The Nation Newspaper

Tag: PDP

  • Group blames Osun PDP for defection of Senator Fadahunsi to APC

    Group blames Osun PDP for defection of Senator Fadahunsi to APC

    Following the defection of Senator Francis Fadahunsi to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a socio-political group has faulted the Osun State leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for mismanaging the party and losing one of its key political figures.

    Senator Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, officially left the PDP last Saturday, citing unresolved internal wrangling as his reason for defecting to the APC.

    Reacting to the development, the Ijesa Unite for Good Governance (IUGG), through its National Coordinator, Alhaji Kazeem Ibikunle, described Fadahunsi’s exit as a significant loss to the PDP. The group recalled the senator’s pivotal role in revitalising the party during the Rauf Aregbesola administration, saying his sacrifices and leadership helped reposition the PDP in the state.

    “Fadahunsi brought unmatched energy and commitment to the PDP when it was in opposition. He invested his time and personal resources, which made the party more attractive and played a major role in the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke over an incumbent,” the group stated.

    Read Also: Wadada, Fadahunsi, Umeh, seven other senators set to change parties

    The statement further highlighted Fadahunsi’s wide-reaching empowerment programmes, which included donating a 46-seater bus to the party, providing trailer loads of rice and rams to party members, funding the party’s secretariat operations, and offering financial support to staff.

    Describing him as a “master strategist and visionary leader,” IUGG noted that Fadahunsi’s influence extends beyond party lines, with other political parties in the state already expressing interest in him.

    The group mentioned that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is among those eager to welcome the senator, with its State Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, describing him as “a wave of hope” who has positively impacted countless lives in his constituency.

    IUGG called on the PDP to reflect on the circumstances that led to the senator’s defection and urged the party to address internal issues to prevent further high-profile losses.

  • Why PDP should zone 2027 presidential ticket to South, by Gana

    Why PDP should zone 2027 presidential ticket to South, by Gana

    • Party will return strong, Olawepo-Hashim predicts

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should zone its presidential ticket to the South in 2027 in the spirit of equity, fairplay and justice, one of the founding fathers of the party Prof. Jerry Gana said yesterday.

    He also said that for the opposition party to grow, emphasis should be on youth inclusion.

    Gana, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), spoke on why the party should return to the vision of the founding fathers during the Consultative Conference held at the Nigeria Airforce Conference Center in Abuja.

    Party elders were locked in sober reflection on the fate and future of the platform at a pre-National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where the impact of the recent defections from the party was critically assessed.

    The defections are ongoing with seven federal lawmakers defecting to the All Progressives Congress APC during plenary yesterday.

    Gana and other party leaders – Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu – said despite the mounting challenges, there is hope for PDP.

    Dissecting the various problems facing the party, they said the party should focus on discipline, reconciliation and generational renewal.

    Also, a chieftain, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, said PDP would rise again to rebuild the country.

    PDP can’t ignore zoning, says ex-minister

    Urging the party to restore the zoning principle, Gana said: “In tune with this patriotic wisdom of the founding fathers, we urge all our leaders to support  the strategy of bringing out our presidential candidate for 2027 from the Southern states.

    “Such  a strategy will not only ensure victory at the polls, but promote justice, fairness and equity.”

    The former minister also advised the party to choose a credible party leadership in a transparent election at the proposed national convention.

    He added: ”We must also develop a new focus on empowering the next generation. We  reaffirm our commitment to youth inclusion and generational equity, which is very crucial; the PDP  must deliberately open the space for younger Nigerians; brilliant, energetic and innovative minds  should be allowed to participate actively as leaders within our party structures and as candidates  at all levels in the 2027 general elections.

    “Their ideas, energy and digital fluency are essential for  building the Nigeria we all deserve and our 2027 electoral strategy must elevate young leaders with  fresh ideas and proven commitment; we should deliberately mainstream youth and women into  our party’s core leadership structure, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions  are highly valued.”

    Damagum: defection can’t affect platform

    Damagum said the defections cannot affect the PDP, recalling that it survived similar threats in the past.

    He said: “This gathering is more than symbolic, it is a reaffirmation that the People’s Democratic Party is alive, resolute, and focused on reclaiming its rightful place at the centre of Nigeria’s political life. We will not fail. We will rise to the challenge. And yes, the centre will hold again.”

    He paid tribute to the founding fathers, including the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, and General Yakubu Danjuma, recalling that the party was “born out of necessity to dismantle authoritarianism and restore democratic governance.”

    Damagum said: “Much of the injury the PDP has suffered has been self-inflicted. From the Obasanjo era to this moment, we have too often jettisoned ideology in favour of personal ambition. This has cost us dearly.

    “If we return to our core, and rise above personal interest, there remains a bright and redemptive future for the PDP, and for Nigeria.”

     Saraki who was among those who left PDP, to form the APC in 2014, urged the party to brace for the future.

    He said:  “For many who had already buried this party before now, your presence here speaks volumes—that nobody is going to bury this party.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Three PDP Reps members defect to APC

    Aliyu: No more nomadic politicians

     Aliyu warned against the party’s habitual tolerance of “nomadic politicians” whose defections and returns have destabilised the PDP.

    He said: “You don’t invite nomadic politicians back to your place; these were people with a history of nomadism.”

    The former governor called for strict adherence to party discipline and meritocracy, saying: “Our constitution is specific, when you leave the party; you join the queue. The party is not just to win elections.

    “The party is also to ensure the culture of selling real, principled politics. Even if we don’t win elections, but we are one united, principled party, we will be recognised.”

    At the meeting were BoT  Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Youth Leader, Muhammed Sulieman, his Deputy, Comrade OTimothy Osadolor, National Woman Leader, Amina Bryhm, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, National Vice Chairman (South East), Ali Odefa and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba

    The meeting was also attended by former Governor of Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo. former Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, former Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki.

    Others include Chief Bode Goerge, Labaran Maku, Senator Yakubu Lado, Director General PDP Governors Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, former PDP National Chairman, Abubakar Baraje and  former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Maryam Ciroma.

     PDP will rise again, says Hashim

    Olawepo-Hashim, who addressed the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held at the party secretariat in Abuja, said the party would rise again.

    He said: “From the beginning, the PDP was built as a national platform. Since 1998, there has been a sizable PDP presence in virtually every polling unit across the country,” Hashim stated.

    “This legacy remains alive, and it is that national spread that makes PDP the only credible alternative to the APC.”

     Olawepo-Hashim dismissed fears about the party’s dwindling influence, stressing that its  grassroots base is intact, despite the defection of elected officials due to pressure and  blackmail.

     He said: “Don’t be discouraged by those who have left. The real strength of any party is not in a few powerful individuals, but in its people and the people are still with the PDP.”

    Olawepo-Hashim, a former deputy national publicity secretary, lauded Damagun for his steady leadership during turbulent times.

     He said: “The wisdom and calm with which Amb. Damagun has held the reins of this party is commendable. He has kept the house standing when others wanted to tear it apart.”

     He urged the party to present a credible and  visionary candidate in 2027 who will prioritize national security, economic revival, and social justice.

  • Ex-House Assembly candidate dumps PDP for APC in Ondo

    Ex-House Assembly candidate dumps PDP for APC in Ondo

    A former candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the House of Assembly in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Dotun Olorunyomi, has resigned his membership of the party.

    Olorunyomi, who contested the assembly seat in the 2023 general elections, also announced his defection to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state in his resignation letter, obtained on Wednesday.

    In the letter addressed to the PDP chairman of Odigbo LGA, Odigbo Ward, he said the decision to leave the fold of the PDP was due to leadership crisis and poor reconciliation mechanism within the party.

    The PDP chieftain added that his decision to pitch his tent with the APC marks a good beginning of a new chapter in his political journey of his life.

    He also added that his new exit from the PDP and entrance to the APC were taken after consultations with trusted allies, supporters, and confidants.

    “After introspective consultations with my trusted allies, supporters, and confidants, I have resolved to relinquish my membership and am poised to explore new horizons and embark on a fresh journey.

    READ ALSO; Shippers’ Council commits to execution-driven reform framework

    “As a former member of the party and a one-time flag bearer, I observed that the PDP has a dysfunctional political ideology, and the leadership of the party lacks an effective reconciliation mechanism, thereby tearing the party apart at all levels,” he said

    Olorunyomi, however, underscored the APC’s ability to unite its members after primary elections than the opposition party in the state.

    “I have keenly observed the APC and ascertained that the leadership of the party has demonstrated maturity, perseverance, patience, and immeasurable commitment to the progress of the party, beyond personal interest.”

    Receiving Olorunyomi into the APC at the Ore Township Hall, the chairman of APC in Odigbo local government, Fatai Olawale, expressed joy and appreciated him for joining the party, assuring him of a prosperous collaboration within the APC.

    Also, the special adviser to the state governor on union matters and special duties, Comrade Taiwo, congratulated Olorunyomi for joining the APC.

    “APC is one big family. We are happy to welcome you to our fold. The APC is a party that is grounded in ideology and committed to good governance. We are happy to receive you today and encourage others to do the same,” he said. 

  • BREAKING: Four PDP senators defect to APC

    BREAKING: Four PDP senators defect to APC

    Four Senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further weakening the opposition’s grip in the Senate.

    The defectors are Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), and Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi (Osun Central).

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio read their letters of defection during plenary, signalling the latest wave of political realignments within the National Assembly.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Three PDP Reps members defect to APC

    Present in the chamber to witness the defection were APC national secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; Senator Chris Ngige; and Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, the member representing Ogbomoso North, South, and Orire Federal Constituency, among others.

    Details shortly…

  • APC, PDP kick-start 2027 plans with key NEC meetings

    APC, PDP kick-start 2027 plans with key NEC meetings

    • Ganduje’s replacement, standing committee top ruling party agenda
    • PDP pushes for cohesion after Atiku, others exit

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will begin preparations for the 2027 electioneering with crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.

    Today, the PDP will commence the process that will culminate in its 101st NEC meeting on Friday.

    The meeting, during which the date of its convention will be decided, will lead to the election of new national officers.

    They will take the party through the primaries and the 2027 general election.

    Between today and Friday, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) will meet to resolve outstanding issues before the NEC meeting on Friday.

    The party has been hit by the defection of prominent chieftains to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) – the coalition platform.

    A critical challenge for the opposition party is to resolve the crisis arising from the position of the National Secretary.

    Although the party had asked Senator Samuel Anyanwu to continue in the position in accordance with a court verdict, some party leaders have continued to kick.

    However, a party source said the acrimony would be laid to rest during the national convention when a new leadership would emerge.

    APC to pick Ganduje’s successor

    The APC caucus, which usually precedes the NEC meeting, will meet today to set the template for tomorrow’s NEC meeting.

    Top on the agenda of the NEC will be the ratification of the National Chairman to replace the immediate past chairman, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned voluntarily on June 27 on health grounds.

    Following his exit, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori, has been acting as chairman.

    Standing committee members of the APC will be ratified at the meeting, it was learnt.

    National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, who spoke on the preparations, said he would tender the annual report before the highest decision-making organ of the party.

    Ganduje, who is from the Northwest,  became chairman following the resignation of his predecessor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu from the Northcentral, in August 2023.

    The Northcentral caucus has intensified the campaign for the selection of a new chairman from the zone.

    But it is not clear whether the zone will get it because the Northwest is still angling to retain the position.

    The NWC held its meeting on Monday, where the NEC meeting agenda was prepared and agreed upon.

    Although the outcome of the NWC meeting, which lasted for two hours, was not made public, a source said the party would release the timetable for the congresses ahead of the National Convention.

    Read Also: Senate okays Tinubu’s $21bn foreign loan request

    Expected at the NEC meeting are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, NWC members, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy  Senator Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, his deputy Benjamin Kalu, APC governors, Speakers of APC-controlled Houses of Assembly and state chairmen.

    A follow-up and an enlarged meeting of the NWC and Forum of State Chairmen convened by the acting national chairman took place at the party secretariat yesterday.

    According to the source, the objective was to forge a synergy with the state chairmen on the timetable for the proposed congresses.

    A similar meeting was held between the NWC and the Governors’ Forum at Asokoro, in Abuja.

    An NWC member said: “We are prepared for the NEC meeting.

    “Letters have been sent out to all the members of the committee, and the NWC has been meeting with other organs of the party in order to have a hitch-free meeting on Thursday.

    “Mr. President and other leaders of the party and all NEC members have been invited, and the meeting will surely produce a substantive National Chairman that will replace Dr. Ganduje.”

    Anxiety over PDP NEC meeting

    There is anxiety over the PDP NEC meeting following the collapse of trust and persistent suspicion after the defection.

    There is also disquiet over the announcement by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and key PDP leaders to work for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

    The governor explained that they took the decision “after weeks of consultations with stakeholders across the state — from traditional rulers and civil servants to market leaders and grassroots party members”.

    On his X handle, Adeleke wrote: “I remain in the PDP, the party that gave me the platform to serve the good people of Osun.

    “I have been unanimously endorsed by the Osun PDP for a second term in 2026.

    “Our party in Osun has also endorsed President @officialABAT for re-election in 2027,  recognising him as a proud son of our state.”

    Before yesterday, the three PDP senators from the state pledged their total support for President Tinubu’s re-election.

    A staunch member and four-time House of Representatives member, Oluwole Oke, defected to the APC.

    Fears are also rife that more pro-Atiku Abubakar chieftains may dump the party for the ADC.

    Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum will preside over the NEC meeting, which will be preceded by a pre-NEC meeting where contentious issues will be discussed.

    Also, the PDP National Caucus is scheduled to hold tonight at the Bauchi State Governors’ Lodge in  Asokoro.

  • Adeleke won’t defect to APC – Osun PDP caucus

    Adeleke won’t defect to APC – Osun PDP caucus

    The Osun caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says Gov. Ademola Adeleke will contest the Aug. 8, 2026 governorship election on the platform of the party.

    The PDP leadership emphasised that the governor would not defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the PDP caucus meeting held at the Government House on Monday in Osogbo.

    The communique was made available to journalists by the spokesperson to the governor, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday.

    The PDP leaders stated that majority of the APC members in Osun were opposed to the idea of Adeleke defecting to the APC, “which did not originate from the governor in the first instance.”

    The communique also alleged that some APC leaders, “based on entrenched interests”, have demonstrated “hostility and resentment” towards the governor.

    The caucus said that the majority of PDP members in the state were not happy with the idea of the governor joining APC, but only reluctantly agreed to follow him to wherever he goes to show their love, support, and loyalty to his leadership.

    The PDP leaders said that the party recognised the fact that Osun is the ancestral home of President Bola Tinubu, “which makes him the son of the State.”

    The PDP caucus, however, adopted and endorsed the President for re-election in the 2027 general elections.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke, Osun PDP endorse Tinubu for 2027

    The leaders of the party also endorsed Adeleke’s re-election bid on the platform of the PDP, directing all members in the state to remain in the party.

    According to the caucus, the state government and the PDP, as a political party, remain very popular and acceptable above all other political parties in the state.

    The PDP leaders urged the governor to forge ahead with governance and implementation of his administration’s five-point agenda.

    The caucus also directed members to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communique was signed by Adeleke, his deputy, Kola Adewumi, a former governor in the state, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, among others.

    (NAN)

  • We remain only credible opposition to APC, says PDP

    We remain only credible opposition to APC, says PDP

    • Party prepares for tomorrow’s NEC meeting

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it has more supporters and followers than any other political party to claim the position of Nigeria’s leading opposition party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Addressing reporters yesterday at the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, PDP’s spokesman, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, described the party as the most pro-people among the nation’s leading political parties.

    He said other parties claiming to be “congresses” only cater for elite members’ interests.

    Ologunagba announced that all members of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and various party organs, including the PDP Governors’ Forum, the National Working Committee (NWC), and others, would participate in the party’s NEC meeting scheduled to hold tomorrow till Friday, July 25.

    The PDP spokesman said the party’s improved strength would soon become obvious to Nigerians.

    He said the gale of defections from the PDP and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s vow to mobilise for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 are not potent threats to the party.

    Ologunagba stressed that the party would not be bothered by what a few individuals chose to do.

    Read Also: 2027: APC will take over Enugu, says Minister Nnaji

    “Of course, we are concerned that some people left. We won’t play the ostrich, but the strength of this party is not in individuals. That’s why it is Peoples Democratic Party, and that is why it’s not a congress.

    “The PDP is not a congress. Our political party belongs to the people; a ‘congress’ thinks about itself and its elite interests. But a political party like the PDP thinks about the people,” he said.

    Ologunagba also spoke about PDP’s efforts to reposition for the tasks ahead.

    “The PDP is now recalibrating and, in the next few days, you will see all the party organs coming out with strength as we conduct another NEC meeting this week. So, we are working on our repositioning; we are working upon what we achieved in the past. That is something to reflect upon,” he said.

  • Ex-Bauchi SSG, PDP governorship candidate Kashim resigns from party

    Ex-Bauchi SSG, PDP governorship candidate Kashim resigns from party

    Former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government and 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, has officially resigned from the party.

    In a letter dated July 21 and obtained by The Nation on Monday, Kashim did not disclose the reasons for his resignation but expressed gratitude to the PDP leadership and his ward executives for the trust and opportunity to serve.

    “After careful thought, I’ve decided to resign from the PDP. I intend to explore other ways to serve our people with dedication, integrity, and the fear of God,” he stated.

    Read Also: By-election: PDP picks Aikpitanyin as candidate for Ovia federal constituency

    Kashim was the PDP governorship candidate in the build-up to the 2023 general elections but stepped down for Governor Bala Mohammed, who returned to the race after his failed bid for the PDP presidential ticket. He subsequently resumed his role as SSG and actively joined the governor’s re-election campaign across the state.

    In January 2025, he also resigned from his position as Secretary to the State Government, a move he said was made at the instruction of Governor Mohammed.

    While Kashim has yet to announce his next political step, there is growing speculation that he may contest the 2027 governorship election under a different political platform.

  • PDP governorship aspirant fixes portion of Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba Road

    PDP governorship aspirant fixes portion of Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba Road

    A governorship aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, has brought relief to motorists and commuters plying Ado-Ijan-Ilumoba Road by repairing the deplorable portions of the road.

    The road, which links Ekiti to Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, had been in a terrible condition, causing suffering for road users.

    Fayose, who had travelled from Abuja to Ekiti through the road, was moved by the plight of the motorists and commuters and decided to intervene.

    He provided trucks loaded with stones and fixed the badly damaged portions of the road, thereby making it accessible for motorists.

    Speaking in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the PDP chieftain lamented the deplorable condition of federal roads in the state, saying the sufferings of the people had become unbearable.

    Read Also: Abia PDP guber aspirant’s meeting with Abure sparks defection rumours

    He said: “I travelled in from Abuja last Wednesday. I decided to come by road to have a feeling of what the people are feeling. I discovered that the road is very bad. On getting to Ilumoba I realised that the road is very bad, and there are many trucks, buses and vehicles stuck on the road, they could not move.

    “When I alighted from my car to view the portions, some of the drivers and other road users told me they have been sleeping there for five, six days to one week, sleeping on the floor with mosquitoes biting them. Some of them are on business trips carrying goods; some are even carrying perishable goods. They cannot deliver them, and they cannot reunite with their families.

    “Moved by the ugly situation, I promised to fix the road so that it can be accessible for them, and it is the promise I have come to fulfil today. We are not in government, but just to help road users in our own little way,” he said.

    The governorship aspirant appealed to the Federal Government to rehabilitate dilapidated roads in the state.

  • JUST IN: Another Osun Senator dumps PDP

    JUST IN: Another Osun Senator dumps PDP

    Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    His Osun East counterpart Senator Francis Fadahunsi was the first to leave the party. 

    Fadahusi’s resignation letter dated July 12,  2025 was addressed to Ward 4, Oke- Ejlgbo, Ila-Orangun, chairman of the party.  He copied the National and the State Chairman of PDP. 

    The letter reads partially; “I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my Membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.”

    He blamed irreconcilable differences, irreparable division within PDP and numerous court cases which created factions at the National level as reasons for his action. 

    Fadeyi said: “This was concluded after consultation and engagement with my political associates, family and friends. Thank you in advance for accepting my resignation.”