Politics
Damagum: Four govs back Wike’s support for PDP chair
There is no resolution in sight to the crisis rocking the major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as calls to replace its acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, have deepened divisions within the PDP Governors’ Forum.
A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, speaking anonymously, revealed that, in addition to the backing of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Damagum has the support of at least four governors from the party.
He identified the four governors as Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State; and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
According to the source, while the Enugu and Zamfara state governors, Peter Mbah and Dauda Lawal, respectively, are neutral, the remaining seven PDP governors are pushing to oust Damagum.
The anti-Damagum governors are led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
With him are Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.
The source noted, “Oyo State Governor Makinde leads three other governors who are friends of Wike, and they are backing Damagum to continue in his acting role.”
Since assuming the role of acting National Chairman after Senator Iyorchia Ayu was sacked by a court, Damagum has faced increasing blame from party leaders for the ongoing crisis in the PDP, with calls for his resignation.
The situation escalated when Damagum and other NWC members aligned with Wike to secure approval for the controversial Rivers State PDP Congresses and postponed the National Executive Committee meeting from September 26 to October 24.
Tensions between Wike and the current Rivers State Governor heightened on August 24, following public backing for Fubara from PDP governors who called for a review of the Rivers State Congresses and reaffirmed Fubara’s leadership.
Wike responded aggressively on August 31, threatening to disrupt activities in the governors’ states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State matters.
In turn, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, condemned Wike’s threat as irresponsible on September 3.
Wike maintained his position, stating he would not withdraw his threat regarding actions in PDP states.
While hosting five NWC members in Bauchi, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum dismissed Wike’s threat and indicated that the North Central region would propose Damagum’s successor.
In a swift response, Makinde, a Wike ally, assured Damagum on Wednesday of their full support to help reposition the PDP.
The Oyo State Governor stated: “I am glad that the National Working Committee of our party is here. I read that there was another meeting in Bauchi. Let me say it clearly that we are 100 percent in support of the Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you to reposition the party.”
The reliable source disclosed that the governors of Enugu and Zamfara states are neutral regarding the ongoing leadership crisis in the PDP.
He stated, “Of course, Wike is not alone. He enjoys the support of the PDP governors and other party stakeholders. Makinde has always been Wike’s close friend; governors of Taraba, Plateau, and most surprisingly, Adamawa State are with them.
“These are the people who are working with Wike to sustain Damagum and empower the FCT Minister to take over the PDP structure in Rivers State.
“You heard Bauchi State Governor in recent times, so you know where he stands. Others that are with the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum are Fubara, Delta, Osun, Bayelsa, maybe Akwa Ibom. The remaining two, Zamfara and Enugu, are indifferent.”
Confirming what the source said, the Adamawa State governor publicly declared his full support for the PDP acting national chairman on X on Thursday.
Fintiri wrote: “Solidly in support of Amb. Umar Damagum as National Chairman of @OfficialPDPNig! His leadership has restored public confidence, and we are confident he will steer the party to greater heights.”
Also, Fintiri, in a press statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership on Thursday on behalf of the PDP in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states.
The statement indicated that the North-East caucus of the PDP is fully supportive of Damagum.
It stated, “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states has endorsed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum’s leadership as acting National Chairman. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the five states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership since assuming office.
“Citing a Federal High Court Abuja restraining order, Fintiri stated that Damagum should complete former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure unless the court decides otherwise.
“The governor praised Damagum for restoring public confidence in the party and urged members to respect the court’s ruling for the party’s and democracy’s sake.
“The governor, who described the performance of the party in the North-East region during the 2023 elections as unprecedented at all levels, noted that the zone deserves the position of National Chairman more than any section in the North.”
On Thursday, Osun State Governor, Adeleke, declared his stance against Damagum.
In a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke urged party members to consistently adhere to the party’s Constitution, especially during this critical time. The PDP Constitution stipulates that any replacement for a vacant NWC position must be sourced from the zone of the previous occupant. In other words, Ayu’s successor should be from North Central.
“I stand by the Constitution of our great party, which clearly spells out the succession procedure in case of the exit of an elected chairman.
“I also stand by the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum, of which I am an integral part. Our party must adhere to its Constitution at this critical time and at all times. That is the way to build a responsible political party,” Adeleke said.
Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees, led by its Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, met behind closed doors with the PDP caucus in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Emerging from the meeting, Wabara said the deliberation was peaceful.
The meeting with the lawmakers came two days after the BoT held a similar closed-door meeting with Wike.
“We met with the National Caucus, and as you can see, the meeting was peaceful,” Wabara told newsmen on Thursday.
The PDP BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and other members held a closed-door meeting with Wike in Abuja on Tuesday.
Recall that the BoT met with the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bauchi State Governor, in the state capital on Wednesday.
The meeting between the National Assembly Caucus and the BoT took place at the PDP office, Legacy House, in Abuja.
In addition to Wabara and Makarfi, attendees included House Minority Leader, Hon. Chinda Kingsley; Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi; House of Representatives Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa JC; and Hon. Pastor Ojema Ojotu, among others.
The BoT convened the meeting to assess the sentiment of the PDP caucus in the National Assembly regarding the party’s challenges, urge calm, and suggest recommendations for resolving the issues.
Residents from various communities in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, as their preferred choice for the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday during a gathering tagged “Street Endorsement for Odii” held in Afikpo.
Speaking at the event, the Ebonyi State PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Chinyere Nwele, described Odii’s governorship aspiration as timely and necessary, arguing that the state needed a leader with the competence and vision to drive development.
According to her, Odii possesses the capacity, integrity, experience, and contacts required to reposition Ebonyi State and improve the welfare of its citizens.
She urged residents to rally behind the PDP candidate, warning that the state risked further setbacks if leadership was entrusted to individuals lacking the requisite experience and commitment.
Also speaking, the PDP senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South Zone in the 2027 elections, Mrs. Maria Nwachi, called on residents to support Odii’s ambition and make effective use of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during the elections.
Nwachi, a former member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, described Odii as a leader who understands the challenges facing Ebonyians and has the capacity to address them.
She expressed confidence that the PDP candidate would bring transformational leadership to the state if elected.
The PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-East Constituency, Mr. Iheukwumere Okogwu-Otu, described the endorsement as a significant step towards shaping the future of Ebonyi State.
He said the gathering reflected the confidence many residents have in Odii’s ability to provide purposeful leadership and address the state’s challenges.
Similarly, the PDP House of Assembly candidate for Afikpo North-West Constituency, Mr. Ewa Chukwumaijem, urged residents to support the PDP governorship candidate and ensure they obtain and safeguard their PVCs ahead of the election.
The event drew supporters from several communities across Afikpo, who pledged their backing for the PDP candidate as preparations for the 2027 governorship race gather momentum.
The lawmaker formally announced his defection in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read on the floor of the Senate on Monday by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary.
In the letter, Maidoki said the lingering crisis within the APC had forced him to seek a new political platform.
“I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and the distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC,” he stated.
Explaining the reason for his decision, the senator said the internal wrangling in the ruling party had become a major source of concern.
“My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern,” he said.
Maidoki expressed confidence that the ADC would provide a more suitable platform to advance the interests of his constituents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“I believe that the ideas of the ADC are better for the benefit of my senatorial district and Nigeria at large,” he added.
The Kebbi South senator also accused the APC of abandoning the principles of justice, peace and unity, particularly during the recently concluded party primary elections in the state.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) has not exhibited its slogan as justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections,” he declared.
Reaffirming his commitment to his new political platform, Maidoki said:
“It is in this regard, therefore, that I wish to inform you of my defection to the African Democratic Congress, which I believe guarantees my political aspiration.”
The defection marks another political setback for the APC as the ADC continues to attract high-profile politicians ahead of future electoral contests.
Politics
Enugu High Court Receives OAU Onyema’s N20m Recovery Suit Against NDC, Dickson, Egwu, Others
A legal battle has commenced at the Enugu State High Court following the filing of Suit No. E/619/2026 by Chief Sir OAU Onyema against the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), former Bayelsa State Governor Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, former Ebonyi State Governor Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
The plaintiff is seeking the recovery of N20 million, which he alleges was procured through misrepresentation, undue influence, and coercive inducement, resulting in what he described as unjust enrichment by the defendants.
According to court documents, the defendants have been given 42 days to file their defence. The plaintiff has also filed an application for summary judgment, urging the court to enter judgment in his favour without a full trial on the grounds that the defendants allegedly have no viable defence to the claims. The defendants were granted 14 days after service to respond to the motion.
In a 41-paragraph affidavit supported by 12 exhibits, the plaintiff detailed the basis of his claims and requested an order compelling the defendants, jointly and severally, to refund the N20 million allegedly paid into Account No. 1046691859 belonging to the first defendant and domiciled with FCMB.
As part of the summary judgment application, the plaintiff is also seeking an order freezing the account pending the determination of the substantive suit if the court declines to grant immediate judgment.
In the substantive action, the plaintiff seeks declarations that the N20 million payment was obtained through misrepresentation, undue influence and coercive inducement, and that the defendants’ continued retention of the funds amounts to unjust enrichment.
He is further asking the court to award N5 million as special damages for litigation costs, N200 million as general damages for alleged psychological trauma, embarrassment, hardship and inconvenience, and interest on the disputed sum at the rate of 10 per cent per month from June 2, 2026, until full repayment.
The matter has been tentatively adjourned to July 2, 2026, for returns on court assignment and the fixing of further hearing dates.
Further details of the proceedings are expected as the case progresses.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, approving seven candidates from different political parties to contest for the vacant Senate seat.
The updated list significantly expands the race, following the commission’s earlier publication which featured only three candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Boot Party (BP).
The initial exclusion of candidates from several parties, including the Labour Party (LP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), generated controversy and prompted legal and political reactions across the senatorial district.
The Labour Party had approached the court to challenge the omission of its candidate from the election. However, following the inclusion of its flag bearer in the revised list, the party reportedly withdrew the suit.
According to INEC’s final notice, the candidates cleared to participate in the by-election are Chika Idoko Emmanuel (ADC), Asogwa Ikeje Israel (APC), Aneke Kingsley Chukwuebuka (BP), Eze Ejike Simon (LP), Ossai Elias Okwudili (NDC), Ezeme Nestor Chika (PDP), and Ugwuanyi Charles Ugochukwu (PRP).
The revised list brings four additional political parties into the contest, broadening the field and offering voters more options ahead of the election.
Political observers and stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a step toward a more inclusive and competitive electoral process.
The by-election is scheduled to hold on June 20 across the six local government areas that make up Enugu North Senatorial District: Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Uzo-Uwani, and Igbo Etiti.
INEC’s records show that Eze Ejike Simon of the Labour Party, aged 67, is the oldest candidate in the race, closely followed by Ossai Elias Okwudili of the NDC, who is 66.
The youngest contender is Aneke Kingsley Chukwuebuka of the Boot Party at 39 years, while Chika Idoko Emmanuel of the ADC is 41.
Other candidates include APC’s Asogwa Ikeje Israel, aged 56; PDP’s Ezeme Nestor Chika, aged 55; and PRP’s Ugwuanyi Charles Ugochukwu, also 55.
The commission further disclosed that all seven candidates contesting the by-election are male.
With the publication of the final list, political parties are expected to intensify campaigns in the final days before the poll, which will determine who represents Enugu North Senatorial District in the Senate for the remainder of the current tenure.
Credit: Nation
Stakeholders also called for sanctions against Justice Peter Lifu for flouting a superior court order, as the ADC assures supporters they will remain on the ballot.
Political parties and stakeholders affected by the Federal High Court’s controversial deregistration order welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the judgment.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Tuesday ordered a stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, while delivering a stinging rebuke to Justice Lifu for flouting a May 22 appellate court order restraining him from delivering the ruling.
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed condemned Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting a May 22 order that directed him to suspend proceedings before him, describing his conduct as the gravest form of judicial misconduct.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the panel held.
The appellate court went further, invoking a Supreme Court precedent to characterise Justice Lifu’s conduct in the harshest terms.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is the highest form of judicial impertinence,” the panel declared, adding that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acted in such a manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”
The court said it had a duty to assert its supervisory authority over lower courts and protect the integrity of the judicial hierarchy.
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed. The application for stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the panel ruled.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Lifu, had on Monday ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party, ruling that the five parties failed to meet the constitutional performance thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, specifically, requirements related to securing at least 25 per cent of votes in certain states or winning seats in the 2023 general elections.
Earlier in Tuesday’s proceedings, INEC told the appellate court it was stunned by Justice Lifu’s decision to deliver the judgment, disclosing that the commission only learned of the ruling through media reports rather than any official notification.
INEC’s lead counsel, Mr Haliru Mohammed, told the panel that the commission had been aware of the appellate court’s May 22 order restraining the lower court from delivering the judgment, which had originally been reserved for June 5.
“We were not aware of any notice from the court regarding the delivery of the judgment. We only saw it as breaking news in the media. We therefore do not oppose the application of the appellant to stay the execution of the judgment,” Mohammed submitted.
The commission also aligned itself with the notice of appeal filed by the affected political parties.
Counsel to the ADC, Mr Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, told the court that Justice Lifu communicated the judgment’s delivery to the party via WhatsApp, a disclosure that drew visible reactions from the bench.
Aruwa described the lower court’s conduct as an invitation to anarchy and urged the appellate court to invoke its disciplinary jurisdiction under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution to sanction the judge.
“The action of the trial judge calls for swift and extraordinary measures from this court. We have come to the stage where this court should press the reset button.
“We urge this court to take disciplinary steps by immediately suspending that judgment. This court has the power to protect its own integrity. We pray this court suspends the judgment immediately without further delay,” he added.
APC reacts
Reacting to the appellate court’s decision, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ruling offered a measure of hope for the judiciary’s credibility, though he was careful not to celebrate unreservedly.
“It indicates that the judiciary may still redeem itself. We are cautiously delighted but we insist that it shouldn’t have happened in the first place,” Abdullahi said in a telephone interview.
He called on the National Judicial Council to take urgent steps to rid the bench of judges whose conduct brought the institution into disrepute.
“We, therefore, hope that the judicial council will take urgent steps to purge the bench of judges who bring the judicial institution to disrepute,” he said.
The National Leader of the Action Peoples Party, Ikenga Ugochinyere, was more emphatic in his welcome of the ruling, describing it as a vindication of the party’s position from the outset and calling on the NJC to weed out what he termed controversial judges.
“There was no need to panic in the first place, and, so, this ruling is a vindication of our position from the get-go,” Ugochinyere said.
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