Politics
APC in disarray as two Senators fight dirty
The Sokoto State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become encumbered with an internal crisis, which has split the party into two rival factions led by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North) and Senator Ibrahim Lamido (Sokoto Central).
Senator Wamakko, a former governor of the state, who is considered the undisputed leader of the APC in Sokoto and a political godfather to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, is now facing a formidable challenge from the Lamido-led faction.
The internal rift, Weekend Trust gathered, revolves around allegations of corruption, bad governance, and the demolition of public structures, creating tension within the political landscape of the state.
A source close to the dispute stated: “This crisis is no longer just about politics; it’s about who controls Sokoto’s resources. Senator Wamakko has had the upper hand for years, but Senator Lamido believes it’s time for a change.”
The conflict escalated to a point where Senator Lamido’s faction threatened to form a parallel party structure to free the APC from what they perceive as the undue influence of the governor and his mentor.
Speaking on behalf of the faction in a chat with Weekend Trust, Sani Yakubu Gudu, a member representing Gudu/Tangaza Federal Constituency, said their goal was to “salvage the APC from total collapse under the hands of Governor Aliyu and his godfather.”
He added: “We have tried our best to make these two politicians correct their mistakes, but they refused to listen to us. And we cannot just fold our arms watching them spoil our names. We were elected by our people, and we must protect their interest at all costs.” .
Growing support for Lamido’s faction
While internal crises are not new to the APC in Sokoto, the latest dispute is taking on a new and potentially dangerous dimension. Weekend Trust recalled that prior to the 2023 general elections, the APC in Sokoto State faced a serious internal crisis, which led to the formation of two separate party executives.
Findings indicate that while Senator Lamido and Hon. Gudu are the most prominent figures involved in the renewed crisis, many persons—including traditional rulers, politicians, government officials, and academics—are quietly supporting the new faction. Sources also confirmed that some serving commissioners, special advisers, and political appointees in Governor Aliyu’s cabinet are backing the group.
Additionally, members of opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have reportedly aligned with the new faction.
Hon. Gudu explained that the current crisis stems from concerns over governance and insecurity. “The governor’s administration has failed to address the needs of the people of Sokoto. This is not what we signed up for when we joined the APC,” he said.
Referring to a recent controversy, he added, “We all saw a video where Governor Aliyu promised that he would not disappoint the people of Sokoto. But since assuming office, what has he done? He announced a contract to repair 25 boreholes at the cost of N1.2 billion. For goodness’ sake, does it make sense to spend N48 million on repairing a single borehole? This is daylight robbery.”
Further exacerbating the crisis, Hon. Gudu accused the governor of unjustifiably removing traditional rulers from their positions over political allegations, and failing to address the issue of banditry in parts of the state.
“I personally lodged complaints to the governor regarding banditry in my constituency, but he refused to take action. How can we, as elected officials, just sit back and watch our people suffer?,” he queried.
Gudu also criticised the governor for focusing on beautification projects in the Sokoto metropolis, while “neglecting more pressing concerns like unemployment, education, and agriculture. Our people need projects that will improve their lives, not expensive cosmetic changes to the city.”
He added: “The Sokoto State government has received billions of naira from the federal government, but there are no significant projects on the ground to show for it. Where did the money go? Governor Aliyu and Senator Wamakko need to answer these questions.”
APC denies allegations
When contacted, government officials referred our correspondent to the Chairman of the APC in Sokoto State.
Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, in a chat with Weekend Trust denied the allegations against Governor Aliyu and Senator Wamakko, dismissing the claims as the desperate actions of political losers.
“These allegations are coming from people who have lost relevance in Sokoto politics. They are trying to create confusion, but they will not succeed”, he said.
He further stated, “On the allegation of corruption, we will meet them in court. They have to defend their claims in the court of law. They will have to tell us who is involved, where, and when. And as for Senator Wamakko, he has never handled a government contract in his life.”
Achida also dismissed the threat of a factional leadership emerging within the Sokoto APC. “APC is intact in Sokoto. We don’t have any faction, and we will not tolerate any group trying to create one.”
In response to the criticism of ongoing beautification projects in Sokoto metropolis, Achida said: “People were complaining for years that Sokoto’s capital was being neglected. Now that the government is addressing that, these politicians are still complaining.”
He added, “The government has distributed 300 trailers of fertiliser to farmers, and awarded a N13 billion contract for the Wurno irrigation scheme. These are projects that will benefit the people, but some just refuse to acknowledge the good being done.”
Bad governance behind the crisis—PDP
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attributed the APC’s internal crisis to poor governance.
PDP Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, said Governor Aliyu’s administration had been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
“The Sokoto State government awarded a contract to repair 25 boreholes at a cost of N1.2 billion. We challenge the APC-led government to provide evidence of this project, including the contract papers, locations, and cost breakdown,” Sanyinnawal said.
The PDP spokesperson also questioned the wisdom of spending large sums of money on fencing streets within the Sokoto metropolis while parts of the state continue to suffer from banditry. “Is fencing more important than addressing the banditry that’s threatening the lives of our people?”
Sanyinnawal concluded, “The Sokoto State government’s failure to address insecurity and corruption has led to the implosion of the APC. It’s no surprise that the party is tearing itself apart.”
Yauri Flats Estate protest
The crisis also saw a protest by over 300 occupants of the Yauri Flats Estate, whose homes were slated for demolition by the Sokoto State government. The protesters, who have been living in the estate for decades, stormed the residence of Senator Wamakko to plead with him to intervene on their behalf.
One of the protesters, Malam Lukman, spoke on behalf of the group: “We have been living in these houses for over 50 years. All we are asking is that the government allows us to purchase the homes we have been occupying for so long, instead of selling them to outsiders.”
However, Governor Aliyu, who arrived at Wamakko’s residence during the protest, refused to engage with the group.
Political analysts weigh in
Meanwhile, political analysts have warned that the crisis could escalate.
One analyst speculated that Wamakko may be exploring a “Plan B” involving a potential defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) if the Lamido faction prevails.
“If this internal fight is not resolved, it will destabilise the party and its leadership,” the analyst, who asked not to be named, concluded, calling on the APC national leadership to step in and mediate before the situation spirals out of control.
Daily Trust
In the now-controversial post shared on his social media page, Osborne wrote: “In a sane clime president Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC but truth be told.”
The comment quickly generated reactions online before the Akwa Ibom State Government moved to terminate his appointment.
In a letter dated June 2, 2026, the Office of the Political Adviser to the Governor announced his immediate disengagement.
The termination letter, signed by the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, stated that Osborne Ubong Okon had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.Politics
According to the letter, the decision was taken over actions the office described as disloyal.
“You are hereby relieved of your engagement as a Media Aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency the Governor, with immediate effect and from today, 2nd June 2026,” the memo read.
The letter further cited “actions bordering on disloyalty” and the need to keep the office “purified” as reasons for the dismissal.
The office also issued a warning to members of the public and government officials regarding future dealings with the former aide.
“Any person having dealings with the above-mentioned former Media Aide in relation to this office of his former engagement does so on his/her own peril,” the statement added.
The development has sparked fresh conversations about the limits of political expression for government appointees and the expectations of loyalty within public service, particularly when comments are directed at the presidency.
Neither Osborne nor the Presidency had publicly responded to the development as of the time of filing this report.
The decision was taken during plenary on Tuesday at the Assembly complex in Dutse, the state capital, as the party continues to deal with the fallout from recent primaries.
The action comes amid a wave of suspensions across Jigawa APC following the recently conducted primary election.
Several special advisers and special assistants have already been suspended statewide over alleged anti-party activities from state level down to local government level.
Maigari, who doubles as the councillor representing Auyo Ward, was suspended after the House considered a motion by the Majority Leader, Lawan Dansure.
The motion sought disciplinary action against the lawmaker for conduct deemed harmful to party cohesion.
Moving the motion during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, Dansure urged members to support the suspension.
He said the House must act to protect the integrity of the ruling party ahead of 2027.
According to him, the actions of the Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
“His actions are detrimental to the unity, stability, and progress of the All Progressives Congress,” Dansure told the House.
He argued that anti-party conduct at the grassroots level could undermine APC’s performance in future elections.
He said the House could not fold its arms while party discipline was being tested.
“Hon. Haruna Maigari is hereby suspended as Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council over alleged anti-party activities,” Dangyatin announced during plenary.
The Speaker also said the House remains committed to party discipline at all levels of governance in the state.
Dangyatin then constituted an investigative committee to look into the matter and report back within two weeks.
“The committee is expected to establish facts and recommend further action based on its findings,” he said.
The Speaker also directed the suspended lawmaker to hand over all official documents in his possession to the Deputy Speaker of Auyo Legislative Council.
He said the handover must be done immediately to ensure continuity of council business.
Meanwhile, the House also received a formal notification from Governor Umar Namadi regarding an official trip.
“The governor is billed to attend a two-day West African Rice Investment Roundtable in Accra, Ghana,” the Speaker said during the plenary session of the Assembly.
Dangyatin, who explained that the governor’s foreign engagement will hold between June 2 and June 3, 2026, added that “the governor’s participation is aimed at attracting investment to Jigawa’s rice value chain.”
By Chinedu Sabastine
Mr. Samson Chukwu Nnamani has declared that he remains the authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 election.
Nnamani made this known on Friday during a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Enugu.
Reacting to allegations that he was suspended from the party before the PDP governorship primary election, Nnamani dismissed the claim, questioning how a supposedly suspended aspirant could participate in the exercise and secure votes.
“The purported claim that I was suspended is very funny. If I was suspended as they claim, how can they attribute votes for me during their kangaroo primary,” Nnamani questioned.
Represented by his Media Director, Dr. Buchi Nnaji, the PDP chieftain said his authenticity derives from the present recognition of the Abdulrahman-led faction of the PDP by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of which he is a member.
The clarification followed the emergence of multiple claimants to the PDP governorship ticket in Enugu State.
Nnamani insisted that the party was no longer factionalised following INEC’s recognition of the Abdulrahman-led PDP leadership, noting that the panel which declared him winner where sent from their headquaters, Abuja.
Nnamani expressed gratitude to PDP leaders and supporters whom he said turned out massively on Sunday, May 24, 2026, to elect him as the party’s governorship candidate.
He pledged to reposition Enugu State through infrastructure development, job creation and people-oriented policies.
“As the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, I remain committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusive leadership, economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare and enhanced security for all residents,” he said.
He added that his aspiration was to build “a greater Enugu State where opportunities abound for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status.”
According to him, his administration would prioritise infrastructure development, industrialisation, support for small businesses and welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“We shall also review and remove policies and practices that are truncating the wellbeing, economic survival and social advancement of the citizens,” he stated.
Nnamani further called on stakeholders, party faithful, youths, women, traditional rulers and the people of Enugu State to join hands in building “a united, peaceful and progressive state.”
“Together, we can achieve the Enugu of our dreams,” he added.
The Presidency has reacted following the circulation of an alleged WhatsApp voice note in which President Bola Tinubu reportedly claims he begged opposition figure Peter Obi to step down ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The reaction came on Wednesday from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President.
Onanuga condemned the audio file, labeling it a fabrication and called for legal action against popular social media critic VeryDarkMan who shared it.
“This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu. This is a clear case of an egregious abuse of the social media platform.,” Onanuga tweeted.
In the viral video, VeryDarkMan used the alleged leaked audio to urge Nigerians to vote against President Tinubu’s reelection bid in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Recall that just days ago, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, President Tinubu secured the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a landslide nationwide direct primary election.
During that contest, Tinubu faced a lone challenger, Edo State businessman and APC chieftain Stanley Osifo. The President won with 10,999,162 votes from the 12,643,306 registered party members, while Osifo secured 16,503 votes.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who finished third in the 2023 election, is widely expected to fly the flag for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Both Obi and Tinubu hail from the southern region of Nigeria and are set to face last year’s runner-up, Atiku Abubakar, who is expected to lead the ticket for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, has accused Governor Francis Nwifuru of running the state like a personal family business.
Odii made the remark shortly after emerging as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election following the party’s primary election conducted across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Speaking to party supporters in Abakaliki, Odii said the 2027 election would be about rescuing Ebonyi from poor governance and restoring economic growth and public welfare.
“Ebonyi can never be consumed. Ebonyi can never be conquered. Ebonyi can never become a personal family business, and we are here for the rescue of our dear state,” he stated.
The PDP flag bearer pledged to improve the welfare of civil servants and teachers while promising policies aimed at reviving the state’s economy.
Odii also dismissed fears over political opposition ahead of the election, insisting that his focus remained the development and progress of Ebonyi State.
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