Politics
PDP chair, Wike tackle Clark as anti-Fubara plot thickens
•Pro-Fubara, Wike assemblies hold parallel sessions, rumble in NWC over Rivers gov
•I won’t quit PDP, says Wike as Ikimi heads disciplinary panel on ex-gov’s anti-party cases
The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umaru Damagum and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday knocked Chief Edwin Clark, after the elder statesman accused both of “colluding” to destroy the party.
This comes as 12 members of the National Working Committee of the PDP, led by Damagum, were allegedly collaborating with Wike to unseat the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
This, it was also learnt, had split the opposition party’s NWC into two, as three other members opposed the move to remove Fubara.
Our correspondent learnt that others allegedly involved in the plan to oust Fubara are the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo and eight others.
However, three members of the NWC, the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Financial Secretary, Daniel Woyegikuro, were reportedly against the plot.
For months, governance in Rivers State has been nearly paralysed due to the ongoing political feud between Wike and Fubara, both members of the PDP.
The conflict had led to a division within the state House of Assembly, with one faction, led by Martin Amaewhule, aligning with ex-Governor Wike, while the other, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, remain loyal to the incumbent Fubara.
Efforts by President Bola Tinubu and other elder statesmen in Rivers and across Nigeria to reconcile the two sides have been unsuccessful, as the factions engaged each other in legal battles in Port Harcourt and Abuja courts.
Central to these disputes was a case marked PHC/2177/CS/2024, which revolved around the defection of Amaewhule and 26 PDP members of the state House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress on December 11, 2023 to orchestrate the impeachment of Fubara.
During the week, rival factions of the Rivers State House of Assembly held separate public hearings on different bills.
The Oko-Jumbo-led faction held their public hearing on the Rivers Emergency Management Agency Bill 2024 on Tuesday while the Amaewhule-led faction held theirs on the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill 2024 on Wednesday.
The parallel public hearings deepened divisions in the two camps of the Rivers State House of Assembly, with residents kept wondering.
Jumbo-faction’s Deputy Speaker, Timothy Orubienimigha, said their Assembly was set to create robust laws that would guide the state, adding that the bill was aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for effective emergency management and mitigation in the state.
Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Franklin Nwabochi, who is under the Amaewhule group, said on Wednesday the bill sought to establish the Rivers State Electricity Commission to enforce consumer rights and obligations, while aligning with the new constitutional order.
On Tuesday, a delegation of the PDP Board of Trustees, led by its Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, paid a visit to Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
On the delegation were some of the founding fathers of the PDP, such Chief Bode George, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo.
The BoT chairman said the party was worried by the news that Fubara was planning to leave the PDP over the crisis between him and Wike.
He expressed concern that the PDP might lose Rivers State if the crisis was not resolved.
Fubara, who described the visit as reassuring, however, dismissed the rumour of his planned defection from the party.
A senior member of the PDP NWC disclosed that 12 members of the party’s leadership were allegedly acting on Wike’s orders against Fubara’s interest.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, claimed, “During our meetings, Damagum, Bature, Anyanwu, Koshoedo, National Auditor, Okechukwu Daniel; National Treasurer, Ahmed Mohammed; Deputy National Treasurer Ndubisi David; National Women Leader, Amina Arong; National Youth Leader, Muhammed Suleiman, and the National Vice Chairmen of North Central, South East, and North West all supported Wike’s agenda.
“Last week’s NWC meeting led to heated arguments. While court injunctions preventing the party from conducting ward congresses were respected in other states, the same was not true for Rivers State.
“Despite the restraining order, Damagum, Bature, and Anyanwu insisted that the process should continue. Only Ajibade (SAN), Ologunagba, and Woyegikuro stood firm in insisting that the PDP should comply with the court order in Rivers. Others supported Damagum to further Wike’s objectives.”
On Sunday, the spokesperson for the opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere, accused Damagum and Anyanwu of scheming to oust Fubara as governor.
On July 8, 2024, the Rivers State High Court issued an ex parte order preventing key state officials from interacting with the defected lawmakers.
However, to the surprise of party members, including the PDP National Legal Adviser, lawyers hired by Wike appealed the order on behalf of the party without its consent.
Though Ajibade reportedly attempted to withdraw the appeal on July 24, a letter dated August 15, signed by Damagum and Anyanwu and sent to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, distanced the PDP from the withdrawal of the appeal.
“The letter, which is now in public, was intended to betray Fubara in the interest of Wike. As a result of the letter from Damagum and Anyanwu, other party leaders are now becoming alert to the situation. Many of them are coming together to rally and ensure the party’s survival,” a national official of the PDP, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak on the matter, said.
“At this point, the NWC is largely divided with the majority under Wike’s control. So, the PDP is on the brink of collapse, and only the PDP governors can save it. I am telling you that at no cost.”
Another source, who is also a member of the PDP NWC, stated that the party structure in Rivers State would continue under Wike’s leadership.
According to the source, the PDP ward congresses across all states, including Rivers, were conducted successfully.
“While only three NWC members opposed the Rivers congress, the rest approved it. Consequently, Wike’s structure won the ward congress elections in Rivers. Therefore, Wike’s role as the PDP leader in Rivers State remains unchanged, as this same structure was responsible for Fubara’s election,” our source said.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, one of the three NWC members who opposed the move to unseat Fubara, told The PUNCH the party would continue to support the governor.
“We have no reason not to support him because he is the leader of the party in Rivers State. The PDP Constitution is very clear, that the governor of a state is the leader of the party in that state, and issues relating to the state are consulted with him because he is part of the decision-making in that state. Nothing will change that,” Ologunagba said.
“Fubara is a governor under the platform of the PDP. We acknowledge his contributions to the party. He is a silent and diligent achiever in Rivers State. We as a party support him because he is a member of our party and is doing well in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.”
“The position of the party remains the same as communicated in the past. That position has not changed. The party’s stance is consistent with the PDP Constitution and the Supreme Court’s pronouncement on defection. Those former lawmakers of Rivers State cease to be members of the state House of Assembly and the PDP because they defected when there was no crisis in the party. The party is united on this, and the NWC is not divided over it.”
Politics
Obi: Adeboye Is Right, Tinubu Has Tried His Best
National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to recent remarks by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, , agreeing that President Bola Tinubu has done his best to address Nigeria’s security challenges but arguing that his best is no longer enough.
Obi made the remarks during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, uploaded on YouTube on Thursday, while explaining why Nigerians should support his presidential ambition over other opposition candidates.
Asked why he should be elected president, Obi urged Nigerians to evaluate his past record alongside his current vision for the country.
“It’s for you to look at my past and look at what I’m saying now,” he said.
Responding to Adeboye’s recent comments on Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, Obi described the respected cleric as a sincere and credible religious leader whose assessment was fair.
“Somebody asked me yesterday, they said that Pastor Adeboye said Tinubu has tried his best and he’s not happy. And I said, no, Pastor Adeboye remains a very revered, respected religious father, whom I believe in his genuineness and goodness.
“And what he said was correct. He said he has tried his best. He’s trying his best. That’s it. It’s the correct answer.
“The question to ask is: Is his best good enough? Where we find ourselves today, that leads to the issue of capacity.”
Obi maintained that effective leadership is defined by competence, capacity, compassion, commitment and character, arguing that Nigeria’s persistent security challenges demonstrate the need for a leadership change.
“When I talk about leadership, I say competence, capacity, compassion, commitment, character. These are the issues. President Tinubu is tired. He needs to go home and rest,” Obi said.
Adeboye had earlier defended President Tinubu against criticisms over worsening insecurity during the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C., on June 23.
The cleric argued that the President had fulfilled his responsibility by issuing directives to the military, stressing that a commander-in-chief was not expected to personally participate in combat operations.
“I don’t support those who are accusing the President of not doing enough. When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight,” Adeboye said.
Despite defending the President’s role, Adeboye expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, noting that terrorism and kidnapping had spread beyond northern Nigeria into the southern parts of the country.
He also revealed that he advised the President to issue a 90-day ultimatum to military commanders to either end the insecurity or resign, while urging the government to identify and prosecute those sponsoring terrorist activities.
Politics
Nwifuru’s Quiet Politics Faces Its Biggest Test as the 2027 Battle Takes Shape
Politics
Peter Obi Alleges Harassment, Says He May Not Be Alive to Contest 2027 Election
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), , has expressed concern over what he described as persistent harassment and frustration ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Obi alleged that the actions of the current administration have made his daily activities increasingly difficult and negatively affected his means of livelihood.
The former Anambra State governor claimed he faces constant obstacles and said the pressure has become so intense that he cannot be certain he will be alive to participate in the 2027 presidential election.
“With the way this government is going, I may not even be alive to contest the 2027 election. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is deliberately frustrating. I face frustration every day,” Obi said.
He also alleged that he recently experienced an incident at an airport where his vehicle was locked, citing it as an example of the challenges he claims to be facing.
Obi did not provide further details about the airport incident or identify those allegedly responsible for the action.
Politics
Senate: Odoh Unveils Vision to Make Ebonyi Central Globally Competitive
The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, , has unveiled an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at positioning the district as a globally competitive hub for innovation, technology, agriculture and enterprise.
In a statement addressed to the people of Ebonyi Central, Odoh thanked the leadership of the NDC, party members, stakeholders and supporters for entrusting him with the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.
He described his emergence as a call to service and pledged to pursue legislative initiatives capable of attracting federal interventions, strategic investments and economic opportunities to the district.
According to him, the future of Ebonyi Central depends on electing a senator who can shape transformative legislation, influence national budgets, strengthen oversight and build partnerships that deliver sustainable development.
Odoh argued that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, digital technology, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and precision agriculture require proactive policies to ensure Ebonyi Central is not left behind in the global economy.
He said his legislative priorities would include expanding broadband infrastructure, promoting digital innovation and skills centres, attracting agro-processing and mineral beneficiation industries, and supporting modern agricultural practices to improve productivity and create jobs.
The NDC candidate also promised to unveil a five-part SMART Legislative Agenda detailing plans to strengthen education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, agriculture and investment through purposeful legislation and strategic federal advocacy.
He urged residents of Ebonyi Central to support a vision that would transform the district into a centre of innovation, enterprise and shared prosperity, with the goal of delivering “prosperity in every home, jobs, wealth and opportunity.”
Politics
2027: Nwifuru Plays Safe as Cold War Brews, Denies Rift with Wike
The Ebonyi State Government has moved to dispel speculations of a rift between Governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, NyesomWike, insisting that the governor never threatened the minister and that reports suggesting otherwise were politically motivated.
The clarification comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, following remarks made by Governor Nwifuru during the June 15 endorsement rally for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at the .
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebeh, dismissed allegations by factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the governor had threatened Wike.
According to Omebeh, the governor’s remarks were directed at opposition figures allegedly exploiting Wike’s name to spread misinformation and stoke political tension in Ebonyi State, not at the FCT minister himself.
He explained that Nwifuru’s use of the word “consume” was figurative and merely signified that individuals bent on disrupting public peace would face the full weight of the law if they refused to desist.
“The attention of the Ebonyi State Government has been drawn to statements issued by the national leadership of the two factions of the PDP, as well as media reports concerning remarks made by Governor Francis Nwifuru during the endorsement rally,” Omebeh said.
“We wish to state categorically that at no time did His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, issue any threat against the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike.”
The commissioner maintained that Governor Nwifuru and Wike enjoy a cordial relationship built on mutual respect, describing attempts to portray them as political rivals as false and mischievous.
He accused the PDP and some media outlets of twisting the governor’s comments to manufacture an unnecessary dispute between the two leaders for political gain.
Omebeh also urged the opposition to focus on resolving its internal leadership crisis instead of criticising the Nwifuru administration, arguing that the PDP lacked the moral standing to lecture the government on governance.
He further claimed that the opposition had lost political relevance in Ebonyi State and would not pose a serious challenge to the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.
Reaffirming the government’s position, the commissioner said the people of Ebonyi State remained firmly behind Governor Nwifuru and would demonstrate that support at the polls, insisting that attempts to create an imaginary rift between the governor and Wike would ultimately fail.
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