalf does not confer locus standi on the plaintiffs.

“ It is observed that the plaintiffs also in their relief no, 8 seek an order setting aside the Official Gazette No. 47 of 2025 containing the Proclamation of state of emergency in Rivers State. “Again, the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State does not fall within the civil right and obligation of any of the plaintiffs.

“They are not clothed with any standing at all to seek to set aside the proclamation that does not affect them in any way. They are just busybodies.

“We further rely on the Supreme Court decision in Inakoju v. Adeleke (2007) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1025) 423 at 602 where the Court held that “A party who seeks a declaratory relief in the Constitution must show that he has a constitutional interest to protect and the interest is violated or breached to his detriment. “The interest must be substantial, tangible and not vague, intangible or caricature. In ascertaining whether the plaintiff in an action has locus standi, pleadings, that is, the statement of claim must disclose a cause of action vested in the plaintiff and the rights and obligations or interest of the plaintiff which have been violated”.

“Submit, in the foregoing premises, notwithstanding that the suit was commenced by the Attorneys General of the 10 plaintiffs States the suit, none of the issues raised as canvassed above affects the civil right and obligation of any of the plaintiffs.

“They therefore lack the locus standi to maintain the suit which the 1st defendant humbly urges the Supreme Court to dismiss.”

The Federal Government said “the suit is hypothetical, academic and speculative.”

Citing a previous pronouncement of the Supreme Court, it said: “A suit is academic where it is merely theoretical, makes empty sound and of no practical utilitarian value to the plaintiff even if judgment is given in his favour. A suit is academic if it is not related to the practical situations of human nature and humanity. A suit is speculative if it is based on speculation. A suit is speculative if it is not supported by facts or very low on facts but very high in guesses. As courts of law are not established to adjudicate on guesses but on facts such actions are struck out. A suit is hypothetical if it is imaginary and not based on real facts. A suit is hypothetical if it looks like a

 “mirage” to deceive the defendant and the court as to the reality of the cause of action. A suit is hypothetical if it is a semblance of the actuality of the cause of action or relief sought.”

The Federal Government said the action was an abuse of court process.

It said: “ The last ground of preliminary objection against the competence of this suit is founded on the contention that the plaintiffs’ suit is an abuse of the process of this court.

“The Supreme Court has in several cases dilated on what constitutes abuse of court process, such that the plaintiffs ought to have known that inflicting their case on the court would amount to an unpardonable egregious abuse of court process.”

“How else does one describe a suit founded as it were, on mere speculation, extremely slippery guesses and feeble argumentation? By their suit, the plaintiffs have badly abused the process of this court in a manner that should invite condemnation by a peremptory dismissal of the suit. In Saraki v. Kotoye (1992) 9 NWLR (Pt. 264) 156 at 188E-H the Supreme Court held as follows: “The concept of abuse of judicial process is imprecise. It involves circumstances and situations of infinite variety and conditions. Its one common feature is the improper use of the judicial process by a party in litigation to interfere with the due administration of justice. It is recognized that the abuse of the process may lie in both a proper or improper use of the judicial process in litigation. But the employment of judicial process is only regarded generally as an abuse when a party improperly uses the issue of the judicial process to the irritation and annoyance of his opponent, and the efficient and effective administration of justice.”

“ In Tomtec (Nig) Ltd vs. FHA (2009) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1173) 358, 377A an instance of abuse of court process mentioned therein by the Supreme Court is where a suit is premised on frivolity or recklessness. No doubt this is the most fitting epithet for this suit which from the facts is premised on frivolity and recklessness.

“ Submit, what the plaintiffs have done herein amounts to engaging in the improper use of the judicial process by filing a suit founded on speculation, imaginary facts and misleading hypothesis. “For clarity on this we refer to the pivot of the suit erected on paragraphs 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the plaintiffs’ affidavit.

“ According to the plaintiffs they only by their suit seek to forestall a situation where the Presidnet would proceed to suspend the offices of the Governors and Deputy Governors of their states, just because the  President had promulgated a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The Federal Government  urged the Supreme Court to “uphold this preliminary objection and dismiss this suit.”

• Anyanwu, Udeh-Okoye rejected as secretary

• Forum fixes NEC for May 27, Convention for August

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s bid to rally the opposition into a coalition and merger fell like a pack of cards yesterday.

Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his political platform, pulled the rug from under his feat.

They ruled out PDP involvement in any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 elections.

Rather, the governors said any political party or individual seeking a bigger platform is free to join the PDP.

On March 20 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku in company with Nasir El-Rufai, among others, announced the plan for a coalition of the opposition against the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But yesterday, the governors ruled out PDP’s involvement in any such plan.

They said: “The nationwide speculations about a possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.

“However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”

The position announced after their meeting in Ibadan got the full support of Board of Trustees (BoT) member and one-time Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George.

Atiku has been contesting for President since 1993 during the aborted Third Republic.

Since the return of civil rule in 1999, Atiku who was President Olusegun Obasanjo’s deputy between 1999 and 2007 ran in 2007, lost the attempt to get the PDP ticket in 2011, lost the attempt to get the APC ticket in 2015 but contested as PDP standard bearer in 2019 and 2023.

The governors converged on Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to deliberate on the way forward for the major opposition party.

The meeting, hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde, also proposed May 27 for the party’s long-postponed National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the National Convention for August.

The governors rejected both National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the claimant to the position Monday Ude-Okoye.

In line with the Supreme Court judgment which vests the power over decisions on internal matters in political parties, they nominated Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshedo from Lagos State to act as National Secretary.

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The Forum directed the Southeast to present a candidate for the position.

Other decisions of the meeting contained in the communiqué read by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is the chair of the forum, are:

*”The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy hence the decision of approaching the Supreme Court to give a clear-cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency in any state.

*”The Forum restates its solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being plunged by the declaration of a state of emergency. And we reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end.

*”The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country, as evidenced in parts of the country, especially Borno, Plateau, Katsina and Edo States.

*”The Forum calls for review and reordering of priorities and strategies including adopting a bottom-up template that guarantees the sub-nationals to constitute an effective line of defence against security breaches.

*”While raising the concerns above, we condemn the recent attacks in Plateau State and commiserate with the government and people of the state especially those who lost their lives and properties during this unfortunate mishap.

*”The Forum resolves that working in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, to hold a NEC Meeting on the 27th of May, 2025; constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to the zoning of party offices and hold an early convention in August 2025, precisely on the 28th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano.

*”The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows;

Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri – Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang – Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary.”

Mohammed: PDP is being persecuted

Bauchi Governor Mohammed lamented that the party was facing persecution under the current dispensation.

Makinde, who echoed the same sentiment, said PDP would form the next government in 2027, adding that it had learnt its lessons.

They spoke at a reception organised by the Oyo government for the PDP Governors Forum at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

Mohammed said despite the challenges, the leading opposition party is standing tall on his feet.

He said the meeting provided an opportunity for the governors to reflect, reconnect and reassess governance, adding that it laid to rest speculations of disunity and disagreement within the party.

Mohammed said the governors and the NWC are united in their efforts to resolve party crises and move the platform forward.

He said: “We are here on a routine meeting of the PDP Governors Forum and of course, it has become a tradition of reconnection, of reassessment and of course, self-assessment of the governors in terms of sitting down and discussing governance. We are here on a routine practice that we have established. PDP has come a long way as a party.

“Some of those speculations are mere lies. You can see we are together. We are united as a party.

“We are united with our National Working Committee, working to ensure that all those disparaging issues are set aside and we will work as per the mandate given to us because coming from the opposition, we are swallowing a lot of melancholy, a lot of persecution these days but certainly we are standing tall.”

Mohammed praised the PDP governors for living up to expectations in their states.

He said: “All our governors are working very hard to ensure that at least, we leave the society better than where we have found it and that is why we make the difference.

“In 2027, by the grace of God, we shall be taking over the rein of leadership in this country because Nigerians have learned and they know what it is all about.

“The governor of Oyo has said it. You can see what the young man is doing in this part of Nigeria. The infrastructural delivery, the human capital development and so on and so forth.

“If you go to Adamawa and see the kind of infrastructure that is being provided you will be amazed that from where is he getting the money.

“Taraba has already changed the landscape. Of course, Zamfara used to be a no-go area but today you have seen the security. People are happy because the governor is working.

“The same thing with Osun. My brother is not only dancing, he is dancing with wisdom, knowledge and righteousness. If you go to Bauchi you will see the trajectory has changed.

“It has changed for the best because we are all working. Our peer review mechanism is working. We are not just competing for positions, we are competing to excel.

“All our governors are working very very hard. In Bauchi, we are modestly trying to conquer, to catch up with other states that have left us behind in terms of looking at the expectations of the people and meeting them in infrastructure and services, education and so on and so forth.

“If you go to Enugu, definitely it’s a different story. That is an island of work, of services, of ingenuity and so on and so forth. The same thing with Akwa Ibom. The man of God is really a man of God. With fear of God, he is working very hard.

“The Sheriff by the sea is doing so well and of course, we have seen the provision of bridges, of roads and so on and so forth.

“These are the manifestations that determine good governors and we are not doing it to be praised. We are doing it because we want to set the tone for governance.”

On the emergency rule in Rivers State, Mohammed said PDP governors are behind Fubara, with the optimism that he would soon be back to continue his work.

He added: “We assure you we are not going to pre-empt the outcome of the court. We know our rights and we are hardly afraid of anybody but we respect everybody. What we want also is to be respected.

“Our laws should be respected so that our governors will be given a level playing field to work.”

Makinde said PDP would decide the step to take ahead of 2027.

He said: “Those people that have been carrying rumours all over the place that this is a meeting that will define the direction that PDP will go, let me tell you that PDP is going to where we want it to go, and by God’s grace, this is the party that will form the next government at the federal level.

“We have the capacity within the PDP, we have the people, we have the maturity to solve our internal issues.

“They should face their own internal issue, and I will repeat, just like I said before, the 2027 election is going to be between APC and the people of Nigeria.”

George lauds governors’ position

PDP BoT member Chief George hailed the governors’ decision to disown plans for merger and coalition, saying it was classic and reasonable.

He also explained why the party should not give its presidential ticket to Atiku in 2027, saying that it would violate zoning.

George, who spoke on a television programme last night, said the governors’ resolution marked a starting point in the party’s journey to 2027.

He, however, clarified that the PDP Governors’ Forum only made solid suggestions which would be subjected to the decision of the NEC and the national convention.

Lauding the governors for their valuable suggestions, George said: “The governors made suggestions for the consideration of NEC. The highest authority is the national convention, followed by the NEC and the National Working Committee (NWC). I congratulate the Governors’ Forum.

“They brought so much joy to my mind. The people have almost concluded that the PDP is dead. Most of the discussions are reasonable and will be subjected to the NEC and the National Convention. This is classical.”

Frowning at any alliance or merger talk, he added: “How can you expect an Iroko political party to go and join other parties? People should come and join us. We are a formidable iroko tree founded by the founding fathers. They have made their suggestions and that is the starting point. Most of their suggestions are reasonable.”

George warned against the repeat of the 2023 mistake by the PDP when it neglected zoning, saying that the party would pay dearly for it.

He also said while Atiku is free to vie for president, PDP should not make him the standard bearer.

George stressed: “Atiku cannot be PDP presidential candidate. There is zoning which must be adhered to. The North had eight years. The South should have eight years. Atiku cannot pick the ticket of PDP. If he picks it, it is the end of the party.”

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have arrived at the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, for a closed-door meeting scheduled to be held at the Executive Council Chamber.

The governors are being led by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

The host governor, Seyi Makinde, who treated the visiting governors to a dinner on Sunday night, is expected to join the meeting shortly.

Notably absent from the gala night was the Vice Chairman of the Forum and embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

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It remains uncertain if he will attend Monday’s session.

Among the governors already present for the meeting are Senator Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).

As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, had yet arrived.

Though he participated in the Sunday night gala, it was gathered that he had returned to Osun to attend to pressing state matters and is expected back in Ibadan for the meeting.