Politics

Wike attacks Dogara for backing Atiku

Published

3 years ago

December 6, 2022

Ex-Speaker fires back
Ex-VP can’t see Buhari’s achievements, says govt

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday clashed with former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu over the latter’s backing of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

The governor asked Atiku to restrain his men from insulting the group of five governors (G-5), known as the Integrity Group.

But, Dogara fired back, claiming in a tweet that Wike was not saying the truth about their meeting.

“Thank God, there was a witness!” Dogara stated.

The G-5 governors – Wike, Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) – are locked in a protracted feud with the party leadership over the refusal of the National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to resign, contrary to his promise to quit if the presidential candidate was picked from the North.

They have insisted that Ayu’s resignation is a condition for supporting Atiku in next year’s election.

Yesterday, Makinde said the governors were yet to decide on which presidential candidate to support.

The G-5 governors were also absent at the PDP’s presidential rally in Lagos yesterday.

Wike said the G-5 would fight back if Atiku’s men continued to insult the Integrity Group.

READ ALSO:

He spoke at the kick-off of Indorama-Agbonchia-Ogale-Ebubu-East/West Link Road in Eleme Local Government Area.

The governor said: “We need peace in this state and we would continue to keep the peace but nobody can take us for a ride. Rivers State cannot be a slave to anybody.

“What I want to tell the presidential candidate of the PDP is we need peace.

“We want all of us to be together for the party to win the general elections, but let me say clearly: if your boys continue to fight the leaders of our party, we would fight back.

“If anybody in the PDP presidential campaign council continues to insult the governors of the integrity group, we would fight back. Enough is enough.

“We want peace and we want equity, fairness and justice. Nobody should take us for granted.

“I cannot understand people who just left APC recently and are talking about PDP that we stayed and suffered to build. Even if anybody should talk about us, it is not these miscreants.”

The governor lambasted Dogara for allegedly backing Atiku against his earlier stance on Southern Presidency in 2023.

Wike said soon, he would reveal details of his discussion with Dogara and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

He said: “At the appropriate time I will talk about how Dogara and Babachir visited me and what we agreed.

“What I don’t like in life is people that don’t have character. I can’t stand it. At the appropriate time, I will challenge them for a debate.”

He recalled how Dogara had evaded an appointment they were to have and left the PDP to join the APC.

He said: “What I don’t like in life is people that don’t have character. I can’t stand it. At the appropriate time, I would challenge them to a debate. Ask Dogara, what made you leave PDP?

“Dogara was to see me; unknown to me, he gave me an excuse and I was watching Dogara on TV being received by President Muhammadu Buhari that he had gone to APC. I say ‘Okay, no problem’.

READ ALSO:

“The same Dogara said the Presidency should be zoned to southern Nigeria for there to be peace.

“Now, I hear about the same Dogara (is endorsing Atiku from the north for the presidency). Is that how you do things? Can’t you say something and stand by it?”

Dogara faults Wike

In a tweet via his handle @YakubDogara, the former Speaker faulted Wike’s claims.

He stated: “To my brother, Governor Nyesom Wike; if there is anything you are suffering from, I never thought amnesia would be one of them.

“Why would you think no one, except you, is entitled to a certain set of principles he/she cannot compromise?

“It’s such a pity if you cannot remember what our discussion and agreement were all about.

“Why should only your own position be respected and followed? I would never betray a friend and a brother that is why I won’t respond to your tirade on live TV.

“The details of our conversation are sealed up with me but if you feel it’s okay to throw it to the public, kindly give me written consent to divulge it so that the public can judge who is saying the truth. Thank God there was a witness!”

Executive order stands, says Wike

Wike reiterated that Executive Order 21 was still in force in Rivers.

He said the order’s intent was misrepresented before the Inspector-General of Police.

According to him, political parties intending to hold their events within government facilities and schools should apply.

Wike said: “Nobody can stop anybody from rallying. There are people misinterpreting and misconstruing what we are saying.

“What we are saying is that if they want to use primary and secondary schools, apply, pay money for security so that when you destroy or mess up the place, the government can now come and clean up the place.

“We are not saying that you are not entitled to use the place for a rally. These people, I don’t know the type of school they went to, are telling lies. I am sure they misquoted the IG (Inspector General of Police).

READ ALSO:

“Some of them say they would disobey executive order numbers 21 and 22, I wish them good luck. Dare us and we would tell you we are in charge of Rivers state.”

Mimiko hails Wike

Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, said Wike was speaking the minds of people desiring justice, fairness and ethnic inclusivity.

He believes the governor’s voice was gaining traction because he had worked assiduously to deliver dividends of democracy to his people.

Mimiko said: “I personally cannot over-emphasise how proud I am of Governor Wike’s accomplishments.

“Today, Wike may be the indisputable poster boy of the campaign for social justice in the politics of this country…

“People who choose not to be the charitable talk of what they imagine is Wike’s stubbornness, Wike’s combative approach to issues, etc.

“For me, I can surely live with Wike’s fabled stubbornness and theatrics in so far as that is steeped in Wike’s impressive, albeit unusual dedication to good governance, quality project execution, and equity in the polity…

“Keep it on, Governor Nyesom Wike, for, you speak the minds of so many Nigerians that desire equity, just so, that our country may remain to fulfil its God-ordained destiny in the comity of nations.”

Makinde: G5 governors yet to decide on who to back

On which presidential candidate the G-5 governors would support, Makinde expressed hope that some form of alignment will be reached before the election.

READ ALSO:

He spoke with reporters shortly after signing the Bill on Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Law 2022.

The event was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

Makinde said his colleagues in the G5 were still in talks with the party leadership, adding that some demands have also been placed before them.

According to him, it was too early to determine the presidential candidate to support since talks were still ongoing with the party’s national leadership and stakeholders.

Makinde said: “It is not time. We are still talking. We have made some demands on the party. One day is a long time in politics.

“So, we are still talking and we are hopeful that some form of alignment will be reached at the end of the day.”

The governor urged those who have left in pursuit of their political ambition on other political platforms to return.

Politics

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Published

5 hours ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Lawmakers of the Osun State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, while also declaring their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid in 2026.

The endorsement was announced at a joint meeting of the PDP lawmakers in Osogbo, where they said the decision was driven by what they described as the need for political stability, continuity in governance, and sustained development at both the state and federal levels.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, said the endorsement of President Tinubu was based on his administration’s policies and interventions, which, according to them, have had a positive impact on Osun State and the South-West region.

READ ALSO:

Egbedun noted that backing President Tinubu for a second term would strengthen federal-state collaboration, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, security, and economic reforms, while also ensuring continued federal presence in Osun.

The lawmakers also unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Adeleke, citing what they described as his people-oriented leadership style, commitment to workers’ welfare, and ongoing projects across key sectors, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and local government development.

According to the PDP legislators, Governor Adeleke’s administration has prioritised inclusive governance, fiscal discipline, and the restoration of public confidence in government, adding that these achievements make him deserving of a second term in office.

They dismissed suggestions that endorsing President Tinubu, who belongs to a different political party, contradicts their loyalty to the PDP, arguing that the move reflects political pragmatism and the overriding interest of Osun State.

The lawmakers stressed that their decision does not weaken the PDP in Osun but rather positions the state to benefit from harmonious political alignment between the state and the federal government.

Reaffirming their commitment to the PDP, the legislators said they would continue to work for the party’s success in future elections while supporting leadership choices they believe would advance peace, stability, and development in Osun State and Nigeria at large.

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Politics

Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans

Published

2 days ago

February 14, 2026

Trends Admin

Former APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman and ex-Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has opened up about life after leaving office, his ongoing projects, and the future of Kano State politics in an exclusive interview.

Ganduje described life after office as less stressful but still busy, noting that he remains actively involved in party politics both in Kano and Abuja. He explained that while the pressures of leadership are gone, politics and governance never truly end. “You can’t just stop, since politics and governance never really end,” he said.

The former governor revealed that he is spending much of his time writing books to keep his mind sharp and contribute to knowledge-based politics. Among his current projects are “Abuja: Evolutionary Development of a City in Nigeria’s Capital Territory,” “Progressive Leadership and Sustainability of Democracy in Nigeria,” and “Progressive Party Ideology and Philosophical Direction.” Ganduje stressed the importance of education, research, and ideology in sustaining democracy and shaping effective governance.

READ ALSO:

Reflecting on his early life, Ganduje highlighted how knowledge, experience, and patience shaped his political journey. From attending primary school in a remote village to earning a PhD from the University of Ibadan, he emphasized that education and persistence were crucial in achieving his goals. His career spanned roles as local government secretary, commissioner, deputy governor, governor, and APC national chairman, providing him with extensive governance experience from the grassroots to the national level.

On Kano politics, Ganduje expressed pride that his predictions of a progressive return to APC in the state have been realized. He highlighted APC’s success in delivering the highest number of delegates and votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during primaries and defeating the PDP in the general election by over 500,000 votes.

Addressing the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Ganduje dismissed claims that the movement could challenge APC dominance in Kano. “The Kwankwasiyya Movement will not have any impact. Even though you see large crowds, the APC can mobilize bigger numbers if we choose,” he said, stressing that public sentiment favors APC due to concerns over the use of state resources for national ambitions by opposition leaders.

Ganduje also left the door open for political reconciliation with Kwankwaso, provided they share a common vision for the state and country. “I am ready. Politics is about interests. There are no permanent enemies or friends… What matters is what we want to achieve,” he said.

On the national stage, Ganduje addressed fears that northern Nigeria may not support President Tinubu in 2027, dismissing the notion as wrong. He emphasized that most Northerners accept the rotation of the presidency and are supportive of Tinubu completing his term. “Politics will always have noise, but the reality on the ground is different,” he added.

Ganduje’s reflections highlight the intersection of political strategy, education, and leadership experience in shaping both personal legacy and the future trajectory of Kano State and Nigerian politics.

Ex-APC Chairman Ganduje Discusses Kano Politics, National Leadership Plans

Politics

El-Rufai Says Son Bello Remains Loyal to APC Despite Criticism of Party

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai

El-Rufai Says Son Bello Remains Loyal to APC Despite Criticism of Party

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has clarified that his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by personal conviction, even as he continues to critique the ruling party. Bello currently represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, where he serves his constituents independently of his father’s political stance.

El-Rufai made the disclosure during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Thursday evening, shortly after reportedly resisting an attempted detainment by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon his return from Egypt. The former governor, now a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emphasised that Bello is mature enough to chart his own political path.

READ ALSO:

“My son Bello was elected under the platform of the APC and his electorate seem to be happy with the work he is doing, so since he is an adult of over 30 years, he can make his own choices. Politics is about personal preference,” El-Rufai said, explaining that his son’s continued stay in APC does not contradict his own opposition to the party.

He added that if Bello chooses to remain within the APC without engaging in any of the party’s perceived wrongdoing, guided by the values and home training he received, “then Alhamdulillah.”

Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, born in 1988, has represented Kaduna North since 2023 and currently chairs the House Committee on Banking Regulations. His work in the National Assembly has earned commendations from constituents, reinforcing his independent political credibility within the APC framework.

El-Rufai’s clarification comes amid ongoing political realignments in Nigeria, where personal choices sometimes diverge from family or party affiliations. The statement highlights the balance between individual political conviction and broader party loyalty, particularly in high-profile political families.