Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly responded to those calling for his removal from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that no one has the authority or courage to expel him from the party.

Speaking during a media parley on Monday in Abuja, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP while emphasizing his significant role and contributions to the party.

“I am still in PDP. I worked hard for the party. I have not seen anybody who will have the guts to tell me, Wike, you are not a member of the party,” he said boldly.

He went on to challenge those questioning his status within the PDP, asking rhetorically:

“Who is that? What is his contribution to the party that is more than me?”

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of several Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) accused of being affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter dated June 7, 2025, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation stressed the importance of appointing non-partisan individuals with proven integrity in order to preserve public trust in the electoral process.

“Public perception of the independence of INEC is essential for building confidence in the electoral process,” SERAP stated.

“Where Nigerians have doubts about INEC’s neutrality, they are more likely to lose trust in the electoral system, thereby undermining democracy.”

The group cited concerns over the nominations and Senate confirmations of Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom), Isah Shaka Ehimeakne (Edo), Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos), and Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers), all appointed in October 2023.

It urged the president to replace the appointees with non-partisan individuals and to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to prepare legislation aimed at strengthening INEC’s independence.

“The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend largely on the independence and impartiality of those appointed to manage the process,” the letter read.

SERAP referenced constitutional provisions such as Section 156(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits party affiliation among INEC members, and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule, which mandates that RECs must be of unquestionable integrity.

The group also cited Nigeria’s obligations under international frameworks like the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and guidance from the UN Human Rights Committee.

“The will of the people is expressed through democratic elections. This requires not just legal safeguards but also public confidence in the institutions conducting the process,” SERAP stated.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken urgently to ensure respect for the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections,” it concluded.

The Federal Government has announced that Thursday will be observed as a public holiday to mark the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.

This announcement was made in a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Magdalene Ajani, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ajani revealed that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, declared the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government and extended congratulations to Nigerians for maintaining 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.

“June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He further added, “The last 26 years tell the story of our resilience, strength, and courage, and a hope renewed than ever.”

Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the commitment of the Renewed Hope government under President Bola Tinubu to uphold the universal value of democracy, which is grounded in the freely-expressed will of the people in shaping Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural systems.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains the only credible opposition force capable of providing a strong challenge in Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This came as the Anambra State chapter of the PDP pleaded with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, to return to the party.

Obi defected to LP when he felt he could not achieve his presidential ambition within the PDP fold.

In response, sources in Obi’s media camp and the Obidient Movement said that their principal is a member of the Labour Party for now.

Speaking during a strategic engagement with party stakeholders, Saraki, who is the Chairman of the PDP Reconciliation Committee, expressed optimism over the party’s capacity to regain stability and mobilise effectively despite the current wave of defections.

He noted that while some members have exited the party, an encouraging number of new entrants have continued to swell its ranks nationwide.

“The only viable opposition party remains the PDP,” Saraki declared.

“Yes, we are experiencing some challenges, but I am confident in our ability to overcome them. There is already positive momentum.”

“People are returning to the party and new members are joining. This speaks volumes about the enduring strength of our platform,” he added.

Saraki emphasised that rebuilding efforts were already yielding results, citing recent meetings of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and ongoing reconciliation activities.

He said these efforts were designed to reposition the PDP for a stronger, more united outing in the next election cycle.

“We started early, and that gives us an advantage. We have two solid years to do the necessary groundwork.”

“Some members may still leave, but many more are joining us.
What is most important is that our foundation remains strong, and our resolve to present a credible alternative remains unshaken,” he stated.

The former Kwara State governor, who also completed his re-registration as a member of the PDP, described the response from grassroots supporters as highly encouraging.

He said the level of enthusiasm among both old and new members, particularly at the ward and local government levels, signals a resurgence of confidence in the party’s mission and direction.

“People are associating with the PDP again. They want to be seen and counted as members of this party. That says a lot about where we stand with the masses. Our base remains active and energized,” he said.

Saraki attributed the renewed interest in the PDP to growing dissatisfaction with governance at the federal and state levels.

He pointed to rising insecurity, unemployment, hunger, and a perceived lack of responsive leadership as key drivers of the public’s yearning for change.

“People are tired of the current state of affairs. They are yearning for a return to purposeful leadership and credible governance. That is what the PDP represents,” he added.

He assured party members and supporters nationwide that the PDP leadership is committed to internal reconciliation and strategic rebuilding, all geared toward repositioning the party to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“Democracy cannot thrive without a vibrant opposition. We must all be ready to make personal and collective sacrifices to strengthen the democratic process. That is our commitment in the PDP,” he submitted.

Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement camp also insisted that the 2023 presidential candidate is a member of the coalition’s camp.

The PDP made the call after the enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) to review the state of the party and chart a way forward in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The communique, which was signed by Chidi Chidebe, Chairman of PDP in Anambra, said alliances with ideologically incompatible political formations in the guise of coalitions would likely not yield the desired success.

“The committee extends an open invitation to all aggrieved and former members of the PDP in Anambra, particularly our revered former governor, Mr. Peter Obi, to return home and reunite with the now rejuvenated and restructured PDP.”

“We will gladly welcome our brothers and sisters back to join us in the collective quest for a better Nigeria,” he said.

He told the Anambra electorate to support Mr. Jude Ezenwafor and his running mate, Mr. Francis Okeke, in the November governorship election while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair, transparent, and impartial electoral process.

“We call on the good people of Anambra to remain steadfast in their historic support for the PDP and to come out en masse to vote for our candidates,” he said.

He announced the unanimous nomination of Chief Clems Ezike to fill the vacant position of National Ex-Officio from Anambra and urged the South-East Zonal Executive Committee under Chief Ali Odefa to recognise and transmit the same to the national secretariat.

He also commended the party leadership for a successful National Executive Committee meeting on May 27 and expressed satisfaction with the template for resolution of its internal crisis.

The Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced its commitment to forming alliances with other political parties to enhance governance both in the state and across Nigeria.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia on Saturday, the party’s state chairman, Don Obinna, said the ADC aims to secure various political offices in the 2027 elections, including the governorship of Abia State, as part of efforts to improve the quality of life for citizens and generate employment.

Obinna revealed that many politicians in Abia from different political backgrounds had indicated interest in joining the ADC.

He urged existing members to remain active and engaged in the party’s activities to retain their positions.

While acknowledging that the formation of alliances might lead to some loyal members being edged out, he clarified that the goal was constructive, not destructive.

He stated, “Although the alliance could result in many party faithful being displaced, its objective is not to destroy but to build the party.”

Explaining his reason for embracing the coalition effort, Obinna added, “I joined the coalition because I saw the need for Abia to have good governance.”

He also acknowledged the efforts of the current state governor but stressed that more was needed to address key issues like unemployment.

“The Abia governor is working,” he said, “but it is not enough to reduce the state’s unemployment rate, which stands at about 18.7 per cent.”

He emphasized that effective governance must touch all aspects of life for the people of Abia, saying the ADC is poised to bring about meaningful change.

“Good governance should impact every aspect of the lives of Abia residents,” he asserted, adding, “ADC was coming to change the story of the Abia people.”

The event’s keynote speaker, Uzoma Afamefuna, a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede in Imo State, echoed similar concerns.

He noted that the present administration had failed to confront the core challenges facing the public.

“The government in power had yet to address the real problems of the people,” Afamefuna said.

He underscored the importance of coalition-building to redirect Nigeria’s democratic trajectory and ensure a citizen-focused leadership approach.

“The good governance being clamoured for would solve most of the problems, especially insecurity,” he said.

According to him, the ADC’s initiative represents a significant step in the right direction.

“What ADC is doing today is what would advance Nigeria’s democracy because it would unlock Nigerians’ political potential to decide on their leaders,” Afamefuna concluded.

Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West in the Nigerian Senate, has announced plans to resign from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing irreconcilable differences with some recent entrants into the party, particularly former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

In an interview with journalists in Keffi on Sunday, Wadada said that while El-Rufai is his elder brother, he cannot share the same political platform with someone whose principles he no longer respects.

“Even though Malam El-Rufai is my elder brother, I don’t think I can stay with him in the SDP because he is not a principled politician,” Wadada stated.

The senator criticized El-Rufai’s political realignment, recalling his strong support for power rotation to the South and his key role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence as the APC presidential candidate and eventual winner.

Wadada questioned what had changed between then and now to warrant El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP, especially following his failure to secure a ministerial appointment.

“What changed in President Tinubu between the time El-Rufai supported him and now that he has defected to the SDP?” he asked.

Wadada described the move as self-serving and inconsistent with the values he believes a public servant should uphold.

He went on to praise Senator Abdullahi Adamu as a model of consistency and integrity, citing Adamu’s support for Senator Ahmad Lawan during the APC primaries and his continued loyalty to the APC even after Lawan’s loss.

“That’s the kind of politics I respect, principled, not opportunistic,” he said.

On national matters, Senator Wadada acknowledged the current economic hardships stemming from the removal of fuel subsidies, but expressed hope, pointing out that state governments now have more resources for development.

He commended Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for effectively using subsidy savings to improve infrastructure and welfare in the state.

“In Nasarawa State, the impact of the oil subsidy funds is visible everywhere, even to the most gullible and the blind,” he added.