The Kogi State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is currently embroiled in a significant internal crisis, marked by the emergence of parallel executive committees.

This development has raised concerns about the party’s unity and its prospects in upcoming elections.

On Wednesday, a faction within the SDP convened a congress at the party’s state secretariat in Lokoja, during which they elected a new 12-member executive committee.

Hon. Ahmed Attah, a former zonal leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was appointed as the new chairman, with Alhaji Idris Sofada assuming the role of state secretary.

The congress reportedly had the participation of 3,890 delegates from all 21 local government areas of the state, and officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present to monitor the proceedings.

In his inaugural address, Attah expressed his commitment to fairness and justice, emphasizing his intention to reposition the SDP for success in future elections.

He acknowledged the efforts of INEC, the planning committee, and security personnel in facilitating a successful congress, stating, “This has positioned SDP as the party to beat in the 2028 governorship election.”

Contrarily, another faction led by Moses Peter Oricha, whose executive tenure is valid until April 2026, has dismissed the newly conducted congress as “illegal, null and void.”

Oricha accused the organizers of bypassing due process and proceeding despite an ongoing court case.

He criticized the faction for their actions, labeling them as “faceless and sponsored by paymasters to cause chaos in our party.”

Oricha called on the public, security agencies, and INEC to disregard the outcomes of the congress, viewing it as an attempt to destabilize the party.

This recent development adds to the existing challenges within the Kogi SDP. Previously, the party faced internal strife when its executives threatened to expel the deputy governorship candidate, Sam Abenemi, accusing him of causing internal crises.

The state chairman, Moses Peter Oricha, emphasized that the party would not tolerate actions aimed at undermining its stability.

The emergence of parallel executives and ongoing internal disputes pose significant challenges for the SDP in Kogi State.

Such divisions could weaken the party’s cohesion and effectiveness, potentially impacting its performance in future elections.

Observers express concern that if these issues are not promptly and amicably resolved, the party’s ability to present a united front against opposition parties may be compromised.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate allegations of age falsification against the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi.

This decision was made during a plenary session held at the Assembly’s quarters in Port Harcourt.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dumle Maol, presented documents suggesting that Justice Amadi had falsified his age during his service.

Maol emphasized the seriousness of the allegation, stating, “These documents before me simply say that the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Simeon Amadi, falsified his age in service. Mr. Speaker, that is a very serious allegation, and I do hope that this House takes legislative notice.”

In response, the House resolved to formally request the DSS to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and report their findings back to the Assembly.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule remarked, “The documents are only suggesting a case of age falsification by the honourable Chief Judge of the state, Simeon Amadi. What it means is that there has to be an investigation to that effect.”

The motion was unanimously approved through a voice vote, underscoring the Assembly’s commitment to upholding integrity within the state’s judiciary.

This development adds to a series of recent events involving Justice Amadi. Previously, reports emerged about his suspension amid political tensions in the state.

However, the Rivers State Judiciary refuted claims that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had sent the Chief Judge on annual leave to impede an alleged impeachment plan, labeling such allegations as “malicious, misleading, false, and baseless.”

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has acknowledged Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, as Nigeria’s foremost opposition leader and expressed his readiness to collaborate with him to enhance governance in the country.

This development emerged following a private meeting between the two leaders at the Government House in Bauchi.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that Governor Mohammed, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, praised Obi’s political approach and vision for Nigeria.

He emphasized the importance of unity among opposition figures to challenge the current administration effectively.

Peter Obi reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting the necessity of addressing critical national issues such as poverty, education, and infrastructure.

He underscored the potential of agriculture to transform Nigeria’s economy and called for investments in essential sectors to alleviate poverty and reduce criminality.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North and serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), has declined the Northern Youth Leaders Forum’s (NYLF) invitation to run for president in 2027.

In a statement, Kalu emphasized his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

The NYLF, a coalition of 40 influential groups, had recently met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, advocating for a reshuffling of the presidential ticket.

NYLF President, Comrade Eliot Afiyo, proposed Senator Kalu or Labour Party’s Peter Obi as potential presidential candidates, with Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State or Umar Fintiri of Adamawa State as possible running mates.

However, Kalu dismissed the proposal, stating that his political agenda remains focused on supporting the current administration.

He declared, “The presidency in 2027 is not on my agenda. I have every right to choose my path, and I have chosen to stand firmly behind President Tinubu.”

George Maduka, speaking on behalf of Senator Kalu’s Media Office, highlighted the need for political stability and economic continuity.

He quoted Kalu as praising Tinubu’s ambitious economic reforms aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s economy.

Kalu stated, “Since the return of independence, no leader has shown the boldness to overhaul our economic framework as Tinubu has. For the sake of our nation’s prosperity, we must let him complete the transformative work he has begun.”

Kalu’s message also served as a caution to political opponents, urging them to focus on their own campaigns rather than attempting to involve him in conflicts.

His declaration of support for Tinubu is to ensure that the current administration’s reforms are not disrupted by political distractions as the nation approaches the 2027 elections.

Additionally, Kalu appealed to all political stakeholders, calling for unity and a focus on long-term national interests over short-term partisan battles.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has initiated contempt proceedings against key figures in the Nigerian Senate, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging non-compliance with a court order.

The Federal High Court in Abuja issued a notice of disobedience, warning that Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem, could face imprisonment for their alleged defiance.

The court’s notice, issued pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, highlighted that the defendants were duly served with the enrolled order on March 5, 2025, yet have “deliberately and contumaciously disregarded its binding directive, proceeding with acts in flagrant defiance of the authority of this Honourable Court.”

The enrolled order, dated March 4, 2025, granted Akpoti-Uduaghan leave to serve the Senate with originating summons through substituted means.

It also issued an interim injunction restraining the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from proceeding with an investigation against her for alleged misconduct related to events at the Senate plenary on February 20, 2025.

The court directed the defendants to show cause why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted, restraining them from proceeding with the investigation without affecting her privileges as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution, the Senate Standing Orders 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

Despite these directives, the defendants have allegedly continued their actions, prompting the court to caution that such disobedience renders them liable for contempt, which may result in imprisonment unless they comply with the order.

This development adds to the ongoing tensions within the Nigerian Senate, following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent suspension for alleged misconduct, a move she contends is linked to her previous allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

The Senate maintains that her suspension is unrelated to those allegations.

Nenadi Usman, 

The Labour Party (LP) has rejected any alliance or transaction involving former Finance Minister, Senator Nenadi Usman, and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, made this clear in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, dismissing Usman’s attempts to engage with the party as illegitimate and unwelcome.

According to Ifoh, Usman, who was previously a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), had unsuccessfully tried to position herself within the Labour Party despite not being a registered member.

He accused her of attempting to “auction” the party to her political mentor, El-Rufai, who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“We have repeatedly said that the Labour Party is not a merchandise that can be bought over the counter. It baffles us how some persons continue to engage in a futile enterprise whose end is already foretold,” Ifoh stated.

The party emphasized that Usman never held a legitimate position within LP, describing her as an “unregistered member” who forcefully assumed an “illegal and ill-conceived” role as transitional chairman.

Ifoh further noted that her alleged involvement in court cases against the party, including an unsuccessful bid to dissolve its leadership structures, exposed her true intentions.

“She was barely two years old as a non-card-carrying member when she went to court seeking to sack all LP executives from the ward to the national level—and she lost in both the lower and appeal courts,” the statement read.

Labour Party also criticized Usman’s presence at El-Rufai’s SDP defection event, labeling it an “anti-party” move.

Ifoh questioned her claims of merely attending at the invitation of SDP members, arguing that no other opposition party leaders were present.

“If she was truly in LP to reform it, what was she doing at the SDP event, sitting by El-Rufai’s side? Why wasn’t the leadership of other opposition parties invited? Her motives are now fully exposed,” Ifoh asserted.

Dismissing speculation about alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, Labour Party maintained that it is not in any discussions regarding a coalition, merger, or alliance with any party or individual.

Ifoh warned that any attempts to “transact” with LP without proper authorization would be resisted.

“Transacting with the Labour Party in this manner is clearly criminal, and it must be resisted,” he concluded.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that he remains a dedicated member and will work to strengthen the party.

Amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, Buhari made his stance clear in a statement released on Wednesday by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu.

He emphasized that he has no intention of leaving the APC, which provided him with the platform to serve as Nigeria’s leader for two terms.

“I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularize the party by all means,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

Expressing his appreciation for the party’s support, he described his presidency under the APC as the “highest honor” of his career, adding that he seeks nothing more from the party beyond its continued growth and success.

“At present, I have nothing but gratitude for the support that the party gave me before and during my tenure as president,” he stated.

Buhari also acknowledged the sacrifices of the APC’s founding fathers, stressing the importance of preserving the party’s core values in protecting democracy and upholding the constitution.

His statement comes at a time when several key political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have left the APC due to ideological disagreements and internal crises.

El-Rufai, a close ally of Buhari during his presidency, recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a move that has fueled speculation about internal tensions within the ruling party.

He had previously disclosed that he informed Buhari before making his decision.

While Buhari did not directly address El-Rufai’s defection, his firm declaration of loyalty to the APC appears to send a strong message amid ongoing political realignments.

“Without referring to any individual, a cast of characters, or issues, principles, and ideals currently being discussed by party leaders at various levels, the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has reiterated what he has said time and again, that he is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party,” the statement read in part.

Buhari further emphasized that he would never turn his back on the party that brought him to power and remains committed to ensuring its continued prominence in Nigeria.

The Senate on Thursday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the National Council for Traditional Rulers, a move aimed at formally assigning monarchs and community leaders defined roles in governance.

Sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South), the bill reignited debate among lawmakers, with some expressing concerns over potential conflicts between traditional rulers and elected local government officials.

Defending the bill, Lalong, a former Plateau State governor, argued that traditional rulers, many of whom are well-educated, could play crucial advisory roles on security and national development.

He emphasized their deep-rooted presence in communities, stating that they are often the first point of contact during crises.

“When crises and killings occur, people immediately hold traditional rulers responsible because they know everyone in their communities, including criminals. However, we expect them to act without any formal responsibility,” Lalong stated.

He added, “During the Tinubu-Shettima campaign, we engaged with traditional rulers across the country, and they consistently requested official roles in governance. It was part of our campaign promises, and it aligns with ongoing constitutional amendments, particularly concerning security. Without security, everything else we do is meaningless.”

Despite Lalong’s assurances, some senators voiced concerns over potential overlapping responsibilities, stressing the need for clear role definitions to prevent conflicts between traditional rulers and government officials.

Senate Presiden, Godswill Akpabio, emphasized the importance of clarity in the bill, suggesting that a public hearing be held to gather wider input before proceeding to the third reading.

Acknowledging the contributions of traditional rulers, Akpabio noted that they could provide valuable insights on governance and national development.

The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Establishment, which is expected to report back within four weeks.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reinstated the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, months after his suspension.

Osagie was suspended in February alongside the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Commission, Damian Lawani, over alleged financial misconduct.

However, following an investigation, he has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, conveyed the decision in a letter dated March 12, which was made public on Wednesday night.

“Having considered the report of the investigative panel set up by the government to examine financial infractions against you, which has completely exonerated you, I write to convey the directive of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, that you resume duties as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice immediately,” the letter stated.

In response, Osagie expressed gratitude to the governor, acknowledging his leadership and commitment to the state’s progress.

“This decision underscores the sincerity and vision of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for Edo State,” Osagie said.

“I remain loyal to his administration and will continue working towards the development and repositioning of the state.”