Prince Arthur Eze, the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, has described President Bola Tinubu as “God’s gift to Nigeria,” commending his leadership, reform-focused governance, and emphasis on national unity.

In a documentary being prepared by the State House to mark President Tinubu’s second year in office, Eze expressed his admiration for the President, noting his belief that Tinubu’s leadership was divinely ordained.

“God doesn’t make mistakes. That man, Tinubu, was created for a purpose. God gave him the power to change lives,” Eze stated.

According to the renowned businessman and philanthropist, Tinubu stands out as a unifier with a sincere and humble approach to leadership.

“Tinubu has no enemies. He is a unifier. He speaks with humility and honesty; that’s why we admire him,” he added.

Drawing from his personal experiences during the Nigerian civil war and his deep ties to the Southeast, Eze highlighted the current administration’s strides in promoting inclusion and development in the region.

“What Tinubu has done for the Southeast, nobody else has. He gave us the Minister of Works, the Minister of Science and Technology, and the Southeast Development Commission. This is an opportunity for the Igbo to unite with the rest of Nigeria,” he emphasized.

Eze also voiced strong support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in Tinubu’s fulfillment of his campaign pledges.

He acknowledged the challenges Tinubu inherited upon assuming office, saying, “God has given him the wisdom to change Nigeria for the good of the present and future generations.”

Urging unity and cooperation from all Nigerians, Eze called for collective support of the President’s vision.

“He’s not a man of division, whether Christian or Muslim, he respects all. All he asks is that we pray to God and work together,” he said.

He concluded with a prayer for national progress and leadership guidance.

“May God guide Nigeria and President Tinubu. He gave him this power and will help him complete the job.”

The Benue State Government has firmly dismissed claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia is considering a departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), amid recent reports suggesting internal party tensions.

In a statement released on Sunday, Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, labeled the report as false and a reflection of “yellow journalism” often practiced by certain online platforms.

Kula emphasized that while opposition governors are now aligning with the APC due to its “policies and wonderful performances” under President Bola Tinubu, it would be “laughable and lame for a media house and its sponsors to even think the governor would contemplate leaving the party he is sponsoring in the state.”

Reiterating Alia’s unwavering loyalty, Kula said there was no ambiguity about the governor’s commitment to the APC.

“He had been an active participant in the affairs of the party, including the recent endorsement of President Tinubu as the APC sole candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential elections,” he noted.

He pointed to Alia’s attendance at both zonal and national party events as further evidence that contradicts “the false narrative of a strained relationship with the Presidency.”

Addressing the claim of internal crisis, Kula insisted: “Again, the APC leadership in the state is in no crisis as claimed in the unfounded report.”

“The party under the chairmanship of Hon. Benjamin Omale, has a super working relationship with the governor, and has been performing its functions effectively, both at the state and national level, as was seen recently during the APC Summit in Abuja.”

Kula also expressed concern over what he described as deliberate misinformation.

“It is appalling and disappointing how a medium could blatantly publish lies to cast doubts on the attendance of a personality like a state governor in an occasion he attended along with his colleagues with full media coverage.”

He urged the public to be cautious of unreliable news sources, saying: “We urge readers and the general public to yet again, disregard this fake news report and to always rely on credible sources of information rather than fake information mediums.”

Concluding the statement, Kula made it clear that Governor Alia has no intentions of leaving the ruling party.

“The governor has no plans to defect from the APC, especially as Benue State stands to benefit more under the party and the Tinubu led presidency.”

“He will continue to deliver good governance to the people of the Benue State on the APC platform they elected him,” he said.

Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu Science & Tech Commissioner

The Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, has commended Governor Peter Mbah for significantly advancing digitalisation, innovation, and technology-driven development in the state within just two years in office.

Speaking to journalists on Monday in Enugu, Dr. Ezeh highlighted Governor Mbah’s transformative efforts in positioning Enugu as a hub of disruptive and impactful innovation across multiple sectors.

According to Ezeh, “Gov. Mbah ensured effective implementation of robust digital infrastructure, training and retraining of all government employees and functionaries, eliminating paper usage, enshrining proper information and data management, facilitating online transactions and effective citizens engagement.”

He emphasized that the governor, known for his deep appreciation of innovation and technology, has gone beyond rhetoric to actively support their integration across government structures and public services.

One major achievement, Ezeh said, is the introduction of e-governance through the establishment of digital infrastructure aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement across ministries and government departments.

He added, “Through the Ministry, Gov. Mbah introduced Geographic Information System (GIS) to the Ministry of Lands; and the system capabilities can help the state optimise land administration processes, prevent encroachment and support sustainable development initiatives.”

The commissioner also highlighted collaborative innovation projects, including a partnership with the Project Development Institute (PRODA) to produce a multi-biomass briquette cooking stove.

This initiative addresses energy challenges while offering affordable and sustainable cooking solutions.

“In 2024, the state invested heavily in youth empowerment through skilling up and up-scaling in tech-innovation, through these youth empowerment programmes cultivated a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, enterprise, leadership and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come,” he said.

Ezeh further revealed that the Ministry initiated the regulation of traditional medicine practice, aiming to enhance public health and bridge the gap between indigenous and modern healthcare.

“This is to safeguard public health, uphold ethical standards and promote collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare professionals,” he noted.

To consolidate its long-term tech vision, the state established Enugu Smart Tech Ltd., an independent entity in collaboration with e-School Africa.

The company will support the rollout of 260 Smart Schools, one in each ward, under construction across Enugu.

“This initiative effort between the state government and e-School Africa is set to revolutionise education through the provision of state-of-the-art tech devices to the 260 Smart schools currently under construction across the 260 wards in Enugu State,” he said.

He explained that the Smart Schools are designed to close the digital divide and ensure equal access to tech-enabled education for both rural and urban students.

The collaboration brings in technical expertise and a sustainable approach to digital learning.

On the promotion of traditional medicine innovation, the ministry recently organized a trade fair and introduced certification for traditional healers, fostering credibility, research, and economic empowerment.

“The Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Trade Fair was not just an exhibition, it was a reference point on how indigenous knowledge is treated in policy and practice,” Ezeh stated.

“The key impacts included: creating credibility and trust; economic empowerment; and research catalysis; as this initiative underscores the ministry’s broader philosophy: innovation doesn’t have to mean abandoning the old, it can also mean elevating it.”

Another groundbreaking innovation was the completion of the coal briquette stove, developed using Enugu’s abundant coal dust.

The commissioner described it as a “game-changer” for both households and small industries.

“The stove is a game-changer in more ways. Designed to use compressed coal dust, readily available in Enugu’s resource-rich terrain, it offers a cleaner, safer alternative to traditional firewood or inefficient stoves,” he said.

Ezeh noted its potential for broad adoption, citing benefits like environmental sustainability, affordability, and industrial utility, while positioning Enugu as a leader in local green technology solutions.

He also highlighted the successful hosting of the Enugu Tech Festival, which attracted more than 15,000 participants from across Nigeria.

The festival, he said, has become a critical platform for nurturing talent, fostering partnerships, and energizing the startup ecosystem.

“The three-day unprecedented event attended by over 15,000 participants nationwide included tech entrepreneurs, software developers, university researchers, and venture capitalists and it provided fertile ground for partnerships, networking and mentorships,” Ezeh stated.

He added that the event featured hackathons, pitch sessions, and innovation labs, producing real-time innovations and elevating Enugu’s status in the national tech space.

“Even as the festival’s success signals more than public enthusiasm, it reflects the administration’s ability to convene stakeholders and accelerate grassroots innovation,” he said.

In his concluding remarks, Ezeh lauded the governor’s visionary leadership for building a development model centered on ideas, sustainability, and self-reliance.

“Not simply reactive, but proactive. Not dependent on Federal allocations or donor aid but anchored in the power of ideas and local solutions. While challenges remain, scaling innovation, sustaining funding, and ensuring equitable digital access across rural zones, the trajectory is unmistakable,” he said.

“The foundational groundwork has been laid, and the future is being built with intentionality. The Future of tech-innovation is invented in Enugu State.

“Under the stewardship of Gov. Mbah and the ministry, Enugu State has emerged as a living laboratory for disruptive and transformative change, rooted in tradition, driven by technology, and propelled by public engagement.”

Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial District, has spoken out against the continued closure of Ogbo Ogwu Market in Onitsha by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), labeling the action as a “clear case of regulatory overreach.”

In a statement released over the weekend, Nwoye called on both the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government to urgently intervene and put an end to what he described as a “gross injustice.”

The market, which has been shut since February 2025 following a NAFDAC raid targeting the sale of counterfeit drugs, saw more than 5,000 shops sealed.

However, the senator emphasized that the punitive action extended beyond pharmaceutical vendors, affecting a wide range of traders.

“Entire sections of the market, including traders dealing in non-pharmaceutical items such as paints, plumbing materials, and accessories, were unjustly shut down,” Nwoye said.

While reiterating the importance of accountability, he added that “traders found culpable in dealing with fake and contraband drugs in the market should be punished.”

He recalled visiting the market shortly after the raid alongside prominent figures including former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as well as other lawmakers.

According to him, the delegation met with affected shop owners and witnessed the severe toll the closure had taken on their businesses and livelihoods.

NAFDAC’s financial demands also came under sharp criticism from the senator.

He condemned the agency’s requirement of a ₦500,000 fee per shop, later raised to ₦700,000, for reopening, labeling it “exploitative” and saying it lacked “any legal basis.”

“To punish over 5,000 traders indiscriminately without due process is to violate both the spirit and letter of the law,” he stated.

“This is not regulation, it is economic persecution.”

The statement highlighted that over 1,000 traders have already paid the imposed fee, while many more remain unable to meet the financial demand.

Nwoye also questioned why such extensive sanctions had not been implemented in other markets across the country and called for an immediate refund to those who have already made payments.

He appealed to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to take stronger action to bring the issue to a resolution.

“Ogbo Ogwu Market must be reopened without further delay,” he declared.

“I stand in solidarity with the traders and will continue to use all legislative and legal means to press for justice.”

Concluding his statement, the senator urged authorities to ensure fairness and transparency in regulatory enforcement across Nigeria, cautioning against policies that undermine economic activity and violate the rights of citizens.

On Thursday, October 13, 2022, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2023 general elections, as he then was, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, at the Law Auditorium of the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, unveiled his manifesto before thousands of supporters.

I recall that of the 4 major contenders in the governorship race under different political parties, Mbah was the first to present his manifesto.

He would later go on to have so many firsts to his credit. I also recall that the crowd was so thronged on the day that it was difficult for bigwigs to gain entrance into the auditorium at the time.

Back to the story – at the end of the manifesto unveiling, while he gave us metrics to gauge his tangibles, we did not know at the time that we would get more than we bargained for.

You see, Governor Peter Mbah, like all transcendental leaders, is a premium package that comes with more as you untie it.

When Mary Slessor, the Scottish missionary who arrived in Calabar, Nigeria, in 1876, came with the message of Christ’s gospel, she did not know that she was going to achieve more than soul winning – becoming the person most widely credited with significantly stopping the killing of twins.

When Peter set out to honour his charter with the citizens of Enugu State, little did he know that beyond paved rural and urban roads; Smart schools & Type 2 Healthcare centres in all the 260 political wards of the state; several modern bus interchange; revamped transport system, inclusive of Enugu air, with 2 planes already and more likely underway; the planned intra-rail system; deployed CNG Buses and electric taxis; he would go on to achieve what he did not promise us – his intangibles.

None, not even Peter himself, could have envisioned that after recently completing the abandoned International Conference Center, where both the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors and the Nigerian Bar Association will be hosting their conferences; after the concessioning of the Nike Lake Hotel to Landmark Africa Group; and rehabilitating most of the infrastructure by the former Premier, Dr. M.I Ọkpara, like the Hotel Presidential, Nigergas company, etc; we would gaze into the clouds to behold the beautiful rainbows of his intangibles.

For me, I reckon that the heaviest of Peter’s intangibles is that to hail from or reside in Enugu has become a thing to be coveted, a bragging right of some sort.

To come from Enugu means to be gazed upon with an admixture of envy and jealousy. To come from Enugu means to relive the nostalgia of the Enugu Rangers Football club of the 70s and yet bask in today’s euphoria of this team rebranded by Peter that tells the story of who we are.

To come from Enugu means to walk the streets and see people adorn Rangers’ jerseys as though they were jerseys of English clubs.

To come from Enugu means to go to the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium on a day that Rangers will play to behold a stadium filled to the brim. To come from Enugu means to normalize the sight of international athletes participating in the city’s marathon.

To come from Enugu means that while you can now go out on Mondays, walking or driving in a rebirthed capital city, fitted with day and night vision cameras, you have an Enugu State Security Trust Fund worth more than 3 billion naira, donated by private individuals and corporate bodies, giving your senses an aroma of heightened security.

To come from Enugu means that you are awed by the numerous projects of today – all going on at the same time – yet knowing deep down that more brilliant projects are in the governor’s pipeline.

To come from Enugu means that your state is Guinness Nigeria Plc’s first port of call in unveiling the English Premier League Trophy to the entire nation, among others.

Consider these. Peter is relocating slum dwellers in Agu-Owa and Ugbo-Lawrence slums, two out of the 25 slums in Enugu metropolis, with the development of relocation sites at Akpuoga Nike Estate to resettle the occupants of the slums, with each of the families getting a two-bedroom flat and a Certificate-of-Occupancy to the property, all at no cost to them.

Peter, together with the seventeen local government chairmen, has initiated the construction of a farm estate per ward, measuring 200 hectares.

The idea is this – the council chairmen will fence the estates per ward in their respective local governments, provide equipment for mechanized farming, ensure water, electricity, settlements, etc, are available in these farms, then give farmers in each of the farm estates high yield seeds to plant.

At the end of the planting season, Peter’s Enugu State government will handsomely purchase the produce from each of the farmers who are residents and indigenes of their wards, export the same and go on to share the profit from the export between the farmers in those farm estates and their local government.

This is no brainchild of a simple mind.

Peter’s mind works in a way that is esoteric. His programs defy logical reasoning so much that it makes sense to doubt them. Yet, for every ounce of doubt you share today, he makes mincemeat of it tomorrow.

Reflecting, it only made sense that we did not see these coming – yet with Peter on the saddle, these seem like just a mere glimpse of the whole picture.

On the occasion of his second anniversary, take it or leave it – Peter stands twice as tall, and months from now, when we will head to the polls to re-elect Peter in 2027, the nay-sayers will, on Enugu’s scenic hills, hear the choruses and chants of “victory at last” while the yea-sayers will sing Nathaniel Bassey’s “See what the Lord has done”.

And so, even if in years to come, we cannot remember anything else, we will remember the gusto with which, from 2023 to 2031, we said “I am from Enugu State”.

We will remember that Peter reminded us of what Democracy ought to be – a treasure trove for the people.

Onochie Jon-Igwesi, an indigene of Enugu, writes from Omuoha-Obuoffia, Awkunanaw.

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has expressed enthusiasm over the potential candidacy of Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election.

Obi, who was the LP’s standard bearer in 2023, recently announced that he would once again seek the presidency on the party’s platform.

Reacting to Obi’s declaration, the LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, told DAILY GAZETTE that the party welcomed the development.

“We are excited about the news. If we have waited all these while for two years with all the things that happened, we can still wait for tomorrow and the next, for the whole thing to crystallise.”

“Then we can now begin to talk about the way forward,” he said.

Acknowledging the political realities, Ifoh added, “Let me start by saying politics is all about interest.”

“The interest of every Nigerian, including the Labour Party, is to have a government that can help Nigerians come out of the doldrums and not enter into more crises, whether political, social or economic.”

Despite the internal rift within the party, where Obi and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, are reported to support a rival leadership effort, the Abure faction maintains that Obi’s 2023 performance was commendable.

“I believe there are so many Nigerians who have that capacity and who can also help Nigeria come out. In 2023, we gave Peter Obi the ticket and he didn’t disappoint. Rather, the system disappointed them,” Ifoh said.

The LP is currently dealing with unresolved leadership disputes. A recent Supreme Court judgment failed to provide clarity on the legitimate leadership of the party.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has so far recognized the Abure faction’s candidate for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election.

Asked whether Obi had directly contacted Abure, Ifoh confirmed ongoing informal engagement.

“Well, as I said elsewhere, the line of communication is not completely blocked. There are talks, though not formal. But before the 2027 poll, don’t forget that we have Anambra elections a few months from now.”

He emphasized Obi’s role in the forthcoming state election, stating, “Obi is from Anambra and we expect him to play a key role in making sure that the Labour Party wins the state”.

“So, there has been rapprochement here and there. I think at the right time, the parties will meet and thrash all the differences. From there, we’ll move on.”

“If he so wishes, as he said, that he will run the next election under the Labour Party, I think it’s a good thing for us in the party. It’s a win-win situation for everyone and we wait to see how we act the talk,” Ifoh concluded.

Meanwhile, Obi’s declaration has stirred conversations among opposition figures.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, a known ally in the Atiku Abubakar-led coalition, expressed surprise.

“I don’t know what is in his mind. You need to ask Obi himself when you see him. I just read it today too that he will be contesting in LP,” Lawal said.

In a viral video, Obi confirmed his decision to remain with the Labour Party.

When asked about his political platform for 2027, he said, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.”

He also attributed the internal crises within the LP and other parties to the Nigerian government.

“What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government, quote me anywhere,” Obi asserted.

Citing past experiences, Obi recalled, “We had a problem in our party before, in the past. Yar’Adua was the President. I went to him then; he called the INEC chairman (Prof. Maurice Iwu) and told him I don’t want any problem in any party. We were forced to fix it.”

He added, “But today, in all the parties, there are problems; these are deliberate problems caused by the system.”

“These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity. Parties will function very well because you can’t have a system working without a strong opposition.”

Addressing the electorate, Obi urged them not to be disheartened by setbacks, saying, “the ultimate decision about whether the people’s votes count rests with voters.”

He also appealed to Nigerian youths to remain hopeful, noting that resistance to reform is inevitable.

“Positive change will also be resisted by those who are beneficiaries of the old order,” he said.

Obi called for a re-evaluation of leadership age limits.

“There should be a retirement age for politicians seeking public office,” he stated, adding that by 2027, he would be 65 years old and would prefer not to be running for office in his 70s.

In a bold move to stem the tide of Nigeria’s offshore health tourism, Abia State has unveiled plans to develop a world-class quaternary medical city, a first-of-its-kind in the country.

This ambitious $1.3 billion project, in partnership with global engineering and construction consortium MKP International Holdings, is set to position Abia as a major hub for advanced healthcare services in West Africa.

Speaking during a media tour of the 200-hectare site at Mbasaa, near Owerrinta in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Abia State Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, detailed the scope of the project and the roles of each party involved.

“The Medical City is the first quaternary hospital in this country that would take care of all levels of complicated healthcare issues,” Uche stated, describing the initiative as “one of the landmark projects” of Governor Alex Otti.

Under the agreement, MKP International will fully fund, construct, develop, and operate the facility, eventually transferring ownership to the state.

The state government’s responsibility includes providing the land, securing the area, and extending goodwill to facilitate development.

“This Medical City… would not only reverse medical tourism in Nigeria but also position Abia as a medical destination,” the Commissioner emphasized.

Uche explained that the land, which spans across seven communities in both Isiala Ngwa South and Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Areas, had already been acquired and cleared.

He highlighted the significance of the project in curbing the country’s massive capital flight due to health-related travel abroad.

“It is estimated that about 1.6 billion Dollars, which many of us think is too conservative, is the amount of money that is lost from this country every year owing to medical tourism,” he noted.

“So to reverse that and also to help curb the ‘jakpa’ syndrome, he (Gov. Otti) envisioned the development and establishment of the first quaternary healthcare ecosystem in this country, and that is the Abia Medical City.”

The medical city, according to Uche, will feature a 1,000-bed hospital equipped to handle complex medical procedures and health conditions.

The project will also include an extensive array of medical and hospitality infrastructure.

“Apart from the ultra-modern medical facility, there also going to have a tourist city. The medical step-down hotel there will be a five-star hotel, and there will be another five-star tourist hotel,” Uche said.

He outlined additional facilities, including “an ultra-modern oncology centre,” which would be fully equipped for cancer treatments such as radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and emerging therapies.

“All those are going to be available here with the best-in-class medical experts that can come in from all parts of the globe to be part of the workforce in this place,” he added.

Furthermore, the medical complex will host a high-tech surgical center offering services such as robotic and laparoscopic surgeries, brain and spinal operations, cardiac surgeries, and organ transplants.

“There will also be a place for cosmetic surgery,” Uche confirmed.

Among other specialized units, the complex will house a children’s hospital, fertility and ophthalmology centers, an organ transplantation facility, and a digital health technology hub.

It will also serve as a center for medical research.

“The Medical City would also have research institutes that would be affiliated with the best hospitals and universities around the world,” the Commissioner said.

“Expressions of interests for partnerships were already coming from top-class universities from the U.S.”

Summing up the vision, Uche described the Abia Medical City as “a comprehensive ecosystem that is going to address all aspects of healthcare and promote wellness and good standards of care and living.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its highly anticipated 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally scheduled for May 27, 2025, following the abrupt withdrawal of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from a peace agreement brokered within the party.

This latest development further exposes the internal cracks threatening the unity of Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Announcing the postponement, PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu stated the delay would allow the Senator Bukola Saraki-led “Way Forward Committee” to conclude its reconciliation efforts.

“This postponement is necessary to ensure a peaceful and effective NEC meeting,” Anyanwu said, reaffirming his commitment to party unity.

However, controversy erupted shortly after the announcement, with an unnamed official from the party’s publicity directorate urging stakeholders to disregard Anyanwu’s statement.

The tension underscored growing distrust within PDP leadership ranks.

Meanwhile, Wike issued a personal statement on Sunday, explaining the reasons behind his decision to pull out of the peace pact.

“Since after the 2023 general election, the PDP has been wantonly swinging from one part of a slippery precipice to another, owing fundamentally to dishonesty and lack of trust amongst its key stakeholders,” Wike wrote.

He accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of exacerbating tensions and betraying agreements.

“At the end of the meeting, we resolved to bury the hatchet and make progress,” Wike said, referring to an earlier reconciliation meeting involving himself, Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Umaru Fintiri, and Bukola Saraki.

Describing the meeting at Saraki’s guest house in Abuja, Wike recounted, “I made it clear that I had no personal problems with HE. Bala Mohammed, except that he hides under the facade of Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum to serially renege on agreements.”

Wike highlighted the key resolutions from that meeting, including that “Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the National Secretary of the PDP in tandem with the Supreme Court judgement.”

“All legal matters relating to Rivers State must be withdrawn by the National Legal Adviser. The suit on the state of emergency be withdrawn forthwith.”

According to Wike, despite efforts to reconcile, “even before the Bukola Saraki Reconciliation Committee began its work, the gentleman’s agreement we reached at Saraki’s Guest House was already being crudely violated.”

He specifically accused Makinde and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah of undermining the agreement.

“To my chagrin, Seyi Makinde had connived with Peter Mbah of Enugu State to orchestrate the summoning of the meeting of so-called South-East leaders to recommend that if Ude-Okoye was not adopted as Secretary, they would pull out of the PDP.”

Wike also criticized the party’s handling of communication and leadership roles.

“Again, Seyi Makinde organised some people in the National Secretariat to insist that the Deputy National Secretary should act as National Secretary, in violation of the agreement earlier reached.”

Expressing dismay, he wrote, “On the 24th of May 2025, in Jos, for instance, a well publicised and properly attended zonal elective congress of the PDP was aborted because the letter inviting INEC to the congress was signed by the Deputy National Secretary of the party… This is undeniably distasteful, provocative and annoying, to say the least.”

Reaffirming his dedication to the party despite his frustrations, Wike stated, “I have been in this party since 1998 and have worked tirelessly for the survival of this party with all my strength… I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained.”

Amidst the escalating crisis, PDP’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, responded to allegations against him, particularly suggestions of incompetence and collusion with the ruling APC.”

In a BBC Hausa interview, he rejected the claims.

“May God be judge between me and whoever slandered me, and may God judge us, if I am working for the APC,” he declared.

Damagum defended his long history with PDP.

“Since I joined the PDP in 1999, I have never defected. Those who dislike me will have to find ways to either praise or criticise me to get what they want.”

Acknowledging his connection to Wike, he said, “For all those who accuse me of having links with the Minister of FCT, I know him or have had links with him, and many of them have had links with him. My only fault here is that I did not allow them to do what they wanted with him.”

He expressed sadness over the defection of some party members but dismissed claims of mistreatment.

“We must be sad. Whenever you lose someone, you don’t feel happy, even if it’s just one person you’re grieving for.”

Addressing the internal strife, Damagum noted, “PDP is one. It is true that there are internal problems… everyone has their own interests.”

He insisted his leadership style was principled and firm, stating, “I have adhered to principles and refused to yield to individual whims.”

Despite the turbulence, the PDP North-central zone successfully conducted its congress in Jos over the weekend, where Mohammed Abdulrahman was elected National Vice Chairman (North-central).

The peaceful and transparent election, held at Langfield Leisure Park, saw most officials returned unopposed.

Other officials elected included Orogu Francis (Zonal Secretary) and Ndagana Alhasan (Zonal Youth Leader).

In his acceptance speech, Abdulrahman pledged to reposition the party in the region, describing it as a PDP stronghold.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang praised the conduct of the congress and the spirit of unity.

“Today’s congress was peaceful and successful. It clearly shows that the PDP in the North-central is alive and vibrant… I urge the newly elected executive to hit the ground running, reconcile differences, and build a strong, united front ahead of the 2027 elections.”