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7 months ago

March 11, 2026

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Smarting from Appeal Court Ruling, PDP Mulls Reconciliation, Lays Down Conditions

Nigeria | 9 seconds ago

• Declares party won’t die, will never be APC’s appendage

•Holds BoT meeting yesterday, another today

•Let’s bury the hatchet, stop litigations to enable party vie in 2027 polls, says Saraki

•Wabara: we need to find solution

•Makinde: weeping may continue all night but joy comes in the morning

•Akpoti-Uduaghan urges PDP leaders to end litigations, rebuild party ahead of 2027

•Banigo quits party for APC, backs Tinubu

Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Still smarting from the outcome of the recent Court of Appeal judgement, which nullified its national conven-tion held last year in Ibadan, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has indicated interest in reconciliation, but with clear conditions.

The reconciliation with the faction of the party loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ultimately aimed to find a lasting solution to the leadership crisis plaguing PDP.

Briefing newsmen after the expanded Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Emeombong, said, “First and foremost, the PDP must not die. We are open to reconciliation.

“The PDP must be on the ballot for all the elections from the presidential to senators, House of Representatives, and governors. The party must be on the ballot

“The PDP must not be an appendage to any ruling party. These were some of the sentiments expressed at the extended BoT before it adjourned to commence Wednesday morning.”

Emeombong explained that PDP under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki was disposed to reconciliation.

On whether the party will meet the digital e-registration deadline as contained in the 2026 Electoral Act, he said, “We will meet the deadline. So far, we have more than two million members that have registered across boards.”

He added that the expanded BoT meeting would commence discussion on the way forward today

Saraki: Let’s Bury the Hatchet, Stop Litigations to Enable Party Vie in 2027 Polls

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, appealed to all leaders and stakeholders in PDP to stop fighting, accept the Court of Appeal verdict, and move towards holding a fresh national convention that would comply with all Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.

Saraki, in his reaction to Monday’s judgement, said it was time for introspection and to see the appeal court decision as an end to all litigations.

In a statement by his Media aide, Yusuf Olaniyanu, Saraki said, “My own position is that the Court of Appeal has ruled. However, with the revised timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it is obvious that there is no time to wait for the Supreme Court decision.

“Otherwise, we will not meet the deadlines for completing the process of nominating candidates.

‘’Also, uncertainty will continue to hang over the validity of the tickets issued to those nominated on the PDP platform. If our motive is to see that we do not jeopardise the chances of our numerous members who want to contest elections on our platform, then this consideration should be the priority of all of us in the party.”

Saraki said, “One of the key essentials of a political party is to provide a platform for candidates seeking to serve the people by contesting elections. We should not defeat this purpose. It is for these reasons that I believe the only option open to all of us is to end all litigation and work with the arrangements that are on the ground for holding a national convention within the INEC timetable.”

He said, “From the beginning, some of us have warned and advised about the dangers of travelling this route. We know that it will only imperil the party. However, since we have found ourselves here, our focus should be on how to get back on the path of full recovery, stability, and progress.

“I know that at this stage, egos have been bruised. However, the difference between an ordinary man and a statesman, between a person and a patriot, between a follower and a leader is the ability to rise above the din and ignore personal interests to serve the larger common interests and public good.

‘’Thus, some leaders of the party who did not get what they desired from the courts should now consider the bigger interest of the PDP in the 2027 elections and beyond. This is a more noble, dignified, and responsible position to adopt than to embark on a journey that leads to nowhere.”

The former senate president stated, “My concern is how to save and preserve this great party for the benefit of the numerous members who have hinged their aspirations on the PDP platform. There are many Nigerians in the grassroots who have been investing their time and resources in mobilising support for the party because they want to contest elections on the PDP platform.

“These are members who want to contest elections into the Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, and the presidency.

“Feuding leaders should not allow their ego and personal differences to jeopardise, undermine, and defeat the aspirations of these honest, devoted and committed party members by depriving them of the opportunity to subject themselves to the verdict of the electorate. That is what these leaders will be doing if anybody continues with the litigation.”

He explained, “The only viable option open to all of us is to sit down, discuss, and work towards holding an all-inclusive national convention at a time that will comply with INEC guidelines.

“What should be paramount to all of us is to adopt a give-and-take attitude that will ensure we accommodate all interests in the election of officers at the national convention. We should let the sleeping dog lie peacefully. There is really no time for continuous bickering and grandstanding.”

Wabara: We Need to Find Solution

Chairman of PDP BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, yesterday, told members of the board that solution must be found to the judgement of the Court of Appeal against the national convention of the party.

Wabara said while addressing the expanded meeting of the BoT, ‘’We need to find a solution. We need to talk to the judgement. In fact, the board considers the judgement an order for the party to begin again.

‘’An order for the party to begin again. We are more, we respect the law. So this is an opportunity for us to begin again. And that’s why we are all here.’’

Referring to the opening prayers before the commencement of the BoT meeting, Wabara said, ‘’When Iyom Josephine Anenih prayed for us, she said we should just forget about our personal interests and think about the party.

“Before I came in here this afternoon, I, as an Igbo man, I made contacts with the father of this party, who is late, Alex Ekwueme, and he said he’s very proud of what we are doing and that we should continue to fight.

‘’Having said so, it’s not a day of speech making. It’s a day that we have to be very serious with the decisions we are going to arrive at. As we’ve always done with the board, we obey the constitution. We must work in accordance with the constitution. And you can never go wrong if you abide by the constitution and the rule of law.’’

Wabara urged that the meeting should be brief, alleging that the whole idea was to edge PDP out. ‘’But we will find our way, if we have an open mind. We should, in these meetings, keep an open mind and see how we can get ourselves back on track,’’ he stated.

However, despite the reports of reconciliation within PDP, two separate BoT meetings were scheduled.

The BoT first met yesterday, Tuesday, at Bauchi State Government lodge in Asokoro, at 3pm.

However, a counter BoT meeting of those loyal to the FCT minister, under the chairmanship of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, was scheduled for today, Wednesday, at 1, Sabo Ago Street, LifeCamp, Abuja, at 2 pm.

The Wabara BoT is loyal to Turaki, whose national convention was annulled by the Court of Appeal Monday in Abuja

THISDAY gathered that Wabara’s objective was to discuss the way forward for the party. But in a counter notice, Wike-led BoT fixed its own meeting for today.

Consequently, the national caretaker committee of Wike’s faction said it remained the legitimate and authentic leadership organ of the party.

The committee announced that the party would hold a national convention at the velodrome of the MKO Abiola national stadium between March 28 and 29 in Abuja.

That was disclosed by Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, who addressed a press conference on the outcome of the Court of Appeal judgement.

Mohammed stated, ‘’I want to make it clear at this time that the National Caretaker Working Committee remains the only national leadership recognized by the law and the party. The National Caretaker Working Committee is the only legitimate body that can present a candidate in the build-up to 2027 general elections.

‘’As such, I urge all stakeholders, party leaders, party members and supporters to rally around the National Caretaker Working Committee as we prepare to approach activities towards the 2027 general elec-tion.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan Urges PDP Leaders to End Litigations, Rebuild Party Ahead of 2027

Kogi-born PDP senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, called on party leaders and stakeholders to urgently close ranks and end internal legal battles threatening the party’s future.

In a statement in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, urged PDP leaders to treat the recent appellate court verdict on the party’s national convention as an opportunity for reconciliation and rebuilding ahead of the 2027 general election.

She said the party must move beyond the cycle of litigations that had trailed its internal processes and focus on restoring unity and strengthening internal democracy.

“The Court of Appeal has spoken, and as a democratic party that believes in the rule of law, we must now shift our focus from litigation to reconciliation and rebuilding,” she said.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, prolonged legal disputes can undermine the aspirations of grassroots politicians preparing to contest elections on the PDP platform.

She warned that continued disagreements among party leaders risked frustrating the ambitions of party members aspiring to contest seats in state assemblies, the National Assembly, governorship offices, and even the presidency.

“Our members across the grassroots — those aspiring to serve in state Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship positions and the presidency – must not become casualties of prolonged disagreements among leaders,” she said.

Banigo Quits PDP for APC, Backs Tinubu

Despite new moves by the PDP leadership towards reconciliation following the appeal court judgement, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, the senator for Rivers West Senatorial District, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Banigo also declared that President Bola Tinubu “deserves all our support” to complete ongoing reforms.

The defection came amid renewed calls within PDP for reconciliation and unity following the recent judgement of the Court of Appeal on the party’s national convention dispute.

Banigo’s letter was read during plenary by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, marking another exit from the opposition party as internal divisions and litigations continue to rattle its leadership structure.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the announcement, Banigo said her decision to leave PDP followed extensive consultation with constituents and political stakeholders in Rivers West.

She cited the lingering leadership crisis, internal divisions, and protracted litigations within PDP as major reasons for abandoning the party.

According to her, the ruling APC provides a more stable political platform for advancing both her legislative agenda and the development interests of her constituency.

Banigo stated in the letter, “I write to formally inform my distinguished colleagues of my decision to defect from the PDP and subsequently join the APC.

“This decision follows extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates and critical stakeholders across my senatorial district.

“Given the prevailing internal divisions, protracted leadership disputes, and ongoing litigations within the PDP which have adversely affected cohesion, I am convinced that the APC offers a more stable and progressive platform.”

Politics

Obi urges issue-based campaigns

Published

2 weeks ago

September 26, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged the media to demand issue-based campaigns from politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than allowing character assassination and name-calling to dominate political discourse.

Obi made the call on Friday at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, urging journalists to use their position as managers of information to promote campaigns focused on good governance, unity, security and prosperity.

He said the media should challenge politicians who deviated from issue-based campaigns or attempted to prevent opponents from campaigning.

Obi said, “As we approach the election, I have only one thing I will plead that you include in your discussion. We made a choice to be a democratic country, and that choice is a choice that can help our country to grow.

“It is important that you help us, the politicians, to ensure that as we approach the election, our discussions, our campaigns, everything we do, is strictly based on issues that will bring good governance, unity, security and prosperity to the country.”

The former Anambra State governor also called for an environment conducive for political parties and candidates to campaign freely.

Obi recalled that political opponents were allowed to campaign in Anambra during his tenure as governor, citing visits by former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu.

He said Fashola campaigned for Chris Ngige, while Obasanjo campaigned for Andy Uba and Kalu for Uche Ekwunife.

According to Obi, the campaigns did not result in confrontations because the people were allowed to make their choices.

“So we need that conducive environment to campaign as a country, to make it work,” he said.

Obi also dismissed reports of a disagreement between him and the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, describing the governor as his “respected elder brother.”

He said their relationship had remained cordial despite differences over issues concerning the state. He added that he and his wife were godparents to Soludo’s children.

“Me and Soludo are close. As a banker, he was my customer. And we have not changed. If I see him, I greet him, I respect his office he’s the governor,” Obi said.

“So, we’re not quarrelling! And we will never quarrel! If I see him any day, me and him will hug and everything,” he said.

Obi also defended his record on Anambra’s finances, disputing claims about the debt allegedly left by his administration.

He said Anambra’s external debt stood at about $18m when he assumed office and about $30m when he left in March 2014.

Obi further claimed that he left more than $150m in investments for the state when he left office. His position is that development facilities attributed to his administration should be assessed based on their approval, drawdown and repayment records.

Meanwhile, a medical practitioner, Dr Richard Okoye of SaveALife Mission Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, urged Nigerians to pay greater attention to their health amid economic pressures.

Speaking at the conference, Okoye identified stress, hypertension and diabetes as major health concerns and advised Nigerians to undergo regular medical checks even when they felt healthy.

He said untreated hypertension and diabetes could contribute to stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

Okoye also cautioned against the indiscriminate use of sexual-enhancement drugs and drinks, urging men to pay attention to their cardiovascular and sexual health.

Politics

Tinubu Is Disconnected From Nigerians – APM

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2 weeks ago

September 26, 2026

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The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is disconnected from Nigerians and lacks the capacity to provide effective leadership for the country.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, APM alleged that President Tinubu has abdicated his duties to a cabal comprising family members, principal aides and other unelected persons who have seized control of the administration.

“President Tinubu runs a lethargic administration and is most of the time absent from the theatre of governance. He is completely disconnected from Nigerians. He seems unperturbed and pays little or no attention to the security and economic challenges his administration has brought to the country,” the party stated.

The APM also faulted what it described as the President’s repeated absence at meetings of world leaders, particularly the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), saying it underscores his inability to effectively represent and drive Nigeria’s interest at the global level.

“Instead, President Tinubu prefers holidaying abroad at taxpayers’ expense while critical matters of state are left in the hands of a cabal of aides and family members,” it added.

The party questioned why the President has never visited communities ravaged by terrorists, kidnappers and bandits or met directly with grieving families and victims.

“President Tinubu has never, as Commander-in-Chief, demonstrated the commitment and capacity to lead from the front on matters of security. Instead, any time there was an attack, his Presidency will only issue lame statements, give directives or dispatch delegations rather than making direct on-the-ground visits himself,” the APM said.

According to the party, such an approach has emboldened terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, resulting in the reported killing of over 600,000 Nigerians and the abduction of many more in the last three years.

On the economy, the APM accused the administration of failing to present an effective strategy to harness the nation’s human and natural resources, resorting instead to harsh policies including the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy, imposition of stringent tax regimes and reckless external borrowing.

“The result is the crippling of the productive sector with millions of businesses shut down, leading to high costs, a frightening 33.3 per cent unemployment rate and a 63 per cent poverty rate, where over 140 million Nigerians have been plunged into excruciating economic hardship,” the statement read.

The party further claimed that the administration’s borrowings have pushed the nation’s debt to N159.28 trillion, with nothing on the ground to show for it, and alleged that major multinationals have exited the country while over 3.7 million youths and professionals have emigrated in the “Japa” phenomenon

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is disconnected from Nigerians and lacks the capacity to provide effective leadership for the country.

“Instead, President Tinubu prefers holidaying abroad at taxpayers’ expense while critical matters of state are left in the hands of a cabal of aides and family members,” it added.

The party questioned why the President has never visited communities ravaged by terrorists, kidnappers and bandits or met directly with grieving families and victims.

The party said Nigerians are increasingly rallying around its presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, whom it described as a younger, energetic and experienced leader with a record of sterling performance and a blueprint to reset Nigeria.

The APM urged President Tinubu to reconsider his intention to seek another term and support Makinde in the interest of the nation.

Politics

Anyone who rigs election under me will go to jail — Obi

Published

2 weeks ago

September 25, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has vowed to jail anyone found rigging an election under his administration, saying the punishment would apply even where only one vote was involved.

Obi made the declaration in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while outlining his position on electoral integrity, opposition politics and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again: if I am the serving president of this country, whoever rig elections will be in jail. Even for one vote, you will be in jail,” Obi said

He also pledged that political parties, including opposition parties, would not be harassed under his administration, saying his government would involve them in decisions affecting the country.

“No political party will be harassed; we will support them,” he said.

“We will be working with opposition political parties if there’s a matter of state where we have to take a decision, especially in a situation like we find ourselves now. We will invite all opposition.

“It’s a country, everyone is involved, and I want to involve everybody.

Obi said opposition members would also be involved in government decisions when he travels outside the country.

“I will make sure that even if I have to take foreign trips, opposition members will be involved in decisions, because it’s important.

“It’s our country. For our children, we must build a stable, united, and secure country.”

The NDC candidate also said he would remain accessible to Nigerians and prioritise being physically present in the country.

“It doesn’t matter who is in office. I’m telling you that I will offer that.

“Nobody will look for me and say, ‘Where is Peter?’ I won’t be on holiday; I must be in Nigeria.”

Obi also criticised what he described as restrictions placed on his campaign activities in some states, saying political candidates should be allowed to campaign freely regardless of their opponents’ political affiliations.

He said his appeal was not limited to his own candidacy but was aimed at protecting the democratic space.

“That’s it—to ensure that Nigeria works for the future of our children.”

Obi recalled that, as governor of Anambra State, he allowed political opponents to campaign in the state and provided facilities for them.

“When Governor Fashola of Lagos State told me he was coming to Anambra State, Charles, I gave him my car—it was my convoy that he used to go for that campaign.”

He also recalled accompanying former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he campaigned for another candidate in Anambra State.

“As governor of the state, when President Obasanjo came to campaign for Andy, I went with him.

“He was there telling people, ‘Peter has done well, but this man will do better.’ No problem!”

Obi similarly recalled providing lunch for former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu when he campaigned for Uche Ekwunife.

“After my lunch, standing in front of me with Uche Ekwunife, he told the press people, ‘Peter has done well, but Uche will do better.’

“That’s democracy, because I wanted the people to vote. There was no issue.”

Anambra debt dispute

On the dispute over his record as former Anambra governor, Obi rejected claims that he left the state with $123m in debt, insisting that he did not borrow money from any financial institution during his tenure.

“Let me categorically state again: I, Mr. Peter Obi, did not approach any financial institution to borrow money or issue bonds on behalf of Anambra State in the eight years that I was in government.”

He said the state was not owing salaries, gratuities, pensions, contractors or suppliers whose jobs had been completed, certified and verified when he left office.

Obi also said the World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development facilities referenced in the debt claims were concessionary development support obtained by the Federal Government and subsequently on-lent to qualifying states.

He said Anambra’s foreign debt was about $18m when he assumed office and about $30m when he left office in March 2014.

According to Obi, the state’s financial position at the time included more than $150m in dollar-denominated savings invested in bonds, which he said generated about $10m annually.

He argued that even if the debt figure being claimed by the state government were accepted, the funds he left behind would have been sufficient to clear the obligation.

Obi also presented what he described as his handover document, urging ARISE NEWS to verify the figures with the World Bank and Nigerian banks.

“Please publish these documents. I’m urging you, please.

“The World Bank is in Abuja; they can give you the history of the drawdowns. The banks mentioned here are Nigerian banks; you have access to their headquarters. Ask them whether this money was there.

Obi speaks on Soludo, Tinubu

On his relationship with Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Obi said he had no dispute with the governor.

“I don’t have any dispute, talk less of being bitter, with my very respected elder brother, Governor Soludo.

“We remain brothers. He’s the governor of my state, and I respect him.”

Obi also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s absence from Nigeria, saying the President had remained outside the country beyond the period he initially announced.

“The CEO being present is critical at a time of crisis, not delegation.

“Yes, you have a chain of command, but where is the president? Nigerians ought to know.”

Obi rejects reported Kwankwasiyya campaign council

On the Obedient Kwankwasiyya Movement’s reported campaign council, Obi said the group did not have his approval and should operate as a support group rather than a parallel political structure.

“I was not aware, and that’s why I’m disapproving it here.”

The former Anambra governor also expressed openness to discussions on opposition cooperation, including the possibility of a presidential candidate stepping aside as part of efforts to strengthen democratic competition.

“When he comes, I’m not desperate to be president; I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. When he comes, it’s a discussion.”

Obi said opposition parties should focus on ensuring free, fair and credible elections, preventing violence and campaigning on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

“What I’m saying is that we should all come together and save democracy, ensure that election is free, fair, and credible, violence-free, and that we campaign on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.”

In August, Obi defended his political record, saying he had never been involved in election rigging, violence, or any form of malpractice throughout his career.