The embattled National Secretary of the opposition, People’s Democratic Party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu has said that he would remain in office until his appeal at the Supreme Court is resolved.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu had recently ruled that Ude Okoye is the rightful occupant of the office.

The dispute stems from Anyanwu’s decision to run in the Imo State gubernatorial election. After securing the PDP’s ticket, contesting, and losing, Anyanwu insisted on retaining his seat as National Secretary.

During the Imo State gubernatorial election, stakeholders in the South East region nominated Ude as their preferred candidate for National Secretary, citing Anyanwu’s gubernatorial ambitions.

Despite this, efforts for Ude to assume office were blocked by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) under Acting National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagum.

Ude then sought legal recourse.

A High Court upheld his claim, but Anyanwu appealed the decision. In the appeal, Justice Ridwan Abdullahi of the Enugu High Court dismissed Anyanwu’s case, ruling it lacked merit, and ordered immediate enforcement of the High Court’s judgment within 24 hours.

Despite the ruling, Anyanwu has refused to step down and announced plans to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court, arguing that he remains entitled to the office until a higher court rules otherwise.

Ude, emboldened by the court’s decision, insisted on taking office as National Secretary.

He warned that the party could face severe consequences if Anyanwu continues to defy court orders and impersonates the Secretary by signing official party documents, stressing that Anyanwu is legally considered an impostor.

Ude also raised concerns about the impact of the ongoing dispute on the PDP’s upcoming national convention, where a new National Chairman is expected to be elected.

“If Anyanwu continues in this role and oversees the convention, all decisions, including the potential selection of a presidential candidate, could be nullified if challenged in court.”

“This is not just about me; it’s about the survival of the party. We are all bound by the Appeal Court’s judgment”

“This is a defining moment for the PDP. We must respect the rule of law and prioritize the party’s collective interests over personal ambitions. How the PDP navigates this internal crisis will determine its ability to maintain its role as Nigeria’s leading opposition party.” he added

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Abdullahi Abass, has responded sharply to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Abass challenged Kwankwaso to focus on regaining his position in the NNPP rather than making futile attempts to undermine APC’s dominance in the state.

In a statement released to the press in Kano on Thursday, Abass mocked Kwankwaso’s claim to diminish APC’s influence, calling it “laughable.”

He further accused the former governor of Kano State, who is also the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, of being out of touch with reality and said his departure from NNPP was due to his “cluelessness and self-centeredness.”

Abass warned that the APC would not allow the same vote manipulation tactics used during the 2023 elections that falsely suggested the NNPP had significant support in Kano State.

He emphasized that Kwankwaso’s political relevance had faded, describing him as a “political wanderer” who left the APC due to his inability to align with the party’s progressive ideals.

“Kwankwaso’s ego and domineering nature led him to abandon both the APC and PDP, and now he’s been rejected by the NNPP,” Abass said.

“He has become a political refugee with no party to truly call home.”

He also reassured APC supporters that the party was already preparing to reclaim control of Kano State and free it from Kwankwaso’s influence.

Abass vowed that the APC would ensure that Kwankwaso’s political ambitions were curtailed.

Kwankwaso, during a recent meeting with NNPP delegates from Kano North at his Miller Road residence, had claimed that his party would ensure the APC struggles to secure even 15,000 votes in the state in future elections, similarly to how the APC relegated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to just 15,000 votes in 2023.

As the 2027 presidential elections draw near, political dynamics in Nigeria are beginning to shift, with key figures engaging in strategic consultations.

One such move came from former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, who paid a visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, signaling his interest in the upcoming race.

Senator Lawan, representing Yobe North in the National Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC), arrived at Buhari’s residence in Daura at 12:40 PM.

His arrival was warmly welcomed by the former president.

According to a statement released by Lawan’s media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, the two leaders discussed a wide range of important national and political issues during their meeting.

Lawan took the opportunity to convey the greetings and best wishes of his family and constituents to Buhari.

Lawan also expressed his deep appreciation for Buhari’s leadership during his tenure from May 2015 to May 2023, recognizing the former president’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

He thanked Buhari for his continued support and valuable counsel.

In response, former President Buhari expressed gratitude for the visit, acknowledging Lawan’s unwavering support and dedication to the country.

The Arewa Support Tinubu group has declared that the northern region will overwhelmingly vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

This declaration was made at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, where the group passed a vote of confidence in the president.

Chairman of the group, Hon. Joseph Maiwada, addressed the media, stating that their continued support for the Tinubu administration stems from the president’s achievements over the past year.

He emphasized that the group’s backing was driven by Tinubu’s efforts to improve the security situation in the North, particularly his focus on combating terrorists and bandits.

He highlighted the significant progress made in 2024, including the neutralization of over 8,000 terrorists and bandits, the arrest of 11,600 individuals, and the recovery of more than 10,000 weapons.

Maiwada also noted the president’s commitment to national development, mentioning various projects in the North, such as the Presidential Initiative on CNG, and the successful attraction of investments like the $5 billion Bonga North deep offshore oil project.

The project, according to Maiwada, is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.

He also pointed to initiatives like the Students Loan Fund and the Consumer Credit Corporation, which have already benefited over 300,000 students, as key accomplishments of the Tinubu administration.

These initiatives, he said, were aimed at empowering students and workers.

“On security, President Tinubu has taken bold steps, increasing funding for the military and launching community policing and conflict resolution programs,” Maiwada said.

He added that the group remains committed to supporting the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, working with stakeholders to ensure its success.

Furthermore, he praised Tinubu’s government for appointing Arewa sons and daughters to key positions, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Minister of Defense, and others.

Abdullah Gumel, the Jigawa State leader of the group, also spoke in support of the president, commending his efforts in tackling insecurity in the North.

He noted that northerners can now travel by road without fear of kidnappings and attacks by bandits and insurgents.

“We have gathered today to express our unwavering support for His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The progress we are witnessing under his leadership is remarkable. Despite challenges, including political propaganda from opposition figures, we believe the Tinubu administration is working in the best interest of Nigeria,” Gumel said.

He further declared that the group, as loyal citizens and members of the APC, was committed to supporting Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.

“We are here today to pass a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and promise to vote for him again in 2027,” he concluded.

Asiwaju Moshood Shittu, the former national chairman of the Alliance National Party, has dismissed rumors of a faction within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), labeling them as false and misleading.

During a media briefing in Abuja, Shittu reaffirmed that the NNPP, under the leadership of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, remains united, resilient, and a strong opposition party with its eyes set on victory in the 2027 presidential elections.

“The NNPP is expanding across all six geopolitical zones, and it is the only viable opposition with the potential to win the presidency,” Shittu declared.

He pointed to the party’s solid unity, which was demonstrated during the official presentation of its flag, constitution, and logo by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Bolingo Hotel in Abuja.

The event was attended by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), and members from across the country.

Shittu firmly rejected claims of a faction led by Anubonam, calling it “a mere distraction” and a scheme aimed at sowing division within the party.

He accused the group of using the party’s name for personal gains, urging the public to be cautious of their activities.

“The legitimacy of any political party is recognized by INEC, and it is Senator Kwankwaso’s leadership that has been officially acknowledged by the electoral body,” Shittu emphasized.

He urged party members to remain focused and not be swayed by the actions of the “outlawed faction,” assuring them that the NNPP leadership is committed to strengthening the party’s presence and structure nationwide.

Shittu also extended an invitation to Nigerians seeking a credible political platform to join the NNPP, emphasizing the party’s openness and its commitment to delivering inclusive governance.

“The NNPP is united and offers a platform for those ready to bring about meaningful change. Our sights are set on winning the presidency, state governorships, and legislative seats in 2027,” Shittu concluded.

With Senator Kwankwaso leading the charge, Shittu expressed confidence that the NNPP is poised to lead Nigeria toward progress and development.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Borno State has distanced itself from Atom Magira, its former senatorial candidate for the 2023 election in the Borno Central district, who is currently in police custody.

Magira’s personal assistant, Mohammed Yahaya, confirmed that the former candidate was detained by operatives of the Borno State Police Command on Sunday night.

The detention allegedly stems from Magira’s critical remarks against Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum.

Responding to the detention, Barrister Mustapha Mohammed, the chairman of the NNPP in Borno, stated that Magira had resigned from the party over a month ago and is no longer affiliated with the NNPP.

He further argued that Magira’s actions, including referring to himself as “His Excellency” and putting up a billboard advocating for a political merger, amounted to impersonation and a violation of electoral laws.

“Atom Magira is no longer a member of our party. He left over a month ago, and there is no NNPP chieftain in police custody in Borno,” Mohammed emphasized.

Attempts to contact Magira for confirmation were unsuccessful, as both of his mobile phones were unreachable.

Magira, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in 2019, has long been an outspoken opposition figure in Borno.

He has been particularly critical of Governor Zulum’s administration.

Reports suggest that the detention is related to a billboard promoting a “YES TO MERGER” campaign, which called for a merger of political parties in Borno State.

The billboard, which displayed Magira’s image and the campaign slogan, was allegedly destroyed by unknown individuals.

Sources claim that the state government is behind the destruction, asserting that the government has historically suppressed opposition in the state.

“Since 1999, anyone opposing the government has been silenced, but Magira has consistently provided a credible opposition,” one source alleged.

As of Monday morning, Magira remains in police custody, with no clear indication of whether he will face formal charges.

Efforts to reach ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the Police Public Relations Officer, for comment were unsuccessful.