Former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a six-paragraph letter addressed to the acting national chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, Bafarawa explained that his decision was driven by a commitment to a new movement focused on empowering Nigeria’s youth.

The letter, dated January, outlined Bafarawa’s desire to dedicate his time and efforts to initiatives aimed at uplifting and inspiring the younger generation, who he described as the foundation of the nation’s future.

He emphasized that his departure from the PDP was essential to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, as he shifts his attention to fostering innovation and creating opportunities for youth empowerment.

Bafarawa expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had as a member of the PDP, acknowledging the party’s significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.

He also commended the leadership and members of the PDP for their tireless work in promoting democracy and good governance in the country.

The former governor, who served Sokoto from 1999 to 2007, recently stated in an interview that he would be stepping back from active politics to focus on his new mission.

The leadership crisis within the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified following a recent court ruling that invalidated the congresses producing an executive committee aligned with Minister Nyesom Wike.

On January 13, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, issued a restraining order that de-recognized the ward, local government, and state executive committees led by Aaron Chukwuemeka, the state chairman loyal to Wike.

The ruling followed an interlocutory injunction filed by local lawyers Edwin Woko, Love Otuonye, and others.

In response, Robinson Ewor, PDP chairman for Rivers West Senatorial District, declared himself the acting chairman of the party in the state.

Ewor also introduced a caretaker executive committee, including Dr. Feild Nkor as acting secretary, alongside other key members.

Ewor, supported by former members of the state working committee, claimed the court’s decision had restored the party’s leadership to its rightful owners.

He dismissed the legitimacy of the Wike-backed leadership, which had previously altered directives from the PDP National Secretariat to extend the tenure of the former executives.

He further argued that the court ruling had effectively nullified the positions of Chukwuemeka, Martin Amaewhule, and others, whom he claimed had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), thereby rendering them ineligible to lead the party.

Ewor called for the PDP National Executive to recognize Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the true leader of the party in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, the Wike-backed faction maintained that Chukwuemeka’s leadership remained valid, referencing a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that authorized the conduct of the congresses.

Dr. Kenneth Yowika, the state publicity secretary, reaffirmed the legitimacy of the congresses held between July and August 2024, which led to the election and inauguration of the current state executives.

The Wike faction announced plans to appeal the Port Harcourt court’s decision, urging members to remain calm as legal steps are pursued.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been honored with the 2024 Minister of the Year award by THISDAY Newspaper and ARISE Television.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and New Media, shared the news in an official statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Wike’s nomination was confirmed in a letter dated January 24, signed by Mr. Eniola Bello, the Managing Director of THISDAY and ARISE Group.

Bello congratulated Wike for his exceptional contributions to Nigeria and the African continent, highlighting that he was selected from a pool of hundreds of candidates, chosen by millions of readers of THISDAY and viewers of ARISE NEWS Channel.

In the letter, Bello commended Wike for his resilience and dedication during challenging times, emphasizing that the award is a recognition of his excellence in governance, public policy, leadership, and service to the nation.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 27 at the Eko Hotels in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Since his appointment as the FCT Minister in August 2023, Wike has spearheaded numerous infrastructural developments across Abuja and its satellite towns.

Notably, he has greatly improved land administration, significantly reducing the time it takes for land allottees to receive their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) — a process now completed in just two weeks after payment.

Under his leadership, he has signed 5,841 C of Os, nearly matching the 8,400 signed by previous administrations over 13 years.

Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, has passed away in the early hours of Wednesday after a brief illness.

Onanuga, who represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, was 59 years old.

Rep. Akin Rotimi, the Spokesman for the House of Representatives, confirmed her death and paid tribute to her as a dedicated public servant, visionary leader, and passionate advocate for her constituents.

He expressed heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the Government of Ogun State, and the people of Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North, as well as to her colleagues in the National Assembly.

Onanuga, born on December 2, 1965, was first elected to the House in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During her first term, she chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly, where she worked diligently to promote policies aimed at empowering women and improving social welfare.

Re-elected in 2023, Onanuga was appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, a position in which she excelled and played a key role in maintaining legislative discipline.

Known affectionately as “Ijaya,” she was admired for her intelligence, humility, and commitment to excellence, which made a lasting impact on her colleagues and constituents.

Her contributions to Nigeria’s political sphere and her unwavering commitment to public service will continue to inspire future generations.

The ongoing crisis within the Obidient Movement, the group of supporters backing Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, have led to reports that some disillusioned members are planning to leave the Labour Party and back a new political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, Meche Oswald, Coordinator of Obidient Youth Ambassadors, reassured that this departure would not have any significant impact on the Labour Party’s strength.

Oswald, in a statement released yesterday, emphasized that the Labour Party’s Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration (DMI), established in June 2024 with Marcel Ngogbehei as Director General, has strong grassroots support and infrastructure that would effectively absorb any losses from the Obidient faction’s exit.

According to Oswald, the rise of DMI’s widespread presence across Nigeria’s communities has made it difficult for the Obidient Movement to shift allegiance to another political platform.

He further criticized those who opposed the establishment of the DMI, accusing them of undermining the party’s efforts for their personal gain.

Oswald praised the leadership of LP Chairman Julius Abure and DMI Director General Marcel Ngogbehei for their strategic vision, noting that reports from various states indicate strong support for the party.

He also took aim at those plotting against the DMI, accusing them of working to tarnish the party’s image instead of focusing on constructive efforts for their own faction.

The statement condemned the actions of these dissenters, describing their attempts to sabotage the DMI as malicious and counterproductive.