Politics

VP Slot: Ayu’s Fate Hanging As Crisis Over Okowa’s Selection Worsens

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2022

PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu

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.

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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.

Related Topics:Ayu crisis Featured Okowa VP Slot Worsens

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Adebayo Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister to Run for Oyo State Governorship

Published

27 minutes ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu

Adebayo Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister to Run for Oyo State Governorship

Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, has officially resigned from his ministerial position to focus on his bid for the Oyo State governorship ahead of the 2027 general elections. His resignation, dated March 26, 2026, was submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates political appointees intending to contest elective offices to vacate their posts before party primaries.

In a resignation letter, Adelabu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the Tinubu administration, stating, “It has been a privilege contributing to the efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector under your Renewed Hope Agenda. My decision to resign is to enable me to fully pursue my aspiration to contest for the office of Governor of Oyo State and dedicate my time and resources to that endeavour.”

The minister’s exit follows a government directive issued via the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, which required political appointees to resign by March 31, 2026, if they intended to contest elective offices in the 2027 elections. Other ministers, including Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs) and Yusuf Sununu (Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs), have also resigned to pursue governorship ambitions in Bauchi and Kebbi States, respectively.

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Adelabu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Deputy Governor of Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria, has previously contested the Oyo governorship under the APC in 2019 and the Accord Party in 2023. His resignation signals renewed focus on securing his party’s ticket and intensifying the Oyo State political race ahead of the 2027 elections.

His tenure as Power Minister coincided with public scrutiny over persistent electricity outages, which he addressed in a press conference, issuing a public apology to Nigerians. He acknowledged that erratic power supply had affected households, businesses, and industries, especially amid rising temperatures, and pledged to improve the situation before leaving office. During his term, Adelabu also oversaw key sector reforms, including a N501 billion bond issuance aimed at resolving long-standing liquidity issues in Nigeria’s electricity market.

As of his resignation, the federal government has not announced a replacement for the Ministry of Power, leaving a crucial cabinet role vacant ahead of ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects. Political analysts say Adelabu’s departure is likely to reshape both the federal cabinet and the Oyo governorship contest, as party stakeholders prepare for the primaries and eventual general election.

Adebayo Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister to Run for Oyo State Governorship

Politics

2027: Badagry elders rally Tinubu to back zone’s first Lagos governor

Published

2 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

2027: Badagry elders rally Tinubu to back zone’s first Lagos governor

A prominent elder statesman, Pa Andu Liadi Adio, has urged President Bola Tinubu to honour longstanding assurances that Lagos State’s governorship will be ceded to Badagry Division.

Speaking at his residence in Badagry, the 93-year-old said the time had come for the division to assume leadership after decades of perceived marginalisation and backed the aspiration of Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose.

He appealed for patience among youths in the area, saying efforts were ongoing to ensure justice for the division in the state’s political arrangement.

Pa Adio expressed confidence that the President would not disappoint the people of Badagry in their quest to produce the next governor.

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He recalled that during his tenure as Lagos governor, President Tinubu had requested a representative from Badagry to serve in his administration, leading to the nomination of Hon. Olanrewaju Saka-Shenayon, who later served as Commissioner for Rural Development and Infrastructure.

According to him, that appointment debunked claims that Badagry lacked competent individuals to hold key positions in government.

In his remarks, former commissioner, Olanrewaju Saka-Shenayon, dismissed concerns over the political credentials of Dr. Ajose, describing him as a seasoned private sector player with a strong record of contributions to socio-economic development in Lagos West and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Also lending her support, former House of Representatives member, Rafeequat Arinola Onabamiro, said Dr. Ajose possesses the experience and capacity to govern, citing his over three decades in the private sector.

She noted that past Lagos governors, including Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, did not begin as career politicians but went on to leave impactful legacies.

Onabamiro lamented that since the creation of Lagos State in 1967, Badagry Division has yet to produce a governor, deputy governor, minister, or Secretary to the State Government.

She added that Lagos West Senatorial District is united in its support for Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose’s governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

2027: Badagry elders rally Tinubu to back zone’s first Lagos governor

Politics

PDP Crisis Deepens as Kebbi Lawmaker Joins APC

Published

7 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo and Bunza Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Mohammed

PDP Crisis Deepens as Kebbi Lawmaker Joins APC

The member representing Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo and Bunza Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Mohammed, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing persistent internal crises within the opposition party.

Announcing his defection, the Kebbi lawmaker said the PDP has been plagued by prolonged leadership disputes, internal divisions, and recurring litigation, which he noted have significantly weakened the party’s ability to function effectively as a credible opposition platform.

According to him, the lingering crisis has made it increasingly difficult for committed members to contribute meaningfully to the party’s development and fulfil its democratic responsibilities. He added that the situation has created uncertainty and disunity across various levels of the party structure.

Mohammed disclosed that his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents, political associates, and key stakeholders across his federal constituency, stressing that the move was made in the best interest of those he represents.

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“I have formally submitted my resignation letter to my PDP Ward Chairman in Nasarawa Ward and also notified the Speaker of the House of Representatives of my defection,” he said.

He explained that joining the APC would enable him to better serve his constituents and enhance his legislative effectiveness, particularly by aligning with the ruling party at the federal level.

The defection comes amid ongoing leadership tussles within the PDP, including disputes over party structure, legal battles, and disagreements among top party figures, which have continued to affect unity within the opposition.

Political observers say the development is part of a wider trend of defections from the PDP to the APC in recent months, raising concerns about the opposition party’s internal cohesion and its readiness for future elections.

Meanwhile, the APC has continued to consolidate its position in the National Assembly, with recent defections strengthening its numerical advantage, while the PDP faces increasing pressure to resolve its internal conflicts and retain key members.

PDP Crisis Deepens as Kebbi Lawmaker Joins APC