He added that it was deceitful for Governor Kwankwaso to have let them set up a committee, and then to turn around to say they had come late.
Politics
Shekarau accuses Kwankwaso of betrayal, manipulation
Former Kano State Governor and serving Senator, Ibrahim Shekarau, has alleged that his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the People’s Democratic Party was due to the betrayal of the NNPP presidential candidate, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Senator Shekarau made the allegation while appearing on the Channels TV primetime programme, Politics Today, on Thursday.
The Senator described the governor’s actions as a betrayal and “outright disregard, outright manipulation”, noting that what was important was the protection of his image, the truth and integrity.
Shekarau said, “We joined the party on the 18th of May. Long before then, almost two weeks earlier on, through my discussion with him, we made our proposals. At that time, it was the period of generating candidates of the various political offices to be contested in the 2023 general elections – state assembly, national assembly, governorship and senatorial seats.
“We sat down with Rabiu Kwankwaso. I submitted this proposal, he accepted it and he said in about one or two, three days, he’s going to prepare his proposal. And then I together with him will sit down to sort ourselves out and harmonise and see what we can do to produce electable people in our various constituencies”.
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Senator Shekarau said that the governor had presented him a senatorial form upon his defection to the party from the APC. He however challenged the governor when the party leadership had released what he considered an incomplete list of candidate names.
Shekarau added,“This hope and trust and sincerity kept us moving up to the 18th of May where we had a public declaration and Kwankwaso came with all his own political associate it was a very big ceremony.
“It was at that meeting that he brought the senatorial seat of Kano central form, and presented it to me, he said I was the first to receive the form. At that time as at 18th of May, no other candidate had been identified or listed or given form through the various discussion that we agreed to make.
“The same 18th of May by the night, midnight, we saw a list released by the party leadership in the state, handwritten list of candidates by their constituencies and indicating as having solved the entire constituencies’ candidate.
“In fact, in the list released on the 18th by the night, even some constituencies had no name. The following morning I met him and I challenged the list released, we said this is unacceptable because in the entire list, except my name, no any other name from our own movement from our own political association was reflected on the list”.
Following his challenge, the duo had agreed to set up a nine-man committee, made up of four men each from each of the governors’ camps and the party’s state chairman to harmonize the lists and fix the deficiencies. This assignment would eventually drag for three months until the closing date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission closed.
Shekarau said, “We convened a meeting, I had to call a meeting of my political associates, to brief them as to what we went through for three months.
And we set up a committee of 30 to go and review the situation, we still did not make it public.
“But to our surprise, few days later, my brother Rabiu Kwankwaso was on air on the Hausa service of the BBC, saying that there was no way we could be attended to, because we joined the party when it was too late.”
Politics
Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour
Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has resigned from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Onyejeocha announced her resignation in a statement shared via her social media platforms on Friday, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I announce my resignation as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment. This decision comes with profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in his administration,” she stated.
The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, did not disclose her next political move or indicate whether her resignation is linked to the 2027 general elections, unlike some other cabinet members who have recently stepped down.
Despite her exit from office, Onyejeocha maintained that her commitment to national service remains unwavering, describing her resignation as the beginning of a new phase.
She commended the President’s leadership, noting that serving under the Renewed Hope Agenda was both an honour and a privilege.
“Your trust, support, and visionary leadership have been invaluable. Working under your Renewed Hope Agenda has been an honour and privilege. Thank you for believing in my capacity to contribute to nation-building,” she said.
The former minister also expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for their cooperation and dedication during her tenure, highlighting efforts made in advancing workers’ rights, improving workplace safety, and expanding employment opportunities.
She further extended gratitude to her constituents for their continued support, prayers, and encouragement throughout her time in public office.
“Serving Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. As one chapter closes, another opens. I remain committed to service, to progress, and to building the Nigeria we all deserve,” she added.
Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour
Politics
Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC
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
Politics
Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions
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
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