The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has accused Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, of preventing him from undertaking a humanitarian visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and other sites in the state.

Governor Alia, through a statement released Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kulas Tersoo, cautioned high-profile individuals against entering the state without official clearance, citing security concerns.

“The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today (Monday). He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.”

“Therefore, he strongly advises against any group or high profile individual(s) attempting to enter the state for any kind of visit that may generate political assemblies without prior approval.”

“Also the public is to note that all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA),” the statement read in part.

Obi, who had just visited Plateau State over the weekend and was expected in Makurdi on Monday, was also scheduled to meet with the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, in Gboko, as well as IDPs in Abagena and Udei in Guma Local Government Area.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday evening, Obi expressed concern over the turn of events, suggesting he could no longer remain silent.

“Ordinarily, I would not have commented on this issue, as I have endured far worse situations in my political life since I declared for the presidency, and it continues to worsen as I strive to do things in a civilised and organized manner. The unfolding events demand that I have to start speaking out now.”

Detailing his planned itinerary, Obi said: “On what transpired today during my planned visit to Benue State, I am not entirely sure that the state Governor, my dear younger brother, a Reverend Father I deeply respect, is aware of this situation. Having exhausted every possible means to reach him, I am compelled to use this available platform to ensure my message is conveyed.”

“On Thursday, the 10th of April, I had planned to visit Plateau and Benue State, respectively. Plateau on Sunday, the 13th of April 2025, and Benue on Monday, the 14th of April 2025. My trip included paying courtesy calls to the governors as well as visiting the IDP camps and schools of nursing in both states to give my support.”

He said the Plateau State Governor welcomed him warmly.

“As is my practice, I reached out to the Plateau State government to inform them of my visit, which included spending the day with the victims at the IDP camp in Bokkos, a visit I wholeheartedly embraced to extend my support, care, and compassion to fellow Nigerians in need. And in his utmost hospitality, the Plateau State Governor graciously permitted.”

However, efforts to contact Governor Alia were unsuccessful.

“In a similar vein, I tried repeatedly to contact the Benue State Governor directly without success. I then successfully contacted his ADC who told me that the governor was in a very important meeting and would call me before midnight on the same day.”

Obi added, “Unfortunately, I didn’t get any call until Sunday evening when the governor’s ADC sent me a message that he had not been able to reach his principal since the day he (Obi) called.

“I was disturbed by how an ADC would not have been able to reach his principal for 3 days. However, because my visit to the governor was just for courtesy and respect, I decided to proceed with my trip to Makurdi.”

He recounted what happened on the day of his trip: “Earlier today at 7am, I left Jos, and on reaching Akwanga at about 10am, my security team stopped and stated they received a press statement, purportedly from the Benue State Government, that appeared designed to stop my trip. Curiously while I was still talking with my security team on the issue, the governor’s ADC sent the statement directly to me.

“The letter refers exactly to my itinerary which I had earlier conveyed to the ADC directly and to the security operatives in Benue through my own security.”

Obi emphasized the non-political nature of his visit, stating, “I am forced to remind them, and all concerned, that the purpose of this journey is to support good causes in areas of critical development: health and health education, education and caring for our people in need, and this is what I have done in my private life for years before getting into politics and even while in politics I have continued to do so.

“Everyone knew then how I had to get permission from the then President, President Goodluck Jonathan, that I needed to visit Haiti during the earthquake.”

He noted that he also planned to stop by a school being built by a bishop in Gboko, in addition to visiting a nursing school and an IDP camp.

A stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ojokoro LCDA, Lagos State, descended into chaos on Monday following accusations that Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, attempted to impose a chairmanship candidate.

The meeting, held at 7 Ijaoye Street, began around 4:00 pm, but was soon disrupted by aggrieved members of the party who stormed the venue in protest.

Chants of “Ole!” (thief), “We can’t take it,” and “Obasa can’t control us from Agege,” echoed through the area, as protesters rejected what they described as interference by Obasa in local leadership decisions.

Other slogans included “Who knows Sanusi?” and “We won’t allow a stranger rule us here,” referencing the alleged candidate believed to be from Agege and without known ties to the Ojokoro community.

One of the protesters, Olusegun Akinoso-Olawaye, spoke to the press after the meeting was interrupted.

He claimed the purpose of the gathering was to rubber-stamp the imposition of a candidate unfamiliar to Ojokoro’s political landscape.

“We are here to reject imposition. All aspirants deserve a fair contest to prove their political relevance,” Mr Akinoso-Olawaye stated.

He added that the individual being promoted had no electoral history in the area and warned of negative fallout if such impositions continue.

He emphasized that only candidates with residency in Ojokoro and a history of party involvement should be considered for leadership, noting that at least 18 aspirants were vying for the position, many of whom had supporters at the protest.

Another protest leader, Bola Ojetayo, voiced frustration at what she described as a recurring disregard for grassroots input.

“We must not sell our seats to outsiders. A stranger cannot come and lead us in our own home,” she said.

“Leaders can’t sit elsewhere and decide for us. Someone in Agege shouldn’t determine Ojokoro’s leadership,” Ms Ojetayo added.

In an attempt to calm tensions, James Owolabi, a former House of Representatives member who represented Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, urged restraint.

He acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters’ grievances and encouraged them to maintain peace.

“You have a voice in the party. Express yourselves peacefully without violence,” Mr Owolabi said.

The event was also attended by several other APC figures, including Jelili Oseni, the current council chairman; Ipoola Omisore, a former Lagos Assembly member; Amosu Aminu; Chief Oriyomi Olaogun; and Akindele Aremu.

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) had fixed July 12 for the next local government elections.

Chief Bode George, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stern warning that the party could face imminent collapse if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar clinches its 2027 presidential ticket.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, George stated, “If he (Atiku) picks it (PDP’s ticket), that is the end of this party. If he picks it by manipulation which was what was done the last time, we will not accept it.”

Atiku, who ran as the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, came second to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Despite several unsuccessful attempts over more than 30 years, Atiku has remained a constant figure in Nigeria’s presidential races, having contested under various party platforms six times.

Recently, the former vice president led efforts to form a broader opposition alliance.

On March 20, 2025, a coalition involving Atiku, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and others was announced as a united front to challenge the Tinubu administration.

The coalition is relying on the cumulative electoral strength of Atiku and Obi from the 2023 elections, where they secured over 12 million combined votes—well above Tinubu’s official tally.

However, PDP governors distanced themselves from the coalition, rejecting any talk of mergers or alliances. Their decision was announced on April 14, 2025.

During his appearance on the programme, Bode George praised the governors’ move.

“They are now putting on their thinking caps,” he said, supporting the rejection of Atiku’s coalition effort.

George also criticized Atiku’s leadership approach within the party.

“No, if he is the leader of the party, he would have waded into it (the crisis),” he said, referring to ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP.

“The fact that he was the presidential candidate of the party at the last election doesn’t mean he is a bona fide, fixated leader of the party. If he’s running for his private interest, it’s different from the interest of the party.”

Asked if Atiku might emerge as PDP’s candidate in 2027, George was emphatic in his response: “He cannot be. This is what I am saying. There was eight years in the north, there should be eight years in the south. That is the dictate, that is the doctrine of the PDP. I can’t say he cannot contest; he can go to any party because it is his constitutional right but as far as we are concerned, he cannot be the candidate.”

He referred to the PDP constitution to back his position.

“There are rules. Section 7, Sub-section 3C of our constitution. It states that once the presidential candidate has been in the south for eight years, it had to go to the north. And after another eight years, it would come to the south. Is Atiku from the South-West, South-South or South-East?” he queried.

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s potential second term bid, highlighting his resilience and leadership qualities as strong indicators of re-election success in 2027.

Speaking in Minna during an interview with a group of journalists, the former Nigerian leader shared his thoughts on the current administration and its prospects, stating, “there is a strong possibility that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure re-election come the year 2027.”

IBB, who recently unveiled his memoir, praised Tinubu’s political dexterity and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.

“Tinubu has acquired a reputation as a maestro in the realm of political survival. Even when confronted with intense pressure, sharp criticisms, and significant hurdles, he persists in advancing his political agenda,” he noted.

The retired General emphasized that such qualities are rare and often resonate with the electorate.

According to him, “Tinubu’s exceptional political endurance and shrewd leadership skills could pave the way for another successful term.”

Addressing concerns over the economic challenges many Nigerians currently face due to the government’s financial reforms, Babangida urged patience and trust in the process.

“I have seen governments in history undertaking challenging decisions, and I hold a firm belief that with proper patience, Nigerians will eventually witness the intended outcomes,” he said.

He added that the difficulties being experienced are temporary and would, in time, give way to the benefits of the ongoing reforms.

Babangida expressed optimism that Tinubu’s administration will ultimately gain broader acceptance, stating that such tenacity “is likely to earn the appreciation and support of the Nigerian populace.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as Secretary of the party’s National Convention Committee, DAILY GAZETTE reports.

The decision was announced after a meeting of PDP governors held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where critical resolutions were made to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appointment of Governor Mbah comes amidst the party’s broader leadership realignment following the Supreme Court’s judgment on the contentious issue of the National Secretaryship.

The Forum rejected claims of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye to the position, instead endorsing the party’s Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, as Acting National Secretary.

The move is intended to maintain party cohesion while allowing the South East Zone to nominate a substantive replacement for ratification at the next NEC meeting.

Governor Mbah’s new role places him at the heart of preparations for the party’s much-anticipated National Convention, scheduled to hold from August 28 to 30, 2025, in Kano.

As Secretary of the Convention Committee, Mbah will play a pivotal role in shaping the structure and outcome of the gathering, which is expected to define the PDP’s direction and candidate selection for 2027.

The communique, read by Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, also addressed pressing national concerns.

The Forum firmly opposed any declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, pledging unwavering support to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and challenging the legality of such a move in court.

The forum condemned the escalating insecurity in states such as Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo, calling for a “bottom-up” security strategy that empowers state governments to take the lead in protecting their citizens.

The forum also extended condolences to victims of recent violence in Plateau State.

Looking ahead, the governors set May 27, 2025, for a crucial NEC meeting that will establish a Zoning Committee to address internal party arrangements.

Governor Douye Diri was named chairman of the Zoning Committee, with Governors Dauda Lawal and Caleb Mutfwang serving as Vice Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

Other key figures in the Convention Committee include Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa (Chairman), Osun’s Governor Ademola Adeleke (Vice Chairman), and Governor Mbah (Secretary).

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that court documents challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State be served on President Bola Tinubu, Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Monday, also instructing that the process be served to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and set the next hearing for May 21.

During the court session, the applicants’ counsel, Ebun-Oluwa Adegboruwa (SAN), informed the court that additional time was needed to serve the documents.

Yirbari Israel Nulog, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh-Sifumbukho have approached the court to challenge the appointment of Ibas as the sole administrator for Rivers State, asking the court to annul his appointment and prevent him from continuing in the role.

The plaintiffs are also seeking an injunction that would restrain President Tinubu, Ibas, and their agents from treating or continuing to treat the deputy governor and members of the House of Assembly as suspended by the President.

Their case is built on the argument that, according to Sections 1(1) and (2) and 176(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as indigenes and residents of Rivers State, they are entitled to a democratically elected governor who would serve as the state’s chief executive.

In response to the Supreme Court’s judgment on the secretaryship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governors elected under the party’s banner have rejected Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary.

As a result, the PDP has appointed Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo as the Acting National Secretary.

A communique issued by the PDP Governors, and read by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, confirmed that Koshoedo will serve as Acting National Secretary.

The move will allow the South East Zone to nominate a permanent National Secretary, who will be presented to the party during its next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

The communique also reaffirmed the PDP Governors’ opposition to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting that the matter has been taken to court for further examination.

Below is the full communique:

The PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) convened its 2025/4th meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, and reached the following resolutions:

“In light of nationwide speculations about potential mergers and coalitions among political parties and groups, the Forum declared that the PDP would not join any coalition or merger. However, the party remains open to welcoming any party, individuals, or groups that wish to join the PDP in its mission to wrest power in 2027 and ensure good governance.”

“The Forum reiterated its previous position on the National Secretary issue. Following the Supreme Court judgment, it was resolved that the Deputy National Secretary should act as the National Secretary until the South East Zone nominates and the NEC ratifies a substantive National Secretary at the next meeting.”

“The Forum reaffirmed its collective resolve to protect Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. As part of this effort, it has approached the Supreme Court to seek a clear interpretation of the legal provisions regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in any state. The Forum expressed full solidarity with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his people, stating its commitment to stand by him through this ordeal.”

“The Forum expressed alarm at the worsening security situation in various parts of Nigeria, particularly in states like Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo. The Forum called for a review of security priorities and strategies, advocating for a bottom-up approach that empowers sub-national governments to serve as a frontline defense against security breaches. The Forum also condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State and offered condolences to the state government and those affected by the violence.”

“The Forum resolved to collaborate with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant bodies to hold a NEC meeting on May 27, 2025. The meeting will constitute a Zoning Committee to address all issues related to the zoning of party offices. The Forum also announced plans for an early party convention, scheduled for August 28-30, 2025, in the historic city of Kano.”

“The Forum recommended the formation of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC. The Zoning Committee will be chaired by Governor Douye Diri, with Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary. The National Convention Committee will be chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.”

“The Forum expressed its gratitude to the host Governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and the people of Oyo for their hospitality.”

Those in attendance included:

1. H.E. Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State & Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum
2. H.E. Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State
3. H.E. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State
4. H.E. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State
5. H.E. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State
6. H.E. Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State
7. H.E. Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State
8. H.E. Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State
9. H.E. Barr. Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State
10. H.E. Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State