Politics

Wike, supporters ‘ll dump PDP if reconciliation fails, says Jerry Gana

Published

4 years ago

August 20, 2022

Professor Jerry Gana, a former minister of Information

• Fresh talks with Atiku’s camp deadlocked

A key ally of Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, hinted yesterday that the governor and his supporters could switch camps ahead of the 2023 elections should the ongoing efforts to reconcile him and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, fail in the end.

Professor Jerry Gana, a former minister of Information said in Port Harcourt, that Wike and his backers “shall tell the people of Nigeria where to go “ if reconciliation failed.

He spoke on a day fresh talks between representatives of the former vice president and those of Wike broke up without any concrete decision.

“We want to assure you that the problems we have in the PDP we shall resolve them. And if they are not resolved, this leader here, the governor together with all of us, we shall tell the people of Nigeria where to go,” Gana said while flagging off the construction of a flyover at the Mgbuoba, Ozuoba -Ada George Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Gana said PDP chapters in the North Central zone stood behind Wike to pick the presidential ticket of the party during the May primary in Abuja.

He said: “When I came earlier this year before we had our party primaries on behalf of our people from North Central Nigeria, I asked you whether you could confirm the rumour we heard that one of your illustrious sons was preparing to preside over the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“You answered in the affirmative and we assured you then that if you came out we would support you solidly. I am to confirm that we stood by your son and our people delivered.

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“You answered in the affirmative and we assured you then that if you came out we would support you solidly. I am to confirm that we stood by your son and our people delivered.

He said Wike was raising the status of Port Harcourt to become an enduring investment destination and home for many because of the prevailing peace.

He said: “We love your son. He is a wonderful leader of truth. The man stands for justice, for equity, for goodness and we love him so much because he is also performing.

“He is delivering development projects for the people of Rivers State. In fact, we are very jealous that you have such a wonderful governor. One of the good things of the governor is that you have enjoyed peace and security under him.”

The resolution of the two month face-off between Alhaji Atiku and Governor Wike appears not to be in sight after their latest peace talks broke up yesterday in Port Harcourt without any concrete decision.

The two sides merely agreed to advance discussions after about four hours of meeting behind closed doors.

Sources said the representatives of the two gladiators failed to sort out their differences.

From the Atiku camp at yesterday’s meeting were Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; former minister Adamu Waziri and Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) PDP governorship candidate in the last election in Ondo State.

Wike was represented by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke; former governor of Cross River State,Mr. Donald Duke; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and former governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo.

Speaking to reporters at the end of the meeting, Fintiri, said that talks were ongoing to achieve desired objectives.

He claimed that Nigerians were waiting patiently for the PDP to clinch power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.

He urged PDP supporters to be patient saying the committee would broker peace, unify the party and Nigerians.

He said: “We are aware that Nigerians are anxious and waiting for PDP to take over government in 2023. We have met as leaders, members of the same political family and we have opened discussion, work is in progress and we will continue.

“At the end of the day, we will broker peace and we will unify the party and Nigerians”.

Also speaking, Dr. Mimiko, said soon, unity would be restored in the party.

Mimiko, hinted that the committee would meet again to further deliberate on issues that needed to be addressed.

He said: “We have agreed that there is need for us to enhance unity within our party. This is a reconciliation process.There are some issues out there which need further deliberation when the committees meet again.”

Members of the committee were said to have later met with Wike at his private residence in Rumueprikom.

Only 24 hours before yesterday’s meeting,Wike threw a fresh jab at those he said “are there in Abuja following their candidate to Adamawa.”

He then asked: “Is that where you win the votes?”

Adamawa is the home state of Alhaji Atiku.

He said: “I’m not a son to anybody,I’m a son of Rivers State and I’ll do what interests and benefits Rivers State.

“We’re here in Rivers State bringing in people from other parties to join PDP.

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“Some people stay in Abuja, ask them how many people they brought into the party. How many people have you brought in to support your candidate?”

And speaking at the flagging off of the 12th flyover in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike vowed to deal with persons irrespective of their party affiliations plotting to destabilise the state.

He spoke against the backdrop of the shut down of a hotel,a bar, and a filling station belonging to some PDP stalwarts in the state.

But Wike stressed that his administration had invested hugely in achieving the prevailing peace, and would not tolerate attempts to return the state to the dark days of insecurity.

He said: “Now, let me tell anyone who cares to listen, whether you’re in PDP, APC, you’re in SDP, you’re in Accord or any other party, if I catch you trying to breach the security in this state, you’ll go in for it.

“I will not allow anybody to destabilise this state. We have suffered insecurity and God has helped us together with security agencies to maintain peace. For me, whether it is true or not, I must make sure that I take action.”

Wike said, sadly most people did not take the warning issued in his last state broadcast seriously.

The governor said he earlier warned that any hotel or event centre where criminals, cultists were allowed to gather to plot the breach of peace would be demolished.

He said: “So, if you know they’re using your hotel, or they’re using your drinking joint as where they’ll be holding meetings, think twice now.

“There is no amount of propaganda, if you like go to social media that they’re clamping down on you, that’s your business. I will not allow anybody to destabilise this state, because we have suffered insecurity and we have spent money.

“You can’t begin to arrange for cultists to meet in your event centres, or in your hotels. Pray that I don’t have any hint about that, if I do, I will bring down your hotel, I will bring down the event centre and I will arrest those people found there and I will prosecute them, heaven would not fall.”

The governor said it was not in doubt that Rivers was presently the only state that the PDP was sure of delivering its gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election.

He said: “This is because Rivers people are already at home with the PDP and its commitment to the development of the state.

“That is why we are proud to say this is the only state, for now that PDP can be sure of returning its governorship candidate as governor.”

He explained that one of the reasons why the PDP was delighted to have chosen, Mr. Siminalaye Fubara, as its governorship candidate, was because he knew what was going on in government.

“Because you must be part of the system to understand the system to continue from where we are going to stop. Not people who just have the idea of wanting to be governor because they want to syphon our money. Thank God that we didn’t give them the ticket,” he said.

The Nation

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Politics

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

Published

8 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has sparked widespread reactions after criticising supporters of Peter Obi, describing some of them as “monsters” and warning that their conduct could undermine his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy followed a post shared by Dabiri-Erewa on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where she highlighted her recent visit to Silicon Valley in California, United States. During the visit, she met with Nigerian professionals in the tech industry and experienced a ride in a driverless car, which she described as impressive and forward-looking.

In the post, she expressed appreciation to Nigerian architect and designer Kunle Adeyemo for hosting her during the tour. However, the update quickly drew backlash from some social media users who criticised her for praising technological advancement abroad while, in their view, supporting political structures at home that do not reflect similar progress.

Some of the reactions were sharply critical and, in certain instances, abusive, with users accusing her of hypocrisy and questioning her political stance. The exchange quickly escalated into a heated online debate.

In response, Dabiri-Erewa defended her position and took aim at a segment of Obi’s supporters, popularly known as the Obidient movement, accusing them of engaging in toxic and aggressive online behaviour.

She wrote that Obi had “raised monsters” and warned that if such behaviour continued unchecked, it could ultimately harm his chances in future political contests, particularly the 2027 presidential race.

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Dabiri-Erewa further suggested that the same supporters could become a liability to Obi, even if political power eventually rotates to the South-East region, where Obi hails from.

Doubling down in subsequent posts, she reiterated that the conduct of some supporters reflects poorly on the former Labour Party presidential candidate and stressed the need for him to call them to order.

She also rejected criticism that her status as a public official should prevent her from engaging online critics, insisting that her social media account is personal and that she has the right to respond to attacks directed at her.

The remarks have since generated mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political space, with critics of Obi aligning with Dabiri-Erewa’s position, while his supporters argue that her comments are unfair and politically motivated.

Supporters of Obi maintain that the Obidient movement is largely grassroots-driven and issue-focused, adding that online excesses by a few individuals should not define the broader movement.

As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi has not issued an official response to the NiDCOM chair’s remarks.

Political analysts say the episode highlights the growing influence—and risks—of digital political movements and online activism in Nigeria, especially as the country gradually shifts toward the 2027 election cycle.

Dabiri-Erewa Warns Obidients Could Hurt Peter Obi’s 2027 Ambition

Politics

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

Published

10 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi to play key roles in the party’s upcoming National Convention.

The convention is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, April 14, and is expected to bring together party leaders, delegates, and political stakeholders from across Nigeria as the ADC seeks to reposition itself ahead of future elections.

According to party arrangements, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has been appointed as Chairman of the 126-member National Convention Planning Committee, which will oversee logistics, accreditation, and coordination of the convention process.

Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal was named Deputy Chairman of the planning committee, while other prominent political figures were also included to strengthen the convention’s organisational structure.

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Among those listed as members of the committee are former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, alongside other national stakeholders drawn from different geopolitical zones.

Party insiders say the inclusion of high-profile political figures reflects ADC’s attempt to build a broad-based coalition and increase its visibility within Nigeria’s opposition space.

The convention is expected to focus on internal restructuring, leadership coordination, and strategies aimed at strengthening the party’s national presence ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.

Political observers note that the presence of influential figures such as Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, and Amaechi on the planning structure signals increased political realignment discussions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Although the party has not officially confirmed whether the individuals will attend in person or serve in advisory capacities, preparations for the convention are reportedly in advanced stages.

Security and logistics arrangements are being finalised as the ADC prepares to host a large gathering of delegates and party stakeholders for the high-profile event.

BREAKING: ADC Names Atiku, Peter Obi, Others for Tuesday Convention Planning

Politics

Kano APC Stakeholders Endorse Murtala Garo for Deputy Governorship Position

Published

10 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Murtala Sule Garo

Kano APC Stakeholders Endorse Murtala Garo for Deputy Governorship Position

Key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have reportedly endorsed former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Murtala Sule Garo, as the leading contender for the vacant deputy governorship position in Kano State. The endorsement followed a late-night strategy meeting held on Sunday, where influential party figures and key blocs within the APC allegedly reached a broad consensus in support of Garo, with insiders claiming he secured about 90 per cent backing from participants. The meeting is part of ongoing political consultations aimed at filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Aminu Gwarzo, as stakeholders work to maintain stability and unity within the party structure.

Murtala Sule Garo

Former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, was among the prominent stakeholders at the meeting and strongly advocated for Garo’s consideration. He described Garo as a loyal, experienced, and grassroots-oriented politician, urging political leaders to support his emergence in the interest of stability and effective governance in Kano State.

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Although three names were initially considered—including Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum—sources said discussions gradually shifted in favour of Garo during the meeting. Party insiders noted that deliberations eventually produced near-unanimous support for him, citing his political experience, acceptability, and long-standing involvement in Kano politics as key factors.

Several prominent APC leaders were reportedly involved in or aligned with the endorsement, including former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Senator Garba Lado, and other influential party stakeholders. Others said to have shown support include APC chieftain AA Zaura, Hon. Hamisu Chidari, Hon. Abdulhamin Jibrin Kofa, and Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo.

Stakeholders attributed Garo’s strong backing to his extensive political experience, which includes serving as PDP Organising Secretary in 2007, Special Adviser under former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Chairman of ALGON, and a two-term commissioner in Kano State. He also served as the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, a factor insiders say strengthens his suitability for the position.

Party sources say Garo’s possible emergence could help reinforce APC unity in Kano State and provide political stability during a sensitive period of leadership transition. They also noted that his current lack of a government position could ease his appointment without disrupting administrative structures. However, the endorsement is not final, as party leaders are still engaged in consultations before a formal decision is reached.