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PDP governors’ Ghana parley fails to break zoning deadlock

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Efforts to end the disagreement over the zoning of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in next year’s election by its governors failed to yield fruit at a retreat in Ghana earlier in the week.

They returned from Accra, the Ghanaian capital yesterday after failing to reach a consensus on the contentious issue.

The meeting took place between Tuesday and Wednesday and the governors were split along the North-South divide at the meeting.

It was leant that Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal insisted on going for the ticket.

He declined a proposal that he should accept to be running mate to a Southern candidate.

There were indications that the governors ruled out the chances of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the race for the ticket.

The governors decided to take the meeting to Ghana when they gathered in Yenagoa for the second anniversary of Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri on Monday.

They subsequently travelled to Accra.

Although Tambuwal was not in Yenagoa, he joined his colleagues at the Ghana meeting.

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Other governors at the meeting, according to sources, are Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).

It was learnt that Governor Emmanuel’s interest in the presidential ticket came to the fore at the meeting.

A source said: “These governors used Diri’s anniversary as a shield to sneak into Ghana for a crucial meeting on zoning in anticipation of the release of timelines for primaries by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“At the meeting in Accra, the Southern governors insisted on power shift to the South in 2023.

“From their talks, ex-VP Atiku was ruled out as the party’s candidate in 2023.

“But some of them offered Tambuwal the Vice Presidential slot which he rejected.

“At the end of the day, there was no consensus on any of the presidential aspirants either from the North or the South.

“It was at the meeting that some of them realised that Governor Emmanuel might have shown interest in the presidential race.

“There was mutual suspicion that more PDP governors from the South have presidential aspirations. So, the situation is still dicey in PDP.”

An aide to one of the governors confirmed the meeting to our correspondent.

There was disquiet in Atiku’s camp over the meeting.

Security and intelligence agencies were said to be probing the governors’ motives for relocating to Ghana for the meeting.

The agencies were acting on clues that there might be more to it.

However, Governor Wike dismissed insinuations that the opposition governors’ trip was to pick the party’s presidential and running mate for the 2023 election.

According to him, those behind the rumour were out to sow the seeds of discord and to ruin the chances of the PDP in the next general elections.

In a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, the governor said he and his colleagues had been inundated with calls to confirm a text message circulated by a chieftain of the party that some governors embarked on a weeklong trip to Europe to determine the party’s candidates.

The statement quoted Wike as saying: “I have always said to people in PDP, nobody should cause a division among the governors.

“We are trying as much as we can to build the party back and see that in 2023 PDP takes over governance.

“I don’t understand where he gets this information, this rumour that governors travelled to Europe to decide who will be the presidential candidate and vice-presidential candidate of PDP.

“I wonder why governors will travel to Europe to take such a decision.”

The statement linked the source of the ‘misinformation’ to one of Atiku’s key men.

Wike said though the governors have nothing anyone campaigning for the 2019 PDP presidential candidate and former vice president, stalwarts should be circumspect and desist from causing a crisis in the party.

“Don’t destroy other people because of this, because when you destroy them it will be difficult for PDP to win election in 2023,” Wike said.

The governor urged Atiku, whom he described as a well-known political strategist, to caution his men against spreading dangerous rumours that could divide stakeholders.

Yesterday, the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing said they are interested in the 2023 election.

Laing said: “We look forward to seeing how much this election matters. Nigeria has been on a democratic journey since 1999. And that, in itself is something to be very proud of.”

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Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour

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Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has resigned from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Onyejeocha announced her resignation in a statement shared via her social media platforms on Friday, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.

“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I announce my resignation as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment. This decision comes with profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in his administration,” she stated.

The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, did not disclose her next political move or indicate whether her resignation is linked to the 2027 general elections, unlike some other cabinet members who have recently stepped down.

Despite her exit from office, Onyejeocha maintained that her commitment to national service remains unwavering, describing her resignation as the beginning of a new phase.

She commended the President’s leadership, noting that serving under the Renewed Hope Agenda was both an honour and a privilege.

“Your trust, support, and visionary leadership have been invaluable. Working under your Renewed Hope Agenda has been an honour and privilege. Thank you for believing in my capacity to contribute to nation-building,” she said.

The former minister also expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for their cooperation and dedication during her tenure, highlighting efforts made in advancing workers’ rights, improving workplace safety, and expanding employment opportunities.

She further extended gratitude to her constituents for their continued support, prayers, and encouragement throughout her time in public office.

“Serving Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. As one chapter closes, another opens. I remain committed to service, to progress, and to building the Nigeria we all deserve,” she added.

Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour

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Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC

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Tanimu Turaki and Nyesom Wike
Tanimu Turaki and Nyesom Wike

Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State chapter has formally rejected the Nyesom Wike‑aligned faction and pledged unwavering loyalty to the Tanimu Turaki‑led National Working Committee (NWC), reiterating that all actions outside the party’s constitution are invalid.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Media and Public Communications, Wándé T. Àjàyí, described the rival faction’s so‑called congress as a nullity, a charade, and a political exercise in futility. He emphasized that the PDP in Ondo is guided strictly by rules, due process, and constitutional order, warning that no legitimate congress can occur without valid ward and local government structures recognised by the lawful leadership.

The statement quoted Ondo PDP Chairman Victor Aisida, who affirmed that the state party remains united and constitutionally compliant, dismissing the parallel congress promoted by dissident elements. He stressed that members and aspirants should focus on grassroots mobilisation and party strengthening, rather than distractions created by individuals pursuing personal ambitions.

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The State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held in Akure brought together Local Government Chairmen, State Executive Council members, and major stakeholders, demonstrating the unity and strength of the Ondo PDP under the recognised Turaki-led leadership. Among the key attendees were Eddy Olafeso, Member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and former National Vice Chairman (South West), former state chairman Clement Faboyede, and Tunde Akindehin.

Addressing the meeting, Olafeso reassured party members that the PDP is intact, united, and fully prepared for upcoming elections, urging active participation in the ongoing membership registration exercise to reinforce the party’s grassroots base. He also encouraged aspirants to continue consultations and mobilization efforts, highlighting that victory remains achievable under the PDP platform in Ondo State.

The Ondo PDP also commended the leadership of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, praising his guidance and consistency in providing direction for the party during a critical period of internal disputes.

The state party warned the public and its members to ignore distractions and noise orchestrated by individuals pursuing illegitimate political agendas, reiterating that the PDP is fully aligned with the national leadership and committed to upholding constitutional and lawful processes.

Political analysts note that Ondo PDP’s position reflects a growing trend among state chapters publicly supporting the Turaki-led NWC, underscoring the ongoing national leadership tussle within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party continues to emphasise legality, due process, and democratic engagement as central to its operations.

Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC

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Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo

Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions

The Festus Keyamo has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its recent decision to derecognise rival factions of the party’s leadership linked to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.

In a statement posted on X, Keyamo said the leadership dispute in the ADC is primarily a legal issue, not a political one, stressing that the faction led by David Mark had created the problem themselves. “Law does not admit of sentiment. Decisions are based on facts, evidence, and interpretation of laws, rather than on sympathy, emotion or political considerations,” he said.

Keyamo dismissed arguments about maintaining the status quo ante bellum, highlighting that what matters is a pending court case brought by a duly elected Deputy National Chairman. He warned that until the legal matter is resolved, any actions by either faction could be declared invalid, potentially leaving the ADC without candidates for upcoming elections.

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Rather than vilifying INEC, the minister suggested that the party view the derecognition as a timely warning, stating, “Instead of vilifying INEC, the ADC should thank them for this timely action, which forewarns the party of the danger ahead.” He also advised the ADC to resolve its internal crisis, seek accelerated court hearings, or explore alternative political options.

Keyamo rejected claims that the government or the All Progressives Congress (APC) orchestrated the ADC’s crisis, emphasising that the leadership dispute arose from internal mismanagement and poor legal planning. He added that continuing with planned congresses and conventions in defiance of court orders would compound the party’s problems.

The minister’s statement follows INEC’s derecognition of the David Mark-led faction, which was guided by a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over the party’s legitimate leadership. INEC has also indicated that it will not recognise any faction until the court delivers a final judgment.

Keyamo’s remarks come amid rising tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the importance of legal compliance in party leadership disputes and the implications for 2027 general elections preparations.

Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions

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