Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced that President Bola Tinubu has tasked him with collaborating closely with his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje.

In a statement, Yilwatda emphasized his role as a “coordinator” within the party and expressed his intention to rely on Ganduje’s extensive experience to effectively guide the APC moving forward.

This announcement came during a condolence visit from Ganduje to Yilwatda in Abuja, following the recent passing of Yilwatda’s mother.

His words: “My doors are open, the office is open, the partnership remains open, and the friendship remains open.

“His excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked me to work with you, to reach out to you as well about partnership. I told him I would regard you still as a chairman in partnership with me. You are still the co-chairman of the party.

“I am only a coordinator. My duty is simply to coordinate the membership of this party. But the party belongs to all of us. We are all collective leaders of the party.

“So I need your experience, your guidance, your connections, and your contacts to ensure we solidify this party and build it together, so that we can win more elections.”APC suspension

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On his part, Ganduje, who now chairs the board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said his relationship with Yilwatda should serve as an example of how a successor and predecessor can work together.

He said: “One important thing is that the problem between a successor and his predecessor which is one of the issues that APC has solved.

“So our relationship is the beginning to solve that kind of problem. Not only in APC but in the whole atmosphere of democracy. I have to congratulate you for this new appointment.”

The leadership dynamics within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have taken a significant turn as Nafiu Bala has stepped into the role of National Chairman of the party.

In a recent press briefing, Bala expressed his commitment to the party’s principles, asserting his position as the “authentic” National Chairman.

He emphasized that both the Electoral Act and the ADC’s constitution support his role as the rightful successor following Ralph Nwosu’s resignation.

Nwosu’s departure several months ago, which coincided with the opposition coalition’s support for the ADC, opened the door for David Mark to be appointed as the Interim National Chairman.

In light of this transition, Bala, previously serving as the Deputy National Chairman, has raised concerns regarding Mark’s appointment. He has highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the party’s internal governance and ensuring that leadership transitions respect the established protocols.

Bala remarked, “As the national leadership of our party, we recognize the need for clarity regarding our leadership structure. Our former National Chairman made a voluntary decision to resign.

The ADC’s constitution provides clear guidelines for the transfer of power in such situations.

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According to both the electoral act and our constitution, the Deputy National Chairman is prepared to step in and uphold the party’s leadership. Therefore, I now take on the role of National Chairman with the intention of fostering unity and progress within the African Democratic Congress.”

Segun Sowunmi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a close associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has articulated the position that the opposition party has an outstanding political obligation to the South-East region.

He has urged Peter Obi to consider rejoining the PDP in light of this commitment to the Ibo people.

During an interview on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM conducted on Wednesday, Sowunmi emphasized the party’s responsibility towards the Ibo community. He recounted his prior suggestions for Peter Obi to return to the PDP, reinforcing the party’s duty to the South-East.

This discussion follows the PDP’s recent decision to allocate its presidential candidacy to the southern part of the country during its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.

Sowunmi said, “Peter is someone who doesn’t listen. I told him more than three, four months ago that Peter the time now is to return because the PDP owes the South-East a debt.

“The PDP owes the South-East a debt based on the fact that they have given every other tribe the ticket except the Igbos, and you have demonstrated capacity.

“The only thing there is that Peter thinks he’s too clever, he never wants to do primaries. Anybody that doesn’t want to do primaries is looking for somebody to cheat on his behalf.

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“Primaries is the internal democracy of parties, it’s only when you cross the hurdles of primaries that you can now be looking at the general election.

“But unfortunately, when they gave him a platform to manage like Labour, he could not manage it. Nigeria cannot be waiting for Peter, if Peter can’t be President as an Igbo person, one day we will find an Igbo person.

Two lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, increasing APC’s representation in the State House of Assembly to 24 members.

The defectors, Felix Afe (Akoko North-West Constituency II) and Tope Agbulu (Akoko South-West Constituency II), submitted their resignation letters from the PDP during a plenary session led by Speaker Olamide Oladiji.

The letters, read by Clerk Barrister Jaiyeola Benjamin, cited irreconcilable differences within the PDP as the primary reason for their departure.

Mr Agbulu explained that his decision was influenced by consultations with constituents, community leaders, women, and youth who encouraged him to join a more viable platform to better serve their interests.

“In line with the wishes of my people and my commitment to delivering more dividends of democracy, I announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress,” he stated, expressing his loyalty to the new party and dedication to the development of his constituency, Ondo State, and Nigeria.

On his part, Mr. Afe described his defection as a result of “deep personal reflection” and extensive consultations.

He acknowledged the support he had received from the PDP but cited internal divisions as the reason for his inability to continue.

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“I remain committed to service, integrity, and accountability, while fostering collaborative relationships throughout my political and professional journey,” he affirmed.

In response, the APC caucus in the House celebrated the defections, viewing them as a significant boost for the ruling party, which now holds 24 out of the 26 assembly seats.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a warning regarding the potential disciplinary action against members who publicly endorse President Bola Tinubu or partake in activities contrary to the party’s interests.

This statement was made by Emmanuel Ogidi, the Chairman of the party’s South-South caretaker committee, during an interview on Channels Television’s morning program, The Morning Brief.

Ogidi asserted that the party is diligently monitoring the activities of its members, particularly focusing on Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has openly expressed support for Tinubu.

He emphasized that maintaining discipline is fundamental to the survival and success of the PDP as it prepares for the forthcoming 2027 general elections. “Any party lacking discipline cannot thrive. We will take corrective measures against any erring members,” Ogidi stated.

The PDP leader rejected claims suggesting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has influenced the allocation of the PDP presidential ticket to the southern region. He accused the APC of attempting to create instability in the South but noted that the opposition’s resilience has thwarted these efforts.

Ogidi acknowledged that although prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-lawmaker Dino Melaye have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, reconciliation efforts within the PDP are ongoing.

He cautioned that individuals undermining the party from within would face consequences. “We are committed to reconciliation. If these efforts prove ineffective, we will implement stringent measures. Our doors remain open for those who have departed. At the time of their exit, there was uncertainty surrounding the party’s direction; however, we are now more assured, and I believe they will consider returning,” he remarked.

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According to Ogidi, the PDP’s immediate priority is not on individual candidates but on restoring public trust following years of internal strife and leadership conflicts.

“This is the People’s Democratic Party. We do not seek candidates through a headhunting process; our doors are accessible. At this time, our focus is not on candidates but on re-establishing the confidence of the Nigerian populace. The PDP is not the property of any individual; it belongs to the people,” Ogidi concluded.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro has articulated that the decision to designate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections was a significant miscalculation.

Moro made this assertion during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He elaborated that nominating a northern candidate, particularly in the context of existing political zoning considerations, undermined the party’s electoral prospects and ultimately contributed to its defeat. Click link to continue reading.