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

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

APC Rejects ADC Claims, Says Tinubu Not Responsible for Party’s Legal Troubles

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by David Mark, dismissing allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections as “puerile propaganda” and “deliberate mischief.”

At a press conference in Abuja, APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), through National Secretary Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru and National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, described the ADC’s criticisms as the desperate gasps of a party struggling with self-inflicted legal crises.

Addressing claims that the Presidency is stifling opposition, Basiru emphasised that President Tinubu is a democrat who respects the multi-party system. He noted that Nigeria currently has 19 registered political parties capable of contesting the 2027 elections, and stressed that Tinubu has no authority to deregister any party.

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The APC explained that the ADC’s problems are the result of an internal leadership dispute. The Court of Appeal dismissed Mark’s appeal as “unmeritorious” and “procedurally flawed,” ordering all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum regarding the leadership of the ADC. The APC said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was simply complying with the court order by withdrawing recognition of the Mark-led faction.

Basiru and Morka argued that blaming President Tinubu for the ADC’s challenges is fallacious and malicious propaganda. They also slammed the ADC’s call for the sacking of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan and other commissioners, calling it preposterous and reckless.

The APC further warned that proceeding with congresses and national conventions while litigation is ongoing could encourage disorder. Basiru noted that internal party disputes have consequences, citing the APC’s own Zamfara State crisis, where the party lost previously won seats due to unresolved internal issues.

Describing the David Mark-led ADC as a “contraption of electoral unviability,” the ruling party reaffirmed its focus on governance and urged opposition parties to prioritise internal cohesion and legal compliance over public finger-pointing.

Political analysts say the clash reflects the broader struggle within Nigeria’s opposition parties and underscores the importance of internal democracy and legal compliance for political credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.

APC Rejects ADC Claims, Says Tinubu Not Responsible for Party’s Legal Troubles