Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially disbanded all his socio-political support organisations, most notably the widely influential Simplified Movement in a significant gesture aimed at fostering peace across the state.

Announcing the decision during a meeting on Saturday in Port Harcourt with his political family, including former Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, ex-cabinet officials, local government chairpersons, elders, women, and youth leaders.

Fubara explained the gravity of the move: “The sacrifice for total peace will be heavy,” he told the gathering, urging supporters to embrace the decision in good faith.

The announcement follows a major peace negotiation brokered less than a day earlier by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, bringing together Fubara, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State House Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the first meaningful step toward resolving the ongoing political impasse in the state.

At the Simplified Movement’s office, Fubara reassured attendees that the decision was made with collective interests at heart, emphasising the need for peace, stability, and developmental progress:

“I cannot abandon you people. This is the time for me to prove that I care for you. I make a commitment here that whichever way it goes, I will not abandon anybody. But the sacrifice we must make to achieve total peace will be heavy, and I want everyone to prepare for it.”

He acknowledged the disappointment and anxiety the peace agreement may provoke among loyalists but noted that leadership often requires difficult choices for the greater good.

Fubara lamented the crisis’s toll on governance and development across Rivers State, expressing optimism that reconciliation would rejuvenate stalled projects.

He also acknowledged Wike’s early contributions to his political rise:

“Nobody can take away the role the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, played. That’s the truth,”

“Yes, we might have our differences, but nobody can wish away the risks he took.” he added.

Calling for unity, he posed a rhetorical question to his followers:

“If we believe we are one family and that our interest is to support the President, then what’s the issue? If you say you’re with me, this is the time to prove it. Because it’s not even about me; it’s about the overall interest of the state.”

Fubara closed with a local metaphor to underscore the need for patience and humility:

“In my place, there’s a fish called Atabala — you call it Tilapia. The mother Tilapia tells the young ones, ‘If you want to grow as big as I am, you must hide your head in the mud.’ We’ve done our best. What we need now is peace so we can grow.”

Renowned investigative journalist and public commentator, David Hundeyin, has openly criticised Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, over what he describes as a troubling lack of clarity regarding his political intentions for the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded post on his X handle, Hundeyin accused Obi of being the “single biggest roadblock” to building a credible opposition capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election cycle.

“P.O. is the single biggest roadblock to mounting a challenge that has any chance of succeeding in 2027. The simple reason is that he has REFUSED TO DECLARE what he wants to do and where he stands,” Hundeyin wrote.

He expressed concern that Obi’s silence is creating uncertainty and confusion within opposition ranks and called on him to either declare an independent bid or openly align with the emerging anti-Tinubu coalition.

“Does he want to run independently like in 2023, or does he want to work with the so-called coalition to oust Tinubu 20 months from now? Nobody knows. Not the coalition, not the people around him, and I suspect, not even he himself,” he added.

Hundeyin warned that a repeat of the 2023 scenario—where opposition parties failed to unite in time—would likely doom any serious challenge to the incumbent administration.

He painted a grim picture of what could happen if Obi delays his decision again.

“The worst possible outcome between now and 2027 is for him to keep dilly dallying and telling contradictory things to different people, so that when this supposed coalition finally emerges, he will now announce 13 months to the election that he will run independently, and then we end up with another split opposition like last time out,” Hundeyin cautioned.

Reiterating that his stance stems from deep concern for Nigeria’s future and not personal feelings toward Obi, the journalist called on those close to the former Anambra governor to deliver a wake-up call.

“I care about Nigeria and its future WAYYYY more than I care about Peter Gregory Obi, so anyone who has his ear should better tell him to come out and declare where he stands and what he wants to do, so that we can collectively chart a path forward,” he wrote.

In an emotionally charged close, Hundeyin warned against letting indecision hinder national progress, urging Obi to take a stand—or step aside.

“One man’s political gamesmanship or lack of resolve, or indecision, or whatever the fok this is cannot be what keeps us inside the US State Department’s national jail for another 4 years of our productive lives.”

“If he wants to run alone, he should declare it NOW so that the country can back him. If he wants to work with the rest of the opposition, he should also come out and SAY SO OPENLY.”

“And if he is not ready to act like the leader that is needed at this moment in history, he should kindly step away and let a more resolute person take the wheel. This is not a fucking game,” he concluded.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has expressed satisfaction with the current political atmosphere in the state, attributing the prevailing peace and stability to the reconciliation and cooperation between himself and his former political rival, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga.

Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Enugu on Saturday, Governor Mbah revealed that Edeoga, who contested against him in the 2023 governorship election, has since returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is now working closely with him for the good of Enugu State.

“So we’re working closely together and that has also brought a lot of peace as we are not spending money dealing with all sorts of political fights. We are quite peaceful here in terms of politics and working together. We have to collaborate with an institution or a person in order to achieve our common goal and build our state,” he said.

Governor Mbah used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the PDP, dismissing rumours of defection.

“I am still in the PDP, as you can see, the flag behind me is that of the PDP,” he declared, making it clear that his loyalty to the party remains unwavering.

Acknowledging that the PDP is facing internal challenges, the governor maintained that such issues are not exclusive to his party.

He noted that all political parties in Nigeria face one form of crisis or another and expressed optimism that the PDP would resolve its issues in due course.

On the topic of independent candidacy, Governor Mbah pointed out that Nigeria’s constitution does not currently allow individuals to contest elections without party sponsorship.

“Our constitution does not recognise or have provision for someone to run as an independent candidate. It means you have to be sponsored by a political party. So, you must still do politics as you cannot completely shield yourself from it,” he explained.

Mbah further emphasized that his administration is focused on service and good governance, noting that the final decision on their performance rests with the people.

“It is also clear from the people of Enugu State that we are in this to serve them. We have focused largely on governance. I believe that at the end of the day, the people would have to decide whether they want to renew our mandate or kick us out,” he concluded.

Following the unexpected resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), intense pressure is reportedly mounting on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to relinquish his current role and assume the party’s top position, DAILY GAZETTE has learned.

However, in a swift response to circulating rumours, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that Akume remains in his position as SGF.

On Saturday night, Onanuga issued a brief statement refuting the claims of any leadership change.

“The information circulating about Akume’s replacement is untrue. Agents of mischief fabricated it. The Presidency advises Nigerians to disregard the fake news,” he stated.

Despite the rebuttal, sources within the party confirmed that calls for Akume to lead the APC have grown louder, especially from stakeholders in the North-Central geopolitical zone, who argue that it is time for the chairmanship to return to their region.

The renewed push comes after Ganduje’s resignation and in line with the APC’s 2022 zoning formula, which originally assigned the National Chairman role to the North-Central before it shifted to the North-West.

Ganduje, who emerged as chairman in August 2023 following Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s resignation, officially stepped down on Friday, citing health concerns.

His resignation ends a 22-month tenure marked by internal party challenges and strategic positioning ahead of 2027.

The development has revived agitation from North-Central APC leaders who feel their region was unfairly sidelined.

They now see an opportunity to reclaim the chairmanship, and many consider Akume, a former governor of Benue State and seasoned politician, as a frontrunner.

“The stakeholders believe that with Akume’s experience and track records, he is the best man for the job,” a party source revealed to THISDAY.

Following Ganduje’s exit, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Dalori, has assumed the role of Acting National Chairman in accordance with the APC’s constitution.

Dalori is expected to steer the party temporarily until a substantive replacement is announced by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in December.

It will be recalled that despite opposition from several groups in the North-Central region, the NEC in February reaffirmed the zoning of the party chairmanship to the North-West, leading to Ganduje’s continued leadership until his sudden resignation.

“Ganduje’s resignation led to the renewed agitation by the leaders of the party from the North-Central geopolitical zone to have the office of the National Chairman returned to the zone, in line with the 2022 zoning formula of the party,” a source noted.

While Akume himself has not publicly expressed interest in the position, insiders say his name is being actively promoted behind the scenes.

In fact, no fewer than five notable figures from the region are reportedly eyeing the chairmanship. They include:

Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura (former governor of Nasarawa State)

Senator Joshua Dariye (former governor of Plateau State)

Yahaya Bello (former governor of Kogi State)

Senator Solomon Ewuga

Senator Sani Musa (currently representing Niger East Senatorial District)

Meanwhile, the party is expected to hold key consultations in the coming weeks to settle the question of permanent leadership and zoning.

..Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi Backs Move

Barring any last-minute changes, the opposition coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections is set to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its unifying political platform.

Former Senate President, David Mark, is expected to serve as the party’s Interim National Chairman.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that the key players behind the coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi.

Multiple credible sources confirmed that Mark has accepted the offer to lead the party.

Although the position of National Secretary remains unresolved—following the rejection of the role by former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Ben Obi—insiders say a consensus is close.

The ADC is expected to be formally unveiled later this week.

President Tinubu’s administration has recorded mixed outcomes across various sectors, but leaders of the emerging opposition alliance have consistently accused the APC-led government of underperformance.

Despite their critiques, parties such as the PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, and SDP have continued to struggle with internal divisions.

In response, Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and others announced the formation of a coalition on March 20 in Abuja, sparking widespread debate over the possibility of a united opposition.

Since then, speculation has swirled regarding which party would serve as the coalition’s vehicle. According to multiple sources, the SDP was rejected due to its entrenched pro-Tinubu elements.

A top source involved in the coalition shared key details with DAILY GAZETTE, saying:

“What I can tell you is that we have all agreed on the ADC as the national coalition platform. So, ADC is our party, and that has been settled.”

He continued:
“Another significant development is that we have all agreed that former President of the Senate, David Mark, should serve as the Interim National Chairman.”

“We would have also resolved the issue of the National Secretary, but Aregbesola turned it down. He cited age and mentioned that his wife advised him to slow down. Senator Ben Obi also declined the offer.”

“So, we will settle that later. We had planned to unveil the party already, but Labour Party’s Peter Obi said he wanted to consult with his supporters, including a governor and some lawmakers.”

“Hopefully, we will make the official announcement this week. And we will all leave our political platforms for the ADC.”

Another insider confirmed that the coalition’s grassroots integration into the ADC has already begun:

“We adopted the ADC because time is no longer on our side, and INEC appears unwilling to register some of the political parties we previously proposed.”

“The agreement is that we will all leave our various parties and move to the platform we’ve agreed upon—ADC. Once it is unveiled, you will see each of us formally dumping our former platforms for the coalition party.”

He added:
“We have an important meeting scheduled for next Wednesday to finalise other key issues, including the position of National Secretary.”

“David Mark has already agreed to serve as the National Chairman. Our people have already joined the ADC. The current National Chairman of the ADC, along with some members of the party’s National Working Committee, will voluntarily step down to make room for the coalition leaders and ensure equitable distribution of party offices.”

Reacting to the developments, ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu praised David Mark as a fitting leader for the party, expressing his willingness to step aside for him.

“I am aware of the development. The conversation has been ongoing for about 18 months. We are all committed to rescuing Nigeria from the failed APC. Enough of poverty and insecurity.”

He added:
“There is no better detribalised Nigerian that can lead ADC than former Senate President, David Mark.”

“What we are doing is beyond politics and power grabbing, and if you look at it, one of the most disciplined, committed, and someone who thinks Nigeria first is former President of the Senate, David Mark.”

“No better person to do the job of ADC National Chairman and bring everybody together beyond politics than David Mark. I am ready to step aside and sacrifice for Nigeria. To me, Nigeria comes first. Our democracy has been compromised beyond everything, so we must move forward.”

On the anticipated defection of political bigwigs to the ADC, Nwosu said:

“In various ways, most of them have already been integrated. For example, in Anambra State, the person flying the ADC ticket is a chieftain of the Labour Party, and the running mate is a member of the PDP. So, these are LP and PDP leaders contesting under the ADC platform—you can see it’s already working.”

“Eighty per cent of those vying for various offices in the Federal Capital Territory under the ADC were, at some point, members of the PDP, LP, and even the APC.”

“Within the next week (this week), everything will be concluded, and they will be officially received. Everything will be wrapped up within this new week so that the party’s journey towards a new Nigeria can begin.”

A senior figure in Atiku’s camp, who requested anonymity, said that preparations for a formal declaration were at an advanced stage.

“Things are at a very advanced stage. A series of meetings were scheduled in the build-up to a formal declaration. Before next week runs out, the announcement will be made. I don’t want to put a specific date, but it will happen. It will be made with respect to the platform and the leadership of that platform.”

Meanwhile, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, affirmed that Peter Obi is open to any move that would help rescue the country.

“That is his position. In fact, you remember, right from the beginning, he has said that a coalition interested in taking people out of poverty, ensuring good security, addressing the health situation in Nigeria, improving education, and promoting economic well-being—that is what he stands for. That has been his position. As long as it is in the interest of Nigeria, he is in the coalition for that particular purpose.”

Tanko added:
“Yes, there may be a pronouncement in the coming days. We will call everybody and let you know. I am not in charge of the secretariat. The secretariat will let you know the date. I will not be able to tell you the platform they have settled for. When they announce it, they will let you know.”

“There is no need for us to be in a hurry. My message to Nigerians is this: I have always said—take a look at your kitchen and compare it to where it was before. Then you will know that you need to make a decision to make Nigeria better.”

Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, declined to comment on the matter, stating:
“I can’t speak on matters like this. I don’t speak for the coalition movement.”

Efforts to reach Paul Mumeh, David Mark’s media aide, were unsuccessful, but a reliable source close to the former Senate President confirmed that the role had likely been accepted:

“Yes, that may be true. But wait until next week for official confirmation.”

In reaction, APC’s Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the coalition as inconsequential and destined to fail.

“You see, in my language, Hausa, there is an adage: What the elder sees while sitting, the young cannot see even while standing. The fact that Aregbesola and the other man turned down the offer given to them says that the mission is dead on arrival.”

“So, there is nothing to worry about. In fact, ADC is not a platform that can fly. These people are making efforts, but their efforts will be in vain, and it will not in any way threaten or frighten the APC that is progressing.”

He continued:
“We are not worried about their shenanigans. We are not worried about what they are doing because we are confident that people are going to vote for us come 2027.”

“We are delivering; we are giving dividends of democracy, and we will continue to do so regardless of whatever efforts the coalition makes.”

“We welcome their efforts because it will only give us the strength and the stamina to repeat what was done in 2023. We have beaten them before. Beating them again will not be a problem.”

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating clearly that he has no intention of leaving the party.

Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Enugu on Saturday, Mbah emphasized his continued loyalty.

“I am still in the PDP, as you can see, the flag behind me is that of the PDP,’’ the governor said, dispelling speculations about his possible defection.

While acknowledging the internal challenges the PDP is currently grappling with, Mbah pointed out that such issues are not unique to his party.

He noted that political parties across the country face similar hurdles but expressed confidence in PDP’s ability to resolve its problems in due time.

Addressing the issue of independent candidacy in Nigeria’s political space, Mbah remarked: “Our constitution does not recognise or have provision for someone to run as an independent candidate. It means you have to be sponsored by a political party.”

“So, you must still do politics as you cannot completely shield yourself from it. It is also clear from the people of Enugu State that we are in this to serve them.”

“We have focused largely on governance. I believe that at the end of the day, the people would have to decide whether they want to renew our mandate or kick us out.”

Governor Mbah also disclosed that his opponent in the 2023 governorship election, Chijioke Edeoga, has since rejoined the PDP, and the two are now working together for the progress of Enugu State.

“So we’re working closely together and that has also brought a lot of peace as we are not spending money dealing with all sorts of political fights.”

“We are quite peaceful here in terms of politics and working together. We have to collaborate with an institution or a person in order to achieve our common goal and build our state,” he added.