The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday met with former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Maitama office in Abuja.
Addressing journalists after the closed-door meeting, National Chairman of the PDP, Tanimu Turaki, said the visit aimed to brief Jonathan on the party’s state, ongoing legal battles, and prospects ahead of upcoming elections.
“We have his assurance that he remains an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and feels obliged to support the party; the PDP has done enough for him, and he will try his best to do more for the party,” Turaki stated.
He added that Jonathan’s remarks were “very reassuring and encouraging as we prepare for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun, and the 2027 general elections.”
The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with rival factions led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Turaki claiming the national chairmanship.
INEC recently intervened to clarify positions ahead of the scheduled elections in Ekiti and Osun.
Speculation has grown that Jonathan may be drafted as the PDP’s 2027 presidential candidate, but Jonathan has not publicly declared his intentions. (Channels)
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, have officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr. Odu completed her registration as an APC member at Ward 8, Unit 11, Akabuka town, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the state.
Her defection comes shortly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara formally joined the ruling party. Similarly, Dr. Anabraba registered his membership on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Ward 1, Unit 1, Bob-Manuel’s Compound, Abonnema, in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
Speaking after his registration, the SSG said the exercise formally affirmed his membership of the APC and would enable him to participate fully in the party’s activities. He noted that the move would also strengthen his support for Governor Fubara’s “Rivers First” agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He expressed optimism that enhanced synergy between the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government would yield greater dividends for the people of the state.
Earlier, in a letter titled “Resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Dr. Anabraba described his decision to leave the PDP as personal. He appreciated the opportunities and political leverage he gained while in the party and wished it well in its future endeavours.
Meanwhile, Dr. Odu has appealed to her supporters to rally behind President Tinubu and Governor Fubara, stressing the need to strengthen the APC’s grassroots presence ahead of future elections.
A few days ago, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly appointed Special Advisers to brace up, as their appointments are aimed at strengthening teamwork within government and ensuring that the machinery of governance continues to function smoothly and efficiently.
He urged the appointees to remain committed to his administration’s vision to deliver effective, people-centred governance in the state.
The governor gave the charge on Friday, January 2, 2025, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, after administering the oath of office to the five advisers.
Those sworn in are Barr. Eloka Tasie-Amadi, Prof. Peter Medee, Emmanuel Frank Fubara, Victor Ekaro and Dr. Darlington Orji.
The governor said, “What we are doing this afternoon is to bring in some persons on board to ensure that the wheels of governance continue to roll smoothly in our state.”
He explained that the advisers were carefully selected because they were familiar with his administration’s philosophy and direction, having previously worked with him in various capacities.
“These are not new faces. They have been with us and have worked with us. They understand the philosophy of this administration, and it will not be difficult for them to align and ensure that our goals are achieved,” he stated.
The governor stressed that effective governance could only be achieved through collective effort, discipline and shared responsibility, warning the appointees against complacency.
“My charge is simple because you already know what we have come to do. This is not for pleasure; it is work,” he said, adding that expectations were high. (Guardian)
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a 19-member State Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs in Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the inauguration followed a fresh twist in the PDP’s ongoing national leadership crisis, after the Wike-backed National Working Committee, NWC, announced the dissolution of some state party executives, including those in Lagos.
The factional NWC is chaired by Alhaji Abdulraman Mohammed, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu serving as National Secretary.
At the ceremony held in Ikeja on Wednesday, the Deputy National Secretary of the factional NWC, Mr Adedeji Doherty, who represented the National Chairman, criticised what he termed blatant disregard for the PDP constitution by some party members.
Doherty, a former Lagos PDP Chairman and governorship candidate, accused certain party leaders among them Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Chief Olabode George of contributing to the protracted internal crisis.
He said the newly constituted caretaker committee had the backing of “recognised PDP leaders” and urged party members to close ranks to revive the party.
“We are issuing red cards to those hell-bent on destroying the PDP. The PDP is very important to us. Today marks a new chapter in the evolution of democracy and the party.
“We have heard a lot about court judgments and conflicting judgments on who the authentic chairman of the PDP is.
“As far as we are concerned, and as far as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is concerned, the Ibadan National Convention that produced the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP National Working Committee should not have taken place,” he said.
Doherty described the November PDP convention as illegitimate, alleging it was conducted in violation of democratic principles.
According to him, Mohammed remains the lawful National Chairman of the party.
He charged members of the Lagos caretaker committee to strictly comply with the PDP constitution and guidelines, adding that the conduct of party congresses would commence in January.
“I want the new caretaker committee to be so guided. We must return this party to the great days. We must not go against the tenets of the party and its constitution.
“PDP in Lagos State is going to witness a serious turnaround. I want to call on all those who left the PDP in Lagos for one reason or another to return and take managerial positions.
“We must join hands to rebuild our party again. Rebuilding the party at this period is more important to us than who becomes president in 2027,” he said.
On the 2027 general elections and the debate over a Southern presidency, Doherty said it would not be out of place for the PDP to support President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to complete a second term.
“It does not mean that we are going to abandon our PDP and declare for the APC. It also does not mean that when you see PDP governors declaring for the APC, they cannot return.
“I believe in Wike’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027. It is his prerogative,” he said.
He added that unseating Tinubu in 2027 would be extremely difficult.
“It is going to be a herculean task,” he said.
Doherty also lamented that the internal crisis had forced many prominent figures out of the party.
NAN reports that Mr Kayode Ogunbiyi was inaugurated as Chairman of the Lagos State Caretaker Committee, while Mr Jamiu Awofala was sworn in as Secretary.
Other members include Mrs Akinro Bolaji, Mr Ege Allen, Mr Audu Salami, Mr Gani Ogungbayi, Mr Ola Odunwa, Mr Samson Hundeyin, Mrs Adebimpe Mariam and Mr Solomon Yusuf. (DailyPost)
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said he regrets supporting President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, admitting that the decision did not produce the outcome he had hoped for.
Makinde made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the Government House in Ibadan.
The governor was one of five Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors — popularly known as the G5 — who openly worked against their party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 polls.
The group, led by then Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, opposed Atiku’s candidacy over zoning concerns, arguing that the PDP should have presented a southern presidential candidate following the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.
Makinde said his decision to back Tinubu, who was then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was based on the belief that he would act in the national interest if elected.
“I said it earlier, I’m human. I supported the current president, even though in another party at that time, because I thought we’ll do what is right for the country,” Makinde said.
He added that he believed the president would “reset the country” and bring together competent individuals from across Nigeria to address the nation’s challenges.
“But unfortunately, that is not what we’re seeing. I regret that action. Yes, I do,” the governor stated.
Citing concerns over the survival of democracy and the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governor vowed that President Tinubu won’t have his support in the coming 2027 presidential election.
Makinde also disclosed the reason behind his political disagreement with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to him, the rift between him and Wike began after the minister told Tinubu during a meeting that he would “hold PDP” for the President ahead of the 2027 election, a statement Makinde said was made without the consent of other party stakeholders.
“I was in a meeting with the President and Wike and a few others, and Wike said to the President that I will hold PDP for you against 2027,” Makinde said. “So, we got up, and I asked Wike, did we agree to this?”
Makinde noted that while Wike is entitled to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, other members of the party also have the right to protect the PDP and oppose any move that could weaken democratic pluralism. (Vanguard)
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has condoled with his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, over the death of his deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing it as a monumental loss.
Fubara, in a statement he personally signed and released on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, said Ewhrudjakpo’s demise is not only a loss to Bayelsa but also to Rivers State.
He described the late deputy governor as a man of rare calibre whose life in the public service was exemplary, adding that he combined intellect with humility.
The statement partly reads, “On behalf of the Government and the people of Rivers State, I extend our deepest condolences to you, my brother Governor Douye Diri and all the people of Bayelsa State over the news of the sudden passing of your Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The sad news resonates across our borders, leaving us in a state of collective mourning alongside our brothers and sisters in Bayelsa State.
“Senator Ewhrudjakpo was a man of exceptional calibre whose life was a masterclass in public service. Throughout his distinguished career, he navigated the complexities of governance with a rare blend of intellectual depth and profound humility. Ewhrudjakpo was not merely a political figure; he was a steadfast anchor for your administration and a beacon of hope for his constituents.
“His transition represents a monumental loss that echoes far beyond the walls of the Government House. To his family, he was a devoted pillar; to the state, he was a tireless advocate for progress. The vacuum left by his departure is a testament to the magnitude of the space he occupied in the hearts of those who knew him and the lives he touched through his dedication to duty.
“May you, my brother Governor, find the inner resolve to lead your people through this dark hour. Our prayers remain with the bereaved family and the entire people of Bayelsa State. We pray that the soul of the departed finds eternal repose in the bosom of the Lord, and that those he left behind are granted the fortitude and grace to carry forward his noble legacy.”
Ewhrudjakpo died on Thursday, after he collapsed at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The Peoples Democratic Party, in a statement on Thursday night, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, announced his death.
The statement read, “The National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, are in profound grief.” (Punch)_
Hours after announcing his defection to the Accord Party, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been cleared for the gubernatorial primary election.
The Guardian reports that delegates are converging at the Oasis Event Hall in Osogbo for the primary of the Accord Party, of which Adeleke is expected to participate.
On Tuesday night, Adeleke announced his movement to the Accord Party, days after resigning his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, in a statement by Ibe Thankgod, the Chairman, Screening Committee of Accord, on Wednesday, Adeleke was said to have been screened and cleared for its governorship primary that is holding today.
The chairman of the committee, who is also the National Organising Secretary of the party, Thankgod, said the governor has fulfilled all the requisite requirements for nomination and participation at the primary.
“He said the committee subsequently cleared Governor Adeleke as the sole aspirant for the party’s governorship ticket and concluded all required documentations with relevant bodies.
The committee chairman then presented a certificate of clearance to the governor, hailing him as a worthy gubernatorial aspirant of the party.
Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation to the screening committee and the entire party leadership, noting his preparedness to lead the party to victory in 2026.
“I am ready for the primary and I am ready for the general elections. We are winning by God’s grace”, Governor Adeleke affirmed.
Other members of the committee included Abdurahaman Muhammed, Abdulahi Sani Muhammed and Mrs Awogbade Rachael,” the statement obtained in Osogbo noted.
Similarly, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He announced his decision during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Fubara joins several governors who have also switched to the APC this year.
Recently, 17 members of the House of Assembly, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced their defection from the PDP to the APC, thereby altering the balance of power in the legislature.
Meanwhile, the Kabiru Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a “self-inflicted injury” and a culmination of choices the governor “willingly embraced.”
In a statement issued Tuesday night by National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Fubara’s exit merely affirmed the legal maxim volenti non fit injuria “to one who is willing, no harm is done.” (Guardian)
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Fubara announced his defection at a stakeholders meeting held at the government house in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The Rivers State Governor joined Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; and his Bayelsa counterpart, Duoye Siri, all of whom defected from the opposition PDP.
Speaking at the meeting, the governor said, “We can’t support President (Tinubu) if we don’t fully identify with him, not just the backyard support.
“So we have taken that decision here today that everyone who has followed and suffered with me, the decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC.”
His defection came after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Monday.
He reportedly arrived at the Presidential Villa about 5:01 p.m. and was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before being escorted to the President’s office and departed at about 5:45 p.m.
Although the details of the meeting were not disclosed.
Recall that on March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months over political tension in the oil-rich South South state.
The President said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.
He then appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who has now been appointed an ambassador, as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.
Six months later, Fubara resumed office and pledged to restore peace and reconciliation in the state.
The governor, in a statewide broadcast, described the period (emergency rule) as enormously challenging but necessary to restore order and safeguard democratic institutions.
He said that, as governor, he chose to abide by the declaration and to co-operate fully with President Tinubu and the National Assembly, prioritising peace above personal or political gain.
“I resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration, suspension of democratic structures, and other measures taken during the turbulent period,” he said.
The governor noted that after Tinubu brokered peace among contending parties, he, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly later resolved to bury the hatchet.
He said reconciliation was embraced in the best interest of Rivers’ people and for the progress of the state. (Punch)
The Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, on Friday defended his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP,” Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, told the lawmakers on Friday.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for some programmes embarked upon by his administration that have benefited Nigerians, especially Rivers people.
According to the Speaker, his defection would enable him to partner with President Tinubu for the overall good of the Rivers people.
Amaewhule said, “Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce to honourable members that your Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, has decided and has indeed written to my Ward Chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.
“APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. I am so delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President right inside the All Progressives Congress.”
Amaewhule defected along with 15 other members of the House on Friday.
Others who dumped the PDP were the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).
Also included were Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
Since returning to civil rule in 1999, the PDP has maintained a tight grip on the oil-rich Rivers state, until the protracted crisis rocked the state, which pitched the lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The crisis led to the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by forces allegedly loyal to Fubara as well as the attempted moves to impeach the governor by the lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Worried by the development, President Bola Tinubu waded in to douse the tensions and declared a state of emergency on March 18.
The emergency declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the lawmakers.At the expiration of the exercise, he reinstated Fubara, his deputy and the lawmakers on September 17. (Channels)
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the coalition party, the African Democratic Party (ADC), just 17 months to the 2027 general elections.
The 78-year-old politician disclosed this in a short post on his official X handle on Monday, attaching pictures of him holding the party’s membership card with the brief caption, “It’s official.”
Prior to him joining the coalition, the former VP had been a high-profile member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He, however, resigned from the opposition party on July 16, citing irreconcilable differences that have emerged within the former ruling party.
Atiku explained that he found it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the party has taken, which, according to him, diverges from the foundational principles it stood for.
Though Atiku, in July, led the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform for opposition figures to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, he and other prominent opposition figures, such as Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal, had delayed their formal registration with the party.
Atiku and some other coalition leaders were conspicuously absent at the unveiling of the ADC National Secretariat in the Wuse area of Abuja.
Their absence had fuelled speculation, suggesting the unseriousness of the coalition leaders to sack the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.
The opposition coalition officially adopted the ADC as its political platform on July 2, 2025, to contest the presidential and other elections in 2027.
The coalition said it was set to rescue the country from collapse and rebuild its democracy.
“Let it be known to all that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The mission is clear: Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria. Return power to the people,” said ADC Chairman and ex-Senate President, David Mark. (Channels)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, slammed the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, over his call on United States President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s political affairs.
This was as the police on Wednesday sealed the national secretariat of the PDP in Abuja over the party’s violent leadership tussle.
While receiving board members of the South-South Development Commission, led by its chairman, Chibudom Nwuche, at his office on Wednesday, Wike said Turaki’s statements posed a threat to national security and accused his PDP faction of ignoring court rulings, which he described as an act of impunity.
Turaki had on Tuesday called on Trump and other advanced democracies to “save Nigeria’s democracy”, following a confrontation between rival PDP factions at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Turaki said democracy was under threat in Nigeria, in addition to alleged Christian genocide.
But speaking on Wednesday, Wike said Turaki ought to have been invited for questioning by security agencies.
He said, “Look at a threat to national security. You are calling Trump to come and save your democracy when you cannot obey a simple court judgment. Simple court judgment: don’t do this until you have done this. Now you are turning it around against a government. What is their business? You cannot keep your house in order; you are blaming an outsider for not keeping your house in order. Who does that?”
He further questioned Turaki’s claim of genocide and noted that security agencies had not investigated the matter.
“You come out and make a statement on national television to say, look, it is not only killing—genocide against Christians. And where are the security agencies? For somebody to make such a statement, you won’t invite them to come and give facts. But if it is Wike—kill him!” he added.
Meanwhile, police on Wednesday sealed the PDP national secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
Officers mounted a barbed-wire barricade across the main entrance, saying the order came “from above” but declining to provide further details.
Efforts to reach the FCT Police Command spokesperson were unsuccessful.
The sealing of the secretariat followed a day of heightened tensions at the venue amid a leadership tussle between rival PDP factions.
Confusion erupted on Tuesday after two conflicting notices were issued for a National Executive Committee meeting—one by expelled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the other by Turaki.
Each faction claimed legitimacy, resulting in a standoff.
Following the confrontation, Turaki, accompanied by governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, accused Wike of instigating the unrest and called for international attention to what he described as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process. (Punch)
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