Politics

Ayu can’t lead PDP to victory, Wike insists

Published

3 years ago

November 2, 2022

Governor Nyesom Wike

•Ortom to party leadership: ignore five governors at your risk

There is no end in sight to the protracted conflict between five Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and the embattled national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

Yesterday, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike fired another salvo at Ayu, saying that he cannot lead the main opposition party to victory in next year’s presidential election.

Also, his Benue State counterpart, Samuel Ortom, said PDP can only ignore the five governors at a great risk, insisting that Ayu should resign as chairman.

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi said he would seek alliance with the five aggrieved governors because they are patriots.

But the PDP Presidential Campaign Council fired back, saying that there will not be a repeat of the 2015 scenario when the party was hit by defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike, Ortom and Governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), have been protesting Ayu’s refusal to quit as chairman, following the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate.

They maintained that since the national chairman had promised to resign, he should fulfill his promise.

Wike insisted that Ayu should vacate his office, adding that he lacks the capacity to lead the party to victory.

READ ALSO:

The governor said no amount of blackmail and abuses against him and his colleagues will make them to back down on their demand that the chairmanship of the party should be ceded to the South before next year’s polls.

The governor spoke at the Government House in Port Harcourt when the management of New Telegraph Newspaper, led by the Managing Director and Editor- in-Chief, Mr. Ayodele Aminu, presented its letter nominating him as the Political Icon of the Year, 2022.

A statement by the governor’s Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said the governor observed that the PDP was currently marginalising a section of the country.

Wike said since zoning and inclusion had been jettisoned in the PDP, convincing Nigerians to believe that the party could rescue the country was becoming a more difficult task.

He recalled that Ayu had promised to resign, if the presidential candidate of the party emerged from the North.

The governor said his allies had resolved to continue the demand for the return of the national chairmanship to the South.

He said: “He made that commitment because he knows that it will not be equitable. There will be no fairness and justice if the presidential candidate comes from the same zone with him. And people are trivialising the issue. Why do you trivialise the issue?”

“If you like, abuse us the way you want to abuse us, but we will stand by what we have said. If you say you will not relinquish that position to the South, no problem.

“Go ahead, but you can’t force us to do what we think is not right. We will not do it. So, this kind of man cannot, in all honesty, take this party to any victory. He cannot.”

Wike berated former PDP presidential aspirant Dele Momodu for trivialising the issues affecting the party and seeking cheap recognition.

He said: “All these professional praise singers and beggars who have nothing to offer, just to rally round the presidential candidate, looking for what they will eat, are beginning to abuse people.

“Those, who even contested the primary without one vote are those who are talking. A presidential aspirant becoming a spokesperson to a presidential candidate.”

Wike described Momodu as an unstable character, whose words could not be taken seriously.

The governor said peace and security would remain elusive across Nigeria, if the majority tribes, and those who thought they had dominance over others, continued to marginalise them.

READ ALSO:

Wike said for Nigeria to survive, all Nigerians must see themselves as equal stakeholders in the project called Nigeria.

He said: “The problem in this country today is not only as a result of the banditry or kidnapping. No. Part of the issue that has to do with security is the issue of marginalisation.

“And I continue to tell our people or those who believe that they are dominant, you need peace for you to preside over those who you think do not have the number. You need peace. If there is no peace, it will be difficult.”

The governor also blamed the media for being part of the problem of Nigeria because they have lost the courage to speak truth to power and hold leaders accountable.

In Makurdi, capital of Benue State, Ortom said unless the issues raised by the five governors are resolved, it will be difficult to predict the chance of PDP in 2023.

Addressing supporters at the party secretariat during the inauguration of the state campaign council, he said: “Those who said five governors did not matter are doing the party a disservice.”

Ortom added: “There is no way PDP will win elections with the kind of massive conflict they have, especially, with the five governors we are talking about. Those who won election in their respective states and you think you can ignore them.”

The governor urged the PDP leadership to resolve the conflict in the interest of the party.

Ortom said: “But if a particular candidate said Governor Ortom does not matter, the leader of the party in Benue did not matter, Benue votes do not matter, that is where we will have issue.”

The governor announced the donation of 25 campaign vehicles by Wike to Benue PDP.

He further disclosed that the five PDP governors will be in Benue State next Monday to commission projects.

The Director-General, Benue PDP Campaign Council, Dr.Cletus Ityoikyaa, said with the inuguaration , the party was set to win all elections in 2023.

However, a PDP campaign spokesman, Charles Aniagwu, said the PDP was moving on in spite of the challenges in the party.

He said: “In spite of what you see as challenges in our party, we are already moving on. The train has left the station, which is why we are campaigning.

“We are the only party that has gone to three states to campaign officially. None of the other parties has been able to do that. It was only the other day that one of the parties met somewhere in Nasarawa State and of course you saw what happened in terms of the gathering.

“So, if you are ready to move with the train we are also ready at any given time to stop at relevant train stations to pick up new passengers, including those who are reluctant to join at the moment.

READ ALSO:

“So, the PDP is very ready to move ahead in line with the timelines because nothing is stopping us. Our presidential candidate, his running mate and the leadership of our party are indeed very interested in recovering our country from where we are today”.Also, the Director of Strategic Communication of the PDP campaign, Chief Dele Momodu, said Atiku has got the right policies that speak to the need of the people.

Momodu said the PDP has been extremely good to Nigerians in terms of all the indices of development, adding however, that some Nigerians might see the party as being fatigued at this point in time.

He said: “When a party has been in power for the number of years we were in power, our people will see us as been fatigued, as old. But our job is to tell them that Nigeria today is in a precarious state and if we do not have an experienced person to manage it, the prediction that Nigeria will collapse can happen easily.

“That is why we say, we do not have time for experiments. We need a man that can hit the ground running from day one. We need a man who knows every part of Nigeria. There is no candidate today who has had a national assignment among the candidates than Atiku.

“We are talking about the most experienced, most productive Vice President like Atiku Abubakar, a man who has been able to employ young people from every part of the country.

“It is very easy to say I can do this and I can do that. But the person who can tell you what he can do is the person who has done it before in his private and public life. That is Atiku Abubakar”.

Obi said he will forge an alliance with the five aggrieved governors.

He spoke in Makurdi during a visit to Ortom.

Obi said he and the PDP Governors have a common interest in finding a better Nigeria amid increasing security threat and a humanitarian crisis.

“The only deal I have with them is that they are passionate about Nigeria.”

The Nation

Politics

Two Killed, Five Injured as Violence Erupts at APC Ward Congress in Ondo

Published

11 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Two Killed, Five Injured as Violence Erupts at APC Ward Congress in Ondo

Idanre, Ondo State — At least two people were killed and five others injured on Wednesday after violence broke out during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Idanre, Ondo State.

The incident occurred at Odode-Idanre, the headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area, as the ruling party conducted ward congresses across its 203 wards in the state. What was meant to be a routine party exercise quickly descended into chaos when suspected party thugs allegedly invaded the venue.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire and used machetes on party members, triggering panic and forcing residents and participants to flee. During the violence, a vehicle was set ablaze, while several people sustained serious injuries.

Sources said the Idanre violence may be linked to heightened political tensions from Tuesday’s disruption at the APC state secretariat in Akure, where suspected hoodlums reportedly stormed a stakeholders’ meeting and attacked party leaders. That incident had already raised fears ahead of the ward congresses.

READ ALSO:

Among those targeted in the Idanre attack was Raphael Adetimehin, younger brother of Ade Adetimehin, the APC caretaker chairman in Ondo State. Raphael Adetimehin reportedly sustained machete injuries after attackers allegedly mistook him for his brother. His vehicle was also set on fire before he was rescued and rushed to the General Hospital in Idanre for treatment.

The Ondo State Police Command later confirmed that two persons died from the attack, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical care. Police said five unidentified individuals were attacked during the violence.

Security operatives, led by the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) commandant, were deployed to the area and successfully restored calm.

Reacting to the incident, Ade Adetimehin alleged that the violence was politically motivated, accusing supporters of Tajudeen Adefisoye, a former member of the House of Representatives and ally of Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of orchestrating the attack. These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response has been issued by those named.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible, as concerns grow over political violence, party congress safety, and rising internal tensions within the ruling party in Ondo State.

Two Killed, Five Injured as Violence Erupts at APC Ward Congress in Ondo

Politics

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Published

3 days ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Lawmakers of the Osun State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, while also declaring their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid in 2026.

The endorsement was announced at a joint meeting of the PDP lawmakers in Osogbo, where they said the decision was driven by what they described as the need for political stability, continuity in governance, and sustained development at both the state and federal levels.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, said the endorsement of President Tinubu was based on his administration’s policies and interventions, which, according to them, have had a positive impact on Osun State and the South-West region.

READ ALSO:

Egbedun noted that backing President Tinubu for a second term would strengthen federal-state collaboration, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, security, and economic reforms, while also ensuring continued federal presence in Osun.

The lawmakers also unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Adeleke, citing what they described as his people-oriented leadership style, commitment to workers’ welfare, and ongoing projects across key sectors, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and local government development.

According to the PDP legislators, Governor Adeleke’s administration has prioritised inclusive governance, fiscal discipline, and the restoration of public confidence in government, adding that these achievements make him deserving of a second term in office.

They dismissed suggestions that endorsing President Tinubu, who belongs to a different political party, contradicts their loyalty to the PDP, arguing that the move reflects political pragmatism and the overriding interest of Osun State.

The lawmakers stressed that their decision does not weaken the PDP in Osun but rather positions the state to benefit from harmonious political alignment between the state and the federal government.

Reaffirming their commitment to the PDP, the legislators said they would continue to work for the party’s success in future elections while supporting leadership choices they believe would advance peace, stability, and development in Osun State and Nigeria at large.

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Politics

Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans

Published

5 days ago

February 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Former APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has opened up about life after leaving office, his ongoing projects, and the future of Kano State politics in an exclusive interview.

Ganduje described life after office as less stressful but still busy, noting that he remains actively involved in party politics both in Kano and Abuja. He explained that while the pressures of leadership are gone, politics and governance never truly end. “You can’t just stop, since politics and governance never really end,” he said.

The former governor revealed that he is spending much of his time writing books to keep his mind sharp and contribute to knowledge-based politics. Among his current projects are “Abuja: Evolutionary Development of a City in Nigeria’s Capital Territory,” “Progressive Leadership and Sustainability of Democracy in Nigeria,” and “Progressive Party Ideology and Philosophical Direction.” Ganduje stressed the importance of education, research, and ideology in sustaining democracy and shaping effective governance.

READ ALSO:

Reflecting on his early life, Ganduje highlighted how knowledge, experience, and patience shaped his political journey. From attending primary school in a remote village to earning a PhD from the University of Ibadan, he emphasized that education and persistence were crucial in achieving his goals. His career spanned roles as local government secretary, commissioner, deputy governor, governor, and APC national chairman, providing him with extensive governance experience from the grassroots to the national level.

On Kano politics, Ganduje expressed pride that his predictions of a progressive return to APC in the state have been realized. He highlighted APC’s success in delivering the highest number of delegates and votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during primaries and defeating the PDP in the general election by over 500,000 votes.

Addressing the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Ganduje dismissed claims that the movement could challenge APC dominance in Kano. “The Kwankwasiyya Movement will not have any impact. Even though you see large crowds, the APC can mobilize bigger numbers if we choose,” he said, stressing that public sentiment favors APC due to concerns over the use of state resources for national ambitions by opposition leaders.

Ganduje also left the door open for political reconciliation with Kwankwaso, provided they share a common vision for the state and country. “I am ready. Politics is about interests. There are no permanent enemies or friends… What matters is what we want to achieve,” he said.

On the national stage, Ganduje addressed fears that northern Nigeria may not support President Tinubu in 2027, dismissing the notion as wrong. He emphasized that most Northerners accept the rotation of the presidency and are supportive of Tinubu completing his term. “Politics will always have noise, but the reality on the ground is different,” he added.

Ganduje’s reflections highlight the intersection of political strategy, education, and leadership experience in shaping both personal legacy and the future trajectory of Kano State and Nigerian politics.