The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally issued expulsion certificates to several high-profile members, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The move follows the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where their expulsions were ratified over alleged anti-party activities.

The certificates were presented at a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja, during which Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum officially handed over the leadership of the PDP to Senator Kabiru Turaki.

Speaking after the meeting, Turaki explained that the certificates were meant to clarify the status of the expelled members under Nigerian law, which prohibits dual party membership.

“Now that these individuals have been expelled by the National Convention, we have issued certificates of expulsion so they can show proof to other political parties that they are no longer members of the PDP,” Turaki said.

The certificates have been sent to the affected members, which include Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna, George Turna, and Chief Dan Orbih.

Turaki added that the certification would inform Nigerians and relevant institutions including INEC, the police, and other security agencies of the expelled members’ status.

He warned that anyone interacting with these individuals does so “at their own risk.”

“We hope PDP members in Nigeria and the diaspora understand that the party has once again removed elements that have been disrupting our activities. Our focus now is on rebuilding and preparing to provide credible leadership for 2027,” Turaki stated.

The expulsions remain controversial, as they came amid ongoing legal disputes over state congresses.

A Wike-loyal faction, led by former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and factional Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, rejected the Ibadan convention as illegitimate.

This faction held a parallel NWC meeting in Abuja on November 18, where they also announced the expulsion of some party leaders, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), former Board of Trustees Chair Adolphus Wabara, Turaki himself, and Chief Bode George.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has raised alarm over the withdrawal of police personnel from the security detail of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing it as a deliberate attempt to expose him to danger.

Frank made the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, reacting to the recent directive by President Bola Tinubu ordering police officers attached to VIPs across the country to return to their primary policing duties.

The directive, issued on November 23, led to the withdrawal of officers assigned to several high-profile individuals, including Atiku, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, and 17 others.

According to Frank, the move is unprecedented and suspicious, especially considering Atiku’s long-standing role as a key opposition figure.

“No administration since 2007 has ever tampered with Atiku Abubakar’s security,” he argued.

“Why now, at a time when insecurity is rising nationwide? This action clearly reveals an ulterior motive.”

He alleged that the withdrawal was part of a broader scheme to “isolate and eliminate” Atiku ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the former vice president is legally entitled to police protection.

Frank also accused President Tinubu of following a troubling political pattern he claims has taken root in parts of Africa, where leaders use state institutions to intimidate or suppress opposition politicians.

He argued that the removal of Atiku’s security is a continuation of this alleged trend.

“President Tinubu is now towing the same path where incumbents silence their critics using state power.”

“Atiku has consistently spoken about the failures of this administration, and this action is nothing short of political persecution,” he said.

Frank further alleged ethnic bias in recent security appointments, claiming the President is positioning loyalists to carry out “political assignments.”

He challenged the administration to extend the security withdrawal to the President’s associates, family members, and appointees if the directive was truly neutral.

Atiku, who has contested for the presidency multiple times since leaving office in 2007, has not formally declared interest in the 2027 race, though speculations continue regarding his political future.

The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stepped up preparations for the inauguration of the newly constituted Nkanu West Local Government Caretaker Committee, slated for Wednesday.

Party stakeholders say the inauguration is a critical step in the APC’s broader strategy to reorganise and strengthen its structures at the grassroots level across Enugu State, especially as the party positions itself for future electoral battles.

Speaking with DAILY GAZETTE on Tuesday, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West, Hon. John Ogbodo, described the move as a timely intervention that would revitalise party activities in the local government area.

He noted that the committee was carefully selected to unite members, resolve internal issues and energise the party’s base.

According to Ogbodo, the inauguration reflects the party’s renewed commitment to building a formidable presence in Enugu State.

Ogbodo confirmed that Wednesday’s ceremony will attract top APC figures from across the state, including members of the state executive council, zonal leaders, and notable chieftains from the Enugu East senatorial district.

Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola, popularly known as FRYO, has clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

The party’s primary election took place on Tuesday in Osogbo under heavy security.

Announcing the result, officials said Adebayo secured 919 votes out of 957 accredited delegates, giving him a clear lead over other contenders.

Despite his earlier announcement of resignation from the PDP, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s name still appeared on the ballot, creating some confusion among delegates and observers.

Adebayo’s victory comes amid internal party tensions and shifting political dynamics within the Osun PDP.

Stay tuned for more…

The Enugu State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced that former Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, will be formally inducted into the Union’s Hall of Fame in recognition of his unprecedented contributions to journalism development during his administration.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, the induction will take place during the 2025 NUJ Press Week scheduled for December 4, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

This year’s Press Week has the theme: “National Unity and Good Governance: The Role of the Media.”

Comrade Ogbuka announced that the keynote lecture will be delivered by the President of the Senate, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, while former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Chief Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, will chair the event.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Okezie Kalu, will serve as Special Guest of Honour, with the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as Chief Host.

The NUJ noted that the former governor’s induction follows a comprehensive review of his contributions to journalism across Enugu State.

During his two-term tenure from 2015 to 2023, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi implemented landmark interventions that fundamentally strengthened the media landscape in the state.

Among his notable achievements were the rehabilitation and modernization of the NUJ Press Centre in Enugu, a widely celebrated upgrade described by the Union as “the highest financial investment in NUJ infrastructure in the history of Enugu State.”

In addition, his administration provided a new bus to the Correspondents’ Chapel, sponsored several journalists on pilgrimages to Jerusalem, and supported numerous professionals through capacity-building trainings and workshops.

Equally transformative was his commitment to expanding media infrastructure beyond the state capital. Under his leadership, a brand-new Press Centre was constructed for journalists in Nsukka, offering practitioners in the zone a modern, conducive workspace.

The NUJ said this decentralization effort reflected Ugwuanyi’s belief that “every journalist, regardless of location, deserves a dignified and professional environment.”

The statement added that the former governor’s humility, accessibility, and consistent respect for journalists helped nurture a positive relationship between the media and government during his administration.

“Throughout his tenure, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi demonstrated a deep appreciation of the press as a vital institution for democracy and development,” the Council noted.

“For his historic infrastructural support, unwavering commitment to press freedom and welfare, and a legacy of empowerment that continues to uplift the journalism community, the Enugu State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists hereby inducts him into its Hall of Fame this 4th day of December 2025.”

The NUJ further stated that other distinguished Nigerians who have excelled in their respective fields will also be honoured as part of the annual Press Week activities, a period when journalists assess leadership performance and review the Union’s work over the year.

The Council invited members of the public, media professionals, and stakeholders to attend the ceremony.

President Bola Tinubu has put forward the name of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for confirmation as Nigeria’s next Minister of Defence.

The nomination, announced on Tuesday, was conveyed in a formal letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in an official statement.

In the letter, President Tinubu expressed strong confidence in Musa’s capacity to oversee the Defence Ministry and enhance the country’s security framework.

The President’s decision comes shortly after the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who previously held the defence portfolio.

General Musa, who turns 58 on December 25, served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025, when he was relieved of the position.

A day before Badaru’s resignation, Musa was spotted at the Presidential Villa, where he held a private meeting with the President.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, the retired military officer completed his primary and secondary education in the state before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria.

He later joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree and receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant the same year.

Over the course of his distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, Musa held several key appointments, including: General Staff Officer 1, Training and Operations, HQ 81 Division, Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion, Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Army Policy and Plans and Infantry Representative, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations) at the Infantry Centre and Corps in 2019, and later commanded Sector 3 of Operation Lafiya Dole as well as the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region.

In 2021, Musa was appointed Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai.

He subsequently became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

All things considered, the defection of the governor of Enugu State, Barr Peter Mbah with a throng of his supporters plus almost the entire PDP structure in the state has a touch of clairvoyance to it.

While some analysts see that particular action which has thoroughly redefined the political trajectory of Enugu State as a result of a brilliant introspection and calculated insight into the realities of today’s political situation in the country, others maintain that he should have remained in PDP no matter the odds.

But His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah takes it as a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewal.

“let me assure you that this is not a detour, but a conscious step towards a more compelling future”, he asserts.

For those slow readers of the Nigerian political barometer who were not quick to align with that momentous movement into APC the import of that decision is dawning on them with speed of light as the interim leadership of APC Enugu State Chapter led by Dr Ben Nwoye is going around the 17 LGAS of Enugu State inaugurating the LGA Caretaker Committees with the mammoth and jubilant crowd that attends each session.

With PDP becoming catastrophically a dead end, and leaders of the Labour Party engrossed with the self destructive battle for the soul of the party, while ADC seems to lack the wings to take off as it has been all bark and no bite, the full weight of Barr. Peter Mbah’s political master strategy and inspired realignment to the center has jolted the rag tag skeptics and opponents in the state who had hoped on getting the federal might on their side to upstage the mass movement that Gov Mba is building through his provision of massive infrastructure to the people of Enugu State.

They have now reverted to the lame critique of saying that since Peter Mbah joined APC that work on the ongoing projects have slowed down and that there is hardly any political engagements and activities going on anywhere in the state, imputing rather erroneously that Gov Peter Mbah having defected into APC is quick to forget the projects that were his signpost to the mantra of Tomorrow Is Here.

Yet this assumption is not only false but self contradictory and facetious, a grumbling remonstrance of a bewildered opposition group, for they never agreed before now, that he is doing anything worthwhile for the people of Enugu State.

The corollary question would therefore, be why do they miss action on the various project sites that they denied its existence before or chastised as being misplaced priorities?

The Enugu Air, the multiple 5 Star hotels, the Green Smart Schools, the CNG Mass Transit Buses and ultramodern Bus Terminals, the 5 Star International Hospital, the Award winning International Conference Center that has attracted valued patronage since its commission and the multiple road construction works across the various parts of the state, (over 1000 kilometers of paved road) and the type 3 hospitals being built in the 260 Wards of Enugu State, 260 farm estates as well, the watertight security Command and control center with AI embedded security surveillance system and 150 Distress Response Squad Vehicles that guarantees safe street and neighbourhoods were all dismissed with a wave of the hand by the rudderless lot who branded themselves opposition to the government of Enugu State as not being worthy of praise or reckoning.

Truth is that by joining APC the ruling party at the center, and Gov Peter Mbah’s assiduous work and painstaking strategies in curtailing insecurity in Enugu State, he has attracted local and international recognition for himself and his administration in Enugu State and his model is being sought after by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a means of containing the multifaceted security problems facing the nation.

Meanwhile, to highlight the importance and urgency of a quick fix to this problem that has acquired international dimensions, Gov Peter Mbah has been appointed to head a presidential think-tank on the solution to this national malady.

It is also another cardinal truth that having showcased talent and creativity in the administration of Enugu State, Gov Peter Mbah Is on national assignment of helping with the provision of security of lives and property of all Nigerians which is main charge of governments all over the world.

So in a layman’s language, he is on a national assignment for the greatest number of good for the greater number of Nigerians.

We should also be rest assured that the disruptive change of this government is on course, infact, joining APC will only broaden and enhance its scope, quality and durability.

His Excellency, Gov Peter Mbah was emphatic about that when he said; “let me be clear; the progress you see today will not slow down, and the projects we have begun will be completed.

Yes, there has been challenges along the way, but make no mistake – schools, hospitals, roads and our services will be finished as promised”.

As to further reasons why Enugu State and indeed the whole of South Eastern States should join the All Peoples Progressive Congress (APC), to help President Bola Tinubu in reshaping the nation upholding the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, Gov Peter Mbah has himself provided an eloquent testimony to it on that historic day of 14th October, 2025, when the public proclamation to move the people of Enugu State into APC was made.

Hear him; “this move is bigger than politics, it is about alignment at large scale. It is about connecting Enugu’s destiny with the central hub of broader reforms shaping our nation”.

And he goes further to say; “His Excellency, the President has shown he is not afraid to make tough decisions for a fair and stable nation. And here in Enugu we are just as audacious”.

For those of us at the grassroots, we can only applaud your foresight and and strategic thinking Your Excellency, Gov Peter Mbah and we say carry go, Sir.

We are with you all the way, and the APC broom is our everyday companion.