The leadership crisis within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has deepened, with the party’s founder, Chief Chekwas Okorie, accusing Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of undermining the party’s internal structure.

Okorie’s remarks come amid an ongoing dispute between Chief Edozie Njoku and Chief Victor Oye, with tensions heightened by Soludo’s alleged interference.

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Okorie reiterated his stance on the Supreme Court’s March 23, 2023, ruling that recognized Njoku as the legitimate National Chairman, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had also acknowledged Njoku’s leadership in line with the court’s decision.

However, Okorie criticized Soludo for disregarding these rulings by appointing Sly Ezeonwuka as national chairman, despite court orders nullifying such actions.

He pointed to multiple judicial confirmations, including those from the FCT High Court and the Court of Appeal, which affirmed Njoku’s position.

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Okorie expressed disappointment in what he described as a troubling trend of political manipulation, warning that Soludo’s actions could damage APGA’s future.

He urged party members to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the legitimate leadership.

“It’s disheartening to witness a progressive party like APGA being hijacked by political opportunists,” Okorie said. “APGA is now the only party in Nigeria where a Treasurer was installed as national chairman without a proper national convention. This is executive recklessness by a governor who vowed to uphold the rule of law.”

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He added, “The faction within APGA may believe that money can solve all problems, but true APGA believes that only faith in God can. Nigerians who cherish democracy should urge Governor Soludo to allow APGA to operate freely.”

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), representing youth groups across the country, has strongly condemned the sealing of Oracle Business Limited, a company owned by former Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, over an alleged N93.5 million tax default.

In a statement issued on Thursday from Owerri, CONYL President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, criticized the actions of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), accusing them of targeting a company that provides significant employment opportunities for youths in the state.

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Ibem expressed disappointment in the governor’s approach, claiming that the decision to shut down Oracle Business Ltd reflects a disregard for youth welfare and employment.

He also alleged that the move was politically motivated, calling on the BIRS acting Chairman, Mr. Sunday Odagba, and the Board Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr. Ushahemba Dekaa, to resist being used for “anti-democratic practices.”

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“The sealing of Oracle Business Ltd is a calculated attempt to deprive workers of their livelihood, especially in a time of widespread hunger and food insecurity,” Ibem remarked.

CONYL called for the immediate unsealing of the business and urged Governor Alia to focus on addressing the ongoing security issues in Benue State, where communities are regularly targeted by terrorists.

The youth body praised Dr. Ortom for his service as governor, urging the current administration to focus on governance and leave his business concerns alone.

Comdt. Joseph Haruna Sduzaof, the representative of Munya Constituency in the Niger State House of Assembly, has passed away.

He reportedly died on Friday evening after a brief illness. Sduzaof was the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Security and Intelligence.

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His death was confirmed by Farouq Isah, the Head of Media and Public Relations of the Niger State House of Assembly.

In a statement, Farouq said, “The death occurred this evening, Friday, 13th September 2024, after a brief illness. We pray that God grants his soul eternal rest and provides strength to his family, the leadership, members, and staff of the Assembly, as well as the people of Munya Local Government Area, to bear this loss.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced on Friday that he would no longer back Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in his political career.

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Wike made the declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he accused Governor Fubara of making false statements against him.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chapter in Ijumu has declared that the alleged suspension letter of Senator Dino Melaye is a forgery and cannot be upheld.

Hon. Olorunmaiye Olabode, the PDP Chairman in Ijumu Local Government, issued a communiqué in Lokoja on Friday, stating that the suspension of Melaye is baseless and was hurriedly written, with inconsistencies in the date.

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Olabode emphasized the party’s commitment to its constitution and regulations, pointing out that no proper procedures were followed in conducting the Ward Ad hoc Congress or the LGA Congress in Ijumu.

He further denounced the alleged State Congress held in Lokoja as an illegal and failed effort.

The communiqué claimed the suspension was orchestrated by external forces attempting to remove Melaye, the party leader in Kogi State, to weaken loyal party members.

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It also highlighted Melaye’s contributions, including paying for the party’s accommodation, staff salaries, and purchasing membership cards.

The PDP Ijumu chapter urged members to disregard the suspension, stating that it lacked due process and was part of a malicious plot to vilify Melaye.

Senator Nanedi Usman, the National Interim Chairperson of the Labour Party (LP), has called for unity and reconciliation as she steps into her leadership role.

In her inaugural speech, Usman expressed her aspiration to unify the party and build a strong, resilient political force capable of winning elections across the country.

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Acknowledging past divisions within the party, she urged members to forgive each other and focus on moving forward together with integrity and fairness.

Usman emphasized that no individual or faction should feel defeated, as all had emerged victorious through legal processes.

She encouraged all party members, including Julius Abure and others, to set aside their differences and work towards the shared goal of strengthening the party.

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Extending an olive branch, Usman warned that those who sow division would be met with prayers, while those who strive for unity would receive support.

“Those who fight together as brothers for freedom will ultimately win together as champions of liberty,” she said.

Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, the Acting Chairman of the NLC Political Commission, echoed Usman’s message of reconciliation, urging all members to join forces for the betterment of the party, declaring, “There is no victor, no vanquished—let’s build together.”

The Federal Government has announced that Monday, September 16, 2024, will be observed as a public holiday in celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, the commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made this announcement on behalf of the government, extending his congratulations to Muslims across Nigeria and abroad.

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In a statement released by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Minister encouraged the Muslim community and all Nigerians to embrace values such as patience, sacrifice, and resilience during this period.

He also called on the faithful to use the occasion to pray for lasting peace and progress in the country, urging all citizens to work towards a more prosperous and just nation.

Amid growing frustration, Nigerians have taken to social media to question the relevance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Many have expressed disappointment over the party’s internal struggles, particularly the overwhelming influence of former Rivers State governor and current minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

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Social media was ablaze with the statement, “PDP is dead, buried, and forgotten,” as critics voiced concerns over the party’s failure to stand up to Wike, who has been accused of wielding too much power and using his financial resources to control the party’s leadership.

Some argued that PDP’s leaders have “sold their birthright” for Wike’s money, abandoning the values that once made it a formidable force in Nigeria’s political scene.

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“Not even Atiku can wrestle Wike in PDP? What a shame,” one user wrote, reflecting the widespread disappointment with Atiku’s perceived inability to assert leadership within the party.

Many have questioned whether the former vice president still holds sway or if Wike’s dominance has effectively sidelined him.

The hashtag “Where is Atiku?” quickly trended on X formerly called Twitter, with Nigerians demanding to know why the PDP presidential candidate has remained silent amid the internal rift.

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Atiku’s absence from key political discussions and his perceived reluctance to challenge Wike has led many to doubt his strength as a leader capable of uniting the party ahead of future elections.

Wike, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and secured a key ministerial position, has become a controversial figure.

His departure from PDP and subsequent rise in influence has deepened divisions within the opposition party, leading many to declare the PDP’s downfall.

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As Nigerians continue to debate the party’s future, one thing seems clear—many believe that without significant reforms and a strong leader, PDP’s chances of reclaiming its former glory appear increasingly slim.