Category: Politics

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, denied claims that Senator Samuel Anyanwu signed the list submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), bearing the names of its candidates in the Anambra State PDP governorship, despite evidence to the contrary that he actually did.

But Anyanwu has stood his ground, insisting that in spite of the denial by a section of the PDP leadership, he actually signed the forms.

Disputing claims that Anyanwu signed the nomination forms bearing the party’s candidates for the Anambra election, the PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the forms were signed by the acting national secretary, Mr. Setonji Koshoedo

“The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a report in today’s (Tuesday’s) edition of the THISDAY Newspapers regarding the forwarding of the nomination of our party’s candidates for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship election to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

‘’The said report with the caption “Wike Tightens Grip on PDP as Anyanwu Reassumes Role as National Secretary” is false and apparently scripted to mislead the public and cause confusion in our party.

‘’For the avoidance of doubt, the Nomination Form for the PDP candidate in the Anambra State governorship election was signed by the duly authorised signatories of the party; the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum and the Acting National Secretary, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo in a letter with reference number: PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1J/25-065 dated Wednesday, May 07, 2025. (Document attached).

‘’It should be noted that in the light of the Supreme Court judgement affirming the supremacy of the Party over its Internal affairs, the NWC in a letter with reference number: PDP/DOM/GF.2/ VOL. IF/25-061, dated May 05, 2025 and signed by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum and the Acting National Secretary, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo. (Document attached), conveyed to INEC, the resolution taken at its 600th meeting wherein it directed the Deputy National Secretary to act as National Secretary in line with the provision of Section 36 (2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

‘’For clarity Section 36 (2) of the PDP Constitution empowers the Deputy National Secretary to act as National Secretary whenever so directed,” Ologunagba stated.

He further said, ‘’It is also clear by the date and time stamp on the nomination page on INEC portal that the Commission concluded on the nomination process based on the documents duly co-signed by the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum and the Acting National Secretary, Arch. Setonji Koshoedo.

‘’The NWC, therefore, urges all members of the PDP, the media and the general public to disregard the said report as well as the fake letter being circulated in the social media.

‘’While reassuring on the credibility of our internal processes, the NWC urges all members of the PDP to remain steadfast and focused especially as our Party prepares for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the National Convention,’’ Ologunagba explained.

However, when contacted, Anyanwu insisted that he signed the authentic nomination forms for the Anambra State Governorship election.

According to him, he signed the nomination form when INEC rejected the earlier nomination form sent to the election management board.

“The person that signed the statement is not in the true picture of what is happening’’ Anyanwu further stated, adding that, ‘’he was persuaded to sign the nomination forms on Monday. Debo Ologunagba does not know what is happening.

“INEC rejected the earlier letter signed by Sotonji Kodesho as acting national secretary. He is not known to INEC. So, I will keep my cool. What I did is in the overall interest of the party. INEC should also tell Nigerians whose letter is accepted in the nomination form,’’ he said.

Anyanwu told THISDAY that when his attention was drawn to the statement, ‘’Even a governor and a member of the Saraki-led committee called and pleaded that I should sign the nomination forms. I signed the nomination forms on Monday,’’ Anyanwu said.

He also disclosed that the Saraki strategy committee has resolved the leadership crisis in the party.

On his part, George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, has stressed that although the party was not beyond redemption, the recent defection of key members was disgraceful.

Speaking on ARISE Television, George noted that those who were bent on killing the party because of their personal grievances, were dancing on the grave of the party’s founding fathers.

“I believe there’s always room for reconciliation, especially in a political setup. You don’t shut your doors and think all is not well. The essence of this is to ensure that you moderate the anger that has been exhibited on all sides.

“Because Nigerians are waiting, they are watching, and it’s a load of disgrace when I see some of the top-rated members of our party jumping ship. It doesn’t speak well of civilised behavior.

“But I’m happy that they have selected a few people who will meet (all) groups and be able to reconcile them, so that by the time we come to the next meeting on the 27th of this month, it will be seamless and be like before,” he posited.

He however, reminded the Saraki committee to tell all the groups they would be meeting with that a “divided house will remain a defeated house,” and that, “because of their personal grievances, they should remember that they are still dancing on the graves of the founding fathers of our party and this party is not an enterprise of any individual.

On whether the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was not being overly pampered by the party, George maintained that a party, like families, will always have all kinds of characters, but insisted that no one was above the party.

“No individual is bigger than this party. This reconciliation committee will be the last gap before the next meeting,” he added. Arise News

In an interview with ARISE News on Sunday, Ajiboye responded to criticisms over the growing number of defections into the APC, including high-profile politicians from opposition parties. He argued that this political shift is not evidence of democratic collapse, but a reflection of confidence in the APC’s governance under President Bola Tinubu.

Ajiboye said, “I do not believe that Nigeria is moving towards a one-party state. These are expressions of fear, these are expressions of panic by people who can match up with the pace that APC is going. If Nigeria ever drifts into a one-party state, then blame them for not being able to provide credible opposition.

“Because I can’t understand that we are doing things so well and people are saying, look, this is where we should be. If they have put their house in order, especially Labour Party, a party that is in its embryonic status and is even self-destroying itself before it becomes a living entity. Pita Obi can cry from the south of Nigeria to the north of Nigeria. He can wear a Hausa cap or a Fulani cap or go into the mosque. It does not change the fact that he doesn’t have what it takes to lead the Nigerian people on one hand. On the other hand, the PDP has definitely destroyed itself. They can’t provide credible opposition.

“So the ball should go back in their court to learn how opposition works. APC was in opposition for many years during the PDP time. We never gave up. We continued to give Nigerian people the right alternative, different from the policies the PDP was putting on the table at the time. That is the credible opposition they are expected to provide. Not the pettiness they get themselves involved in.”

He then described the APC as a house built on strong ideological foundations, attracting more people not through coercion, but through the appeal of stability and reform.

He said, “When a man builds a house that is so beautiful that every landlord in the neighbourhood says, no, where I currently live is not conducive again, let me come and perch in your house. You don’t close your door. Or like a big church, that people are saying, oh, I’ve seen glory in your church, let me come and be a member of your church. You don’t shut your door to them.

“The truth of the matter is that we have a captain who is steering the ship of fortune of Nigeria today like never before. We have a leader in Nigeria, President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who says, no, we can’t handle governance and public administration like business as usual. Let us go back to the fundamentals and see where we’ve gotten it all wrong, try to correct it. In the bid to correct it, it will come with a lot of pain, but please bear this pain for a while, the result will show.

“The result is already showing, and everybody is beginning to see that this is an administrator par excellence who knows exactly where the shoe is hurting the Nigerian people and is making great effort to ensure that reforms are being put in place to solve the problem of the Nigerian people, on one hand. On the other hand, those who never wished Nigeria well are crying and shouting, oh, you are turning Nigeria into a one-party state. You are doing this, you are doing that. No way. Nigeria, for the first time, is just getting it right.” Arise News

Governor Alia stated this through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, in reaction to recent protests staged against the governor in Abuja.

“In recent weeks, we have witnessed a series of protests in Abuja, purportedly representing the concerns of Benue State citizens. However, it has become abundantly clear that these demonstrations are calculated attempts by disgruntled elements to settle personal scores and advance a malicious agenda.

“These individuals, driven by a desperate desire to paint Benue State in the worst possible light, appear to believe that by doing so, they can push President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in our state.

“This misguided notion stems from a deep-seated aversion to positive change and a yearning for a return to a discredited status quo. Their ultimate goal, is to create an environment of chaos and instability, allowing them to exploit the situation for their own selfish gain,” the CPS stated.

He added that the state government was particularly disturbed by the blatant attempts to weaponise the legal profession in this campaign of deceit.

“We have witnessed the spectacle of ex-convicts being paraded at press conferences, individuals masquerading as lawyers, and unregistered organisations submitting petitions filled with lies and offensive accusations to the National Assembly,” he said.

Kula noted that these actions not only undermine the integrity of the legal profession but also demonstrate the depths to which these individuals were willing to sink in their pursuit of personal vendettas.

“We urge the Nigeria Bar Association to take swift and decisive action to address these instances of impersonation and professional misconduct,” he stated.

Governor Alia’s spokesman also maintained that, “The sponsors of these protests are known, and their motives are transparent. They are driven by a desperate desire to remove Governor Alia from office, but they will not succeed.

“The people of the State are united in their support for their governor and will not allow these forces of disruption to undermine the progress being made under his leadership.”

He assured that Benue is safe and secure, adding that, “All the three arms of government are functioning smoothly, and the legislative business is proceeding seamlessly. Governor Alia is diligently delivering on his mandate, and the state is making significant strides in addressing the challenges it faces.”

He maintained that while the issue of insecurity is a national concern, Governor Alia is taking proactive steps to curtail the activities of armed herders and protect the communities. “His administration is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents of Benue State.”

The statement called on the media to exercise due diligence by avoiding to amplify the “voices of those who seek to spread misinformation and sow seeds of discord. We urge the public to remain vigilant and reject any false narratives being propagated by these disgruntled elements.”

He restated that the government of Benue State remained focused on delivering tangible benefits to its citizens and building a brighter future for the state.

Kula vowed that the government will not be distracted by these malicious attacks, confident that with the support of the Benue people, the challenges confronting the state will be overcome and shared goals of the administration achieved. Leadership

The party expressed that the demand from supporters for the reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara is undermining the reconciliation efforts amid the ongoing crisis in the state.

A statement personally signed by Okocha highlighted the party’s concern regarding the continuous protests, which accuse Governor Fubara of orchestrating demonstrations against the Sole Administrator and the state government.

The party emphasized that these protests, which have been occurring for some time, are a deliberate attempt to destabilize the state and undermine the authority of the Sole Administrator.

It expressed concerned about the safety of Rivers people in the face of the lingering mass action, adding that the state deserved peace and not chaos.

He said; “The protests, in which women are procured, mobilised, and instructed to invade and disrupt government programs and activities has gotten to an embarrassing level, raising serious concern about the safety of the lives of Rivers people and those living and doing business in the State.

“The height of the continued daily unrest and disruption of public peace as orchestrated by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his allies is the disruption of an Empowerment Support Program For Women in Rivers State organised by Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the 1st Lady of Nigeria, and wife of President Bola Tinubu, under the auspices of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) on Thursday – 2nd May, 2025, at EUI event centre in Port Harcourt.
“As a responsible political party in Rivers State, and the voice of the voiceless in the State, we are deeply concerned about the safety and security of citizens, as well as the overall stability of the State,” he stated.

The APC condemned the protests and urged the relevant authorities to take immediate action to investigate the funding sources behind the protests, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

“We call on the relevant authorities to intervene and bring an end to these sponsored protests, which are deliberately crafted efforts to undermine the restoration of peace and stability in Rivers State,” he added. Tribune

The Governor stated this during a meeting with 484 Councillors from the 44 Local Government areas of the state.

Governor Yusuf said Kwankwaso is gifted by God with foresight, and so they will follow him in whatever decision is made.

According to him, “God gave him (Kwankwaso) a gift not known to everybody. He has a foresight. If you go to him for an advise over something you feel is the better for you, if he advise you not to do it base on his foresight, so heed to his advise. If you ignore his advise and go ahead to do it, you will later feel unhappy or regret it. So, because of his foresight, that is why we say wherever he goes, we will follow him,” Governor Yusuf said.

Reacting to the allegation of corruption leveled against his government by the sacked Secretary to the Kano State government, SSG, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, Governor Yusuf said Bichi has lost his senses and is mentally unstable with corruption allegation leveled against the government.

He disputed Bichi’s allegation that his government was more corrupt than the former governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration.

According to him, “Any corrupt individual will not last in our government, as there is no hiding place for them. It’s a corrupt, free government.

“I was surprised when I started hearing some talks on social media from some persons we appointed into top-ranking offices to control public resources. In an interview after being sacked from office, they said the government that is not up to 2 years in office looted funds, which is ten times more than looting under the previous government of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

“Are you sure there is sense in that at all? Are you sure there is nothing wrong? That Kwankwaso ask me the Governor to give him N2 billion on monthly basis. This was the same person who was in the government before but never made this claims. But because he is out of the government, he is now making such claims. You are a liar. Kwankwaso is not an oppressor,” the Governor said.

He threatened that the government would take all available measures to deal decisively with individuals and media platforms that make unguarded statements against its leader, Kwankwaso and others, saying such will not be condoned.

He called on the councilors to identify grey areas in their wards that need intervention and bring them to the government’s attention so that they can be fixed.

Governor Yusuf, however, said the government planned to bring development and the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the constituents from now until 2027. Vanguard

The announcement was contained in a letter signed by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, and released on Monday.

According to the reshuffle, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Seun Ashamu, will now head the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

The current Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport.

Professor Dahud Shangodoyin, previously in charge of Public Works, will take over as Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources.

Also affected are the education and establishment portfolios. Professor Solihu Adelabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, is moving to the Ministry of Establishments and Training, while Hon. Segun Olayiwola, formerly Commissioner for Establishments, will now oversee the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The reshuffle takes immediate effect.

Governor Makinde urged all affected commissioners to remain committed and loyal in the discharge of their duties, emphasising the need for continued dedication to the development of the state. Nation

An ally of Mr Peter Obi and member of the Labour Party, Oseloka H. Obaze, has resigned his membership of the party.

Obaze, a former diplomat and Secretary to Anambra Government under Obi has worked closely with him as an adviser and chieftain of the party until his recently resignation.

Obaze disclosed this in a letter made available to journalists in Anambra on Sunday, which he wrote to LP Chairman in Ochuche Ward 406, Ogbaru Local Government of Anambra State immediately after the party’s primary election on April 5, and that his resignation took effect on April 6.

He said his decision to dump LP was to express his disapproval and protest the conduct of the April 5 governorship primary election of the party in Anambra.

He also cited the leadership crisis at the national level of the party and inability of stakeholders’ to reconcile the Abure and Nenadi Usman factions.

He said: “The processes, conduct and outcome of the Labour Party governorship primaries held on April 5, 2025 in Awka, were fraught with outright irregularities, bothering on fraud and criminality.

“It was not in tandem with either the party’s constitution and espoused core values or true tenets of democracy. As such, I hereby disassociate myself henceforth from the Labour Party,” he said.

Speaking further Obaze confirmed the veracity of the resignation letter, saying “the letter is real and speaks for itself”.

Obaze resigned from PDP in 2022, one week ahead of Peter Obi and subsequently became Peter Obi’s campaign manager in the 2023 general election and one of the prominent brains behind the Obedient Movement.

A total of 455 aspirants were screened, according to a document signed by the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Babatunde Ogala, SAN, and the Secretary, Nurudeen Bamidele.

According to Sunday Punch, Abdulganiyu Obasa, the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, was absent at the screening, which was held between Tuesday and Thursday because he was asked to step down by some of the APC leaders.

“Leaders felt that his candidature will cause crisis in the party, so he was asked to step down, and his father agreed,” Sunday Punch reported.

Out of the 455 aspirants, 418 were cleared to contest in the party’s primary elections, while 14 were disqualified for lack of PVC and other electoral faults.

Additionally, 23 candidates were either absent, unsuccessful, or withdrew from the race.

The party’s primary election is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, to be held across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.

Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, said the screening was thoroughly conducted.

He said, “The APC Lagos State qualifications are very clear for the position of chairmanship. Every qualification will be checked. For instance, the West African Examinations Council will confirm each candidate’s result. If the documents presented are accurate, there is no reason for the person to be disqualified.

“There is a committee that will oversee the turnout of petitions on the screening results. It is an opportunity for whoever feels otherwise.”