As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its upcoming national convention, internal tensions have deepened, with the camp of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike expected to meet today to decide its stance on the process.

Wike, speaking on a Channels Television programme, denied knowledge of any approved venue for the convention and rejected claims of a parallel convention being planned by his group.

“I’m a NEC member, and I have not been informed of any decision on a venue,” he said. “How can a few individuals gather and call that NEC? Until NEC properly meets, no one can say where the convention will be held.”

His remarks were in response to reports that the PDP had fixed Ibadan, Oyo State, as the venue for its convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025.

Wike dismissed the legitimacy of such reports, stating there had been no formal vote or decision by the party’s highest decision-making body.

Despite speculation that Wike’s faction is uneasy with the arrangements led by the Convention Planning Committee, the PDP has insisted that preparations are on track and inclusive.

National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, pushed back against rumours of internal sabotage or alternative conventions.

He confirmed that the planning committee, chaired by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, had already begun consultations and set up sub-committees, with full representation from all party organs and stakeholders.

“The NEC-approved convention in Ibadan remains on course,” Ologunagba said.

“We are engaging with INEC, and all key stakeholders, including the BoT, Governors’ Forum, and state chapters, are involved. Talk of a parallel convention is pure speculation, possibly a hallucination.”

Meanwhile, Wike used the same media appearance to defend President Bola Tinubu against mounting public criticism over the economy.

He acknowledged the widespread hardship but argued that the administration’s policies, though tough, were necessary for long-term stability.

Wike singled out former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and ex-Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, for what he described as “personal attacks” on Tinubu.

“There’s a difference between criticism and insults. Governance isn’t about everyone seeing the President. There are channels, and ministers are part of that process,” Wike said, alleging that Lawal’s discontent stemmed from political disappointment after not securing the vice-presidential slot in 2023.

Buba Galadima, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and a close ally of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed any chances of the former Kano State governor aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Galadima described any such alliance as highly unlikely, citing alleged antagonism from the Tinubu-led federal government toward Kwankwaso and the Kano State Government.

“It will be extremely difficult for Kwankwaso to support Tinubu in 2027,” Galadima said.

“This is someone who stood his ground and defeated APC in Kano. He hasn’t told me, nor has he told anyone close to him, that he plans to support Tinubu.”

Galadima criticized the Tinubu administration for what he called federal interference in Kano’s traditional leadership, specifically its support for Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, despite his removal by the Kano State Government led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a Kwankwaso protégé.

“The federal government is clearly backing their preferred emir. They’ve deployed over 40 police vehicles to guard him. What’s their interest?” he asked.

“There’s now a federal emir and a state emir — two emirs in one city? This is a constitutional aberration. The power to appoint and pay emirs lies with the state, not Abuja.”

He also took issue with federal courts intervening in what he described as a purely chieftaincy matter, questioning the legal and political motivations behind recent court rulings.

Galadima denied any backchannel talks between the NNPP and the APC, insisting that such discussions would not happen without his knowledge.

“Maybe I’m not the closest to him, but we talk often, and he’s never mentioned anything about aligning with Tinubu,” he said.

He further emphasized Kwankwaso’s grassroots appeal in Kano, noting that the former governor’s popularity stems from his tangible achievements and direct connection with the people.

“Kano people trust him because they’ve seen what he has done. That’s why he remains politically relevant.”

While Galadima said the NNPP has not finalized its strategy for the next general election, he hinted that the party intends to play a major role.

“Wherever you see us in 2027, know that’s where the next government will come from.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has alleged that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, became critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration because he was not selected as vice president.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike claimed that Lawal’s disappointment stemmed from being passed over for the running mate position during the 2023 elections.

“When Mr. President was to choose his vice-presidential candidate, Babachir Lawal visited me in Port Harcourt,” Wike recounted.

“He was angry because he expected to be chosen. When that didn’t happen, he lost it and turned against Tinubu.”

Babachir Lawal has recently voiced sharp criticism of the Tinubu-led administration, particularly regarding its policy decisions and leadership style.

Wike, however, dismissed Lawal’s remarks as driven by personal grievances rather than genuine concern for governance. He said Lawal’s frustrations were obvious and not difficult to interpret.

“It was very clear. We are not kids. Even an intelligent child would understand the root of his anger,” Wike said.

He also advised that if Lawal had issues with the president, he should have addressed them directly and respectfully, rather than going public with harsh criticisms.

“There is nothing wrong with expressing dissatisfaction. But there’s a proper way to do it, not through disrespect,” Wike added.

A northern advocacy group, the Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum (NENF), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider any plans to run with a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the group, led by Dr. Dominic Alancha, emphasized the importance of religious and ethnic balance in national leadership, stressing that repeating the same religious pairing from the 2023 elections could deepen divisions and jeopardize national unity.

NENF argued that the 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket sparked widespread discontent among Christian communities, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and rekindled fears of marginalization and religious bias.

The group warned that persisting with such an arrangement in 2027 could cost the All Progressives Congress (APC) critical support in key Middle Belt and northern states.

They specifically cited Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, the FCT, and parts of Southern Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, and Gombe regions where Northern Christians hold significant electoral influence as areas where the APC could lose ground if diversity concerns are ignored.

Despite expressing confidence in Vice President Kashim Shettima’s competence, NENF argued that his continued presence on the ticket would not be enough to address growing perceptions of exclusion.

Instead, they proposed that a Christian vice-presidential candidate from Plateau, Bauchi, or Taraba would enhance APC’s appeal while still upholding merit and competence.

The forum, which claims to represent 127 ethnic nationalities across Northern Nigeria, also voiced concern over a possible political alliance between Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, saying such a Christian-Muslim coalition could pose a serious challenge to the APC.

“As Nigeria grapples with insecurity, hunger, and growing sectarian tension, the country needs a leadership team that reflects its rich diversity,” NENF stated.

“This is an opportunity for President Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship and inclusivity. Choosing a credible Northern Christian running mate could be a defining decision for 2027.”

The group vowed to mobilize its network, reportedly over 20 million members, to support Tinubu’s re-election if a more inclusive ticket is adopted.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has announced that key strategic decisions will be taken at its upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for August 28, 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP said it will deliberate on a range of issues, including potential alliances, internal party structures, and the political direction it will adopt heading into the next electoral cycle.

Among the topics on the agenda are the review of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, preparations for the party’s congresses and national convention, recent bye-election assessments, and plans for a large-scale membership drive.

Responding to widespread speculation about the NNPP’s political alignment ahead of 2027, Johnson emphasized that the party remains open to multiple pathways but will prioritize its founding principles and national interest in any decision it makes.

He stated, “As we have consistently said, politics is dynamic. While the NNPP is exploring all options, our decisions will remain anchored in the values and vision that define us.”

Johnson reaffirmed that the party is considering three possible courses of action:

1. Forming a coalition or alliance with other political forces,
2. Contesting the 2027 election independently under the NNPP banner,
3. Endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election.

“These options will be extensively debated and decided upon during the NEC meeting. We urge our members and supporters to stay calm and trust the leadership to act in the best interest of the country and the party,” he added.

The NNPP also called on its members and supporters to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise and prepare for a nationwide mobilization and membership registration campaign in the coming weeks.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has announced that key strategic decisions will be taken at its upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for August 28, 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP said it will deliberate on a range of issues, including potential alliances, internal party structures, and the political direction it will adopt heading into the next electoral cycle.

Among the topics on the agenda are the review of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, preparations for the party’s congresses and national convention, recent bye-election assessments, and plans for a large-scale membership drive.

Responding to widespread speculation about the NNPP’s political alignment ahead of 2027, Johnson emphasized that the party remains open to multiple pathways but will prioritize its founding principles and national interest in any decision it makes.

He stated, “As we have consistently said, politics is dynamic. While the NNPP is exploring all options, our decisions will remain anchored in the values and vision that define us.”

Johnson reaffirmed that the party is considering three possible courses of action:

1. Forming a coalition or alliance with other political forces,
2. Contesting the 2027 election independently under the NNPP banner,
3. Endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election.

“These options will be extensively debated and decided upon during the NEC meeting. We urge our members and supporters to stay calm and trust the leadership to act in the best interest of the country and the party,” he added.

The NNPP also called on its members and supporters to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise and prepare for a nationwide mobilization and membership registration campaign in the coming weeks.