Former President Muhammadu Buhari has said he left office in 2023 with the same physical assets he had before taking the reins of leadership in 2015.

This revelation came through a statement on Wednesday from his media aide, Garba Shehu, following a courtesy visit by members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) to Buhari’s residence in Kaduna.

During the meeting, the former president urged the APC governors to adopt a leadership style centered on the people, noting that governance is both a challenge and an opportunity.

“Leadership presents both a challenge and opportunity, and that balancing the two would significantly advance national progress,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

Shehu further noted that Buhari expressed satisfaction with the direction the APC governors are taking and reiterated his belief in their commitment to the country’s advancement.

He also extended gratitude to the Tinubu administration for renovating his Kaduna home, stating that although the exterior appeared largely unchanged, there were considerable improvements inside.

Buhari appreciated the visit from the governors, mentioning that while he had previously worked with some of them, others were new acquaintances.

The Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, spoke on behalf of the delegation.

He explained that the visit was timed to mark Eid-el-Fitr and to acknowledge Buhari’s legacy and influence on the APC and Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“Many of us recall with pride the principled role you played in the founding of the APC. That legacy continues to shape our party’s identity direction,” Uzodinma said.

“We are especially gratified, only a few weeks ago, to hear your public affirmation that the APC remains your party of choice. That declaration could not have come at a better time. It reaffirmed your place as a pillar of our movement and provided reassurance to members of our party. Mr President, you are pan-Nigerian.”

“Your Excellency, your legacy in Nigerian history is secure. You remain the only opposition candidate in our nation’s history to have defeated an incumbent. You did not only win power, you governed with calm resolve and handed over, with honor, to another APC president. For this, we are extremely grateful.”

Uzodinma praised Buhari’s achievements during his tenure, highlighting improvements in security, infrastructure, and social investment programs.

“Your administration gave expression to our party’s core principles through your focus on security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption. Your efforts reclaimed territory from insurgents, extended social investment programs like the Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding Program, and ushered in road and rail revolution that is still bearing fruit. Programs such as the Anchor Borrowers Scheme directly impacted food security. You taught us to produce what we eat and eat what we produce. You brought dignity to governance and deepened the progressive ethos of our party.”

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and reforms, linking it to the foundation laid by Buhari.

“Today, APC is being renewed and repositioned under your worthy successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His leadership is bold, reform-driven, and unshakably committed to progress. Your public endorsement of him in your recent birthday message was a powerful symbol of continuity and humility.”

“Your Excellency, today we honor you, not just for your past service but for the enduring values you represent. We ask you to continue to support and guide us as we take the next steps to deepen progressive politics across the nation, and ensure that APC continues to be in power for a more prosperous Nigeria,” he concluded.

As the leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) continues to unfold, Bashiru Lamidi Apapa has declared himself the acting National Chairman of the party, following the recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the leadership of Julius Abure.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Apapa said the Supreme Court judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, effectively removed Abure from office, and, as the most senior deputy national chairman, he is constitutionally empowered to assume the leadership of the party.

“Following the decision of the Supreme Court on setting aside all judgements that recognise the leadership of Julius Abure as National Chairman, I, ALH BASHIRU LAMIDI APAPA, the most senior deputy national, and in consonance with our party constitution, Article 14 2(a)(b), hereby take over the running of the affairs of our great party with effect from today, Wednesday, the 9th day of April 2025, in an acting capacity, and Alh Farouk Umar Ibrahim as National Secretary,” he stated.

He further announced that the National Working Committee (NWC) as constituted in 2022 would meet on Monday, April 14, 2025, to set a new direction for the party.

“My leadership hereby calls on all members of the Labour Party that the National Working Committee of our party as of 2022 will meet next week, Monday, 14th April 2025, to announce our plans, which will include zoning the position of National Chairman to the North and National Secretary to the South.”

Apapa emphasized that all actions taken by Abure since the Supreme Court’s ruling were null and void. He also promised that his leadership would revive the dormant Board of Trustees (BoT) and reposition the party for inclusive participation.

“My leadership will also take proactive steps to resuscitate the moribund Board of Trustees and make it functional,” he said.

He listed members of the 2022 NWC who are expected at Monday’s meeting, adding that preparations for party congresses and the national convention would commence immediately.

“The National Working Committee members listed below are hereby put on notice about the NWC meeting coming up on Monday next week, where we will immediately set in motion the conduct of Ward Congresses, Local Government Congresses, State Congresses, and National Convention, where every member of our party shall have the right to participate, provided you are a financial member.”

Apapa listed key officials under his leadership: “Deputy National Chairman NLC, Mr. Ladi Iliya; Deputy National Chairman TUC, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, National Secretary; Alh. Umar Farouq Ibrahim, National Legal Adviser; Bar. Oyelekan Akingbade, National Publicity Secretary; Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, National Treasurer; and Mrs. Oluchi Opara, National Youth Leader.”

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has approved the appointment of new chairpersons and members for the State Civil Service Commission and the Local Government Service Commission.

The announcement was made in a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Lucky Worika.

According to the statement, the Civil Service Commission will be chaired by Dr. Livinus Bariki, with four other appointed members: Ambassador Lot Peter Egopija, Mrs. Maeve Ere Bestman, Mrs. Joy Obiaju, and Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry.

For the Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Isreal N. Amadi has been appointed as Chairman. Other members include Mr. Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel Ego, George Didia, Dr. Tonye Willie D. Pepple, Barr. Richard Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (rtd), and Dr. Sammy Apiafi.

The appointments are to take effect from April 7, 2025.

Governor Otti, 

Supporters of Senator Esther Nenadi Usman’s National Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party (LP) erupted in celebration in Abuja on Wednesday, following the release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the party’s leadership crisis.

Reading from the court’s judgment during the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and expanded stakeholders’ summit at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, declared that the apex court had affirmed Usman’s leadership.

The meeting was also attended by the party’s national leader and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, just two days after a factional national chairman, Julius Abure, threatened to discipline both men for alleged anti-party activities and their involvement in the parallel NEC.

Quoting the court, Otti said, “The Supreme Court has affirmed that the plaintiffs—Senator Usman and others—were right in their appeal, and the judgment also warned politicians to respect the tenures of office as defined in their party constitutions.”

Otti criticized Abure for clinging to the position of national chairman despite his tenure having expired.

According to him, efforts were made to accommodate Abure, including offering him the role of Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), but he refused.

“I met with him and asked what he wanted. He claimed he wanted nothing. We even offered him the BoT chairmanship. Despite that, he insisted on remaining in office, even after the expiration of his tenure and those of the National Working Committee (NWC),” Otti explained.

He stressed that the proper route for anyone seeking to lead the party was through the democratic process starting from ward congresses up to the national convention, where every member would have a chance to contest.

The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Kennedy Peretei, has officially resigned from the party, citing deep-seated internal issues and a lack of commitment from party leaders as the reasons behind his decision.

Peretei, in a strongly worded resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Arogbo Ward 1, criticized the party’s leadership, accusing them of selfishness and insincerity.

According to him, the PDP in Ondo State has deteriorated to the point of being beyond recovery.

Describing the party’s current state as terminal, he said, “The PDP in Ondo State is now on its way to the mortuary after being in the intensive care unit.”

He alleged that the party’s leaders have no genuine interest in winning elections and are only interested in personal gains, especially during election cycles.

“It is difficult to work with people whose only concern is how to exploit the party for personal benefit every election year,” he wrote.

Peretei, who previously served as the PDP’s State Financial Secretary between 1999 and 2003 and as the Publicity Secretary from 2020 until his resignation, said he had given his best to the party over the years but could no longer continue under the prevailing conditions.

He lamented that the same individuals responsible for the party’s failures in recent elections continue to dominate its affairs, leaving it incapacitated and unable to compete effectively.

In a parting shot, he advised party loyalists who rely on election stipends and political handouts to find more sustainable means of livelihood.

“For those who depend on election funds and party patronage to run their families, I admonish them to seek second addresses so they can live more meaningful lives than that of political bandits, Almajaris or just ‘Yes’ men,” he stated.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially selected Mr. Jude Ezenwafor as its candidate for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

This announcement was made on Tuesday during the party’s governorship election congress, which took place at the Women’s Development Centre in Awka.

Dr. Cornell Onwubuya, Chairman of the Anambra Governorship Election Congress Committee, confirmed that Ezenwafor was the sole aspirant and garnered a total of 798 ‘yes’ votes.

Out of 999 accredited delegates, 853 participated in the voting process, with 26 votes declared invalid.

Dr. Onwubuya assured that the congress had adhered strictly to the PDP’s constitution and electoral guidelines, officially declaring Jude Ezenwafor as the party’s candidate.

“By the power vested in me and in accordance with PDP rules, I hereby announce Jude Ezenwafor as our candidate for the Anambra governorship election,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Ezenwafor expressed his belief that the PDP is on a mission to rescue Anambra State from its current leadership.

He called on voters to support the party’s efforts to reclaim the government house, emphasizing his commitment to reviving the PDP’s fortunes in the state.

“I am here to restore the PDP to its rightful place in Anambra,” Ezenwafor declared. “They say the PDP is no longer relevant, but I will prove them wrong. With your support, we will make our dream of returning to the Government House a reality.”

Ezenwafor also announced that all Local Government Area (LGA) and Ward Chairmen would automatically become coordinators in their respective areas, marking the beginning of the PDP’s journey toward reclaiming power in the state.

Mr. Chidi Chidebe, Chairman of the PDP in Anambra, voiced confidence in the party’s readiness for the upcoming election.

He assured that the PDP was heading into the contest united and energized, with renewed strength and purpose.

“Anambra now regrets rejecting the PDP in the past, and the state is ready to make things right,” Chidebe said.

“Many former members who left the party have now returned after realizing the state of affairs in other parties. The PDP is the most liberal party in Nigeria, and it has established the governance structures that other parties can only aspire to.”

Chidebe further asserted that the PDP remains the strongest party in Anambra, adding, “Only the PDP can defeat the ruling party here. Let’s unite and make it happen.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State on Wednesday, received Hon. Gabriel Lebechi Eze, Member representing Isi-Uzo at the Enugu State House of Assembly, back into the party.

Hon. Eze had announced his return to the PDP on Tuesday during a plenary session at the state assembly, citing irreconcilable divisions within the Labour Party and the remarkable achievements of Governor Peter Ndubisi Mbah’s administration as the primary reasons for his decision.

The reception ceremony held at Umuero Ward in Isi-Uzo saw political leaders and party members gather to celebrate the return of the lawmaker, with expressions of gratitude and solidarity filling the air.

In his address, Hon. Gabriel Eze thanked PDP members for the warm reception, acknowledging that he felt “truly at home” within the party.

“Joining the PDP was not a decision influenced by any external forces. It was driven by my belief in the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah and the remarkable transformation happening in Enugu State.”

“The progress in Isi-Uzo and across the state is undeniable, and I am confident that with the PDP’s unity and organization, we are poised for even greater victories.”

The party leadership also took the opportunity to thank Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, the former gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, for accepting Governor Mbah’s olive branch and facilitating the returns of not only Hon. Eze but several other political figures across the state.

This development, they noted, was a clear sign of the party’s commitment to peace and unity.

DAILY GAZETTE correspondent reports that party stakeholders took turns to express their gratitude to Governor Mbah for his efforts in promoting peace and unity.

They hailed his role in creating a conducive environment for reconciliation and his continued support for Isi-Uzo’s political growth.

Speaking, Hon. Jacob Abonyi, the Local Government PDP Chairman, emphasized that the party must now unite and move forward as one.

He called on all political stakeholders in the council area to embrace peace and harmony, highlighting that with collective support, PDP would become an even more formidable force in the state.

The immediate past PDP State Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, also spoke at the event, expressing his delight at the return of Barr. Edeoga and his supporters to the party.

“Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership has made this possible and this unity is vital as we look ahead to the 2027 elections.” Nnamani said.

In his remarks, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga expressed his deep appreciation for Governor Mbah’s leadership and his role in ensuring peace and harmony across Enugu State.

Edeoga noted that the return of Hon. Gabriel Eze to the PDP was a testament to the governor’s ability to bring people together.

“I commend Governor Mbah for his rare leadership qualities. His commitment to peace and development has not only brought me back to the PDP but has also united various political stalwarts in Isi-Uzo. With the return of Hon. Eze, we are now stronger, and I believe more political actors will follow suit.” He said.

Both Edeoga and Nnamani assured the gathering that the PDP family would continue to support Governor Mbah’s people-focused programs and remain steadfast in their dedication to the party’s success.

The event attracted notable political stakeholders to include; former Governorship candidate of Labour Party, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, the Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Barr. Obiora Obeagu, the immediate past State Chairman of PDP, Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the local government PDP chairman, Hon. Jacob Ebonyi, the Deputy Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Dr. Cyril Nnamchi, An Agriculture Industrialist, Alhaji Friday Sani Nnaji, State official of PDP, Hon. Uche Ugwueze, the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. James Nnaji, former State Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Eric Ebeh, former chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Dr. Benjamin Edeoga, former caretaker chairman of Isi-Uzo, Hon. Emma Ugwu, Senior Lecturer at ESUT, Prof. Ifeanyi Odoziobodo, Hon. Irenus Nnaji, former SA to the Governor, Chief Francis Ede, former vice Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Onochie Ogene, Councilors, Supervisors, party executives.

Also in attendance were, former commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Benjamin Obinna Mbeke, former LP House of Assembly candidate in Nkanu West, Dr. Johnpaul Anih and host of others.