Politics
VP Slot: Ayu’s Fate Hanging As Crisis Over Okowa’s Selection Worsens
The acrimony generated by the emergence of Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the vice-presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to fester.
The development has degenerated into a full-blown disagreement among party leaders with some calling for the ouster of the national chairman of the party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.
Daily Trust, however, reliably gathered that it was those after Ayu’s job that were behind the speculation that the Benue-born politician has already been sent packing.
But in a swift reaction, Ayu through his Special Adviser, Simon Imobo-Tswam, said he is still in charge. He said the report that the Deputy National Chairman (North), Amb. Umar Damagum, has been appointed in Ayu’s place in acting capacity was “mischievous’’.
Daily Trust, however, reliably gathered that it was those after Ayu’s job that were behind the speculation that the Benue-born politician has already been sent packing.
But in a swift reaction, Ayu through his Special Adviser, Simon Imobo-Tswam, said he is still in charge. He said the report that the Deputy National Chairman (North), Amb. Umar Damagum, has been appointed in Ayu’s place in acting capacity was “mischievous’’.
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A 128-member council was named for the governorship election of the state. Ten governors who are members of the party are on the committee.
Inaugurating the council, the acting National Chairman of the party, Amb. Umar Damagum, said the sole mandate of the council was to win the Osun State governorship election, adding that “Osun is key to our presidential election.”
“So I believe with the calibre of people in this committee, I’m sure Osun will become ours. You will make a lot of sacrifices for the task ahead of you; engage stakeholders that are aggrieved,” he said.
Also speaking, Okowa urged party leaders and members in the state to work together to sack APC in the state.
He said APC “is already in disarray but that is not enough for us to go to sleep.”
As a further sign that all is not well with the main opposition party, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, while speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, also said he was among the 17-member committee set up by Atiku Abubakar to recommend a running mate for him.
“Fourteen of us in the committee said the person should be Nyesom Wike unfortunately Atiku picked Okowa in his wisdom,” he said.
Ortom, who is also from Benue State, stressed that the presidential candidate was not doing enough to bring the party together.
He said, “You cannot ignore a decision of a committee you set up yourself and expect people to be happy,” adding that he is presently “in hibernation and praying.”
Asked if he would support Atiku, Ortom said, “When I finish the prayers and whatever God directs me, I will do.”
“Atiku should go to him (Wike) and speak with him on the way forward. Wike is a pillar in the party. Currently, nobody has contributed more for the party to move it forward than Wike.
“If Atiku was not going to honour the decision of the committee, he should have called Wike earlier and informed him. He didn’t do that. You can’t do things anyhow and expect us to be happy.”
Similarly, a former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has insisted that power must return to the South in 2023
Fayose in recent posts on his official Twitter handle opined that the PDP Constitution provides for a rotational presidency.
Fayose said Section 3(c) of the party’s constitution provides that the party shall pursue its aims and objectives by adhering to the policy of the rotation and zoning of Party and Public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity,justice and fairness. In apparent reference to Tinubu’s “emi lokan” slogan, Fayose also said “Awa ‘South’ lo kan”, which loosely translated as ‘it is the turn of the South’.
“The current President of Nigeria is a 2-term Northern Presidency, thus implying that it must be a Southern Presidency in 2023 or nothing. Awa ‘South’ lo kan’. Nigerians should await details soon,” he posted.
Politics
El-Rufai explains why he finally dumps APC for SDP
El-Rufai explains why he finally dumps APC for SDP
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the party’s deviation from its founding principles and lack of internal democracy.
In a statement released on Monday, March 10, 2025, El-Rufai explained that after extensive consultations, he had decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as a platform to continue pursuing his progressive political ideals.
Disillusionment with APC
El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, said he had hoped that the party’s core values would remain intact, but recent events had convinced him otherwise.
“Developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party,” he stated.
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He further noted that his contributions to the party’s successes, including the electoral victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, had been disregarded by the current leadership.
“The APC has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.”
Announcing his decision to join the SDP, El-Rufai described the party as a better platform for promoting democratic values, good governance, and national unity.
“I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.”
El-Rufai explains why he finally dumps APC for SDP
Politics
Atiku support group blasts Bode George as Tinubu apologist
Atiku support group blasts Bode George as Tinubu apologist
A pro-Atiku support group, Nigerian Youths for Atiku (NYFA), has called on former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, to desist from attacking and opposing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Director of Communications for NYFA (Nigeria and Diaspora), Dare Dada, made this appeal in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, describing George’s opposition as “an avowed apologist of Tinubu and the APC.”
“Bode George should open a campaign office in Lagos for the re-election of Bola Tinubu, as his constant attacks and campaign against Atiku towards 2027 are becoming irrational and irritating.
“Interestingly, he is standing alone. Nigerians have left him behind. The general opinion across the country is focused on how to rescue our country from the doldrums, and with Atiku, the chances are very high,” Dada stated.
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Dada further criticized George’s role in the PDP, accusing him of contributing to the party’s failures in Lagos and the resignation of notable members.
“Chief George is one of those politicians responsible for the sorry state of the PDP today; his continued envy of Atiku Abubakar is well noted,” he said.
He dismissed George as a “local champion” who has failed to deliver his polling unit for the PDP in past elections.
“As an elder of the party, he should be focused on salvaging the PDP rather than attacking Atiku. We have noted with dismay how George, who has lost political capital and relevance, continues to attack Atiku in a bid to remain in the spotlight,” Dada added.
The NYFA maintained that Atiku remains the strongest contender against President Bola Tinubu in the next election, questioning who among George’s preferred candidates could challenge Tinubu successfully.
“We ask him: Who among his preferred choices can defeat President Tinubu in the circumstance if not Atiku Abubakar? Or does he see himself fit for the job in his delusional mind?” Dada queried.
“We urge Chief George to stop the pretences. It is public knowledge that he is an avowed apologist of Tinubu and the APC. Nigerians now know better,” Dada asserted.
Atiku support group blasts Bode George as Tinubu apologist
Politics
2027 speculation rife as El-Rufai, Aregbesola, Tunde Bakare meet
2027 speculation rife as El-Rufai, Aregbesola, Tunde Bakare meet
As political movements begin to shape up for the 2027 general election, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has visited ex-Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, and Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos.
Aregbesola, previously a close associate of President Bola Tinubu, recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following internal party conflicts, while El-Rufai has openly criticized the APC for not meeting public expectations.
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Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media adviser, shared news of the visit on Sunday via social media. “Malam Nasir @elrufai was in Lagos today to visit Ogbeni @raufaregbesola and Pastor Tunde Bakare,” Adekeye posted.
This visit follows El-Rufai’s recent meeting with former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna, adding to speculation about his political trajectory and potential alliances as 2027 approaches.
2027 speculation rife as El-Rufai, Aregbesola, Tunde Bakare meet
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