Politics
PDP governors mount pressure on Wike to drop Ayu-must-go call
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Division in Southwest chapters over Makinde’s position
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Fayose to meet Rivers’ governor
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors are mounting pressure o their Rivers State colleague, Nyesom Wike, to halt his agitation for the resignation of the national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, it was learnt last night.
The governors, sources said, are pushing for reconciliation between the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and Wike before the commencement of the campaigns on September 28.
The PDP Governors’ Forum Director-General, CID Maduabum, confirmed that the 13-member forum, which met last on June 8 in Abuja, would reconvene at the instance of Atiku.
It was also learnt at the weekend that former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has accepted to be Atiku’s emissary to Wike.
A party source said: “The quest for the PDP presidential to ticket by some of them, which was a legitimate aspiration, was the source of all these reactions and a chain of disruptive events that we have witnessed immediately after the presidential primaries”.
The source expressed optimism that the governors will succeed in convening the meeting because majority of them have accepted in principle to attend.
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Maduabum, who confirmed the proposed meeting, said: “Yes, I can confirm to you that moves are being made in that direction and consultations are ongoing to ensure its fruition. We are positive that this will be achieved in a matter of days”.
Many party elders have blamed Atiku and Ayu for failing to take the appropriately steps at the right time to address the post-presidential primary crisis.
According to the source, the party chairman aggravated the crisis with his recent utterances against the governors, which dismissed them as children who were nowhere to be found when the PDP was being formed.
He said: “The national chairman did not help matters with some of his statements because these are the same governors who stood firmly by the party during turbulent times in the past.
“The PDP would have been smothered in the grip of Ali Modu Sheriff as national chairman way back in 2016. It took the bold initiative by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and a few of his colleagues to rescue the PDP from Sheriff’s suffocating grip.
“The credit of rescuing the PDP and bringing it back to national reckoning once again, should go mainly to Governor Wike and some of his colleagues who fought the battle up to the Supreme Court to rescue the PDP from the clutches of political hyenas.
“Although Wike too may have his own faults and excesses with his unguarded statements, he has done more good for the PDP than harm. He was at the battle front during the crisis that threatened the very existence of the PDP at the time.”
Also faulting the party chairman’s role in the crisis, another party elder recalled how the crisis has threatened the hitherto cordial relationship between Wike and Benue State Governor Mr. Samuel Ortom.
According to the source, Wike gave Ortom a free hand to nominate a candidate from the Northcentral zone for national chairman ahead of the party’s October 2021 national convention.
The source said stakeholders in the zone had initially penciled down former Senate President David Mark for the job and the choice was about to be sealed before Ortom proposed Ayu for the position.
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The source, who is a member of PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) said Ortom took it upon himself to persuade Mark to step down for Ayu. He added that the Benue governor also pleaded with former Senate President Bukola Saraki to accept the choice.
He added: “On three occasions, Governor Ortom made personal visits to Mark to plead for his understanding. Mark, who is not given to such mundane struggles, took things calmly and withdrew from the race.
“Ortom also visited Saraki to get his endorsement. Saraki’s initial objection to Ayu’s nomination at the time was not personal. He didn’t want any candidate from his Northcentral zone to become chairman because of his presidential aspiration then. But Ortom was able to get him to support Ayu in the end.”
The source further narrated how Ayu’s disposition after he became chairman almost strained the relationship between Wike and Ortom, with the Rivers Governor voicing his suspicions about Ortom’s complicity in the chairman’s growing antagonism.
“At a point, Governor Wike actually confronted Ortom at a location in Abuja, accusing him of conspiring with Ayu to sabotage him. Wike was visibly angry at his friend, accusing the Benue Governor of having betrayed him.
“It took the intervention of former Information Minister, Prof Jerry Gana; a former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang; and a former Attorney General, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke to pacify Wike during that encounter. Although the two governors are still friends, it’s doubtful if they still enjoy the mutual confidentiality they used to share”, the source said.
Governor Ortom, who is one of the PDP governors loyal to Wike, has joined other stakeholders in moves to ensure the resolution of the crisis through dialogue.
The governor had said that despite the criss, the PDP still stood a chance of reinventing itself and winning the 2023 presidential election.
Ortom had also blamed the PDP leadership for failing to activate the party’s existing conflict resolution mechanism to resolve the rift between Atiku and Wike before the crisis degenerated.
The Nation
Politics
Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour
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
Politics
Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC
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
Politics
Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions
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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