Politics
Ibadan convention: PDP delegates arrive amid Saraki’s cancellation move
Billed to take place on Saturday and Sunday, the convention is perhaps the most controversial in the PDP’s history, as a faction of the party pulled out.
In the buildup to the event, the National Working Committee, led by the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, suspended the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for one month for alleged anti-party activities.
This was the sequel to Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja’s ruling, which placed the convention on hold, citing the party’s failure to abide by its own rules.
Omotosho anchored his ruling on the failure by the leadership of the party to have its designated officials sign the notice of the convention before transmitting the same to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
As a result, the judge barred INEC from monitoring the event.
Relief, however, came the way of the Damagum-led NWC when Justice Ladiran Akintola, through an ex parte motion, directed the PDP to conduct the convention.
Earlier in the week, Justice Peter Lifu appeared to have dashed the hope of the main opposition party when ruling on a suit brought before him by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, suspended the convention, citing Lamido ‘s inability to get a nomination form to vie for the Office of the National Chairman at the convention.
Again, Justice Akintola extended his interim order and directed the PDP to go ahead with the convention.
On Wednesday, the Lekan Salami Stadium, venue of the convention, wore a new look, with massive decorations in the party’s colours still ongoing as of Thursday morning.
Over 3,000 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to attend the event.
Also expected are party leaders, key stakeholders, and international observers, including members of the diplomatic community.
The convention will feature the election of key national officers, including a new National Chairman, National Secretary, and other key members of the NWC and their deputies.
It was learnt that events at the Lekan Salami Stadium would be transmitted to the public in English, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa to ensure inclusivity, with live broadcasts planned for global audiences.
24 states confirmed
The National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the PDP, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, confirmed that delegates, state chairmen, and party stakeholders were already arriving in Ibadan, Oyo State, ahead of the party’s convention.
As of Thursday night, delegates from different states had started arriving at the venue. Two party faithful from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, said they arrived in Ibadan around 12 pm on Wednesday.
Speaking on Thursday, Ajisafe said the party had secured the attendance of delegates from at least two-thirds of the 36 states, meeting the constitutional requirement for a valid convention. Over 3,000 delegates are statutorily expected to attend.
“The convention is still very much on. People have started arriving—delegates, stakeholders, state chairmen. We have secured two-thirds attendance of states, apart from one or two that we are doubting,” he said. “So, even if you don’t have all 36 states, you are still good to go with two-thirds.”
On proceeding in spite of conflicting court judgments, Ajisafe stressed that only a ruling from a superior court would be binding on the convention.
“From the legal point of view, when there are conflicting judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction, the judgment is not binding on either party. It becomes persuasive. And it’s only a superior court that can give direction,” he explained.
Ajisafe also said the party expected representatives from both security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the venue.
“INEC will be there because we have met the stipulated rules and regulations of engagement with INEC, in line with the Electoral Act 2022, which requires notification 21 days before the convention. We have done that and even attended the National Executive Committee meeting afterwards. So, we are good to go,” he said.
Regarding the presence of security agencies, Ajisafe added: “That is an extra comfort; they may come, they may not. But they have the statutory responsibility of doing their job, even to secure protesters, not to talk of political parties, where it involves life. As the biggest political party, they have to witness it.”
Responding to former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s call for the creation of a caretaker committee, Ajisafe said such a move could worsen the party’s crisis. “Rather, the convention should give a direction on whether having a caretaker committee will be the way to go,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking at the venue of the convention on Thursday, the Secretary of the Venue Sub-Committee, Olajide Stanley, said all was set for the convention.
Olajide, who represents Ibadan North West and South West Federal Constituency, was at the convention venue with the Deputy Governor of the state, Bayo Lawal.
He said, “As the Secretary of the Venue Sub-Committee under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, I can tell you right now that if you look around, the stages are coming up, the flags are flying, rebranding is going on, and we are ready.
“I’ll say we’re about 60 per cent ready in terms of setup, and the convention is going on full force. We are extremely delighted that we are moving forward under the leadership of Seyi Makinde, the host governor. We are ready.”
Asked if there were challenges, he said, “Logistics-wise, yes, because the Lagos-Ibadan expressway is a bit congested right now. You can imagine about 6,000 people trying to get to Ibadan for this event tomorrow (today).
“So, it’s pretty heavy, as heavy-duty trucks are moving stage and sound equipment here. Those are just the logistics challenges we’re facing. By and large, we are ready.”
Meanwhile, an INEC official stated that its legal team was reviewing the court orders, and a decision on whether to attend or boycott the convention on Saturday is expected soon.
“We will definitely decide before the convention begins,” our source said.
Saraki urges suspension
However, former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, urged the leadership of the party to suspend its planned elective convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Saraki, a two-term governor of Kwara State, made the call on Wednesday while receiving members of the PDP Board of Trustees Reconciliation Team in his Abuja residence.
Saraki, who chairs the PDP National Reconciliation Committee, cautioned that proceeding with the convention under the current circumstances would only worsen the crisis.
In a statement shared via his verified X handle, Saraki disclosed that he met with the BoT Reconciliation Team, led by Ambassador Hassan Adamu (Wakilin Adamawa), to discuss the way forward for the party.
“It was a meaningful and incisive meeting during which matters of great importance affecting our party were discussed,” he wrote.
“We deliberated extensively on the national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan. I expressed deep regret that, despite the selfless efforts of many party leaders, the exercise has become mired in extensive political and legal controversy. This does not bode well for our party or Nigeria’s democracy.”
…Denies Government Involvement in NDC Airport, Secretariat Incidents
…Says Mbah’s Performance Sufficient to Secure Re-election in Free, Fair Polls
The Enugu State Government has alleged that some opposition elements are plotting to bring armed thugs and bandits into the state to create panic and portray Enugu as insecure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made the allegation on Sunday during a press conference at the Government House, Enugu, where he addressed two incidents involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the party’s state secretariat in Enugu on Saturday.
Onyia denied any involvement of the state government or Governor Peter Mbah’s Chief Security Officer, Ifeanyi Osondu, in either incident. He described the airport confrontation as a matter between the NDC and federal authorities, while noting that the shooting incident at the party’s secretariat was under police investigation.
According to the SSG, the government’s preliminary findings indicated that the airport incident followed the NDC’s attempt to hold what it described as a “Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026” at the facility without obtaining the necessary approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He said the party had publicised the event and invited members and supporters to attend, including through the Facebook page of its governorship candidate in the state.
Onyia explained that the police had advised the party to obtain FAAN’s approval before security personnel could be deployed to the airport for the event.
“Further findings, however, revealed that the NDC did not secure the approval of FAAN to host a grand statewide rally at its facility. Security agencies, therefore, advised the organisers of the rally to rethink it,” he said.
The SSG alleged that the party proceeded to mobilise its members to the airport and attempted to gain entry into the facility, resulting in a confrontation with airport authorities.
He said security agencies intervened to disperse what he described as “riotous” party members and restore order around the airport, which he characterised as a strategic national asset.
Onyia added that the state government’s account was consistent with a statement issued by the Enugu State Police Command on Sunday.
NDC Secretariat Shooting
Addressing the shooting incident at the NDC state secretariat in the GRA area of Enugu, Onyia said security reports had confirmed that a violent clash occurred at the party’s office and that the police were investigating the matter.
He disputed reports of fatalities, claiming that the government’s preliminary findings indicated that no one had died in the incident.
According to him, a 43-year-old man, identified as Ifeanyi Nworie, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Park Lane, where he was stabilised before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, for further examination.
“We can, therefore, authoritatively report that there were no deaths as falsely claimed by some reports and NDC leaders,” he said.
Onyia also rejected allegations that the governor’s Chief Security Officer was present at the party secretariat and supervised the shooting. He maintained that Osondu was with Governor Mbah at the Teachers Grassroots Movement mega rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, when the incident occurred.
The SSG further criticised the reported observance of a minute’s silence for an individual he claimed was still alive, describing it as an attempt to mislead the public for political gain.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Onyia said Mbah had sworn to protect the lives and property of all residents, irrespective of their religious beliefs or political affiliations.
He said the administration’s ambition to grow Enugu into a $30 billion economy and make it a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living depended significantly on sustained peace and security.
According to him, this commitment informed the government’s substantial investments in security infrastructure and operations over the past three years.
“Consequently, the Enugu State Government strongly condemns in its entirety any form of violence, including politically induced violence in the state. We welcome healthy debate and freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” he said.
He urged political parties and their candidates to exercise restraint and embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
The SSG maintained that democratic rights should be exercised responsibly, arguing that political parties ought to serve as models of decorum and integrity.
He questioned the decision to announce a statewide campaign flag-off at the airport without obtaining approval from the relevant authorities.
“Without holding brief for FAAN, is it not sheer rascality to attempt to hold a ‘Grand Statewide Campaign Flag-off 2026’ of the NDC at the airport as publicised by the party and its gubernatorial candidate, especially without the approval by the appropriate authorities?
“Is it not equally gross mischief and a sign of political desperation to hold a minute’s silence for a living person, just to mislead the public for political traction?” he queried.
Government Alleges Opposition Plot
Onyia accused opposition elements in Enugu of attempting to create the impression that the state was unsafe and that the government was intolerant of opposing political parties.
He alleged that some opposition groups had been attributing internal disagreements and violent clashes to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Citing an incident at Obuofia in Nkanu West Local Government Area on September 12, 2026, the SSG claimed that investigations had identified the alleged perpetrators and that the police were prosecuting them.
He described the opposition as factionalised and alleged that some of its members were attempting to draw the state government into controversies to gain political relevance.
Onyia reiterated the government’s allegation that some opposition elements were plotting to bring armed thugs and bandits into Enugu to create panic and undermine public confidence in the state’s security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We, however, make bold to say that the peace and security we have achieved in Enugu State in the last three years, and at huge material costs and sacrifices by our security agents, are non-negotiable and irreversible,” he said.
The SSG said the Mbah administration remained committed to protecting citizens’ democratic rights, including the freedom to campaign for and vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming elections.
He described the right of residents to elect their leaders through free, fair and credible polls as fundamental to the state’s democratic development.
Mbah’s Performance and 2027 Re-election Bid
Onyia expressed confidence that Mbah would secure a second term, citing what he described as the governor’s performance and delivery on campaign promises.
He said the administration had no reason to resort to desperate measures, insisting that its record in office would form the basis of its appeal to voters for a renewed mandate.
“Indeed, these inalienable rights of Ndi Enugu to elect their leaders in free, fair and credible polls are our surest hope for re-election come 2027,” he said.
Politics
2027: Over 30,000 Enugu Teachers Endorse Mbah, Tinubu, Cite Welfare Improvements, Increased Education Funding
Teachers across public and private schools in Enugu State have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in office, citing improved welfare, timely promotions, increased education funding and other interventions by his administration.
The teachers also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose economic reforms, according to Mbah, had made more resources available to states to undertake major projects, including the construction of over 267 Smart Green Schools across the 260 political wards of Enugu State.
The teachers declared their support through a rally organised by the Teachers for Grassroots Movement (TGM), with over 12,000 members marching through parts of Enugu metropolis before converging on Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday for the endorsement event.
Speaking at the rally, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Theophilus Odo, described Mbah as a Godsend, highlighting measures taken by the governor to address longstanding challenges in the state’s education sector.
“On behalf of the NUT, I want to say that we are happy today because God has given us a caring governor, Peter Mbah,” Odo said.
He noted that Mbah had supported the domestication of harmonised retirement benefits for teachers even before becoming governor.
“The building of over 260 Smart Green Schools is a very positive change. Our teachers and children can now compete favourably with their peers in other places,” he said.
Odo added that the administration had commenced the recruitment of thousands of teachers while investing in professional development through symposiums and other training programmes.
“There are no outstanding promotions, and our salaries are coming at the appropriate time.
“So, we, the teachers, are endorsing our governor for a second term in office. The votes of our teachers are only for Governor Mbah,” he declared.
In his remarks, the Enugu State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Nelson Agu, said private school teachers were participating in such a rally in the state for the first time to show support for what he described as Mbah’s revolution in the education sector.
He said the introduction of Smart Green Schools had challenged private school proprietors to upgrade their facilities and improve educational standards.
“When you came and started the idea of over 260 Smart Green Schools, we thought we were out of service. But we went and upgraded our schools to meet the required standards,” Agu said.
He also commended the administration’s allocation of 33 per cent of the state budget to education for three consecutive years.
“Importantly, the idea of allocating 33 per cent of the budget to the education sector for three consecutive years is something to laud your administration for,” he added.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Enugu State, Simeon Akaeme, said the Mbah administration had restored the dignity of teachers and improved their living conditions through investments in infrastructure and social services.
Similarly, the Director-General of TGM, Dr. Nwakaego Aja, described education as a pathway to liberation, self-reliance and economic development, particularly amid the systemic challenges confronting the country.
Aja assured the governor of the support of the movement’s over 30,000 members, saying the administration’s education reforms had demonstrated the role of education in driving economic growth.
“Through experiential learning and innovation, you brought answers to the quest by our nationalists, elevating education to a catalyst for economic development,” she said.
“We, the teachers, are not ingrates. We see what you are doing. You promised disruptive innovation, and you have delivered disruptive innovation. That is why we are here.
“We promise you this: we will take your good news to the communities, to the staff rooms, to every market, to every polling unit, and we will deliver. Our vote is for the All Progressives Congress (APC) from bottom to top,” she added.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Education and patron of TGM, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, described the endorsement by thousands of teachers as an indication of the broader support expected for Governor Mbah and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the teachers, he thanked the governor for prioritising education and investing resources in creating better opportunities for children across the state.
“On behalf of every teacher gathered here today, I have one message, and that is to thank you for believing and investing in the vision that it is through education that Enugu State will attain greater heights. You have committed so many resources to giving every Enugu child a future,” he said.
In his address, Governor Mbah said the endorsement was significant beyond the 2027 elections, stressing that the success of his administration’s development agenda depended largely on teachers and the education system.
“Today’s endorsement carries a particular significance, and that is because everything we do, all the promises we have made, all the projections we have made — growing Enugu’s economy, becoming one of the top three states in terms of GDP, making Enugu State the number one state in terms of investment, business, living and tourism — are in the hands of our teachers,” he said.
The governor said his administration’s investments in education included the construction of over 7,000 classrooms, the provision of 25,000 desktop computers and more than 5,000 tablets, as well as free feeding and uniforms for pupils.
He added that the government was focused on transforming the state’s education system rather than merely providing infrastructure and learning materials.
“For us, it is about transformation — transforming an education system. And that whole transformation, whether we fail or succeed, would lie largely in your hands,” Mbah said.
He expressed appreciation for teachers’ contributions to the state’s development, acknowledging the challenges they face in educating children and preparing them for the future.
“That is why, when I say that I see you and I value you, it comes from the depths of my heart because I understand what you go through to inculcate this knowledge into our children so that we can become that great state. So, we love you and appreciate you dearly,” he added.
The governor’s wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, described the endorsement as a strong affirmation of an administration that had placed education at the centre of its development agenda.
The rally was attended by senior government officials, political and community leaders, and other stakeholders.
…Says 2027 Election Will End Politics of Godfatherism, Privilege in Ebonyi
BY PETRUS OBI
Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, witnessed an extraordinary political reception as thousands of enthusiastic supporters trooped out to welcome the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, on his return to the state.
From the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, where a large crowd gathered to receive him, to Abakaliki, where another mammoth crowd assembled, Odii’s arrival generated considerable excitement among supporters, temporarily bringing activities in parts of the state capital to a standstill.
The reception took another dimension at a filling station in Abakaliki, where the PDP candidate reportedly treated supporters who gathered to welcome him to free fuel, with beneficiaries driving away with filled tanks.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Odii urged Ebonyi residents, irrespective of their places of origin, to prepare for what he described as a tough but decisive political battle ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He expressed confidence that the collective determination of the people would ultimately prevail, insisting that the forthcoming election represents a defining moment in the political history of the state.
According to him, his governorship ambition is not driven by personal interests but by a determination to rescue Ebonyi from years of missed opportunities and alleged mismanagement of public resources.
Odii described his Anyi G’ Emeya movement as a people-driven mission aimed at restoring accountable leadership, creating economic opportunities and building an inclusive government that works for every Ebonyi resident.
Cheering supporters
Free fuel for all
He assured supporters that the deployment of modern technology and competent technology experts to monitor electoral activities across polling units would make electoral manipulation increasingly difficult.
The PDP candidate consequently urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
Speaking further, Odii declared that his achievements in business had already placed him in a position to enjoy extraordinary comfort and luxury anywhere in the world without seeking political office.
He explained that he could have chosen a life of leisure, travelling in luxury yachts and private aircraft, rather than subjecting himself to the demands and challenges of political leadership.
However, he maintained that his decision to contest the governorship election was informed by a greater desire to create an Ebonyi State where opportunities would no longer be the exclusive preserve of the politically connected.
Odii said his vision was to build a society where children from poor families could aspire to become governors, ministers, lawmakers and other prominent public officeholders on the strength of their intelligence, competence, leadership qualities and personal accomplishments.
He condemned a political culture in which access to opportunities and public offices is perceived to depend on family connections, influential relatives, in-laws or powerful political godfathers.
The PDP standard-bearer insisted that Ebonyi must embrace a new political order where merit, fairness and equal opportunity, rather than privilege and political patronage, determine the future of its citizens.
He called on supporters to remain united and committed to the Anyi G’ Emeya movement, expressing optimism that the 2027 election would usher in a new era of leadership in Ebonyi State.
ABAKALIKI — The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has dismissed reports suggesting that he may withdraw from the 2027 Ebonyi State governorship race and support Governor Francis Nwifuru.
In a statement signed by Odii’s spokesperson, Chief Emmanuel Chidi Igwe, the campaign described the reported withdrawal as false, insisting that Odii remains committed to contesting the election.
According to Igwe, “Chief Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will never, under any condition, step down from the 2027 governorship contest.”
The statement said Odii’s political camp remains focused on what it described as its campaign position: “Odii must run and win.”
It added that any political discussions, persuasion or negotiations involving other individuals should not be interpreted as a decision by Odii to abandon his governorship ambition.
Camp Rejects Withdrawal Narrative
The Odii camp further described reports of a possible withdrawal as a political narrative allegedly being promoted by individuals opposed to his candidacy.
Igwe challenged those behind the reports to produce evidence showing that Odii had personally announced his withdrawal from the race.
“There is a fundamental difference between reporting that a politician intends to persuade Chief Odii to withdraw and reporting that Chief Odii has agreed to withdraw,” the statement said, stressing that the latter would require evidence from the candidate himself.
The spokesperson also urged journalists, bloggers and online publishers to maintain professional standards when reporting political developments, warning against presenting speculation or the intentions of third parties as established decisions by political candidates.
24-Hour Retraction Demand
The camp has consequently demanded that publishers of the alleged withdrawal story retract or prominently correct their reports within 24 hours, unless they can produce an authentic statement from Odii confirming that he has decided to withdraw from the 2027 contest.
The statement also reminded online publishers of their responsibilities under Nigerian law, citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended, as well as other laws relating to unlawful online publications and defamatory material.
The spokesperson clarified that the reference to the law was not intended as a threat against legitimate journalism or political criticism, but as a reminder that political disagreements should remain within the bounds of the law.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that Odii remains in the 2027 governorship race and urged members of the public to regard reports of his withdrawal as unverified unless supported by a direct statement from him.
By Petrus Obi, London
London — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has intensified his criticism of the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, insisting that the people of the state deserve a different approach to governance.
Odii, who spoke with EverydayNewsngr.net in London, said what he described as the “fire brigade approach” of the Nwifuru administration was not the kind of governance Ebonyi needs.
According to him, the state requires a government with a clear vision, long-term planning and the capacity to deliver meaningful development to its people.
“The fire brigade approach of the Nwifuru government is not what the state needs,” Odii said.
He added: “I am coming to bring a new lease of life to my people.”
Odii’s comments come amid renewed political debate in Ebonyi State following the recent removal of the state Commissioner for Works. The development has attracted attention from opposition circles, with critics using it to question aspects of the administration’s handling of governance and infrastructure.
The PDP chieftain said the people of Ebonyi should expect more than what he described as reactive governance, arguing that development should be driven by a coherent programme capable of producing lasting results.
He maintained that his political ambition was motivated by a desire to provide what he described as purposeful leadership and improve the welfare of residents across the state.
“We deserve better government in Ebonyi State,” Odii said, stressing that his vision was centred on giving the people renewed confidence in government and creating opportunities for them to prosper.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, governance, infrastructure, accountability and the delivery of public services are expected to feature prominently in the emerging contest.
Odii’s intervention in London is likely to add further momentum to the political conversation, particularly as opposition figures seek to distinguish their vision for Ebonyi from that of the incumbent administration.
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