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PDP crisis: Turaki-led PDP accuses INEC of bias

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The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias in the cup crisis rocking the party.

Reacting to a letter from the party explaining why it would not recognise the leadership of the faction, National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong accused the electoral umpire of working closely with those who wants to kill the party.

Comrade Ememobong alleged that the commission failed to, or refuse file documents that were in their possession and within their knowledge, obviously to aid those who are bent on killing the PDP and truncating democracy.

He reminded the Commission of the recent supreme court judgement in the case of Social Democratic Party which provides that the Commission has no business in the internal affairs of political party, including their leadership.

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The statement read, “The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party reiterates that in law and fact, there is no faction in the Peoples Democratic Party. This reiteration is necessary in the light of the INEC letter explaining their inability to recognise and upload the data of our legitimately elected leadership at the convention in Ibadan due to judgements of the Federal High Court.

“The said judgements have been appealed and an application for the stay of execution filed against the judgements, and very soon the Court of Appeal will hear and give judgement in the matters.

“While that is being awaited, it is needful to state that INEC monitored and participated in the National Executive Committee meetings where the convention date and venue were unanimously agreed and was also in receipt of the notice of the convention- a fact the Commission has unconscionably suppressed in court in several cases.

“Furthermore, the primaries in Ekiti and Osun were duly monitored by INEC, with communication emanating from the Turaki-led NWC. While we appreciate the monumental pressure that INEC has come under (after all he who pays the piper dictates the tune), we remind them that their constitutional responsibility is primarily to Nigerians and in the defence and protection of democracy.

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“While INEC claims to be neutral and is awaiting the Judgement of the court on the matter, we hope that they are minded by the judgements of the Supreme Court, especially in the SDP case, being the latest delivered last week, barring INEC from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.

“The truth remains that there is no faction in the PDP as all the legitimate organs and the administrative structure of the Party are under the control of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN. In the past one month the Board of Trustees, Governors Forum, State Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Caucuses, former Governors and Ministers and many other notable stakeholder groups have all met with and acknowledged the leadership of the current National Working Committee, led by Turaki SAN. INEC must remember that democracy is hinged on majority rule, so the committee of friends of Wike and Anyanwu cannot be validly referred to as a faction of the PDP.

“Finally, having held a meeting with the Commission last week, and our correspondence, thereafter, further explaining relevant issues relating to the current situation, we should ordinarily not respond to this letter, except to point out the hypocrisy and consistent bias that has completely coloured the action of the electoral umpire.

“INEC has continuously shown bias in this matter, even in the court, where they failed or refused to file documents that were in their possession and within their knowledge, obviously to aid those who are bent on killing the PDP and truncating democracy.

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“If INEC under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN knew the matter was in court, what was the rationale for the contrived meeting of Friday last week? Except to paint a false perception of faction to justify their actions and inactions.

“We therefore urge all Nigerians, particularly, our members to remain calm, resolute and continue to support the rebirth and renaissance moves of the party, as we reposition the party for electoral success in the coming elections.”

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Sad: Osun APC Chairman’s Wife Is Dead

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The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, has been thrown into mourning after the death of his wife, Alhaja Fatimah Oreoluwa Lawal.

She passed away on Friday at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex in Ile-Ife after a short illness.

The Osun APC expressed sadness over the loss, describing it as a painful moment for the party, the Lawal family, and those who knew her. Party officials said she lived a life marked by care for others, humility, and strong support for her husband’s public life.

They also noted that she was known within her community as a devoted Muslim woman and a mother who was close to her family and always available to support people around her.

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The statement said, “The deceased was a virtuous woman, devoted Muslimah, a pillar of support to her husband, and a compassionate mother whose life reflected humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her family and humanity.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to our state chairman, his nuclear and extended families and all those affected by this monumental loss.

“May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive her shortcomings, grants her Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give the families she left behind the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”

She will be laid to rest on Saturday in Ile-Ife according to Islamic burial rites.

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Nenadi Usman emerges Labour Party National Chairman

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The Labour Party, LP, has elected Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman at the party’s national convention held on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia State.

With her emergence, Usman makes history as the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, 4th September 2024, Usman was appointed to lead the National Caretaker Committee of the party at a NEC meeting in Umuahia, following a leadership vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the former National Working Committee.

She successfully steered the party through a turbulent period marked by leadership disputes, which were ultimately resolved in her favour by the appellate court.

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A former Minister of Finance and senator, Usman brings a wealth of experience and proven capacity to her new role.

As the 2027 general elections approach, she bears the immediate responsibility of positioning the party for electoral success.

Following its strong showing in the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party has firmly established itself as a formidable political platform, a foundation Usman is poised to consolidate upon.

Prior to the convention, Usman had been recognised as the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Party by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, following a Federal High Court judgement delivered on 21st January 2026 affirming her leadership.

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This decision was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgement delivered on Tuesday, 21st April 2026.

In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to reposition the party for greater success.

She commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and assured members that she would not let the party down in her new capacity. Usman also reaffirmed her commitment to fostering unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party ahead of the next general elections.

In his remarks, Governor Otti charged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and strengthen the party’s structures nationwide.

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Others elected into the National Working Committee of the party include Iheanacho Obioma, National Secretary; Mrs Nike Oriola, Deputy National Chairman, Ken Eluma Asogwa, National Publicity Secretary; Mrs Oluchi Oparah, National Organising Secretary; Comrade Anslem Eragbe, National Financial Secretary; Hilda Dokubo, National Women Leader.

The newly elected National Working Committee was sworn in at the convention.

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Senator Natasha Declares Second Term Bid, Set To Battle Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello In Kogi Central

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The Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has declared her intention to seek re-election for a second term, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest with former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the 2027 general elections.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made the declaration during the Kogi Central Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Stakeholders’ Meeting, where party leaders, supporters, and key stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the future of the party in the district.

Her announcement follows months of consultations and sustained appeals from constituents across the five local government areas of Kogi Central, as well as encouragement from her family.

“After due consultations and encouragement from my husband, I am here to say I have accepted your calls to re-contest for my second term as your senator,” she said.

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Meanwhile, former governor, Yahaya Bello has also declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat, signalling a potentially fierce political showdown.

Bello made his declaration during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders from across the district.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision comes amid a wave of endorsements from party faithful and community leaders, which has intensified over the past four months, indicating strong grassroots support for her candidacy.

In her remarks, the senator emphasised the need for unity within the PDP, urging stakeholders to prioritise reconciliation and inclusiveness ahead of the elections.

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“This is the time to bring everyone back home. We must reconcile with those who may have had one issue or another, for the betterment of our party and the success of our elections ahead,” she said.

Speaking at the meeting, the PDP Kogi Central Zonal Chairman, Hon. Anthony Akuvada, commended her leadership, describing her as a transformational figure whose impact has been widely felt across the district.

Akuvada also praised her commitment to inclusive governance, noting that her accessibility and consistent engagement with constituents have strengthened the bond between leadership and the people.

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