Politics
PDP CRISIS: End in sight after meeting with Wike – BOT
The parley was held as the party scheduled its first presidential campaign rally for Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on October 10.
Meanwhile, a twist has emerged in the housing allowance saga in the National Working Committee, NWC, as aides of the National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, rejected letters of refund of the allowance from some members of the NWC, yesterday.
PDP remains one, we’re hopeful – Wabara, Wike
Emerging from the parley with Wike, Wabara said: “This meeting took about four hours. We have not concluded. It’s always easy to destroy but to make peace takes some time. I think we are better informed, gotten some information. We have been briefed by his Excellency (Wike). So, we will go back to Abuja to re-digest all we gathered from him; very frank talks. One good thing is that this family remains one, still under the umbrella called PDP.
“By the special grace of God, we will end up victorious and end up at the Villa in 2023 with his (Wike’s) cooperation and the support of all the other governors: four of them. No doubt we will make progress.
“In concrete terms, it’s work in progress. This is the first time the BoT is coming to see his Excellency and for your information he is also a member. We rubbed minds. We will find a solution to all the problems, very soon.
PDP united for the coming electoral war — Wike
Also speaking, Wike said: “To add to what the BoT acting chairman has said, peace is the most important thing to have unity. Even if it takes you longer days, what is important is that the house is united for the war coming ahead.
“So, the issue of whether they achieved peace today or not is immaterial. What matters is that at the end of the day, PDP is a united house. I think that is the message being conveyed.
“We have said repeatedly that we are not leaving the party, but that does not mean there are no internal issues that ought to be sorted out. I think what they are here for is to sort out some internal issues. That point has been made.
Uyo to host campaign flag-off October 10
As the party seeks solution to the complaints of the Wike camp, it has scheduled Monday, October 10, 2022 for the official flag off of its 2023 presidential campaign.
The event will be held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital, Director General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Management Committee and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, announced after inspecting the Atiku Campaign Office, in Abuja, yesterday.
He said: “We are pleased to report to you and indeed Nigerians that the campaign is ready to move. By the grace of God, we are flagging off the campaign this Monday, October 10, at Uyo Akwa Ibom State.
“Atiku (Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate) is very well prepared to provide the required leadership for this country at this time. He has the experience in governance at the federal level, which I believe none of the rest of the candidates can match.
Crisis’ll soon be over
Responding to a question on the decision of five aggrieved governors to steer clear of the campaign unless the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu resigns, Tambuwual expressed optimism that the disagreement will soon be resolved.
“We’re not involved in a war of attrition. It is a political disagreement and we’re working to resolve all of those issues,” he said and debunked claims that the party’s popularity has nose-dived in the South-East because of the party’s perceived injustice against the zone.
Speaking in a similar vein, a Spokesperson for the campaign, Charles Aniagwu, who appeared on an AIT television Political Programme, Kakaki, also on Tuesday said everything humanly possible is being done to ensure reconciliation.
He said that having inaugurated its Campaign Council, the party would flag-off its campaign on Monday in Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom state capital.
According to him, the party’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and other leaders of the party are working hard to resolve all contending issues to enable it present a common front ahead of the 2023 general elections; “be rest assured that in not too distant time, you will see a very peaceful PDP.”
New twist in housing allowance saga, as Ayu’s aides reject letters
Meanwhile, the last is yet to be heard about the refund of over N150million housing allowance by six members of the NWC of the party.
Staff of the National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, yesterday, rejected copies of the widely publicized letters returning various sums ranging from N28.8 million to N36 million representing three years housing allowances of NWC members.
It was gathered that the letters written by the Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja; National Vice Chairman (South South), Dan Orbih; National Vice Chairman (South West) and National Women Leader, Prof. Stella Affah-Attoe, last week, were only taken to the National Chairman’s office yesterday morning.
A source in the party’s National Secretariat told Vanguard: “Arapaja and the National Woman’s leader’s letters in which they said they were returning their housing allowance which they shared on social media last week were just brought to the office this morning (Tuesday).
“Arapaja’s letter, which was written on PDP’s letter-headed paper, was sent via courier. The man is still here.
“That’s what he could have sent through his secretary, if mischief was not intended. They had lied that they submitted their letters to the chairman. It’s today they are struggling to. How can the chairman receive letters from his colleagues via courier?”
Politics
2027: Your votes do not count, the Courts Will Endorse It Unless We Do Something-Dele Farotimi warns
Human rights lawyer and political activist Dele Farotimi has called for a revolution to save Nigeria, urging citizens to unite behind a common national vision and push for fundamental changes to the country’s political and governance systems.
Farotimi made the remarks while expressing concerns about Nigeria’s democracy, the credibility of its electoral process and the role of the judiciary in resolving electoral disputes.
According to the activist, Nigerians risk losing confidence in democracy if their votes are not adequately protected and electoral outcomes are not respected. He warned that public passivity could create conditions for authoritarian rule.
“Your votes do not count and the judiciary will endorse it unless we decide to do something about it, because we are sleeping whilst a dictatorship is being installed in our country, demon-cratically,” he said.
Farotimi argued that Nigeria needs to be restructured and reimagined to address its persistent political challenges. He maintained that meaningful change would require citizens to come together around a clearly defined vision for the country’s future rather than placing their hopes solely in individual politicians.
He said a critical mass of Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the existing system must be mobilised to support an alternative approach to governance.
“The one thing I have never been shy about is to tell you what it will take to save Nigeria. It will take a revolution to save Nigeria,” Farotimi declared.
The activist suggested that such a revolution could be achieved through the ballot box, although he expressed doubts about whether the current political process, on its own, could deliver the transformation Nigeria needs.
He stressed that a credible national vision, backed by purposeful leadership, could encourage greater citizen participation and strengthen public resolve to defend electoral choices.
Farotimi’s remarks highlight broader concerns about electoral integrity, judicial accountability and the need for structural reforms in Nigeria. His call for a democratic revolution centres on collective action, political restructuring and the emergence of a shared vision capable of mobilising citizens towards meaningful change.
As the country approaches another general election cycle, debates over electoral credibility, institutional trust and the future of Nigeria’s democracy are likely to remain central to the national conversation.
By PETRUS OBI.
Veteran journalist and ARISE News presenter, Dr Reuben Abati, appeared uncertain about the name of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, during a live television interview with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, popularly known as Anyichuks.
While questioning Odii on the political situation in Ebonyi ahead of the 2027 general elections, Abati, in a video which has gone viral on social media remarked:
“…Are you aware that Governor Nwifuru, I think that’s the name of Ebonyi Governor…”
Popular Ebonyi Guber Candidate ANYICHUKS
The remark, which appeared to be an attempt to confirm the governor’s name, has raised questions about Nwifuru’s visibility beyond Ebonyi State, particularly amid growing criticism of his administration over allegations of poor performance.
During the interview, Odii accused Governor Nwifuru of allegedly intimidating opposition parties in the state, claiming that incidents involving attacks on opposition supporters had been reported to security agencies.
He also criticised an alleged threat by the governor to sack local government chairmen who allow opposition parties to campaign in their council areas, describing such a move as unconstitutional and an affront to democratic principles.
Odii urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing that the governor has a constitutional responsibility to protect all residents, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Speaking on the PDP’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, the governorship candidate explained that the arrangement formed part of a broader political understanding involving factions of the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He dismissed suggestions that supporting Tinubu could undermine his governorship ambition, insisting that the presidential and governorship elections were separate political contests.
On his economic agenda, Odii pledged to attract ₦2 trillion in investments to Ebonyi within his first six months in office if elected governor.
He identified solid minerals, manufacturing, real estate, healthcare and hospitality as key sectors through which his administration would stimulate economic growth, attract investment and generate employment opportunities.
The PDP candidate maintained that his business experience, grassroots connections and record of community interventions had adequately prepared him to attract investors, create jobs and improve the living standards of Ebonyi residents.
President Bola Tinubu has said he will not attend every campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general election, explaining that he must balance his re-election campaign with the demands of governing Nigeria.
Tinubu made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, where he urged members to take the party’s message to Nigerians across the states, local government areas and wards.
The President said he agreed with concerns that the demands of campaigning should not distract him from his responsibilities as head of state, stressing that the country needed his attention at a critical time.
“You’ve warned me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance, I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now,” he said.
Tinubu explained that his decision to limit his attendance at campaign events was also influenced by the need to meet the country’s financial obligations.
“So, you will excuse me from going everywhere with you, we have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait,” the President stated.
He also highlighted the importance of attracting investors who would make long-term commitments to Nigeria, noting that sustained investment was essential to building a better future for the country’s children.
“We want those investors to come in, be here to stay, to invest for the future of our children,” he said.
Despite his plan to reduce his presence at campaign rallies, Tinubu assured Nigerians that he would still engage directly with voters during the campaign period.
“However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians, even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas,” he added.
The President described the inauguration of the campaign council as more than a routine political event, saying it represented a renewed commitment to Nigerians and the responsibility entrusted to the APC as the ruling party.
“We have not gathered merely to inaugurate a council. We have gathered to renew a covenant. A covenant with Nigerian people and the historic responsibility they have entrusted to us as Nigeria’s governing party,” Tinubu said.
He charged members of the council to communicate the administration’s vision, achievements and policy agenda to Nigerians nationwide, expressing confidence in their ability to mobilise support for the party at every level.
“This council will carry our vision, our records and our agenda to every Nigerian, and it will carry them to victory every ward of this country,” he said.
Tinubu also praised APC members for successfully completing the party’s congresses, recalling predictions that the exercise could trigger an internal crisis.
According to the President, the party overcame the anticipated challenges and completed the process with members participating from the ward level to the national leadership.
“They said there will be implosion. We passed through it. We did not fail. You didn’t let us down. We got here together,” he stated.
Tinubu’s remarks signal an approach to the 2027 election campaign in which he intends to maintain focus on governance and economic management while relying on the APC Presidential Campaign Council to coordinate nationwide mobilisation and promote the party’s message ahead of the polls.
Politics
Tinubu Inaugurates APC Presidential Campaign Council, Vows to Renew Covenant With Nigerians in 2027
ABUJA— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that the party is united and prepared to seek a renewed mandate from Nigerians.
Tinubu inaugurated the council on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, charging members and party leaders to demonstrate unity, discipline and commitment while sustaining his administration’s governance priorities.
Addressing the gathering, the President expressed gratitude to party members for their support during the previous election but stressed that their political assignment would only be complete when they secured victory in the next polls.
“I thank all of you for the last election, but no one gets credit for an incomplete assignment until you deliver the next election, until you deliver your electoral wards, until you deliver the votes,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged advice from Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, who urged him to remain focused on governance despite the demands of the election campaign.
The President said he would continue to engage directly with Nigerians while the campaign council coordinated mobilisation across states and local government areas.
He also highlighted the need to meet the country’s financial obligations and attract foreign investment, saying international creditors and investors remained important to Nigeria’s economic future.
“We have bills to pay. The American creditors cannot wait. We want those investors to come in and invest for the future of our children,” Tinubu said.
Shettima Defends Tinubu, Criticises Opposition Figures
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s commitment to democracy, citing his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition in 2007 under the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria.
Shettima also defended the dignity of the presidency in response to criticism of Tinubu, insisting that the office must be respected regardless of political differences.
“You can call him Bola, if you like, call him Adekunle, but he is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The Vice President also criticised Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Movement, accusing him of using misleading statistics and making comparisons between Nigeria and other countries without sufficient context.
APC Promises Nationwide Mobilisation
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the inauguration reflected the party’s determination to build a better Nigeria and secure Tinubu’s re-election.
Yilwatda urged campaign council members to communicate the administration’s policies and achievements clearly, while demonstrating how its reforms could translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
He pledged that the party would intensify grassroots mobilisation across electoral wards, local government areas and states to ensure a strong voter turnout in 2027.
The APC chairman also called for a peaceful election focused on ideas, records and policies, rather than hostility.
Uzodimma Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Uzodimma, who serves as secretary of the campaign council, expressed confidence that the administration’s policies would strengthen the campaign’s message.
He praised Tinubu for removing the petrol subsidy and reforming the foreign exchange system, arguing that previous administrations had avoided tackling the challenges because of their potential political consequences.
According to Uzodimma, the reforms had imposed hardships on Nigerians but were necessary to address longstanding economic weaknesses.
He also cited Nigeria’s economic growth, which he put at 4.43 per cent, compared with 4.23 per cent a year earlier, and praised the administration’s tax reforms.
Uzodimma maintained that the campaign would focus on issues and the government’s record rather than political rhetoric.
Adeleke, Soludo and Wike Back Tinubu’s Re-election
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike were among those who delivered goodwill messages in support of Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Adeleke, who belongs to the Accord Party, drew cheers from attendees with his trademark dance moves during the event.
Wike, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he supported Tinubu because of what he described as the President’s bold leadership and willingness to address problems previous administrations had left unresolved.
He challenged governors to work towards delivering their states for Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The event also featured messages from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs Ibrahim Kabiru Masari and elder statesman Tanko Yakassai, who called for support for Tinubu’s second term.
Tinubu, meanwhile, urged the campaign council to conduct its activities responsibly, engage Nigerians constructively and promote the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda while ensuring that governance remains a priority.
The inauguration formally sets the APC’s campaign machinery in motion as the party prepares to seek another presidential mandate in 2027.
…Says Party’s Achievements at All Levels Make Opposition Unnecessary
A political support group, Kwashy and Friends for Peter Mbah, has pledged to mobilise massive grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said the achievements of the APC-led administrations at the federal, state and local government levels provided compelling reasons for Nigerians to support the party, insisting that good governance should be encouraged rather than opposed.
Speaking during the group’s bi-monthly meeting held on Sunday at Rockbase Hotels, Enugu, its Coordinator, Hon. Cletus Chigozie Akalusi, popularly known as Kwashy, said the platform, established in 2023, had consistently mobilised support for candidates seeking various political offices.
Akalusi explained that the meeting was convened to strengthen the group’s grassroots structures and develop strategies for communicating the achievements of the APC to voters across the state.
He urged members to sustain the top-to-bottom voting approach adopted during previous elections to guarantee victory for all APC candidates in 2027.
“Our bi-monthly meetings are avenues for us to strategise and re-strategise on how to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and all candidates of our party are massively voted for.
“Our support group is not filled with urban guerrillas. We are all grassroots soldiers, and we undoubtedly have the capacity to ensure a landslide victory for our party.
“Considering the achievements our party is recording at the federal, state and local government levels, I have never lost sleep over our victory in the 2027 general elections,” he declared.
Also speaking, the member representing Oji River/Awgu/Aninri Federal Constituency, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, who was accompanied by the member representing Oji River Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Osita Ezeh, expressed satisfaction with what he described as the growing acceptance of the APC across the state.
Onwuegbu charged members to intensify mobilisation at polling-unit and ward levels, stressing that the party’s developmental strides should translate into overwhelming electoral support.
“What enthrals me most is that you have agreed to vote for APC candidates from top to bottom. Just like our governor always says, we should take the message from polling unit to polling unit and ensure that no vote is lost.
“There is no ward you will go to in Enugu today without seeing a project worth about N2 billion ongoing. It has never happened in the history of this state. Our core mandate is to work towards victory because it is not over until it is over,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Oji River Local Government Area, Hon. Greg Anyaegbudike, commended the group for its contributions to the party’s success in the last chairmanship and councillorship elections.
He maintained that the performance of President Tinubu, Governor Mbah and other APC leaders had provided sufficient justification for continued public support.
“The manner in which you supported us in the last elections is mind-blowing. If you look around, you will see reasons to support our party.
“There is no ward in Enugu State today without a Smart School, Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centre and other ongoing infrastructure.
“It is on this note that we should not only preach the gospel but also ensure that we protect the interest of our party wherever we find ourselves,” he stated.
The meeting reaffirmed the group’s commitment to expanding its grassroots mobilisation network and working towards securing victory for APC candidates at all levels in the 2027 general elections.
Make the headline more news-focused
Attribute all political performance claims
Tighten the report for publication
-
Politics1 day agoUNPOPULAR? Abati Seeks Confirmation of Ebonyi Gov’s Name During Interview With Anyichuks
-
Politics3 days agoEbonyi Students Endorse ANYICHUKS, Declare ‘We Won’t Support a Failure’
-
News4 days agoMbah Calls for Impartial Probe into Violence at Political Gathering in Enugu
-
News2 days ago2027: APC, APGA Rift Deepens Over Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
-
Crime4 days agoEnugu Police Investigate Viral Video of Alleged Torture of 60-Year-Old Woman in Nkanu East
-
News4 days ago
SEDC Prioritises Roads, Rural Electrification, Water and Education in South-East
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Kwashy and Friends For Peter Mbah Vows Landslide Victory for All APC Candidates
-
Politics2 days agoTinubu Inaugurates APC Presidential Campaign Council, Vows to Renew Covenant With Nigerians in 2027