The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has alleged that certain party leaders are determined to remove him due to his stance on due process, rule of law, and his close ties with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

Speaking to newsmen, Ayanwu claimed that some politicians from the South East view him as an obstacle to their ambitions, particularly in their bid to control the party structure.

“I was duly elected as National Secretary at our national convention, and the party’s constitution clearly outlines how a National Working Committee member can be replaced if necessary,” he said.

Anyanwu explained that he temporarily stepped aside to contest the Imo governorship election, allowing the Deputy National Secretary to act in his place.

However, he accused some individuals of forging party documents to insert a clause that falsely required him to resign. He stated that the police are currently investigating the matter.

He also defended his longstanding relationship with Wike, noting that they both served as local government chairmen and have remained allies within the PDP.

Anyanwu accused some PDP governors, in collaboration with a section of the Board of Trustees (BoT), of trying to weaken the party for their personal interests.

He described the push for Sunday Udeh-Okoye’s immediate swearing-in as National Secretary—following a Court of Appeal ruling—as a “proxy war.”

The PDP has been divided between supporters of Wike and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with tensions escalating since Atiku’s victory in the 2023 presidential primary.

The conflict deepened following a rift between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Anyanwu and the PDP’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, are seen as Wike allies and have faced increasing opposition from rival factions.

He urged those seeking his removal to wait until the expiration of his tenure in December 2025, when the position will be open for contest at the party’s national convention.

The PDP Governors’ Forum had previously endorsed Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary, citing an Enugu Court of Appeal judgment.

The BoT later backed this decision after reviewing a report by a committee chaired by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), which recommended Udeh-Okoye’s immediate swearing-in based on the court ruling.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has assured that the party will integrate Anambra State into the national political framework by November.

Speaking in Awka on Saturday during the commissioning of the party’s state secretariat, Ganduje emphasized the importance of the Southeast region aligning with the federal government to fully benefit from national governance.

He stated that the easiest way for the region to achieve this was by embracing the APC. The newly inaugurated party secretariat was procured, equipped, and furnished by two governorship aspirants, including Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.

Prof. Okonkwo, a leading aspirant, pledged to secure victory for the party in the November 8 governorship election if given the ticket.

Addressing party members, Ganduje described the Igbo as Nigeria’s most nationalistic people and urged them to connect politically with the centre by voting for the APC.

“You must strive to be part of the national grid. Politically, you are currently under rural electrification, relying on generators. This is unacceptable. You need to be fully connected,” he said.

He recalled historical figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe and the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, emphasizing the need for the region to return to the days of national integration.

Ganduje also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and reforms, noting that progress was already evident in areas such as oil production, security, refinery operations, and currency stability.

Meanwhile, APC governorship aspirants showcased their support base at the event. Prof. Okonkwo, who emerged as the most popular among party members, vowed to run a strong campaign that would deliver an APC victory.

“If you give me the ticket, I will give you the Certificate of Occupancy for the Anambra Government House,” he declared.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has appointed Umar Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The announcement was made on Saturday night through a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa.

Ibrahim’s appointment will take effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.

According to the statement, Ibrahim was chosen due to his vast experience and expertise in public administration, which are expected to enhance the government’s development agenda and ensure effective governance in Kano State.

“Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over 30 years of distinguished service to this position. His career in the civil service, spanning from 1987 to 2023, has been defined by leadership roles that have significantly shaped Kano State’s administrative and governance framework,” the statement read.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence in Ibrahim’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s vision, emphasizing that experienced leadership is key to achieving sustained progress and development in the state.

The political space ahead of the 2027 general elections is beginning to take shape as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s visit to the Abuja residence of Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani has sparked fresh intrigue and speculation.

Atiku, a key figure in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), met with Binani, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday.

The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to form a broad coalition aimed at challenging the APC’s grip on power.

Binani, who was the APC’s governorship candidate in Adamawa during the 2023 elections, has been politically sidelined, especially with her former rival, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, currently serving as National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu.

Her recent re-emergence in political discussions has led to speculation that she may be positioning herself for another gubernatorial bid in 2027.

During the fiercely contested 2023 election, Binani polled 398,788 votes but ultimately lost to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP, who secured 430,861 votes.

The election was marred by controversy after the Resident Electoral Commissioner prematurely declared Binani the winner before INEC’s final tally.

Although neither Atiku nor Binani addressed the media after their meeting, photos from the visit quickly circulated on social media, fueling widespread speculation.

A source close to Atiku downplayed the visit, calling it “just a courtesy call” but acknowledged its deeper political implications.

“Atiku’s relationship with Fintiri has become strained beyond repair, so it wouldn’t be surprising if new alliances emerge,” the source added.

Political observers and social media users were quick to analyze the potential significance of the visit.

On X (formerly Twitter), Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar questioned whether Atiku could be the bridge for Binani’s 2027 ambitions, writing, “Politics is not for the weak! Do you think HE Atiku Abubakar will help Aisha Binani fulfill her dream in 2027?”

Facebook user C.I. Gago described the meeting as more than a political maneuver, calling it “a courtesy visit from a father to his daughter, a family reunion, and a realignment for a better Nigeria.”

He added, “Game over for ungrateful politicians who fail to acknowledge the support that brought them to power.”

Another political analyst, Abubakar H. Kapo, pointed out the potential strength of a new alliance, stating, “If Waziri Adamawa (Atiku), Senator Binani, Senator Aziz Nyako, Senator Abbo, and Dr. Modibbo Baba join forces, they will be a formidable challenge to the APC in Adamawa. This group has the potential to produce the next governor in 2027.”