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Tag: PDP

  • Zamfara Speaker, 12 PDP lawmakers defect to APC

    Zamfara Speaker, 12 PDP lawmakers defect to APC

     

    By Ishaq Zaki
    Gusau, March 23, 2026 (NAN) The Speaker of the Zamfara House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Moriki, alongside 12 State Assembly members, has defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
    The speaker announced the lawmakers’ defection at a plenary session in Gusau on Monday after presenting letters of resignation to the House.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmakers’ defection followed the defection of Gov. Lawal from the PDP to the APC.
    NAN also reports that the National Secretariat of the APC has scheduled Tuesday, March 24, to officially receive Gov. Lawal into the party.
    The governor’s reception into the party will be performed by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and the national leadership of the APC, assisted by all the former governors of the state.
    The defecting state lawmakers are expected to be formally received into the APC alongside Gov. Dauda Lawal on Tuesday.
    Among the defectors to the APC were Deputy Speaker of the House, Adamu Aliyu (Gummi II constituency), Majority Leader of the House, Bello Mazawaje (Tsafe East constituency), and Chief Whip of the House, Rilwanu Nagambo (Anka Constituency), among others.
    Moriki said the lawmakers’ unanimous decision was informed by their desire to join Gov. Dauda Lawal, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC.
    “It became necessary for all of us to support Gov. Dauda Lawal to bring more development to the state.
    “We received full support from our constituencies before taking the decision to leave the PDP for the APC.
    “Our decision is aimed at encouraging smooth collaboration between the state and the federal governments,” the lawmaker said.
    NAN reports that with this development, the APC has taken over the Zamfara assembly, having all 24 members. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
  • Sen. Natasha Urges PDP Defectors to Return as Ikpeazu Sets tone for PDP Rebuilding 

    Sen. Natasha Urges PDP Defectors to Return as Ikpeazu Sets tone for PDP Rebuilding 

     

     

    The inauguration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Convention Committee has signaled a renewed push for unity and repositioning within the party, as key stakeholders called for reconciliation and a return of defected members.

    The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, used the occasion to appeal to former PDP senators who left the party during its internal crisis to reconsider their decision and return.

    Addressing party members and the media at the event, she expressed optimism that the inauguration marks a turning point for the PDP.

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, members of the press, I would say I’m extremely elated tonight simply because we have a political party,” she said.

    “Congratulations to everyone here today. I know it’s not been easy. We’ve been on the news back and forth, and that has kept a lot of people wondering what befalls the PDP.”

    Akpoti-Uduaghan recalled the steady decline in the party’s representation in the Senate, attributing it to the leadership crisis that rocked the PDP in recent times.

    “When I joined, it was late November 2023… we were 37 PDP senators. But today we’re only six. I tell you, it wasn’t easy. It was almost like at every sitting, you were expecting senators to decamp,” she noted.

    According to her, many of her colleagues cited internal party disputes as the reason for their defection, a situation she believes has now been addressed.

    “When I asked a few of them why they were leaving the party, they mentioned the leadership crisis. So I’m saying this to my colleagues who have decamped — trust me, it’s not more greener on the other side. You are all welcome back to the PDP,” she added.

     

     

    In his inaugural acceptance speech as Chairman of the PDP 2026 National Convention Committee, former Abia State Governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, described the event as a critical moment in the party’s history.

    “Today is not just ceremonial, it is consequential,” Ikpeazu declared. “This convention is more than a gathering, it is a reckoning. A moment of truth.”

    He acknowledged the internal challenges and legal battles that had threatened the unity of the party, noting that they tested both its institutional strength and collective resolve.

    “We have passed through a difficult phase… marked by internal disagreements, institutional strain, and a protracted legal battle that travelled from the Federal High Courts to the Court of Appeal,” he said.

    Ikpeazu, however, described the affirmation of the National Caretaker Working Committee by the appellate court as a fresh opportunity for renewal.

    “It is not merely a legal victory, it is a moral and political reset. It offers us a rare opportunity to rebuild, restore confidence, and reaffirm due process within our party,” he stated.

    He emphasized that reconciliation must be central to the party’s rebuilding efforts, urging members to move beyond divisions.

    “What the PDP needs at this moment is honest reconciliation, rooted in truth, driven by sincerity, and sustained by mutual respect,” Ikpeazu said.

    “We must have the courage to listen to one another, the humility to admit where we went wrong, and the strength to forgive.”

    The convention committee chairman charged stakeholders across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to support the process with discipline and a shared sense of purpose.

    “Our mission is to deliver a smooth, transparent, and widely accepted convention that will produce a credible National Working Committee capable of repositioning the PDP for victory in the 2027 general elections,” he added.

    The inauguration of the convention committee is widely seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the PDP, rebuilding trust among members, and strengthening its position as a leading opposition party in Nigeria.

    Source

     

  • Again, 3 senators dump PDP for APC

    Again, 3 senators dump PDP for APC

     

    By Kingsley Okoye
    Abuja:   Senators Amos Yohanna (PDP Adamawa), Abass Iya (PDP Adamawa) and Ikra Bilbis (PDP Zamfara) have defected from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senators’ defection was announced in separate letters read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at plenary on Wednesday.

    Yohanna, in his letter, said he was resigning from the PDP that sponsored his election to the senate and defecting to APC.

    He attributed the decision to what he called prolonged and unresolved internal divisions within PDP at national level.

    This, the senator said, had significantly impaired cohesion and effective functioning of the party.

    “The persistent crisis has created a structural fracture within the party, affecting its national leadership and operational stability.

    “I hereby formally notify the senate of my decision and my formal defection to the APC.

    “This communication is intended to ensure full compliance with constitutional requirements and to place the senate on proper notice of the circumstances surrounding my resignation from the PDP and defection to the APC,” he said.

    In his own letter, Iya said he was formally informing the senate of his decision to resign his membership of the PDP and officially defect to the APC with immediate effect.

    “This followed the persistent crisis within the national level.

    “The deepening of internal factions and the ongoing leadership tussles which resulted in multiple court cases have created uncertainty regarding the party’s stability and the possible prospect of the party in the forthcoming election.

    “This informed my decision to withdraw my membership of the party and to defect to the APC,” he said.

    To Bilbis, his decision to quit PDP and join APC was a difficult but necessary decision.

    This, he said, came after extensive and wide consultations with his political associates as well as key stakeholders within his constituency and beyond.

    “My primary allegiance remains to the good people of my senatorial district. I represent their collective aspiration for effective governance, and that is what is guiding this move.

    “My decision is predicated on prolonged internal crisis in my former party, the PDP, and the need for alignment with the centre and to continue to support the national agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    “I formally request that you direct the Clerk of the Senate to reflect this change in the records of the senate that I am no longer a member of the PDP but now belong to the APC,” he said.

    In his remarks, Akpabio said that the current administration, before assumption of office, met a challenged economy, saying that the president had steadily brought reforms.

    He said that the decisions on oil subsidy removal and harmonisation of exchange rate for the country were already bringing in fund into the consolidated revenue.

    The senate president said that state governments were meeting their obligations because they were getting their funds in line with the constitution, adding that the sub-nationals were doing well.

    According to him, APC is putting Nigeria on a trajectory of growth, total reformation and rebirth.(NAN)

  • Goodluck/Kwankwaso Ticket Will Upstage Tinubu in 2027

    Goodluck/Kwankwaso Ticket Will Upstage Tinubu in 2027

     

     

    A Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party and Convener, Goodluck Nigeria, Emma Umerah, has expressed deep conviction that is only Jonathan and Kwankwaso ticket in 2027 Presidential Election that would upstatge the incumbent president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Umerah made the statement in a chat with journalists in Lagos, on Monday, March 9, 2026.

    He added that Jonathan would do one term and redirect the nation on the part of political, economic and social growth and development which he said is currently lacking in Nigeria.

    Umerah, a former National member, Atiku Campaign Council, maintained that Goodluck Jonathan is a gentleman to the core, a man that keeps agreement.

    He said, “As a gentleman, during the 2015 election, he accepted defeat and congratulated Buhari. If he is not a gentleman he would not have accepted defeat and the country would be in turmoil, but he allowed peace to reign because he does not want trouble in Nigeria.”

    Umerah revealed that as much as the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is an experienced politician from the northern part of Nigeria with large following, he would bring the number and his presence would also assuage the yearning of the North to dislodge the incumbent president.

    He stated that while piloting the affairs of the country as president, Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency (2010–2015) was characterized by transformations. He transformed Nigeria into Africa’s largest economy (2014) through GDP rebasing, and ensured significant infrastructure development (rail, airports, roads), and strengthening democratic institutions, notably through electoral reforms.

    Umerah further said that Jonathan’s administration implemented various fiscal reforms, including the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

    He disclosed further, “In Infrastructure Development, his administration invested in infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and power generation. Jonathan’s administration launched initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and food security. His leadership style believed so much in Consensus-Building. Jonathan is known for his ability to build consensus and negotiate with different stakeholders, his leadership style emphasized inclusiveness and dialogue and Jonathan has a reputation for seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts.”

    He also articulated some of what he believed was achievements of Jonathan while in office, which included creating 12 federal universities and boosting local content in the oil sector, he Implemented policies that encouraged agricultural investment and reduced food imports, boosting local production.

    With regards to Local Content Law, he Signed the Nigerian Content Act (2010), empowering indigenous companies in the oil and gas sector. Also his administration revamped the national railway system, including the rehabilitation of lines and the introduction of new routes like the Abuja-Kaduna line.

    In Aviation Upgrade, he Remodeled all 22 federal airports and installed modern navigation equipment. While in Road Construction, he invested in key roads, including the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Benin expressway and the initiation of the Second Niger Bridge project.

    “Goodluck ensured Democratic Reforms & Governance which enhanced Electoral Integrity, he Strengthened the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), resulting in more credible elections. Goodluck Jonathan was widely praised for conceding the 2015 presidential election, which bolstered democratic stability in Nigeria.

    On Freedom of Expression, he encouraged and Maintained a largely free press with minimal government interference, marking a departure from previous eras.

    Aside the establishment of 12 new federal universities to increase access to tertiary education, he also initiated solid Almajiri Education Programme, he built over 160 special schools to integrate modern education into Islamic learning systems in the North.

    Also on Women Empowerment, he appointed women to significant positions, including the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria and the first female President of the Court of Appeal.
    In Health & Technology his response to Ebola crisis was swift, he led an effective, internationally recognized response to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014.

    Source

  • $1.3bn landmark FG/AFC Alumnia deal, transformative economic booster–TMV

    $1.3bn landmark FG/AFC Alumnia deal, transformative economic booster–TMV

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has applauded the landmark deal sealed between the federal government and the Africa Finance Corporation to jointly fund three projects under a $1.3 billion alumina project.

    The group said in a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Segun Ogedengbe that the project will expand and rejuvenate the solid minerals sector in the country.

    “We note that the Memorandum of Understanding is the result of discussions between the Africa Finance Corporation and the Solid Minerals Development Fund to jointly fund the construction of a $1.3 billion alumina refinery that is meant to generate 1 million tonnes of bauxite ore per annum.

    “It will also utilize a modern Bayer-process flowsheet with an on-site gas-fired cogeneration plant for steam and power.

    “We are confident that the deal will transform the mining sector and increase its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “From all indications this will be Nigeria’s largest private investment as well as a foreign direct investment that has the potential to contribute $1.2 billion to the country’s GDP yearly and over $25 billion to the national economy in its lifecycle, as well as $8 billion in foreign exchange earnings.

    “It is also gratifying that the project will not only be competitive but will also be viable thereby helping to position Nigeria as a globally competitive solid minerals hub.

    “We consider it as a true application of the federal government’s diversification programme,” it added.

    The group is convinced that the deal will create more jobs and help in the revival of dormant mining sites across the country, with the attendant economic gains to the country.

     

  • Osun 2026: PDP state, federal lawmakers endorse Adeleke

    Osun 2026: PDP state, federal lawmakers endorse Adeleke

    Ahead of the August 8 governorship election in Osun State, members of the National and State Assemblies elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state have endorsed the Accord Party and its candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the lawmakers’ stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo, the state capital, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.

    NAN reports that Adeleke defected from the PDP to the Accord Party on December 9, 2025, to seek re-election.

    The communiqué, read by the Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi, stated that the endorsement of Adeleke was based on his performance in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, and democratic stability.

    “Having reviewed the performance of the governor in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, and democratic stability, we unanimously endorse and give our total support to His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, for a second term in office in the interest of continuity, stability, and sustained progress for Osun State,” it said.

    The communiqué, however, stated that the political realignments in the state do not in any way diminish the strength, structure, or grassroots support of the governor and the PDP in the state.

    “The party remains united and firmly established at the National Assembly caucus level, State Assembly level, Executive Council, local governments, wards, and grassroots structures across the state,” it said.

    The lawmakers also said they passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the PDP Chairman in the state, Mr Sunday Bisi, the State Working Committee, and the leadership of the party in all the 30 local government and area offices, as well as the 332 wards in the state.

    “We say unequivocally that they remain the executives of the party in Osun State.

    “Any individual or group parading themselves as alternative leadership does not have the backing of the duly elected National and State Assembly caucus of the party in Osun State and should not be accorded legitimacy,” the communiqué said.

    The communiqué also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the local government crisis in the state.

    The lawmakers said the continued withholding of local government allocations due to the state was causing avoidable hardship for teachers, nurses, healthcare workers, local government civil servants, retirees, and traditional institutions at the grassroots.

    “We call on His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to give a directive to the illegal occupants to vacate immediately to avert crises.

    “PDP as a party and the government in the state are law-abiding, and that is why we have chosen the path of peace and the path of law, not to throw the state into crisis,” it said.

    The lawmakers called on the people of the state to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and steadfast in the defence of democracy and good governance.

    NAN reports that five members of the National Assembly elected on the platform of the PDP on Saturday officially defected to the All Progressives Congress in the state.

    (

  • PDP leadership dispute: Court adjourns Wike-led PDP suit, dismisses Turaki’s case

    PDP leadership dispute: Court adjourns Wike-led PDP suit, dismisses Turaki’s case

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, adjourned a suit filed by People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s faction loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, until Feb. 20 to await an Appeal Court’s decision.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter following the appeal filed by the Kabiru Turaki-led leadership of the PDP to challenge the interim order made by the court for parties in the suit to stay any action pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a faction of the party in the camp of the FCT minister, led by its acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, had filed the suit.

    In the suit, the PDP, Abdulrahman and Sen. Sameul Anyanwu, the factional National Secretary, had prayed the court to stop the police and Department of State Services (DSS) from allowing Turaki-led leadership (5th to 25th defendants) access to the party’s national secretariat at Wadara Plaza in Abuja.

    They also sought an order of injunction, restraining the the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting any other office address or any other address from the Turaki-led leadership as the PDP’s office address other than as already contained in the commission’s records.

    They sought an order of injunction, restraining the Turaki leadership (5th to 25 defendants) from parading themselves as representatives of the PDP in any capacity whatsoever, among other reliefs.

    Justice Abdulmalik had earlier granted an ex-parte motion brought by the plaintiffs directing parties not to take any action pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

    Following the order, the Turaki-led chairman of the PDP challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal.

    They also filed an application for the court to stay proceedings in the suit pending the decision of the Appeal Court.

    The Turaki faction, through their lawyer, equally filed a motion on notice asking Justice Abdulmalik to recuse (withdraw) herself from the case.

    They argued that there exists a reasonable and well-founded apprehension of likelihood of bias against them in the manner the suit had been handled by the judge.

    Upon resumed hearing on the case, Justice Abdulmalik held that it would amount to an exercise in futility to continue proceedings, an appeal, having been entered at the appellate court.

    She then adjourned the matter until Feb. 20 for report on the Appeal Court decision.

    In a related development, the judge dismissed another suit, on Friday, filed by the PDP leadership led by Turaki.

    Justice Abdulmalik made the order for its dismissal after a motion for its discontinuance was moved by their lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, who urged the court to strike the matter out.

    However, the judge dismissed the suit since issues had been joined in the case.

    The plaintiffs; PDP, its National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki and the National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2520/2025, sued the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and the Nigerian Police as 1st and 2nd defendants.

    The plaintiffs had asked the court for an order directing the officers of the police to vacate their national headquarters located at Wadata Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, among other reliefs.

    But the judge had, on Jan. 16, made an order joining the parties seeking to be joined in the suit.

    They are the PDP’s acting National Chairman of the Wike faction, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman; Sen. Sameul Anyanwu, the National Secretary and the Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Sen Mao Ohuabunwa.

  • Untitled post 82420

     

    …As party charts new course for renaissance, says time up for APC

     

    By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

    PEOPLES’ Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State Chapter, has said that the people are eager for its return to Lugard House to rekindle their hope for good governance, and has therefore charted a new course aimed at reclaiming the seat it lost in 2015.

    State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Muhammed Sanni Gambo who disclosed this at the weekend in a meeting with PDP members in Lokoja said the Party has commenced mobilization of its members at the grassroots for the 2027 General Election.

    He noted that time is up for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to leave, having outlived its usefulness adding that the PDP was on a new course of rebirth.

    “Let me repeat it again. Time is up for the APC. They should write there handing over notes. Kogi people want the PDP back.

    “They said our years in Government was rewarding. They said they can’t wait any more. Enough is enough, 2027 is the PDP turn. Let Kogi APC pack and go.

    “Life is a curve; you go from the bottom to the apex and back down again. We started from zero in 1998, ruled for 16 years, and then began a descent. We have reached the bottom of the valley, now we are heading back up.

    “This is a rebirth process. We have analysed our mistakes and successes. I’m very proud that with the outcome, result thus far we have renounced. We are in a period of Renaissance.

    “We have both ‘qualitative’ and ‘quantitative’ voices in the party. While the qualitative voices (the elite) are important, democracy is a game of numbers.

    “We are balancing these while repositioning to reclaim power in 2027 by returning power to the women and Youths”, Hon. Gambo explained.

    The Party, according to him, is conducting grassroots mobilisation and Stakeholders engagement, expressing optimism that feelers prove that PDP will return to Lugard House in 2027.

    Hon. Gambo said his strategy remains going back to the people. “Our Party now abhors god-fatherism that has long undermined the party’s operations.

    “We want the people to take charge of their own. Internal democracy has returned to the Party. We will no longer do things like in the past”.

    “We are already seeing a mass movement to our Party. We have met with several members who left for the APC and ADC. In the coming days, we will be receiving over 200 returning and new members into the PDP.

     

    Courtesy: The Republic

  • Trump will capture you if you rig 2027 election, PDP chieftain tells Tinubu, others

    Trump will capture you if you rig 2027 election, PDP chieftain tells Tinubu, others

     

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, has told President Bola Tinubu and other political actors not to rig the 2027 presidential election, saying that President Donald Trump would capture them.

    He said this in an interview on Arise Television on Sunday, adding that electoral malpractice could attract global consequences.

    According to Pearse, the era of unchecked election rigging is coming to an end, stressing that international institutions and powerful global actors would not ignore any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.

    He said: “The whole international world is watching.

    “If you rig the election the way you normally do, you may have Trump coming to get your war chambers.

    “Everybody should be careful.”

    Pearse added that the presence of international judicial mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) should serve as a deterrent to electoral misconduct.

    He said: “This is not the first time it has happened.

    “The International Criminal Court is there.

    “So be careful what you do with a rigged election in Nigeria.”

    Pearse expressed confidence that the 2027 elections would be different from previous ones, insisting that Nigerians would no longer tolerate electoral fraud.

    He said: “No, no, no — it will not happen again.

    “2027 is going to be different.”