In a notable gathering of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike are present, sparking interest due to their history of rivalry within the party.

The meeting, which took place at Bauchi Governors’ lodge behind the ECOWAS secretariat in Asokoro, saw Atiku, Wike, and former Vice-President Namadi Sambo among the prominent figures in attendance.

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Observers note a moment of interaction between Wike and Sambo, while Atiku appears indifferent, reflecting the underlying tensions within the party.

Wike’s rift with Atiku stems from the latter’s preference for a different running mate during the 2023 presidential election, leading Wike to support Atiku’s rival, President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s subsequent appointment of Wike as minister further accentuated divisions within the PDP.

The failure to address Wike’s alleged anti-party activities, coupled with calls for the removal of Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the acting National Chairman, sets the stage for intense discussions at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday.

PDP governors, also present at the caucus, indicate that Damagum’s fate will be decided by the NEC, underscoring the significance of the ongoing discussions.

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Notable attendees include former caretaker chairman Ahmed Makarfi, former Governor of Niger State Babangida Aliyu, and serving senator Abba Moro, among others.

As the meeting progresses, the dynamics within the PDP continue to evolve, setting the stage for critical decisions regarding leadership and party cohesion.

An atmosphere of unease has enveloped the elected officials of Kaduna State’s 23 local government areas and their 255 councillors amidst reports of a potential truncation of their tenure by the state government and assembly.

Although no official statement has been released, apprehension looms among the elected officials following the alleged passage of an amendment bill by the state assembly.

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The bill purportedly reduces the tenure of elected chairmen and councillors from three years to two years.

Additionally, the proposed amendment grants the governor the authority to dissolve the council four months before the expiration of the two-year tenure.

The perceived move has stirred concerns among the incumbents, who fear their tenure may be prematurely terminated, raising questions about the motives behind the legislative action.

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Reports indicate that the issue was discussed during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, involving the state governor, assembly leadership, elected chairmen, councillors, and other party leaders.

Speculations suggest that the potential truncation of tenure may stem from political rivalries, particularly between the incumbent governor, Uba Sani, and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Allegations circulate that the governor aims to consolidate his power by appointing loyalists as caretaker chairmen ahead of future elections.

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However, amidst backlash and legal threats, the governor reassured the elected officials of his commitment to democratic principles, pledging not to undermine their mandate.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) denounced the purported move as unconstitutional, asserting that the elected officials should serve their full three-year term as mandated by the law.

Meanwhile, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintain that the proposed amendment will only apply to future councils, allowing the incumbents to complete their tenure.

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Governor Uba Sani’s office dismissed allegations of a tenure reduction plan, affirming his adherence to the rule of law and democratic values.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Kaduna State House of Assembly have been unsuccessful, leaving questions unanswered regarding the legislative rationale behind the proposed amendment.

As tensions escalate, the fate of Kaduna’s local government officials hangs in the balance, awaiting clarity on the future of their tenure amid political maneuvers and legal uncertainties.

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Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello found himself at the center of a dramatic episode as his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, reportedly spirited him away from his Abuja residence, according to sources within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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This move followed a tense standoff between EFCC operatives and Bello’s supporters, who gathered at his residence amidst attempts by the anti-graft agency to arrest him on corruption charges.

The EFCC had cordoned off the area surrounding Bello’s residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, in an apparent bid to facilitate his arrest and subsequent arraignment on a 19-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Governor Ododo arrived at the scene, prompting cheers from Bello’s supporters.

Subsequently, Ododo left the premises with Bello in tow, throwing into doubt the ex-governor’s impending arraignment.

Adding to the complexity of the situation were conflicting court orders regarding Bello’s arrest.

While a Kogi State High Court ruling from Lokoja restrained the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Bello, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the agency permission to arrest him in preparation for his arraignment.

Yahaya Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024, when he handed over to Governor Ododo, now finds himself embroiled in legal and political turmoil as the saga unfolds.

In a startling disclosure, Barrister Bright Emeka Ngene, the Labour Party House of Assembly candidate for the Enugu South Urban Constituency in the 2023 general election, has raised concerns over what he perceived as a coordinated efforts to ensure he is put out of circulation in case of any rerun election.

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In an exclusive interview with Daily Gazette on Wednesday, Barr. Ngene unveiled a clandestine plot aimed at truncating his certain electoral victory through covert tactics, including potential arrest, court proceedings, blackmail, and unjust detention, with the ultimate goal of orchestrating another rerun election in his absence.

This purported scheme, he alleges, exploits the lapse in INEC’s 90-day period for conducting bye-elections.

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Barr. Ngene’s resounding victory in the 2023 election saw him clinch 118 out of 126 polling booths, securing an impressive tally of over 3,765 votes.

However, there were doubts regarding the integrity of the electoral process, particularly concerning eight polling booths in Ward 5.

It was alleged that rogue elements preemptively tampered with result sheets, leading to the cancellation of the initially scheduled rerun on February 3rd.

Subsequent attempts on February 14th to conduct the rerun were reportedly disrupted by similar incidents.

In light of these developments, Barr. Ngene has issued a heartfelt plea to the residents of Enugu South, human rights activists, and the Nigerian Bar Association for urgent intervention.

He underscored the critical importance of upholding fundamental principles of inclusive governance, conscience, fairness, and justice in the face of alleged electoral manipulation.

As the situation unfolds in Enugu South Urban, all eyes are on the authorities to ensure transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the electorate’s will.

Amidst a heavy security crackdown on the Abuja home of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, the incumbent Governor, Usman Ododo, paid a visit to Bello on Wednesday afternoon.

Accompanied by a contingent of security operatives and youth supporters protesting the siege on Bello’s residence, Governor Ododo arrived at Bello’s home around 2:30 pm.

Picture from the scene

The scene at Bello’s residence was marked by a significant presence of armed personnel from various security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the police, the Department of State Security (DSS), the Counter Terrorism Unit, and Bello’s private security team.

Earlier in the day, EFCC operatives had stormed Bello’s Abuja residence in Wuse Zone 4, but the reason behind the siege remains unconfirmed, as EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale did not respond to inquiries.

In March 2024, the EFCC had filed an amended charge against Yahaya Bello, his nephew Ali, Dauda Sulaiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu over an alleged N84 billion money laundering scheme, adding to the ongoing legal challenges faced by Bello.

Responding to the siege, Bello’s media office condemned the EFCC’s actions, citing an injunction granted by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, restraining the commission from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello pending the determination of his fundamental rights enforcement action.

They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and caution the EFCC.

Former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, issued a caution to the National Executive Committee (NEC) as they convened in Abuja on Wednesday.

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Secondus warned against falling for what he termed as Minister Nyesom Wike’s manipulative tactics.

In a preemptive statement ahead of Thursday’s committee meeting, Secondus alleged that Wike, a minister in the APC government, is using the PDP to bolster his standing with President Bola Tinubu.

Despite his APC affiliation, Wike claims membership in the opposition party.

Secondus emphasized the importance for the PDP to prioritize the restoration of the party’s stature and urged against being swayed by Wike’s maneuvers.

He accused Wike of attempting to fabricate crises within the party to assert his relevance, particularly in the eyes of President Tinubu.

Citing Wike’s purported efforts to portray himself in a power struggle with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Secondus cautioned against granting Wike undue significance.

He urged party leaders to unite in thwarting Wike’s meddling and to steer the party forward.

Secondus urged the party’s foundational figures and dedicated members to uphold the party’s integrity and restore its former glory by resisting external influences and prioritizing the collective interest of the PDP.