By Francesca Hangeior

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has rejected the planned coalition against the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was one of the outcome of the PDP Governors meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State between Sunday and Monday.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, read the communique to journalists.
 
Governor Mohammed said they were open to welcoming anyone or parties that want to join the party.

The Presidential Candidate of the PDP and that of the Labour Party in the last election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have been canvassing for a coalition that will oust the APC in 2027.

 The communiqué also expressed solidarity with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stating, “We restate our commitment to stand with him until the end amid the challenges posed by the declaration of a state of emergency in his state.”

Addressing the worsening security situation in the country, particularly in Borno, Katsina, and Edo States, the forum expressed alarm, stating, “The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country.”

The PDP governors called for a “review and reorientation of priorities and strategies,” emphasising the need for a bottom-up approach to tackle security breaches effectively.

They condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, stating, “We extend our condolences to the government and people of the state, especially those who lost lives and property during this unfortunate mishap.”

Looking ahead, the PDPGF announced plans to hold a meeting on May 27, 2025, to establish a zoning committee.

The committee will consist of Governor Douye Diri as Chairman, Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary.

“This committee will address party office allocations ahead of the convention scheduled for August 28-30, 2025, in Kano.”

The forum, however, expressed gratitude to the host governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, stating, “The Forum expresses its gratitude to the host Governor, the government, and the good people of Oyo State for their hospitality.”

By Francesca Hangeior

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has expressed confidence that the federal government and the All Progressives Congress (APC), under President Bola Tinubu, will create Anioma State.

Nwoko made the statement over the weekend in Delta State during a visit by the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration is committed to addressing the regional imbalance by establishing Anioma State, which would promote development in the region.

In a statement released to our correspondent in Lafia, Michael Ogar, the senator’s media consultant, quoted Nwoko as describing Ganduje’s visit as a significant step toward achieving fairness and regional balance in Nigeria.

“This is the clearest signal that the dream of Anioma State is not only alive but is now anchored at the very heart of national policymaking. Our people deserve inclusion, and this is the pathway to lasting justice and balance in the Nigerian federation” The statement reads

The event, which marked the formal reception of members of the Delta Unity Group from Ika Federal Constituency into the APC, was attended by notable APC chieftains from Delta and Edo States. Among them was Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, who played a prominent role at the event and described the occasion as “a defining moment for Delta politics and for the Anioma people.”

Addressing the enthusiastic APC supporters, stakeholders and other interest groups, National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Dr. Ganduje said the agitation for the creation of Animals state was a done deal.

Making the historic declaration, Ganduje stated unequivocally that “the creation of Anioma State is a done deal.”

The APC National Chairman affirmed that the rulling party is fully aligned with the long-standing aspiration for Anioma State and assured the gathering of the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC governors, the National Assembly, and the wider leadership of the party.

“The creation of Anioma State is not just an aspiration, it is a commitment that reflects equity, justice, and the unity of our nation,” Ganduje stated.

By Francesca Hangeior

The special adviser to the president on policy communication, Daniel Bwala, has accused Senator Ali Ndume of planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition coalition.

Bwala made the allegations amid ongoing political tension between both men.

The accusation comes after Ndume, the longest-serving lawmaker in the National Assembly since 1999, criticised President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State. Ndume suggested the president should instead declare a state of emergency on security and the economy.

In a move seen as politically symbolic, Ndume also stated that Tinubu should be concerned if former President Muhammadu Buhari is no longer in support of his administration. His comments came shortly after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures paid a visit to Buhari in Kaduna.

Ndume, however, clarified that he is not opposed to Tinubu personally but is critical of some of his policies. He added that he holds the president in high regard and considers him a mentor.

He alleged that Ndume has a history of disloyalty and had engaged in similar conduct in the past.

“Let me tell you today — and I want everybody to hear this, especially the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje: Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition; it’s only his body that’s still in the APC. He is already on his way out,” Bwala said.

“He did the same thing during his time with Senator Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, when he felt he wasn’t being supported.

“That’s how he moved to the PDP. But before he made that move, he kept meeting with them. All the while, he was there as a snitch.

“He was giving intelligence and information to the other side. Now, the reason I say the national chairman has to be very careful and observant is because he’s dog-whistling for these people. It would be better to handle it the way El-Rufai did.

“El-Rufai just said, ‘I’m leaving.’ You give more honour and credit to el-Rufai because he didn’t stay behind to be a snitch. He left.

“But this one, he claims loyalty. Yet, from a strategic point of view, he thinks, ‘If I stay and keep shooting from within, people will say, Ah, this one is even a member of the party.”

Meanwhile, key opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir el-Rufai have intensified efforts to form a coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027. El-Rufai and some of his allies have already defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in preparation for future political realignments.