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PDP Calls Emergency Session as Top Members Flee to APC

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has summoned its National Working Committee (NWC) for an urgent gathering on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Abuja. The emergency meeting comes in the wake of a string of high-ranking defections that threaten to weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Over the past fortnight, the PDP has lost several key figures in rapid succession:

Ifeanyi Okowa, former vice-presidential candidate.
Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, alongside the entire PDP leadership in that state.
Oluwole Oke, five-term member of the House of Representatives from Osun State.

Delta State—once a PDP stronghold—has now seen its governors, senators and local council chairpersons decamp to rival parties. Political analysts warn that the party’s diminished numbers in the National Assembly could undermine its legislative influence and funding streams.

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According to an exclusive copy of the invitation obtained by The PUNCH, acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo has formally requested all NWC members and cabinet secretaries to attend:

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 12:00 noon (prompt)
Venue: NWC Hall, Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat, Abuja

The agenda encompasses:

Analysis of recent defections and identification of root causes
Recommendations from the PDP Governors Forum
Preparation for upcoming Congresses and the National Elective Convention
Strategic repositioning in anticipation of the 2027 polls

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A senior party insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that halting the exodus will require both political incentives and stronger internal discipline.

The PDP’s leadership vacuum has exacerbated the crisis. Since former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu stepped down, factions have clashed over his successor:

Umar Damagum, Acting National Chairman, has faced criticism for failing to prevent defections.
Setonji Koshoedo, appointed National Secretary by the Governors Forum, issued the emergency meeting notice.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, reinstated as National Secretary by the Supreme Court on March 21, 2025, insists he will attend and insists judicial intervention in internal disputes was inappropriate.

“We will do our best to ensure that peace reigns in the PDP and that the party is preserved,” Anyanwu stated, pledging cooperation despite ongoing tussles.

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Observers note that unresolved disputes over the Secretary position have paralyzed decision-making and weakened the party’s ability to present a united front.

Sources say the NWC will consider several counter-defection strategies:

Re-engagement tours for disaffected governors and lawmakers
Incentive packages—including committee appointments and funding guarantees
Conflict-resolution committees to address local grievances
Strengthened anti-defection clauses in the party constitution

One NWC official admitted, “There is nothing the PDP can do to stop those determined to leave—unless you can meet all their demands or shield them from anti-graft probes.” Nonetheless, party strategists hope a blend of carrots and sticks will slow the bleeding.

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The PDP’s ability to retain its traditional bases in the South-South and South-West will be critical. Key considerations include:

Legislative strength: Loss of National Assembly seats may cost the PDP influence over budget and appointments.
State government control: Defections in Delta State could embolden rival parties in other southern states.
National unity: Prolonged leadership disputes risk alienating grassroots members and donors.

Political analyst Dr. Ifedayo Ogunleye says, “The PDP must demonstrate internal cohesion before it can credibly challenge for the presidency in 2027. Otherwise, it risks ceding ground to a more unified opposition.”

With the emergency NWC meeting set for April 29, all eyes will be on which strategies the PDP adopts to plug the leaks. Key outcomes to watch:

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Reconciliation initiatives led by senior party elders
Official response to the Supreme Court’s National Secretary ruling
Concrete plans for the 2025 Congresses and 2026 National Executive Convention
Messaging discipline to reassure the electorate and investors

As the clock ticks towards 2027 polls, the PDP’s survival—and its prospects of reclaiming power—hinge on swift, decisive action at Tuesday’s session. Failure to stem the tide of defections may consign the party to opposition status for the foreseeable future.

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Politics

Guber Election: Osun APC Accuses Davido of Distributing Money to Residents

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The Head of Media and Publicity of the Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, has urged residents of Osun State to assess Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, based on his performance as Chairman of the Osun State Sports Trust Fund and his contributions to governance rather than his campaign appearances.

Omowaiye made the remarks during a broadcast on News Central TV while reacting to Davido’s participation in campaign activities for his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

He alleged that the singer only becomes politically active during election periods, accusing him of distributing money to residents and taking advantage of what he described as their vulnerability. He, however, maintained that voters in the state are now more interested in governance and service delivery than celebrity endorsements.

The APC campaign spokesman alleged that Osun State University is now the most expensive government-owned university in Nigeria and questioned whether Davido had used his influence to advocate a reduction in tuition fees. He also claimed that some students of the University of Ilesa pay as much as N1.5 million in school fees.

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Omowaiye said the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, had pledged to reduce tuition fees if elected and questioned whether Davido would encourage students to support that promise.

He also criticised Davido’s performance as Chairman of the Osun State Sports Trust Fund, alleging that Osun has no functional government-owned stadium despite his appointment.

According to him, the state’s male and female football clubs were relegated during Davido’s tenure as chairman, adding that the singer had not made any meaningful contribution to sports development in the state.

Omowaiye further accused the Adeleke family of concentrating public appointments among relatives instead of creating opportunities for young people across Osun State.

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He claimed that Davido serves as Chairman of the Osun State Sports Trust Fund, while his brother, Tunji Adeleke Jr., was appointed Chairman of the Osun State Local Government Service Commission at the age of 31. He also alleged that another member of the family serves as Senior Special Assistant on Tourism.

The APC spokesman maintained that public offices were being recycled within the Adeleke family, arguing that while young people are mobilised during campaigns, they are allegedly excluded from government appointments and other opportunities.

He also questioned Davido’s silence on what he described as major governance issues in the state, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, electricity reforms and the alleged payment of N13.7 billion to ghost workers.

Omowaiye argued that Davido had not publicly challenged the state government over the condition of schools, hospitals, roads or other public services, despite his closeness to the governor.

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He insisted that the people of Osun would not be influenced by celebrity status during the election, maintaining that they would vote based on governance, competence and performance.

The APC spokesman also referred to comments credited to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who reportedly advised Davido to prepare to employ Governor Ademola Adeleke as a dancer if he loses the August 15 governorship election.

Omowaiye’s remarks came after Davido joined Governor Adeleke at a campaign rally in Osun as political activities intensified ahead of the governorship poll.

The singer arrived in the state on Thursday, August 6, and has actively participated in campaign activities in support of his uncle’s re-election bid.

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Videos from the rally showed Davido moving through a large crowd alongside the governor’s son, Sina Adeleke, popularly known as Shina Rambo, before both climbed over a barricade to join Governor Adeleke on the campaign stage, where they danced with supporters.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Davido nor the Osun State Government had responded to the allegations made by Omowaiye.

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Politics

Accord party demands removal of EFCC chairman immediately

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The Accord Party has demanded the resignation of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the anti-graft agency of partisanship and interference in the build-up to the August 15 guber election in Osun State.

The party said its position followed the EFCC’s decision to freeze an account belonging to the Osun State Government before subsequently reversing the restriction.

He called on the EFCC chairman to step down, adding that President Bola Tinubu should remove him if he refused to resign.

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He accused the commission of exceeding its statutory powers when it restricted the state government’s account on August 5, describing the action as capable of undermining confidence in public institutions.

He further stated, “Accordingly, Accord demands the immediate resignation of the EFCC chairman.

“For embarrassing the President, the party, the government and people of Osun State and fellow citizens, the EFCC chairman should toe the path of honour and tender his resignation.

If he fails to resign, President Tinubu should sack him immediately to restore the integrity of the anti-graft agency.”

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The EFCC had maintained that the restriction was connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities and was not politically motivated.

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City Boy Movement sacks Oyo coordinator for insulting TInubu, son

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The City Boy Movement (CBM) has fired Ahmed Ajibola as its Oyo State Coordinator for insulting President Bola Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu and the leadership of the movement.

A statement signed by the movement’s Director-General, Francis Shoga, on Thursday, said Mr Ajibola’s removal came barely two months after he was issued a formal notice to respond to several allegations contained in a petition submitted against him.

On the 2nd of June, 2026, a notice signed by the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, Ajibola was accused of making abusive, insulting and derogatory remarks against the national leadership of the Movement, including the Director-General.

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“The petition also alleged that he made offensive comments concerning the Movement’s Patron, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, directed derogatory remarks at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, engaged in acts of insubordination and disrespect towards constituted authority,” the statement read.

According to the statement, Mr Ajibola also challenged a leader of the movement in the state to a physical confrontation and engaged in conduct capable of bringing the image and reputation of the City Boy Movement into disrepute.

The appointment letter also clarified that the state coordinator reports directly to the Oyo State Director of the City Boy Movement and operates under the director’s authority, supervision and overall leadership,” it added.

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