Kwankwaso keeps mum on NNPP internal crisis

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has opted to remain silent on the ongoing internal crisis within the party.

During a press briefing held at his residence on Miller Road in Kano on Tuesday afternoon, Kwankwaso was asked by journalists to address the situation, but he firmly stated that he had no comments regarding the issue.

The NNPP, which has gained significant political traction in recent years, has been experiencing internal challenges, especially at the state level.

However, Kwankwaso’s decision to refrain from speaking publicly on the matter has left many speculating about the next steps for the party and its leadership.

“I don’t want to talk please. Don’t drag me into what I am not supposed to be dragged into. The chairman of the party has spoken and has been speaking, reach out to him,” he said.

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Newstrends reported that there has been an internal crisis between parties which resulted in the suspension of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and the Commissioner of transportation, Muhammad Diggol.

According to the party chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, the suspension followed alleged disrespect to the party, abuse of power, office and disloyalty to the party.

Recall that the suspension came barely an hour after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf led a reconciliation between the SSG and the aggrieved members of his constituency.

The SSG had also dissociated himself from the ongoing campaign instigating the separation of Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso under the guise of ‘Abba Tsaya da Kafarka’ meaning; Abba stand on your feet.

Kwankwaso keeps mum on NNPP internal crisis

PDP govs ask Damagum to step down after NEC meeting

Indications emerged on Tuesday that Ambassador Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been offered an opportunity to step down from his position next week.

Newstrends gathered that the decision was reached by the party’s governors yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Sources privy to the details of the meeting and a virtual gathering held earlier on Monday, stated that the governors were rattled by the factionalisation of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and resolved to unite for preservation of the party.

At yesterday’s meeting, convened before the official flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign rally in Ondo State, it was gathered that the governors agreed to allow Damagum to retain his position as acting national chairman until the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24.

Newstrends gathered that the acting chairman, Damagum and Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) were present at the meeting. Also present were the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Balam Mohammed, along with governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), among other party chieftains.

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Yesterday’s meeting was a continuation of the PDP Governors’ Forum’s virtual meeting which took place on Monday. During the meeting of Monday, Governor Adeleke reportedly expressed disappointment over how the crisis had led to the factionalisation of the NWC, expressing fears that it could negatively impact his bid for a second term in 2026, being the first among the party’s first-term governors to be up for a re-election.

Adeleke reportedly challenged Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for not supporting the North-Central’s bid to retain the chairmanship, despite being from the zone and also a first-term governor.

Mutfwang reportedly replied that based on recent developments, he was now in favour of a chairman emerging from the North-Central, following the party’s constitution to resolve the impasse.

Mutfwang, alongside governors Makinde, Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), is believed to have initially opposed Damagum’s removal. This quartet is thought to be allied with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom Damagum has allegedly been supporting.

However, it was gathered that Makinde, believed to be the leader of the quartet, proposed at the virtual meeting of Monday that even if Damagum were to leave, he should be given a soft landing. Consequently, the meeting was postponed to yesterday to include Damagum.

The governors also agreed that while Damagum continues as acting chairman for the next few days, the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would be used to ratify the North-Central’s nomination for the position. The NEC meeting will also discuss potential dates for a national convention.

PDP govs ask Damagum to step down after NEC meeting

APC reverses suspension of Lokpobiri, other Bayelsa party chieftains

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has lifted the suspension of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), along with several other senior party members.

This decision came after a prolonged meeting that included the state executive committee, party members of the state Assembly, and local government leaders.

The meeting primarily focused on resolving the internal conflict resulting from the suspension of key figures in the Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Sagbama, and Yenagoa local government areas.

Those previously suspended included notable individuals like Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon, the APC’s governorship candidate in the 2019 election

Following a press conference on October 15 at the APC secretariat in Yenagoa, a communique was issued.

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Signed by Chief Dennis Otiotio-Odoni, the state chairman, and Acting State Secretary Owutuamo Tamaranpreye, the statement confirmed that the suspensions were rescinded after a request from the minority caucus of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and thorough discussions within the party.

The communique outlined the party’s decision to defer the ratification of the suspensions to allow for additional consultations with key stakeholders, following recommendations from the APC caucus in the state Assembly.

Additionally, the extended executive committee and the APC Assembly Caucus condemned the recent actions of the Bayelsa Commissioner for Power, Mr. Kharin Kumoku, who reportedly led a group of individuals to attempt an attack on the APC state secretariat.

The party urged Governor Douye Diri to address the issue by cautioning the commissioner and called on both the Commissioner of Police, Francis A. Idu, and the state Director of DSS to investigate the incident.

The Bayelsa APC emphasized its dedication to democratic values and expressed its intent to resolve disputes through constructive dialogue.

The party also encouraged members and stakeholders to uphold decorum, stressing the importance of unity for the party’s success in the state.

APC reverses suspension of Lokpobiri, other Bayelsa party chieftains