Politics

PDP BoT submits report this week, rules out Ayu’s removal

Published

3 years ago

October 9, 2022

The reconciliation committee set up by the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party to meet with aggrieved party members, especially Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his allies, may submit its report this week, Sunday PUNCH has learnt.

It was, however, gathered that the committee ruled out the possibility of removing the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, as demanded by Wike as a precursor to further negotiations.

One of our correspondents learnt that due to the timing, especially with the commencement of campaigns, the committee believed it would be counterproductive and damaging to the party if Ayu was forced out of office before the elections. The committee believed the only way out was to pacify Wike to show understanding.

A member of the committee, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said the panel was able to establish that the party’s leadership mismanaged the crisis that erupted after the presidential primary. The crisis stemmed from Wike’s dissatisfaction with the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate and his choice of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate.

Independent of the previous committee set up by the party to meet with Wike to resolve the crisis, the then Chairman of the BoT, Walid Jibrin, early in August set up another committee whose members were drawn from the BoT to intervene in rifts in the party.

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The Adolphus Wabara-led committee has concluded its reconciliation tours that took it to Ibadan, Makurdi, Umuahia, Enugu and Port Harcourt to meet with governors Seyi Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Wike of Oyo, Benue, Abia, Enugu and Rivers states, respectively. The committee, according to findings, would meet with the National Working Committee before presenting the report.

However, the source said, “We have started putting the report together. We hope to get it ready next week (this week). We agreed not to talk to the press about the issue. We are making progress.

“We listened to Wike and I must admit that he has good intentions for the party and our presidential candidate. When we met him, he explained his grievances to us and we almost agreed to everything he said. It is the fault of our leaders. They did not handle it well.

“They ought to have called him and others immediately after the primary and hold meetings with them. We cannot do without him. We need him in our campaign council. He has charisma for campaigns, he has people around him and he also has some governors with him, and the money to spend.

“But I think it is too late in the day to ask Ayu to go. It is practically not possible. We may have to listen to him and appeal to others like Wike to allow us to manage the situation now because we cannot afford to lose the elections.”

Meanwhile, despite the meetings between Atiku and Wike within and outside the country, and subsequent meetings of their allies, the crisis has yet to be resolved.

In further demonstration of their dissatisfaction with the party over Ayu’s continued stay in office, Wike and his allies boycotted the inauguration of the party’s presidential campaign council on September 28.

Apart from Makinde, who openly demanded Ayu’s removal, Ortom on Friday asked the national chairman to either resign or beg if he must retain his seat.

Wike’s camp adamant

Speaking on the likelihood that Ayu may retain his seat based on sources in the committee, an ally of Wike, Senator Olaka Wogu, said the group would have to meet to decide on the next line of action. He noted that it would be unfortunate if the party failed to address their concerns.

He told one of our correspondents, “There is no way anybody can tell what the Wike group will do. That will only emerge when the group meets. We have a group and the stakeholders own the process. Wike is not by himself; there are other governors, former governors, senators, BoT members and prominent members, who are sympathetic to his cause and are star members of the party.

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“The issue is, what do they want to do with this defiance; do they want to stand against it or accept it? But like I said, whatever the group decides will be a product of consultation.

“Certainly, you can expect that if that (Ayu’s refusal to step down) is the position the party has taken, in spite of the hue and cry of these members of the party, it’s unfortunate and regrettable and it is something that the Wike people are likely to view in those lights.”

Asked when the group might meet, he said he was unaware of the next meeting date, noting that its meetings were usually informed by developments. “I don’t think there is any day that at least one important member of the party is not talking to Wike. He is continually being spoken to by very senior members of the party and indeed Nigerians,” Wogu added.

On whether or not the Wike group would concede the party’s decision, he said, “Every opinion is legitimate to the opinion holder, so those who feel they should concede have their reasons and the Wike group not conceding has its reasons too. The Wike group members have not asked anything for themselves; it has been on the basis of equity, justice, fair play, unity and honour. You said you would do this, do it.”

He said the group’s demands were not personal, adding that when people stand on principles, it could be a lonely road and it could be misunderstood, but that the other party should also have a rethink.

PDP, Atiku speak

Meanwhile, the PDP Presidential Campaign Council says it is reaching out to all stakeholders to enlist their support for the elections.

Asked if the council was reaching out to former President Goodluck Jonathan, who has not been seen partaking in the party’s activities in recent times, the Media Adviser to Atiku, Mr Paul Ibe, said, “Nothing will be off the table; whatever will be for the good of the PDP and the nation will be done. Everything will be done to ensure that whatever outstanding issues are resolved.”

When asked if the former President was still a member of the party, considering insinuations during the party primaries that he was holding talks with the APC, Ibe stated, “Has Jonathan told anybody that he is not a member of the party? So, nothing has changed.”

Party expresses confidence

The Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, Timothy Osadolor, has expressed hope that the rift would soon be settled.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Osadolor said, “It is only natural that the reconciliation committee goes back to brief the party that set it up ab initio to report on the progress made so far. It will make recommendations and take further directives.

“The aim is to have a united house and a unified campaign council. Nigerians are looking up to the PDP for leadership and to rescue her from the pain and disappointment that they are currently undergoing. As a party, we will not only do this, we will do it with utmost dispatch.

“It is one party and one umbrella. It is in the interest of all of us to be united and focused on the issues Nigerians are looking up to us for. We cannot afford to be using time to salvage the nation to be dwelling on issues not bothering Nigerians,” he added.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the spokesman for the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said it would be hasty to say the reconciliation committee had concluded its assignment.

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On his part, the Director, Strategic Communications of the National Campaign Management Committee of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Dele Momodu, said the party “is 90 per cent ready for the task ahead.” Momodu, who contested the presidential ticket of the party, but lost to Atiku noted, “In terms of preparation, we are ahead of other political parties.

I can assure Nigerians that we are going to the elections as a united party. Our internal issues will be over soon.

“Atiku is prepared. You only need to come to the campaign headquarters to see things for yourself. The young ones believe in him.”

The immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the party and spokesman for the campaign council, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said, “The rallies in Kano, Bauchi and Ibadan did not portray us as a party in crisis. On Monday, Atiku will be in Uyo to take the message to the South-South that indeed, there is no alternative to the PDP in 2023.”

‘Crisis not resolved’

A former member of the House of Representatives, Ogbonna Nwuke, has queried claims by Ayu that the party will win the 2023 presidential election with seven million votes.

Nwuke, who represented the Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State, said, “Atiku is not a colossus. Yes, Atiku has no power of his own to remove Ayu, but Atiku can work with all men of goodwill, who wish the PDP well, to address threats and imbalances that may suffocate the party.

“That is the point Atiku is missing. There is no reason to cry over spilt milk if Atiku has refused to see reason. We can only wish the flag bearer and his supporters well if they believe going to the election with Ayu is a plus.”

Nwuke, who is a former Commissioner for Information and Communications in the state, said he and others would remain in the PDP as Wike had reiterated but that the deficiency they identified should be dealt with for the sake of inclusiveness and the party.

“I don’t know how the seven million votes will come, but I know that Nigerians have yet to cast their votes. Ayu is rather boastful that he and others working for Atiku will rake in seven million winning votes. What else can we pray for? God help them,” he added.

Campaigns begin Monday

The PDP says it will officially commence its presidential campaign in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Monday.

The National Publicity Secretary in an interactive session with journalists on Saturday said the party was prepared for an issue-based campaign, adding, “The PDP will take our campaign to all the states, local government areas, wards and polling units across the country under the Unified Campaign Structure as approved by the National Executive Committee of our party.”

A separate statement by the Director of Field Operations of the campaign organisation, Umar Bature, said NWC members, governors, candidates of the party, National Assembly members, members of NEC and BoT, state executive members, former governors, ex-ministers were expected to attend the event with their supporters.

Politics

Adeleke’s Aide Anisu Resigns, Defects to APC

Published

9 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Adeleke’s Aide Anisu Resigns, Defects to APC

A political tremor has hit Osun State as a Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, identified as Anisu, has resigned his appointment and defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development, which emerged on Saturday, has sparked widespread reactions within the state’s political space, with observers describing it as a potential shift in loyalty within the ruling circle of the Osun government.

Although details of his resignation letter were not immediately made public, sources within political circles hinted that the decision may not be unconnected to internal disagreements and realignments ahead of future political contests in the state.

Anisu, who served as one of the aides to the governor, was considered part of the grassroots political structure that contributed to the electoral success of the PDP in Osun. His defection is therefore seen by analysts as symbolically significant, even if its immediate electoral impact remains uncertain.

Supporters of the APC in Osun have since celebrated the move, describing it as a sign of growing acceptance of the party within the state. Some party loyalists took to social media to welcome the former aide, noting that his experience within government would strengthen the party’s strategy ahead of upcoming political engagements.

On the other hand, the PDP is yet to issue an official statement regarding the defection as of press time. However, party insiders have downplayed the development, insisting that it does not pose any serious threat to the administration of Governor Adeleke or the party’s dominance in the state.

Political analysts say defections are not unusual in Nigeria’s political landscape, where alignments often shift based on interests, strategy, and evolving power dynamics. They note that while individual defections may not immediately alter the balance of power, a consistent pattern could signal deeper cracks within a party.

The defection also comes amid ongoing political maneuvering across Nigeria, as parties continue to consolidate their bases and attract influential figures ahead of future elections.

Efforts to reach Anisu for comments on his decision were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Adeleke’s Aide Anisu Resigns, Defects to APC

Politics

Bala Mohammed Rejects APC Pressure, Says He Won’t Be Criminalised

Published

12 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Bauch State Governor, Bala Mohammed

Bala Mohammed Rejects APC Pressure, Says He Won’t Be Criminalised

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has strongly rejected alleged political pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the federal government of President Bola Tinubu, insisting he will not be intimidated or “criminalised” for refusing to defect to the ruling party.

Speaking at a press conference, Governor Mohammed accused federal agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the courts, of being used as tools to target political opponents. He described the alleged actions as politically motivated harassment aimed at forcing him and other opposition figures to align with the APC.

“The APC-led federal government thinks they can use the court and the EFCC to prosecute Nigerians who are not in their party,” Mohammed said. “If they don’t stop, we are prepared to declare a war. I assure you, we will not keep quiet any longer. I will not allow anybody to criminalise me because I refuse to join their party.”

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The governor reaffirmed his decision not to defect, highlighting that some of his commissioners have already faced pressure and what he calls unjust scrutiny by anti-graft agencies. He warned that continued coercion could provoke stronger public responses from himself and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership.

Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, accused the APC-led administration of deploying “gestapo tactics” to weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said these actions undermine democratic principles, politicize state institutions, and threaten the independence of officeholders.

Political observers note that his comments underscore rising tension between the federal government and opposition governors, as speculation continues about party realignments and alliances ahead of upcoming elections. Supporters argue that his stance represents a firm defense of political freedom, while critics warn that the rhetoric could further heighten partisan polarization in the country.

Governor Mohammed’s position highlights broader concerns over federal influence on state affairs, the impartiality of anti-corruption agencies, and the use of state institutions in partisan politics, raising urgent questions about Nigeria’s democratic and governance frameworks.

Bala Mohammed Rejects APC Pressure, Says He Won’t Be Criminalised

Politics

US Firm to Engage Trump, Congress Over INEC’s Suspension of ADC Leadership

Published

18 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan

US Firm to Engage Trump, Congress Over INEC’s Suspension of ADC Leadership

A U.S.-based policy and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C., has announced plans to brief members of the U.S. Congress and officials linked to former President Donald Trump over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to withdraw recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership. The move has raised concerns about Nigeria’s electoral credibility and the ability of the opposition to participate fully in the 2027 presidential election.

INEC had earlier this week removed recognition of the ADC leadership from its official portal and suspended all formal engagement with the party, citing ongoing litigation over a leadership dispute. The commission said its action was in compliance with a Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo until the legal matter is resolved.

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In a statement, Von Batten-Montague York L.C. said INEC’s action has effectively frozen one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties at a critical time, potentially undermining political participation, democratic processes, and election integrity. “This situation could hinder the opposition’s ability to organise and participate fully in the democratic process,” the firm stated.

The U.S. firm also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance to the United States in areas including regional security, economic stability, and counterterrorism, adding that the integrity of Nigeria’s elections has direct implications for U.S. interests and global stability. Accordingly, the firm plans to present its concerns to U.S. lawmakers and Trump administration officials to ensure that free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria remain on the international agenda.

The firm further called on President Bola Tinubu to guarantee that the upcoming elections are beyond reproach, transparent, and reflective of the will of Nigerians. It urged that no political party or faction should be disadvantaged in a manner that could compromise electoral fairness or democratic participation.

The ADC leadership dispute, involving rival factions led by Senator David Mark and others, has drawn sharp reactions locally. While INEC maintains it is acting to comply with court directives, critics argue that the decision could weaken the opposition and create uncertainty in the lead-up to the presidential elections.

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended INEC’s actions, describing the crisis as self-inflicted by the ADC and urging compliance with the law to resolve leadership disputes ahead of election preparations.

Analysts warn that the situation underscores the importance of institutional neutrality, transparency, and timely resolution of party disputes to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.