National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is “gasping for breath” due to internal divisions and a wave of defections that are swelling the ranks of the ruling party.

Speaking on Thursday at the APC National Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Ganduje pointed to factional conflicts and declining unity within the PDP as signs of the party’s collapse, while attributing its setbacks to the APC’s growing dominance and leadership.

“The PDP is now gasping for breath,” Ganduje declared.

“Its house is divided, and its members are trooping into the APC in droves. That is the impact of our performance and leadership.”

According to Ganduje, the APC now controls 22 of Nigeria’s 36 states — a figure he hinted is likely to rise as more politicians defect.

“One more governor is on the way,” he said, though he did not disclose which state the defection might come from.

Ganduje also emphasized that the APC is focused on expanding its political influence in preparation for upcoming elections, including the governorship race in Anambra State and other off-cycle polls.

He cited the APC’s string of post-2023 electoral victories as clear evidence of the party’s rising popularity and as an indicator of success heading into the 2027 general elections.

“We are preparing strategically, and our recent victories are signs of what is to come. Even in the Federal Capital Territory, through our political dexterity, we are confident of success,” he stated.

The summit drew key APC stakeholders from across the nation, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and 22 APC governors.

The gathering was part of the party’s effort to solidify internal unity and shape its political direction ahead of future contests.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, all 22 governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate.

The endorsement came on Thursday during the APC National Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.

The governors, acting under the umbrella of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and formally initiated the move to adopt him for re-election.

Speaking on behalf of the governors, PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma made the announcement during the summit.

The endorsement motion was swiftly supported by the PGF Vice Chairman and Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who joined Uzodimma on the podium to second it.

Governor Uzodimma subsequently presented the motion for a voice vote before the summit attendees.

Those present included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the National Assembly, current and former governors, and APC representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The motion was met with unanimous approval.

“In a voice vote followed by a standing ovation, [they] adopted President Tinubu for a second term in office come 2027,” the report noted.

The endorsement follows similar expressions of support from other factions within the APC, including a recent vote of confidence by governors from the North Central region.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s political future, declaring that his re-election bid in 2027 will be much smoother than the 2023 contest.

Akpabio made this statement on Thursday while leading the National Assembly leadership in passing a vote of confidence in President Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

“If this president has done well, is it not us (National Assembly) that will say so? If he has not done well, is it not us that will give him notice of impeachment?”

“We are not giving him notice of impeachment, we are giving him notice that it was difficult for you in 2023, but in 2027 I see everything turning around, the number of states that are coming to join you,” Akpabio declared.

He also recounted an encounter with a senator from the Labour Party, underscoring the shift in political alignment.

“As I was leaving, one senator was dragging my dress today. He said, ‘please take me there’, and I said you can’t come now. He is a Labour senator but I don’t want to mention his name,” Akpabio added.

The vote of confidence aligns with earlier support from the Progressives Governors’ Forum, which also endorsed Tinubu’s leadership during the summit.

The party leadership formally adopted this endorsement at the gathering, which was attended by President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, APC governors, and other prominent party figures.

Tinubu, who is nearing his second anniversary in office, secured victory in the 2023 presidential election amidst stiff competition from key rivals.

He won in 12 out of 36 states and amassed 8,794,726 votes, outpacing his nearest challenger, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, who garnered 6,984,520 votes.

Labour Party candidate and former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, achieved a notable third-place finish with 6,101,533 votes, having mobilized an energetic base of mostly young voters.

The Nigerian government has filed criminal defamation charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing her public allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to assassinate her.

According to court documents obtained by DAILY GAZETTE, the charges were filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria listed as the complainant and Senator Natasha as the sole defendant.

The senator is being charged under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990. The alleged offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same law.

The allegations stem from a live interview Senator Natasha granted on Channels Television’s programme Politics Today on April 3, 2025, during which she stated:

“I do stand by what I said. In respect to the meeting or discussion Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me.”

She also accused Senate President Akpabio of orchestrating the withdrawal of her security detail to make her more vulnerable to attack.

The government plans to call six witnesses, including key political figures, to testify in the case.

Godswill Akpabio and Yahaya Bello are listed as nominal complainants and are expected to testify on their personal knowledge of the events.

Their addresses are listed as No. 13 TY Danjuma Street, Asokoro, and No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, respectively.

Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, whom Natasha alleged drove Bello to the Hilton Hotel for the said meeting, is also listed as a witness. His address is the Senate Building, National Assembly Complex.

Dr. Sandra C. Duru, a U.S.-based individual, is included as a witness, listed to testify about her knowledge of the matter.

Her address is 1 Chrisholm Trail Road, Suite 450, Round Rock, Texas, 78681.

Two police officers from the IGP Monitoring Unit, ACP Maya Iliya and SP Abdulhafiz Garba, are listed as the investigating officers in the case.

Before the television interview, Senator Natasha had made similar claims at a political rally in Kogi State.

“The Senate President first reached out to Governor Ododo to recall me. But Ododo declined, saying the people love me too much. So he turned to Yahaya Bello,” she said at the rally.

“Akpabio was not satisfied. He then called for Yahaya Bello. It was Senator Asuquo who drove Yahaya Bello to the Hilton. I was informed. The meeting was in two folds.”

“He told him to commence my recall. He was going to fund it. Of course, money changed hands that day. The second thing was that he should kill me.”

“Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to kill me. He told him not to do it in Abuja. It should be done here [in Kogi], so it would seem like the people killed me. I didn’t make that public, but we did notify the police about it.”

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a firm directive to all commissioners and political appointees in his administration: either defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with him or resign their appointments.

Speaking during an ongoing State Executive Council meeting in Uyo on Thursday, Eno clarified his position on leaving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which has governed the state for 25 years.

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave PDP is still living in 18th century,” the governor declared.

Multiple sources present at the meeting confirmed the governor’s remarks, noting that Eno emphasized his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and his desire to align politically with him.

“Let me tell you, anybody who believes when I leave PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying because I will still control the PDP structure,” Eno added, signaling his intent to retain influence even within the PDP.

The governor reportedly made it clear that the directive applied to all appointees except elected officials such as members of the State House of Assembly and Local Government Chairmen.

“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” he warned.

Eno’s expected official defection on June 6 would end PDP’s 25-year dominance in the state.

The emerging structure of a political coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections has been revealed, with former Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Liyel Imoke of Cross River State appointed to lead two strategic committees.

The announcement was made by Dr. Umar Ardo, Convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), during a press briefing in Abuja following an expanded meeting where the elitist group declared its commitment to the coalition.

Notable political figures such as former Kano Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and other northern political leaders were present at the meeting.

The coalition is backed by high-profile opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

According to Ardo, Imoke is leading the committee tasked with exploring the option of merging with an existing political platform, while Amaechi chairs the group considering the formation of a new political party.

Ardo stated, “We resolved to support the National Opposition Coalition Group for the transitional politics towards 2027 and to contribute in the dialogue on either to register a new political party as the vehicle to drive the politics or fuse into an existing political party.”

He further explained that a conclusive decision on whether to proceed with a new party or integrate into an existing one will be made on May 30.

“The coalition set up two committees, among others, to consider the desirability or feasibility of registering a new political party and to consider fusing into an existing political party. Both committees submitted their reports,” Ardo said.

“The committee for fusing into another political party is headed by former Governor Liyel Imoke and the committee for registering a new political party was chaired by erstwhile Governor Rotimi Amaechi. I was the secretary of that subcommittee for the registering of new political parties.”

He added that discussions are ongoing regarding possible collaboration with existing parties such as the Action Democratic Party (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai brought a complaint that SDP is interested in being considered for the fusing. For that, the committee set up the 30th of this month to decide either to go with ADC, SDP or form a new political party. So, we in the LND here have resolved to support that position.”

Addressing broader regional concerns, Ardo emphasized the coalition’s intent to engage northern governors over socio-economic challenges plaguing the region.

“We also resolved to engage the 19 northern governors on the terrible situation in the North, the endemic poverty, destitution, insecurity and unemployment facing Northern Nigeria. Most of us have agreed that the biggest problem is the inertia of our 19 northern governors.”

“So we resolved that we are going to engage them one way or the other. We resolved to mobilize the North and by extension all Nigerians to pressure government, especially legislators to uphold, defend and protect the constitution of Nigeria,” he concluded.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has declared that all Southeast governors, regardless of party affiliation, are united in backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, citing his commitment to equity, national unity, and infrastructural development.

Speaking during a documentary interview to mark the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration, Umahi revealed that plans are in progress for a Southeast political summit where regional leaders would formally endorse the President’s re-election bid.

Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, called on Southeast stakeholders, including former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, to join the movement.

“I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President. He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly, the Southeast is happy with the President,” he stated.

In the 2023 election, Obi dominated the Southeast, securing over 90 percent of the vote in the region, while President Tinubu received less than five percent.

The APC currently controls only two of the five Southeast states, Imo and Ebonyi, led by Governors Hope Uzodimma and Francis Nwifuru, respectively.

The remaining states, Enugu, Abia, and Anambra, are governed by the PDP, LP, and APGA.

However, signs of growing alignment are emerging.

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo publicly endorsed Tinubu during a recent presidential visit, while Enugu’s Peter Mbah is said to hold a favorable view of the President.

Tinubu is scheduled to visit Abia State’s capital, Umuahia, this Friday.

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno also expressed strong support for the President after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“The President’s performance had made it imperative for him to get the support of all,” Eno said at the State House.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Umahi praised the President’s impact on the region.

“The Southeast is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of federal engagement, especially in infrastructure delivery,” he noted.

Highlighting major projects, Umahi cited ongoing federal road works including the Port Harcourt–Enugu, Enugu–Abakaliki, Enugu–Onitsha, and Onitsha–Owerri highways, as well as the continued work on the Second Niger Bridge.

“For the first time, the Southeast has a Minister of Works. That’s not symbolic, it is strategic,” he said. “What we are seeing are real, measurable projects on the ground.”

He revealed that Tinubu has already paid 30 percent of the cost for the Second Niger Bridge, a move Umahi described as changing old narratives of marginalisation.

“When I was governor and even deputy governor in Ebonyi State, one of our greatest worries was the absence of federal presence,” he recalled.

“Today, under President Tinubu, we have at least four federal projects actively ongoing in the state.”

Umahi also underscored the administration’s inclusive approach.

“The Igbo man is naturally enterprising. What we want is fairness and equal opportunity and that is what Mr. President is delivering,” he said.

He added that the forthcoming summit would help cement unity among Southeast governors and promote national integration.

“All Southeast governors, irrespective of political affiliation, are united in support of President Tinubu. The forthcoming summit will make that support official,” Umahi said.

“Leadership is not about self, it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support them.”

On national infrastructure, Umahi highlighted progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that over 80 percent of Section 1, from Ahmadu Bello Way to Lekki Deep Sea Port and Eleko Junction, was nearly completed.

He said Section 2, from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border, is also underway.

“This road is not just a road, it’s a corridor of growth. It has solar-powered lights, CCTV infrastructure, and even carbon credit potential. It is designed as a six-lane concrete-paved highway,” he explained, noting toll collection would begin in December.

Sections 3 and 3B of the highway, covering 65 kilometers in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, have also been inaugurated, with local communities showing strong support.

Recalling the origins of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Umahi said “This project is breathing life into an old vision that was left dormant for over 40 years. It is part of the President’s broader effort to unlock Nigeria’s economic and trade corridors.”

He added that other strategic routes, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route and the Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor, are vital to long-term economic integration.

“These are legacy projects,economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and future-driven. The President is turning visions into tangible infrastructure,” Umahi said.

He also credited President Tinubu with conceptualising the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway nearly seven years ago.

“Now, he is bringing that vision to life. It speaks volumes about his consistency, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s growth,” he concluded.

The leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) deepened on Wednesday as Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, issued a fresh directive for union members to prepare to take over the party’s national and state secretariats across the country.

Ajaero made this declaration during an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Labour Party in Abuja.

Among those present were the LP National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman; Chief Peter Ameh, a representative of the 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi; former NLC President Abdulawaheed Omar; unionist Lawson Osagie; and the Acting President of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku.

This latest move comes nearly a month after Ajaero circulated an internal memo directing workers to be on standby, following a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a previous lower court decision.

Speaking to reporters, Ajaero criticised the LP leadership under Julius Abure, accusing them of arrogance and disregarding the rule of law.

“We are not quarrelling with anybody, and we should not allow it to be hijacked. You (The PUNCH) earlier asked if I still put the Nigerian workers on standby to take over LP offices. My answer is Yes. In fact, this is the time to move,” he said.

“I sent a letter after the Supreme Court judgment that every worker, every state council, should be on standby. In the next few days, everybody will move into action,” Ajaero added.

He also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of seeking to destabilise the Labour Party.

“Nothing has changed. Whether military or civilian government, they are afraid of the word ‘Labour’ and they will fight tooth and nail to destabilise us, whether as the Labour Party or the Labour Congress,” Ajaero asserted.

“There is no worker or Labour leader who is not conscious of this. It is the potential we have that is attracting all these attacks,” he said.

Questioning the role of the judiciary, Ajaero continued: “Where on earth does a court rule when there is a consent judgment? It only happens in a banana republic.”

“It is not applicable anywhere. It is not the Supreme Court that registered the Party, and they are not the people who will organise it for us.”

“Tell them to remove their hands from the organisation of the Workers’ Party. It is a sin for you to destabilise it. It should be made clear that no amount of blackmail can stop us,” he warned.

Ajaero also claimed the NLC retains legal ownership of the Labour Party.

“The NLC is still in possession of the Labour Party certificate till tomorrow. This is the only party where the son of nobody can become somebody.”

“If you check the last 2023 election, you see that Okada riders won the election to go to the National Assembly. It has never happened before. You and I cannot buy a form of N10m or N100m.”

“Those of us in the movement cannot sit down here and allow people with greed to ask you to pay N20m to pick a nomination form. If we do that, we have lost our focus on having a workers’ party,” Ajaero said.

Reacting to the NLC leader’s comments, LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh dismissed the takeover threat and the NEC meeting itself, calling it illegal.

“The threat is nothing new. We are used to their rascality. Ajaero is sounding like a broken record over his resolve to invade unannounced the national and state secretariats of the Labour Party, with his armies, to take over the party forcefully,” Ifoh said.

“Again, we must state clearly and categorically that if there is any person or organisation that has destabilised the Labour Party or who is working to destabilise the party, it is no other person than Joe Ajaero and the NLC,” he continued.

“Nigerians all over have asked Ajaero to concentrate on his primary assignment to fight for the welfare of workers.”

“We are calling on all genuine members of the Labour Party to distance themselves from the illegal activities of the Nenadi Usman group and ploy to manipulate members into parting with their hard-earned money through an illegal Congress they are planning,” Ifoh concluded.