News
BREAKING: PDP govs abandons Atiku! *Say, Count us out of coalition
The move by Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to convoke a grand coalition, to wrench power from the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been dealt a deadly blow with governors elected on the platform of the party, backing out of the project.
The governors, who rose from a meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to deliberate on pressing national issues, said they were not interested in the idea – a major factor in the party losing its 16-year hold on power, when the APC resorted to it in 2014 that led to the historic victory a year after in 2015.
But snubbing the idea at the meeting held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, the governors under the PDP Governors Forum (PGF), said the party would not get involved in any merger, but would be glad to welcome individuals and platforms willing to collapse into it.
Bala Muhammed, Chairman of the body, who read the resolution, said the forum noted the “nationwide speculations about possible mergers of parties, groups, and/or associations and resolved that “the Forum will not join any coalition or merger. Equally, the forum emphasised that the PDP, as a major opposition party, welcomes any parties, persons, or groups that are willing to join the party with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
The body, which also spoke on the lingering crisis regarding who is the authentic National Secretary between Sam Anyanwu and Udo Okoye, both still laying claims to the office even after the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, added: “The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba regarding the National Secretary of the party. The Deputy Secretary will temporarily act as National Secretary pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive secretary from the Southeast zone at its next meeting.”
Regarding the proclamation of State of Emergency in Rivers State, the governors said: “The Forum restates its solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being by the declaration of a state of emergency. And we reiterate the commitment to stand with him till the end.”
Addressing the worsening security situation in the country, particularly in Borno, Katsina, and Edo States, the forum, which expressed alarm, while calling for a review and reorientation of priorities and strategies, suggested the need for a bottom-up approach to tackle security breaches effectively, stating: “The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country.”
They condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, stating, “We extend our condolences to the government and people of the state, especially those who lost lives and property during this unfortunate mishap.”
Looking ahead, the PDPGF announced plans to hold a meeting on May 27, 2025, to establish a zoning committee.
Read the full text:
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) held its Meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, and resolved the following:
- Noting the nationwide speculations about the possible merger of parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that we won’t join any coalition or merger. However, the PDP as a major op party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to wrestle power and enthrone good leadership in 2027.
- The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue National Secretary of the party, but in the wake of the Supreme judgment, the Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy Secretary act as National Secretary, pending the nominat ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone at its next meeting.
- The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rap constitutional democracy hence the decision to approach the Supreme Court to give a clear-cut verdict on the interpretation provisions of the court on the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State.
The Forum restates its solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being by the declaration of a state of emergency. And we reiterate the commitment to stand with him till the end.
- The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation country, as evidenced in parts of the country, especially Borno. Katsina and Edo States. The Forum calls for review and priorities and strategies including adopting a bottom-up approach that guarantees the sub-nationals to constitute an effective line o against security breaches. While raising the concerns, we condemn the recent attacks in Plateau State, and commiserate with the government and people of the state especially those who lost and properties during this unfortunate mishap.
- The Forum resolves that working in conjunction with the Nationa Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, to ho Meeting on the 27th of May, 2025; constitute a Zoning Committee to address all issues relating to the zoning of party offices and hold our convention in August 2025, precisely on the 28th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano.
- The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows;
Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang-Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary.
- The Forum expressed its gratitude to the host Governor, His Excellency. Engr. Seyi Makinde, the government and all the good people of Oyo state for their hospitality.
Signed:
H.E. Bala A. Mohammed, CON,
Chairman PDP Govs Forum/Governors of Bauchi State.
May 14, 2025.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed the judgement of the federal high court in Abuja nullifying the timelines issued for the conduct of party primaries and the nomination of candidates.
Alex Izinyon SAN, leading a team of lawyers of the commission in a notice of appeal dated May 25, raised nine grounds it urged the appellate court to consider and vacate the judgment the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered on May 20.
Apart from raising the issue of jurisdiction, which it said the lower court did not determine, INEC also maintained that the legal action the Youth Party (YP) initiated against it was not only hypothetical but academic.
Arguing that failure of the trial court to make pronouncements on the issues, resulted in the denial of fair hearing to the Appellant, the commission also stressed the lower court misinterpreted the provisions of the electoral act.
It said: “The high court erred in law when it held that: ‘It is clear from the wordings of Sections 29(1), 82 and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the following can be understood. Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 mandates Political Parties to submit the names of candidates in prescribed forms of the candidates who emerged from its valid primaries which such a political party intends to sponsor at the elections, not later than 120 days before the date of the General Election.
“What is required of Political Parties to do under the Electoral Act, 2026 is to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 21 days before the holding of its primaries, congresses or conventions, days before the holding of its primaries, congresses or conventions, or any conference or meeting convened for the election of its executive committees, other governing bodies for nominating candidates.
“The Defendant is not mandated to impose a timeframe for political parties to conduct their primaries provided that it will be done and submitted not later than the 120 days provided by the Electoral Act, 2026. See Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.”
It was another day of misery in Kwara State, when daredevil terrorists reportedly stormed Yashikira Community in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, and as has been the case in many of the attacks, abducting scores of residents including women and children.
But, apparently to register their authority, the gunmen, who were said to have operated for hours without challenge from the security operatives, were said to have torched the palace of the Emir.
The attackers, which reportedly occurred late Sunday night were said to have announced their presence through heavy firing and after storming the palace of the monarch during the period, set it on fire before whisking away their victims, but a similar attempt at the police station in the community, was repelled.
While some of the residents, narrated how the spent hours without resistance, leaving behind destruction and fear in the border community, another account said the villagers were caught unawares as the gunmen invaded the town under the cover of darkness.
However operatives made up of the police and military personnel, were said to have launched a manhunt immediately for the immediate rescue of the victims, including throwing a cordon in the area as part of the mission.
“The suspect offered ₦500 million to the SPU commander in an attempt to make the team stand down and allow him to contact his associates to move the consignment elsewhere. The offer was rejected immediately and properly documented for further investigation.”
These were the exact words of Olohundare Jimoh Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), with which he detailed how operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) scoffed at a N500million bribe to turn their eyes off the importation of a huge consignment of drugs imported into the country.
This was part of the details of a major breakthrough by the operatives after bursting a major drug trafficking syndicate in Lagos, which led to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs estimated at ₦7.8 billion and arresting several suspects, including the alleged kingpin.
In the operation, reportedly carried out by officers of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) in collaboration with divisional police detectives, the operatives, were said to have stormed a house in Mende, Maryland area of Lagos, following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering coordinated by the Zone 2 Headquarters.
The recovered drugs consisted of hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud, allegedly stored in the residence of the prime suspect, Jimoh, said disclosing that the suspect was apprehended on May 19 after weeks of strategic monitoring by operatives.
Offering further details, he said the operation was executed with technical support and guidance from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, alongside coordinated efforts between the SPU and divisional police teams.
Jimoh revealed that during the operation, the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the SPU commander with ₦500 million to compromise the mission and allow the movement of the drug consignment.
The AIG described the development as a reflection of the renewed professionalism and operational discipline being entrenched in the Force under the current policing strategy.
He noted that the success of the operation underscored the importance of deploying specialized police units alongside conventional divisional teams in tackling organized crime.
According to him, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of rapid containment strategies, intelligence-led policing, and professional conduct among the operatives involved in the raid.
“Rapid containment was achieved as the Special Protection Unit worked with divisional teams to secure the perimeter and prevent escape or interference with evidence.
“The operation was intelligence-driven, following months of surveillance and technical monitoring before the raid was carried out.
“The immediate rejection and documentation of the bribe attempt also reflect the standard expected from redeployed personnel at the divisional level,” Jimoh added.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, commended the operatives for their professionalism, saying the success of the operation validated the ongoing redeployment of personnel to divisions and units across Lagos and Ogun states.
The IGP noted: “Policing must be close to the people, and our specialized units must work side by side with divisional teams on the ground.
“The professionalism shown by the SPU commander in rejecting a ₦500 million bribe and following due procedure is the standard we expect. It shows that when you put your best foot forward at the grassroots, you get results and restore public trust.”
Disu further assured that the Force leadership would continue to reward integrity while holding officers accountable to the highest ethical standards.
Police authorities said exhibits recovered during the operation have been properly documented and will be tendered in court. The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to track down other members of the drug trafficking network.
-
News4 weeks agoBREAKING: Makinde, Turaki, lose! *S’Court affirms Wike’s PDP leadership
-
News2 weeks agoTinubu to African leaders: Copy Nigeria, produce your way out of poverty
-
Features4 weeks agoJim Nwobodo: The Sun shines, thrills, at ‘The Vanguard Awards’
-
News6 days agoBREAKING: US-Nigeria troops slaughter 175 ISWAP fighters
-
News2 weeks agoWhy we pegged presidential ticket forms at N60million – NDC
-
Columns3 days agoDear General Gowon: That apology you’re running from is your nemesis
-
News2 weeks agoGowon on civil war: My book is to put records straight, remove falsehood
-
News2 weeks agoBREAKING! Coast brightens for Obi, as NDC zones presidency to South