Politics

Wike to expose characters in PDP disguising as leaders

Published

4 years ago

September 23, 2022

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday said his group will neither leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor drop its demand that the national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, should resign.

The governor said his camp would remain in the party to fight for its preservation and enthronement of unity, inclusivity, equity and peace.

The governor also vowed to use his media chat today to expose some characters in the opposition party priding themselves as national leaders.

He said after the chat, it would be left for Nigerians to decide if such people were still worthy of the ovation being accorded to them.

Wike wondered why the PDP, which could not unite the party, was promising to unify Nigeria.

Also yesterday, former National Deputy Chairman Chief Bode George said presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s response to the Ayu-must-go call was disheartening.

However, PDP governors and Board of Trustees (BoT) members are said to be meeting over the crisis, it was learnt.

The governor spoke during a meeting with stakeholders across the 319 wards of the state at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Port Harcourt.

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He described himself as a man of character, unlike persons, who could not keep their words and walked out of the party at the Eagle Square in Abuja in 2014.

In 2014, Atiku was among party leaders that abandoned the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike said: “One thing I have always told people is if anybody is thinking, doing anything to think that we will leave PDP, foul. We will do the fight in the party. We are not like them, when in 2014 they walked out from Eagle Square. They’ve forgot. They walked out and joined APC. Is it not correct?

“Did they remain to fight inside the party? But we remained. They ran away. Now, there is a fight in the party, we will not run. We will fight it in this party. Those who run away from fight are weak people. We will not. So everybody should know this is the state where we are. So that nobody tells you all kind of stories.”

The governor insisted that the constitution of the party clearly stated that elective and party offices must be zoned and that it should be respected.

Wike wondered why the former PDP BoT chairman would be pressurised to resign while the PDP national chairman, Ayu, was excusing himself from doing the right thing.

He said: “You have taken presidential candidate, you have taken party chairman, you have also taken the D.G (director general) of the campaign. We are talking about party politics. Decisions are made by the presidential candidate , chairman of the party and the D.G of the campaign.

“They are telling you they told the chairman of the BOT to resign. So you know there is a problem. You said he should go and resign. You can put pressure on him to resign when his tenure hasn’t come to an end. But you cannot put pressure on the chairman to resign. You think at our level you will deceive us. You’ll tell us stories.”

Wike recalled how in 2015 the Federal Government used the military to invade Rivers, but the people resisted.

The governor recalled he made sure the senatorial results for Rivers East was announced, which he said delivered Senator George Thompson Sekibo and Senator Betty Apiafi for Rivers West.

Wike regretted that despite the risk taken to deliver them, the same people were now in Abuja plotting against him.

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The Rivers State governor also clarified that he never promised anybody governorship ticket of the PDP, despite the pressure some leaders mounted on him and attempts made to divide the State House of Assembly.

Wike said though he didn’t clinch the PDP presidential ticket, he actually gave a good account of himself at the primary.

The governor said that by next week, Rivers State PDP campaign team would be unveiled and the campaign pattern adopted would be based on each local government’s peculiarity.

Wike emphasised that all PDP candidates in the State would be returned elected by Rivers people, who, he said, were satisfied with the performance of his administration.

He said: “We will take all. We are taking all because Rivers people are happy with what we have done in this state. we have not only provided infrastructure, we have also defended the interest of Rivers State.”

He said that it took courage and firmness for him to protect the interest and assets of Rivers State without comprome.

Wike explaining that apart from securing a refund of money illegally deducted by the federal government over the Police Trust Fund, his administration recovered oil wells wrongly ceded to Imo State and was collecting the accruing revenue from the oil wells in disputed area between Rivers and Bayelsa States.

The governor stated that the federal government would not be able to use the army and the police in the 2023 election, because Nigerians would vote for political parties on the basis of their performance.

Wike cautioned party members, who wanted to be moles and work against the PDP because they were not given tickets.

Rivers PDP chairman Amb. Desmond Akawor, said the party in the state had already passed a vote of confidence on Wike for the way he had piloted the affairs of the state.

He commended the governor for the consistent delivery of projects, defending the interest of the State, and declared that they would continue to follow his leadership.

PDP governors, BoT met over crisis

PDP governors have initiated talks with the Board of Trustees (BoT) in fresh moves to resolve the festering crisis, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal said yesterday.

“Governors elected on the platform of the PDP are discussing among themselves with a viewing to coming up with a solution to the crisis rocking the party soon”, he said in a statement.

Tambuwal, who chairs the PDP Governors Forum, spoke shortly after a meeting with the BoT chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Tambuwal said: “We have engaged with the BoT and I believe that what they are likely to come up with will be a solution to the problem we have.

“Rest assured that as governors of the party, we are also talking to ourselves on the way forward and very soon, the Governors Forum will meet and we will come up with what we feel should be the solution and the way forward for the party.”

He also said BoT members would meet with chairman Ayu and Atiku to make the talks more inclusive.

BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara said BoT members have been going round to see how they can find a lasting solution to the problem dividing the party.

He added that although the BoT members had met with some PDP governors, they have not been able to meet with Wike.

Wabara said: “Our aim is to get into the Aso Villa. For PDP to get into the Aso Villa in 2023, we need every body to come on board.

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“We are going to meet the National Chairman of the party. We will also meeting our candidate Atiku Abubakar. We are also meeting the vice presidential candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who will call upon us any moment.

“We have also met with some of the governors. We started from my state, Okezie Ikpeazu. We moved to Enugu to meet Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. From there we met Seyi Makinde of Oyo. We met with Jerry Gana. We are really digging around to find solutions.

“We are looking for solutions for all of us to come together and win the election in flying colours”

On the decision of the camp of the Rivers Governor to pull out of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Wabara said the BoT will speak with Wike after addressing the nation on Friday.

He said: “After Wike’s address tomorrow we will speak with him. Wike is a member of the Board of Trustee. We have made attempt to meet with him, but I believe he has been very busy.”

Why Wike can’t leave PDP, by Momodu

Former presidential aspiramt Dele Momodu has said it will be “political suicide” for Wike and his group to leave the PDP.

Momodu spoke in a chat with Arise TV yesterday.

Momodu said Wike and his allies have the right to leave the party.

He, however, added that the decision will not augur well for them because “they have so much at stake”.

Momodu said: “If their decision is to throw their support behind a candidate of another party, it is fine. But honestly, this my opinion, it will be political suicide. That’s the truth because they have so much at stake.

“Will Governor Seyi Makinde [of Oyo state] say ‘during the presidential election, don’t vote for PDP; during the governorship, vote for me.’ It does not work that way.”

Atiku’s response disheartening, says George

George described Atiku’s response to calls for the removal of Ayu, as disheartening.

The elder statesman made this assertion on Thursday while speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s News Day.

George said: “Let’s do what is right, let’s do what is just. All of us cannot sleep and face the same direction. I am talking because we are deviating from the norm and the cause of our founding fathers.”

“It is not a personal thing for me and it will never be. This is not a personal emotional issue. This is about doing things right. Let’s follow the culture and the norms of our founding fathers so that we can convince the people that we can build the country.”

The Nation

Politics

ADC Raises Alarm as Court Delays Release of Lifu’s Judgment Despite Payment

Published

2 days ago

November 9, 2026

Trends Admin

ADC Raises Alarm as Court Delays Release of Lifu’s Judgment Despite Payment

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh concerns over the handling of its leadership crisis, accusing the Federal High Court in Abuja of delaying the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a judgment that nullified the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party.

The party’s Presidential Campaign Council said the continued delay had denied affected parties access to the full details of the judgment, despite the payment of the prescribed fees for obtaining certified copies.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, said lawyers representing some of the defendants had formally applied for the certified judgment but were yet to receive the document.

According to the council, counsel to the third defendant submitted an application on November 5, the day Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment, while counsel to the first defendant filed another application on November 6.

The council maintained that both applications carried the Federal High Court’s official ‘PAID’ stamp, indicating that the required fees had been settled.

Shaibu questioned why the certified judgment had remained inaccessible despite the judge’s reported declaration in open court that copies were ready.

He argued that the delay was particularly troubling because the judgment directly affected the leadership and future of the opposition party, as well as the political interests of its members.

The ADC campaign council maintained that without the certified copy, affected parties could not properly establish the precise orders made by the court or fully determine the appropriate legal steps to challenge them.

It described the situation as a denial of access to justice, insisting that litigants should not be subjected to unnecessary difficulties in obtaining official copies of judicial decisions affecting their rights.

The council also recalled its earlier objection to Justice Lifu presiding over the case, saying its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, had previously raised concerns about the judge’s impartiality.

It further questioned the timing of the judgment, which was delivered days after the ADC’s campaign activities in Sokoto, alleging that the circumstances surrounding the ruling and the subsequent delay in releasing the certified copy had heightened suspicions among party members.

The ADC had earlier rejected the November 5 judgment and announced plans to challenge it through the appropriate judicial channels.

In the controversial ruling, Justice Lifu nullified the Senator David Mark-led leadership structure and invalidated actions taken by the disputed executive, including decisions connected to the party’s 2027 presidential nomination.

The ruling also recognised the position of Nafiu Bala Gombe in the leadership dispute.

The ADC has vowed to pursue every lawful avenue to challenge the judgment, while demanding an immediate explanation for the delay in releasing its certified copy.

As of Monday, November 9, there was no reported official response from the Federal High Court addressing the campaign council’s latest allegation.

ADC Raises Alarm as Court Delays Release of Lifu’s Judgment Despite Payment

Politics

Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally

Published

2 days ago

November 9, 2026

Trends Admin

One Killed, Five Injured as Violence Disrupts Obi-Kwankwaso Rally in Delta

Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally

ASABA, DELTA STATE – Tension has heightened in Asaba, Delta State, following a protest by members of a task force over the killing of their colleague during Saturday’s violent political clash involving supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The protest reportedly took place on Monday, November 9, 2026, two days after violence erupted during a political procession organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

According to reports, the task force members took to the streets to express their anger over the death of their colleague, who was reportedly among those affected by Saturday’s violence.

The protest came amid growing tension over the circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation, which left one person dead and several others injured.

The incident occurred along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, during the political procession.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the death and disclosed that five other people sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The police said they had received intelligence suggesting a possibility of violence before the procession and subsequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.

According to the command, the organisers were advised against holding an open-road procession and encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.

However, the police alleged that the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the procession.

Following the violence, the command announced that it had commenced a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash and identify those responsible.

The Delta State Government also condemned the incident, describing the loss of life as unacceptable and calling on the police to ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

The development has further heightened concerns over political violence and public safety in Delta State as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The circumstances surrounding Monday’s protest, including the full identity of the deceased task force member and the extent of the protesters’ demands, were not immediately clear.

Tension in Delta as Task Force Members Protest Over Colleague’s Killing at NDC Rally

Politics

Hamzat, GRV Clash Over Housing, Transport, Governance at Lagos Debate

Published

3 days ago

November 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Hamzat, GRV Clash Over Housing, Transport, Governance at Lagos Debate

The Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, and his African Democratic Congress (ADC) counterpart, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, have presented contrasting development plans for Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The two candidates outlined their policy priorities during the 2026 Lagos State Governorship Debate held in Lekki on Sunday, November 8, with particular attention to housing, transportation, infrastructure, security, healthcare, waste management and accountable governance.

Hamzat, who described the debate as a job interview, relied heavily on his experience in public service, arguing that his professional background and previous appointments had prepared him for the responsibility of governing Lagos.

He said his experience as a teacher, case manager in New York and systems manager, alongside his years in the Lagos State Government, had equipped him with the knowledge required to manage the state’s affairs.

The APC candidate recalled his time as Commissioner for Science and Technology, during which he said he led the development of the state’s residents and structural database.

He also highlighted his tenure as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, citing his involvement in the delivery of major infrastructure projects, including a cable bridge described as the first of its kind in West Africa and the second in Africa.

Hamzat said effective governance required a leader who understood the people, the state and the responsibilities attached to public office.

Presenting his development blueprint, tagged Jacob’s Promise, he said it was structured around seven pillars, seven broad areas of action and 100 pledges.

He identified respect for citizens, hard work and truthfulness as the principles that would guide his administration, adding that government should prioritise actual delivery over public announcements.

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According to him, residents should evaluate candidates based on their experience, the substance of their programmes and their ability to translate promises into tangible results.

In contrast, Rhodes-Vivour argued that Lagos needed a different approach to governance, accusing successive administrations of prioritising the interests of wealthy residents and privileged communities over those of ordinary people.

The ADC candidate said his political activities and manifesto had consistently focused on improving the living conditions of ordinary Lagos residents.

He maintained that the state needed an integrated development strategy capable of addressing interconnected challenges in housing, transportation, healthcare, education, waste management and urban planning.

On housing, Rhodes-Vivour promised to deliver 100,000 housing units within his first four years if elected.

He proposed funding social housing through luxury taxation, developing the eastern foreshore and intergenerational areas, and decentralising housing development across the state.

He also promised to expand Lagos’ railway network, saying his administration would connect the state’s rail lines within two and a half years through a private-sector-driven arrangement.

He said the proposed approach would be transparent, equitable and cost-effective, with the objective of improving connectivity and opening up more communities for development.

Rhodes-Vivour further argued that the state’s high internally generated revenue should translate into improved living conditions and better public services for residents.

He cited communities such as Makoko while criticising what he described as development policies that displaced ordinary residents in favour of elite interests.

The ADC candidate also pledged to address traffic congestion, flooding, waste management and the activities of street touts, popularly known as agberos.

OTHER CANDIDATES PRESENT THEIR VISIONS

The debate also featured governorship candidates of other political parties, including Funso Doherty of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Deji Doherty of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Funso Doherty criticised the state’s revenue and taxation system, arguing that Lagos residents continued to face multiple levies without receiving public services commensurate with the revenue generated by the government.

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He maintained that Lagos was operating below its potential despite its substantial internally generated revenue.

The NDC candidate, who said he had spent about 30 years in the private sector, promised a new direction for the state, particularly in healthcare and essential public services.

He urged residents to hold his party accountable if elected.

Deji Doherty, on his part, highlighted the need to improve electricity supply and create more economic opportunities for residents.

He said his experience as a technocrat and industrialist had informed his decision to seek the governorship position.

On housing, the PDP candidate cautioned against making unrealistic promises, arguing that the cost of land and building materials must be considered before setting ambitious construction targets.

He also raised concerns about gaps in primary healthcare delivery, particularly in some island communities.

DEBATE AHEAD OF 2027 ELECTION

The Lagos governorship debate was organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition of media organisations comprising Channels Television, TVC News, The PUNCH, TheCable and Vanguard.

The exercise is part of a series of debates scheduled ahead of the 2027 general elections, aimed at giving candidates a platform to explain their programmes and respond to questions on issues affecting Nigerians.

The organisers said the debate was designed to promote issue-based political engagement, democratic accountability and informed electoral choices.

The participating candidates were expected to address major concerns affecting Lagos residents, including the economy and cost of living, transportation and infrastructure, flooding and the environment, healthcare and social welfare, security and accountability.

The February 6, 2027 governorship election will determine who succeeds Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the next governor of Lagos State.