The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Monday as a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, took control of the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

The pro-Wike camp announced the suspension of the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and named Muhammed Abdulrahman as the new acting chairman.

This move deepened the division within the opposition party, which has been struggling to maintain unity ahead of upcoming political activities.

Before this takeover, the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Damagum had earlier suspended several members perceived to be loyal to Wike, including Samuel Anyanwu.

Speaking to journalists shortly after assuming office, Abdulrahman stated that his leadership’s primary goal was to reconcile all factions and restore stability to the PDP.

He later convened a meeting at the secretariat with Anyanwu and other Wike-aligned officials.

As tensions rose, security operatives were deployed to the party headquarters.

At least 10 police Hilux patrol vans were seen stationed around the area to forestall any violent confrontation between the rival groups.

The Ekiti State Government has dismissed reports claiming it is constructing a new Governor’s Lodge in Abuja for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, at a cost of ₦1.8 billion.

The government described the reports, which also alleged that ₦470 million had already been spent on the project, as false, misleading, and deliberately aimed at deceiving the public.

In a statement released in Ado-Ekiti, the Special Adviser on Information and Value Orientation, Mr. Taiwo Olatunbosun, clarified that the said project was not a new construction, but rather the completion of an existing Governor’s Lodge inherited from the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

“Contrary to the claims, the budgetary provision is for the completion of an existing project, not the construction of a new lodge,” Olatunbosun explained.

“The project was awarded before Governor Oyebanji assumed office but could not be completed earlier due to insufficient budgetary allocations in previous years.”

He emphasized that the present administration is committed to continuity and fiscal discipline, hence its decision to allocate funds in the 2025 budget to complete the inherited project.

Olatunbosun described the portrayal of the project as a new residence for the governor and his deputy as “deceptive and inciting,” noting that the building is officially known as the Ekiti State Governor and Deputy Governor’s Lodge, a state property intended for successive administrations, not for personal use.

He further revealed that Governor Oyebanji has been staying in rented accommodation during his visits to Abuja for the past three years.

“If personal comfort had been his priority, he would have completed the project within his first year in office. The fact that he hasn’t shows his modesty, prudence, and focus on the welfare of Ekiti people,” Olatunbosun stated.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Olatunbosun said the completion of ongoing and inherited projects remains a key policy to ensure value for money and prevent the waste associated with project abandonment.

Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has urged President Bola Tinubu to remain vigilant amid growing tensions between Nigeria and the United States over reported attacks on Christians.

Ayodele’s warning follows accusations from the U.S. government that Nigeria has failed to prevent violence against Christian communities, with former U.S President Donald Trump allegedly threatening possible military action.

Speaking through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele described the escalating rhetoric from Washington as part of a broader plan to destabilize Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I have warned about America targeting Tinubu’s government, but it was ignored. When I spoke about a coup, some commentators dismissed it, yet events are unfolding as I predicted,” Ayodele said.

He alleged that the opposition has secured support from international allies to remove Tinubu from office.

“Whether Tinubu likes it or not, this is an orchestrated plan to weaken his government and pave the way for the opposition. The president must take this seriously,” he said.

Ayodele urged Tinubu to seek divine guidance and strengthen his administration’s internal cohesion.

“It’s a gang-up to remove you from office. Don’t sleep on this. More is coming. The American government does not want Tinubu in 2027,” he warned.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that Trump recently threatened Nigeria with military action, directing the Pentagon to prepare contingency plans over alleged failures to stop attacks on Christians.

In social media posts, Trump said Washington could withhold aid and “go in guns-a-blazing” if killings continue.

He instructed the “Department of War” to prepare for a rapid and decisive response.

This follows Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, a move that drew immediate criticism from President Tinubu.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suit challenges their alleged failure to investigate claims that lawmakers pay between ₦1 million and ₦3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions, and petitions at the National Assembly.

SERAP is pursuing the case on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.

The suit follows allegations by APC House member Ibrahim Auyo of Jigawa, who went public in a viral video in Hausa, claiming that lawmakers routinely pay bribes to sponsor bills and motions.

In its suit (FHC/L/CS/2214/2025), SERAP is seeking a court order of mandamus directing Akpabio and Abbas to refer the allegations to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies for investigation and prosecution.

The organisation is also asking the court to compel the duo to take measures to protect Auyo, the whistleblower.

SERAP described the bribery allegations as a serious violation of public trust and lawmakers’ constitutional oath.

According to the organisation, the claims, if true, undermine Nigerians’ democratic rights and make a mockery of legislative powers under Section 4 of the Constitution.

The lawsuit, filed by SERAP lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Kehinde Oyewumi, and Andrew Nwankwo, emphasises that the allegations reveal a troubling abuse of entrusted power, denying citizens their constitutional and democratic rights.

SERAP further stated that ensuring a thorough investigation would strengthen public trust in democratic institutions and reinforce the rule of law.

“Auyo is a whistleblower protected under Article 33 of the UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a signatory.”

“He has raised public interest concerns regarding the alleged ₦3 million Bribe-for-Bills at the National Assembly,” SERAP said.

“Addressing these persistent allegations of corruption and the culture of impunity in the legislature is crucial for the rule of law and public accountability.”

No hearing date for the suit has been set.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has voiced support for the suspension of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Umar Damagun, predicting that Damagun will leave office as abruptly as his predecessor, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

Fayose spoke on Sunday in Ado Ekiti, following the announcement by the faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led by PDP National Secretary Sam Anyanwu, which counter-suspended Damagun along with five other National Working Committee members.

Describing Damagun as incompetent, Fayose said he lacked the capacity to lead the party and “manipulated his way into office,” creating confusion within the PDP.

“You will recall this is the same way the Ayu crisis started, and Damagun will go the way of Ayu. His last service to the party was before the suspension,” he said.

Fayose also endorsed the new acting national chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdurrahman, praising him for emerging through a process of confidence following Damagun’s suspension.

“Damagun only represented an interregnum. Abdurrahman will now reposition the party, make necessary corrections in state chapters, and prepare for the convention. We assure him of the cooperation of all party members,” Fayose said.

He further warned that any legal challenges to Abdurrahman’s appointment would be handled properly through the courts.

Fayose emphasized the need for a leader who can unite the party, particularly amid ongoing crises in the South West, where he said governors were interfering in state chapters and blocking congresses.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has defended his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a move in the state’s best interest.

Speaking on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri said someone had to take the bold step for Bayelsa, and he did so on behalf of its citizens.

This marked his first public comments on the matter since resigning from the PDP on October 15, 2025.

Diri acknowledged that some people might not immediately understand his decision, but he insisted that with time, the rationale would become clear.

He emphasized that politics should focus on development and unity rather than conflict, and stressed the importance of the ongoing peace, security, and progress in Bayelsa.

“We prioritized completing uncompleted projects and initiated new ones, which is reason enough to thank God. The peace and security we are enjoying are further reasons for gratitude. Politics should be about development, not harming your fellow citizen,” Diri said.

Representing Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senior Policy Adviser Funkekeme Solomon highlighted that Bayelsa’s growth depends on unity, urging residents to continue supporting the Diri administration.

Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri as a unifier and said his move to APC was timely, noting that Bayelsa could no longer afford to remain in opposition as key national developmental decisions are being made.

Lokpobiri also issued a veiled warning against disloyalty to the governor, hinting at tensions with the Deputy Governor, who chose to stay with the PDP.

Niger Delta Development Commission Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku praised Diri’s administration, calling him a “godsend” due to the visible developmental strides in the state.

The Lagos State Police Command on Monday declared Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore wanted for allegedly planning a protest aimed at disrupting public order.

Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh made the announcement at Iyana-Oworo on the Third Mainland Bridge, accusing Sowore of instigating unrest during demonstrations against government demolitions in the Oworonshoki area.

“As Commissioner of Police, I hereby declare Omoyele Sowore wanted for acts likely to cause public disorder,” Jimoh told reporters.

In response to the protest threat, police deployed armoured vehicles and hundreds of officers across Lagos, sealing off access to Oworonshoki and dispersing protesters with tear gas.

Sowore, who had earlier arrived at the site, accused security forces of operating under “shoot-to-kill” orders before leaving the area.

The protest was sparked by the demolition of homes built along a pipeline corridor, with residents claiming that compensation from authorities was inadequate.

The police commissioner described the alleged plan as criminal, warning it could cause severe traffic congestion and endanger lives.

“It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” Jimoh said.

Police confirmed that 13 suspects had been arrested in connection with the planned protest, while Sowore reportedly fled. Investigations are ongoing to identify other collaborators and sponsors.

Sowore, recently released from detention in Abuja after the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, has faced multiple charges including treason and cyberstalking, and has repeatedly clashed with authorities over his activism.

In January, he was questioned over a viral video showing officers allegedly extorting motorists near Lagos airport; those officers were later disciplined.

On October 27, Jimoh had warned Sowore against entering Lagos, citing intelligence suggesting planned disturbances.

Police maintained a heavy presence at major points including Ojota, Maryland, Lekki Toll Gate, and Bariga.

Sowore, dismissing the police warning as a “badge of honour,” shared live footage of the protest and the deployment of tear gas on social media.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State government defended the demolitions, citing a 1990s urban master plan and safety concerns over illegal constructions along gas pipelines.

Jimoh added that eligible residents had already received compensation.

“The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest,” the commissioner said.