Chaos erupted at a high-level All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in the North-East on Sunday after two key party leaders endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, without acknowledging Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The gathering, held in Gombe State, was attended by a host of APC dignitaries from the region, including governors, ministers, and lawmakers.

Among the top figures present was APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who led a federal delegation to the event.

During his address, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the party, gave his full backing for Tinubu to return as the APC’s unopposed presidential candidate, but made no mention of Vice-President Shettima.

That omission immediately sparked outrage among delegates.

DAILY GAZETTE correspondent reports that the moment he finished his speech, delegates at the forum started to hurl insults at him, with some threatening to attack him physically.

Salihu had to be escorted out of the hall by security personnel to avoid escalation.

In an attempt to douse tensions, Deputy National Chairman, Bukar Dalori, stepped in and offered a more balanced endorsement.

He declared support for both Tinubu and Shettima to seek a second term in office.

Notably, Shettima hails from Borno State, one of the North-East states represented at the meeting.

However, the situation escalated further when Ganduje himself took the stage and, like Salihu, failed to mention the Vice-President.

His speech, which lasted roughly 10 minutes, focused entirely on Tinubu’s leadership and aspirations for a second term.

“Ganduje didn’t also mention Shettima’s name throughout his speech,” our correspondent observed.

The omission added fuel to the fire, and the event came to an abrupt end.

Ganduje too was escorted out of the venue under tight security.

The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Yabagi Sani, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is behind the internal turmoil currently destabilizing several opposition parties in Nigeria.

While addressing a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 11, President Tinubu distanced himself from the internal conflicts within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and others, stating his administration had no hand in the issues facing the opposition.

However, in a press briefing held in Abuja, Sani directly contradicted the president’s claims, accusing him of deliberately stifling political pluralism in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He warned that Nigeria’s democratic gains were under threat.

According to Sani, “Never again to the recycling of impunity. Never again to the return of dictatorship by other means.”

He continued, “Let the lesson of June 12 be clear: when responsibility fails, accountability must rise. If we forget that, we dishonour the heroes who gave everything for the democracy we now take for granted.”

“Let every citizen rise, for freedom, for justice, for Nigeria. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Sani did not mince words as he accused the president of undermining the nation’s multiparty democracy.

“Bola Tinubu is dismembering the political space, and he is saying he’s not killing the political space. That is what I think is happening,” he said.

He added, “The rhetoric does not match what their actions are. So this is why I believe he has to wake up to the fact that Nigeria of today is different from what it used to be.”

Expressing concern over the state of democracy, Sani emphasized the collective national investment in democratic processes.

“We do not want to lose this democracy. We’ve invested so much into it and that’s why we are saying what we are saying,” he stated.

Despite acknowledging Tinubu’s democratic credentials, Sani suggested the president may be out of touch with dissenting voices.

“Because he is a democrat, he knows what we are talking about. But perhaps because he has an echo chamber around him, in the sense that the only people he has good talks with are his cronies, he does not hear something different from another person.”

Sani further expressed disappointment in the president’s remarks suggesting disunity among the opposition would benefit the nation.

“So saying that it’s not killing democracy or Nigeria is not moving towards a one-party state is a lie,” Sani said.

“It is a lie because as a president, I was even disappointed when he said that he’s praying that the opposition will be in disarray. I mean, when you’re a president of the country, at that point in time, you are not representing your party. You represent the interests of everybody, including the opposition and what have you.”

PDP Notifies INEC Of June 30 NEC Meeting, Wike Warns That Excluding Anyanwu From NEC Proceedings Could Further Exacerbate The Party’s Crisis.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its plan to hold its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30, 2025.

In a letter dated May 30 and addressed to the INEC Chairman, acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, disclosed that the NEC meeting will take place at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

The notification complies with INEC’s 21-day notice requirement for NEC meetings, particularly those deliberating critical issues such as the office of the National Secretary.

A copy of the letter, obtained by DAILY GAZETTE and referenced PDP/DOM/GF.2/VOL.1J/25-078, confirmed that INEC acknowledged receipt on May 30.

A senior party member, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, explained that the NEC gathering aims to resolve longstanding internal matters.

According to the insider, the agenda includes resolving the tussle over the National Secretary position, ratifying zonal congresses, and reviewing key committee reports and recommendations.

The PDP has been entangled in internal crises both before and after the 2023 general elections.

These include disputes in Rivers State, unresolved congress issues in the South-South and South-East, the controversial National Secretary contest, and a recent dispute from the North-Central zonal congress.

These challenges have intensified internal tensions across multiple regions, further deepening party divisions.

The protracted conflicts have forced the postponement of the NEC meeting six times, delaying strategic decisions vital to the party’s future.

As a result, influential members like Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno have switched allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response to the National Secretary controversy, a fact-finding committee led by Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, concluded that INEC officially recognized Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the PDP’s National Secretary.

This finding was shared during a National Caucus meeting held on May 27 in Abuja.

Despite this, the 99th NEC meeting held that same day refrained from addressing the issue, opting instead to reconvene on June 30.

Damagun’s letter to INEC, titled “Notice of 100th National Executive Committee Meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party,” reads in part:

“We write to formally inform and invite INEC that the leadership of our great party, PDP has scheduled our 100th NEC meeting to hold on Monday, June 30, 2025 at the National Secretariat of our party, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.”

“This is for the commission’s information and necessary action, please. While thanking you for your usual cooperation, kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter and please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

Attempts to reach Damagun and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, for comment were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to phone calls or text messages.

Meanwhile, allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that excluding Senator Anyanwu from NEC proceedings could further exacerbate the party’s internal crisis.

However, the insider maintained that Damagum’s action followed the directive agreed upon at the 99th NEC.

“The letter is in order. The 99th NEC had already scheduled and announced June 30 as the date for the 100th NEC meeting.

Due to many unresolved issues from the last meeting, the party had to write INEC ahead of the next NEC meeting to ensure the commission is involved in efforts to address those pending matters.

“Don’t forget that the 99th NEC set up the National Convention Committee, the Zoning Committee, and assigned other responsibilities. So, the upcoming meeting will approve and populate the committees, as well as receive reports where necessary.

“Apart from that, the 100th NEC may also take decisive action to resolve the dispute over the National Secretary position and is expected to ratify the zonal congresses, among other key matters.”

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections, citing the president’s impactful policies, particularly in agriculture and livestock development.

Yahaya made his endorsement on Saturday during the ground-breaking ceremony of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in Gombe State.

He praised President Tinubu’s administration for initiating reforms that, according to him, have significantly benefited both the state and the broader Nigerian economy.

The governor highlighted the advancements made in the livestock sector since Tinubu assumed office in 2023, noting that the president’s administration has prioritized economic growth, job creation, and the overall welfare of Nigerians.

He pointed to the Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in Gombe as a major beneficiary of federal support, revealing that the Tinubu-led government approved ₦120 billion for the project, with half of the funds already disbursed.

“I assure the President that for what he has done, is doing, and will do, Gombe people will follow him to the battlefield blindfolded,” Yahaya declared.

“We will work for his success in 2027. By God’s grace, his re-election is assured,” he added.

Governor Yahaya underscored the significance of the president’s investments in the livestock value chain, describing it as a much-needed boost for Northern Nigeria, where the sector plays a central role in livelihoods.

“If not for a President who loves his people and has the capacity and will, this transformation would not have happened,” Yahaya said.

“No Northern leader in 47 years of power considered investing ₦120 billion to transform the livestock sector, despite it being a predominantly Northern industry.”

He also commended President Tinubu’s broader agricultural agenda and reaffirmed his belief that current economic reforms, though challenging, are necessary for long-term national progress.

Yahaya assured Nigerians that under Tinubu’s leadership, the country is on course for a better future.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing for a significant restructuring of its leadership, a move that could mark the end of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s long-standing dominance within the party.

The shift is part of a proposal to rotate top positions within the National Working Committee (NWC) among states, even as geopolitical zones retain their overall allocations.

The proposed changes stem from the recommendations of a high-powered committee led by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

According to the committee’s report, no state will retain any of the key positions it currently holds.

Party insiders say the plan is intended to promote fairness, decentralize influence, and energize the party’s base as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.

If approved, the rotation policy would disqualify several top office holders, including Acting National Chairman Illya Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, from retaining their seats at the PDP’s August national convention.

The recommendations are set to be presented at the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 30.

The anticipated shake-up is already creating political ripples within the party.

Damagum, sources say, is considering defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the 2027 Yobe State governorship, a move reportedly encouraged by his close ally, Governor Mai Mala Buni.

However, a party source cautioned, “Even if he defects, he will be blocked by Wike, who remains a powerful voice in the APC.”

Beyond leadership restructuring, the PDP’s internal zoning conversation is also shaping the debate around its 2027 presidential ticket.

A senior party official observed: “To be honest, the Atiku era is over. The mood of the party and the country is clearly in favour of the South, especially the South-East.”