The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has successfully regained possession of its former secretariat located on Airport Road in Benin City, which had been under the control of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The building, initially the APC’s secretariat, was taken over by the PDP following the defection of Governor Godwin Obaseki to the party in 2020 after he was disqualified from seeking re-election as an APC candidate.

In a statement after the reclaiming of the property, APC state chairman Jarrett Tenebe affirmed that the secretariat legally belonged to the party.

He explained that the APC had renewed the lease for the building for another seven years before the PDP, with the influence of Governor Obaseki, forcefully occupied it.

“About four years ago, APC made a concerted effort to extend the lease on this building, which has always been the APC’s office. If you search on Google, it still shows the APC’s secretariat,” Tenebe said.

Tenebe detailed that the national office of the APC had helped fund the renewal process, securing the property for an extended period.

However, when Obaseki defected to the PDP, the secretariat was taken over by what Tenebe described as “military tactics,” during which APC property was damaged, vehicles were seized, and members of the APC were evicted.

Tenebe recalled that the APC had lodged complaints with the Inspector General of Police, who backed their claim and ordered the reclaiming of the secretariat.

However, the then Commissioner of Police in Edo, allegedly acting under Obaseki’s influence, blocked their access to the building.

Having assumed office as APC state chairman, Tenebe made it clear that reclaiming the secretariat was a top priority, emphasizing his commitment to resisting any further attempts to displace the party from its property.

“Our focus is to redress all the wrongs committed by the PDP and Governor Obaseki,” Tenebe said.

At the time of filing this report, the PDP was yet to respond officially to the APC’s actions, despite promises from their spokesperson, Chris Nehikhare, to issue a statement.

The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with a growing division among members of the National Working Committee (NWC) over support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

The two political figures, who have been at odds for months, are now at the center of a party rift that is dividing key officials.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, strongly refuted a statement made by the party’s official spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, regarding the ongoing crisis in Rivers State.

Abdullahi clarified that Ologunagba was not authorized to speak on behalf of the PDP on the matter, particularly concerning the party’s stance on the Ewor-led executive in Rivers State.

Abdullahi stated that the NWC had neither sat nor made any decisions regarding the legal verdict recognizing the Ewor-led executive, which Ologunagba had previously endorsed.

He described the statement issued by Ologunagba as a “falsehood” and called on the public to disregard it.

The deputy spokesperson also addressed the issue surrounding the party’s national secretary position, reaffirming that Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the legitimate national secretary until the appeal on the matter is settled by the Supreme Court, in line with the law.

Tensions within the NWC are reportedly growing, with Abdullahi criticizing Ologunagba’s recent actions and comments, accusing him of inconsistency and overstepping his authority.

The deepening divide within the party suggests further challenges ahead as the PDP grapples with leadership disputes and internal conflicts.

Chief Edozie Njoku, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has officially taken over as the new National Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).

His election occurred during an emergency national convention held in Abuja on Friday, which was supervised by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Njoku’s appointment followed the resignation of the former NRM National Chairman, Hon. (Ambassador) Isaac Udeh.

Udeh cited the necessity to reorient and strengthen the party in order to ensure broader national representation and inclusivity in the party’s leadership.

Udeh, who stepped down to allow Njoku to take over, has now assumed the position of National Organizing Secretary.

The convention also saw A. D Musa being named Deputy National Chairman for the North, while Hon. Freedom Okwuchukwu was appointed Deputy National Chairman for the South.

In his acceptance speech, Njoku thanked Udeh for his commitment to the party’s progress and promised to revamp the NRM ahead of the upcoming governorship elections in Anambra State.

He expressed confidence that the NRM would emerge victorious in the Anambra election, positioning the party for success in future political contests.

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.