Against reports of discontent among members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change CPC, one of the legacy parties which formed the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders of the bloc have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu.
Politics
Atiku seeks Jonathan’s intervention in fresh move for truce with Wike
n what appears a fresh move aimed at resolving the festering rift with the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has sought the intervention of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Atiku, accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, had, on Thursday night, paid a private visit to Jonathan at the ex-President’s Abuja residence.
Party sources observed Atiku to be deeply worried by Wike’s recent actions and utterances, which seek to undermine the PDP candidate and hurt his presidential bid.
Although details of the meeting were not made available to the media, a reliable source in the Atiku/Okowa Campaign told our correspondent on Friday that it was not impossible that Atiku indeed went to seek Jonathan’s intervention.
The source, who did not want his name in print because he was not mandated to speak to the media on the matter, said Atiku and his team believed that Jonathan could prevail on Wike to soft-pedal.
The source affirmed the strong ties between the ex-President and the Rivers State Governor, stressing that the latter has great respect for the former and also holds strong allegiance to him.
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He said: “In case you didn’t know, Wike parted ways with his friend and predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi because Amaechi decided to work against Jonathan in the run up to the 2015 election.
“Even though it was Amaechi that nominated him for ministerial position under Jonathan, Wike chose to stick with Jonathan, ditching Amaechi in the process.
“So, outside their disagreement over local politics in Rivers State at the time, Amaechi’s irreconcilable differences with Jonathan accounted for the sustained animosity between him and Wike till now.”
It was also gathered that Jonathan may not be well disposed to wading into the Atiku-Wike rift bearing in mind the role Atiku played in frustrating his re-election bid in 2015.
Atiku and many other PDP bigwigs had dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to work against Jonathan, leading to his defeat by General Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
Even though Jonathan campaigned for candidate Atiku when he contested the 2019 presidential election on the platform of the PDP, the ex-President has stayed away from the activities of the party since then.
Many recall that Jonathan did not attend the September 28, 2022 inauguration of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Council even though he was invited to be the special guest of honour.
Speaking on the visit, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, said the meeting had nothing to do with the rift between his principal and the Rivers State Governor.
Ibe, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone yesterday, said the visit was part of Atiku’s consultation with stakeholders in the pursuit of his presidential project.
Ibe said: “We all know that as a former President who was elected on the platform of the PDP, Dr. Jonathan is a statesman and a highly respected leader in the PDP.
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“The visit was part of consultations on topical national issues like restructuring, which is one of the key programmes of Atiku’s action plan.
“He went to tap from Dr. Jonathan’s knowledge and experience because the former President had been there before.
“For instance, when we talk about restructuring, there are a number of options on the table. It may come through executive pronouncement, reforms or negotiation.
“That is why there must be broad consultation with relevant stakeholders across all geopolitical zones. I can assure you that there will be more of such consultations in the days and weeks ahead.”
Corroborating Ibe’s position, one of the spokespersons of the Atiku-Okowa Campaign, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, also said the meeting was part of ongoing consultations embarked upon by the PDP presidential candidate.
Aniagwu added that the consultation is not restricted to only PDP leaders, saying that relevant stakeholders, regardless of party affiliation, would also be consulted as time goes on.
The campaign spokesperson, however, did not rule out the probability of the Wike issue coming up during the meeting.
Aniagwu said: “What I can say is that it was a total package in the sense that they couldn’t have gone to meet with Jonathan because of one person. It’s part of ongoing consultation that will be extended to diverse stakeholders.”
The Nation
Politics
Buhari’s men pass vote of confidence in Tinubu
Buhari’s men pass confidence vote in Tinubu
The CPC bloc had former President Muhammadu Buhari as its leader before the merger to form the APC.
Since the defection of one of its members and a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai to Social Democratic Party, SDP, there had been concerns that the CPC bloc in the APC was feeling marginalized and planning to ditch the ruling party.
Since the defection of one of its members and a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai to Social Democratic Party, SDP, there had been concerns that the CPC bloc in the APC was feeling marginalized and planning to ditch the ruling party.
The bloc in a resolution, yesterday, said: “Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded.
“We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.”
Those who signed the resolutions include a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Al-Makura, former Governor of Katsina State and ex-House Speaker, Aminu Masari, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Farouk Aliyu, Almajiri Geidam, Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Argungu and Dr. Dominic Alancha.
Others were Ayuba Balami, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin, Uche Ufearoh, Alh. Yusuf Salihu, Abubakar Maikudi, Engr. Mutallib Badmus, Alh. Muhammed Datti, Muhammed Etsu, Chief Jerry Johnson and Alh. Alkali Ajikolo.
Part of the resolutions read: “We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC, instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the APC, issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Tinubu.
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“Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.
“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.
“As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.
“Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable.
“We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms led by President Tinubu. While these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as their benefits unfold.
“We acknowledge that some members may feel sidelined, but such concerns are not unique to any one bloc. We encourage those affected to seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.
“At this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, all APC members, especially those deeply rooted in the party’s formation, must work together to preserve its legacy and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. Actions that undermine our unity and national stability must be avoided.
“We urge APC leadership to increase engagement with members at all levels. Strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be continuously nurtured to sustain past gains and secure a prosperous future.
“We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our steadfast support for President Tinubu. The CPC family remains a crucial pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in Nigeria’s progress.”
Buhari’s men pass confidence vote in Tinubu
Politics
Rivers administrator Ibas denies summoning Fubara, deputy
Rivers administrator Ibas denies summoning Fubara, deputy
Sole Administrator of Rivers, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has denied summoning suspended governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
There were claims that the sole administrator had summoned Fubara to appear before a panel of inquiry regarding the appointments he made before his suspension.
President Bola Tinubu declared an emergency rule in Rivers on March 18, citing the protracted political crisis in the state.
Tinubu also suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.
The President appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary in the office of the secretary to the Rivers State government,Dede Friday, described the report as a malicious fabrication.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Government has become aware of fraudulent announcements circulating on social media, falsely attributed to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State.
“One such fake announcement falsely claims that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, and the Deputy Governor, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, were summoned to a meeting at the Government House on Friday, April 18, 2025.
“The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source.”
Friday urged the public to disregard the report, adding that it is the work of “troublemakers”.
Politics
NNPP lawmakers seek to rejoin APC after fallout with Kwankwaso
NNPP lawmakers seek to rejoin APC after fallout with Kwankwaso
Several top lawmakers of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State have entered into closed-door discussions with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, signaling their likely return to the ruling party.
According to sources, the strategic meeting—held discreetly in Abuja—was attended by key NNPP lawmakers including Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South Senatorial District), Kabiru Alhassan Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency), Ali Madaki (Dala Federal Constituency), and Hon. Badamasi Ayuba, a former federal lawmaker for Danbatta/Makoda.
Insiders describe the meeting as part of a defection strategy amid growing discontent within the NNPP over what some lawmakers have labeled “injustice, favoritism, and lack of internal democracy” under the leadership of party founder, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
Although Senator Sumaila’s media aide, Abbas Adam Abbas, confirmed the meeting with Ganduje, he denied that it amounted to a defection.
Speaking in Hausa on Nasara Radio Nigeria, Abbas insisted that while overtures were made, Sumaila had not officially accepted any offer from the APC.
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Nonetheless, political observers suggest the lawmakers’ move could reshape Kano’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, recently expressed confidence that the APC would reclaim Kano in 2027, citing the combined influence of Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, Senator Basheer Lado, and Ganduje.
“Ahead of 2027, we are confident that with Senator Barau, Dr. Ganduje, and your strategic self, Kano is already in the kitty of APC,” Akpabio said.
Reacting to the developments, NNPP Chairman in Kano State, Hashim Dungurawa, dismissed the lawmakers as insignificant and described them as “traitors” who had already been suspended from the party.
“They are not important to us. They betrayed the NNPP long ago, and we had taken disciplinary action before now,” Dungurawa said.
“We’ve long suspected their intentions. This only proves that they were sent to create division. But we thank God we discovered their mission early enough,” he added.
Dungurawa stated that suspending senior party members was never easy, but reiterated that the party would not tolerate betrayal.
“Yes, politics needs people—but not traitors. We don’t need them,” he said.
NNPP lawmakers seek to rejoin APC after fallout with Kwankwaso
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