Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, has expressed that Nigerians have essentially made their decision regarding the upcoming 2027 elections.

He attributed this sentiment to the “severe” poverty and hardship that many citizens are currently enduring across the nation. Kwankwaso made these remarks during a national executive council (NEC) meeting of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which took place in Abuja on Thursday.

His comments reflect a growing concern among political leaders about the impact of economic challenges on the electorate’s choices.

“Today, many Nigerians struggle to afford food. Many are displaced from their homes due to insecurity. Others are in hospitals without proper attention, or cannot go at all because they have nothing,” he said.

“The people in this country, I can tell you for free, have made a decision on what to do in 2027. And that is why we are so happy with ourselves, because we are with the people. And the people actually know we are with them. We are not satisfied with many aspects of life across the country, particularly the issue of poverty.

“Poverty is everywhere in this country, especially in this part of the country (north). It is serious poverty. Many communities are unable to visit the farm now. Some cannot go to the market. Some cannot even return home.”

Against the backdrop of speculation about opposition alignments ahead of the 2027 general election, Kwankwaso warned NNPP members not to be distracted by the defections and coalition talks among other politicians.

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“But let me remind us: we must not be distracted by political defections and speculations. Some people switch parties easily, thinking they know it all, while they actually understand little. If they truly want to know, they should come and ask us,” he said.

The former governor highlighted some of his achievements in Kano, particularly in education and security.

“In Kano, during my time, we introduced free education from primary to tertiary level. People paid nothing. We went further—we identified talented young men and women and sent over 3,000 of them to 14 countries, including the UK, India, and Jordan, to study,” he said.

“Many returned with first-class degrees. Today, they are lecturers, professionals, and doctors, serving across Nigeria and beyond. We even sent over 100 young people to Jordan to train as pilots.

“In Kano, we built flyovers, underpasses, and established 26 institutes to train and empower youth. During the height of Boko Haram, I used our experience as former minister of defence to secure Kano. Criminals tried, but they failed. That is why Kano became an island of security amidst crisis.”

Kwankwaso framed his party as the true alternative to the ruling class, insisting that the poverty and insecurity he described cannot be addressed by the same old political arrangements.

Also speaking, Ajuji Ahmed, national chairman of the NNPP, said the party has come under mounting pressure to clarify its position ahead of 2027.

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“I must state that the pressure facing us as a party over the direction that our party would take leading up to 2027 have been enormous,” he said.

“I must thank all those who are working assiduously to reach out to, and hold discussions with us in this regard. We thank all manner of persons, groups, organizations for the good work they have put in.

“Of particular interest in this regard are members of our party in the diaspora, all who have a genuine interest in moving our country forward, for their interest and even a measure of anxiety in our posture and decisions leading up to 2027.

“I am particularly flattered by inquiries coming to us from various interested international organisations and groups in this regard.”

He added that while the party now has a clearer sense of its future direction, it would still require more time before reaching final decisions.

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There are strong indications that the November national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State, may be derailed following a threat by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to halt the event, as reported by The PUNCH.

Wike’s opposition to the convention is believed to be the result of his rift with his erstwhile ally, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and other unresolved issues in the party.

Ahead of the elective convention slated for November 16, the PDP has, however, issued a stern warning to the minister over his moves against the party’s plans.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in an interview with selected journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, cautioned that decisive action under the party’s constitution would be taken against him should he continue to undermine the collective interests of the party.

PDP National Executive Committee members, including Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor and former National Vice Chairman (South West) Eddy Olafeso, accused Wike of overstepping his bounds, vowing to resist his moves.

They stressed that the party was undergoing a rebuilding process and would strengthen its structure through the Ibadan convention, insisting that no individual could obstruct internal party activities, particularly with the Independent National Electoral Commission already involved.

The PDP only just emerged from months of internal crisis that saw the defection of key figures, including its 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his running mate and former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and other prominent leaders to the APC and the newly formed African Democratic Congress.

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In a bid to restructure and reposition itself, the party, during its 101st NEC meeting on July 24, resolved to convene a National Elective Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, where 19 new members will be elected into the National Working Committee.

Dissatisfied with the South-South Caretaker Committee constituted by the PDP NWC and the retention of Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South East), Wike vowed that his camp would resist the party’s decision.

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV programme, ‘Politics Today,’ on Tuesday night, the former Rivers State governor cautioned that the party’s crisis might appear resolved for now, fresh crisis could erupt if the PDP refused to acknowledge the zonal congress that elected Dan Orbih as National Vice Chairman, South-South.

He said, “Well, it is over for now. There are a few things remaining and I have told them that they must do it. Our congress was held in Calabar, and there’s nothing anybody can tell us. If they want to have another round of crisis, so be it. In that congress, Chief Dan Orbih emerged as the National Vice Chairman. They never wanted the congress to hold but congress was held.

“The so-called acting national chairman of the party wrote a letter to INEC after congress was held that the congress has been postponed. There is no two ways about it. The National Vice Chairman of PDP South-South is Chief Dan Orbih. If they don’t agree, that’s another round of crisis,” he threatened.

Wike also argued that the party must deal with its South-East zonal chairman, Ali Odefa, who had been sacked from the party by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The south-east vice chairman, Ali Odefa, is no longer a member of the party. These are the things I tell people. What I don’t like is impunity. And for someone like me, we will not condone it. I will not allow it. We will fight it except they correct it.’’

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Wike added that the national convention being put together by the party might end up in crisis if the anomalies in the PDP were not corrected.

“They said that they are going for their convention in November. I am not part of it until they have corrected it. Let us wait, there is still time for them to resolve it. Before you talk about the convention, resolve the matter. If the matter is not resolved, there will be a crisis.”

He dismissed reports suggesting that a parallel convention was being plotted, insisting that no formal decision had been taken by the party’s NEC.

“I am not aware that any convention would be held in Ibadan. As a NEC member, nobody has informed me, and no such decision has been voted on by NEC. If a few people gather to make pronouncements, that cannot pass for NEC,” Wike said.

He pledged that his group would continue to fight against injustice within the PDP.

The FCT Minister stated, “I am not aware of any convention. If notice of a meeting is not given to members of the NEC, we have the right to challenge it, and nobody can deny me that right.”

When questioned about whether he would take the matter to court, Wike responded, “Our group is meeting tomorrow, and obviously, I don’t think we will allow injustice to prevail. I can assure you that we will not allow it. Nobody serves the interests of the PDP more than I do. None of them.”

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PUNCH correspondents in Abuja reported that former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and other allies of Wike were spotted together on Tuesday.

Although the Wike group’s meeting had not yet been held as of press time, sources close to the minister indicated that it would take place soon, and their resolution would be announced publicly.

A source in the minister’s camp, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the issue, told The PUNCH that Wike’s group was prepared to fight till the end.

He stated, “We will meet later today (Wednesday). What I can assure you is that Wike and some of us will fight to the end. The injustice in the South-South and South-East will not stand.

“If the party is not ready to correct this, we will do everything legally possible to address it. But if they want the convention to hold, they must act; otherwise, they will be surprised.”

Reacting, Ologunagba, who countered Wike, said all NEC members were duly informed, and insisted that the National Elective Convention would hold as scheduled.

He stated, “Our NEC and other meetings have been convened properly. We follow the due process. INEC has been duly informed, as expected, of the meetings of the NEC relating to those issues. And in any event, I do not intend to join issues with anybody on this matter.

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“The PDP constitution is there, we follow through the constitution. Our preparation is going on. The NEC, which is the second-highest decision-making body of this party, has fixed the venue for the national convention NEC selected the venue, and the venue is Ibadan, Oyo State, on the 15th and 16th of November 2025.

“That national convention will hold on the 15th and 16th of November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State. Like I referenced earlier, the train moving towards the national convention has moved, and it’s arriving at its destination because right now all arrangements and all committees are working seamlessly towards a successful national convention at Ibadan.

“In any event, we have documents showing that every relevant person, including Minister Wike, was referenced, and evidence showed that he actually received a letter duly acknowledged and signed for from his office. If there are challenges within his office, we cannot be held accountable for that. In addition to that personalised letter, there was a publication in the national dailies. So, there’s adequate notice: members have approved it, NEC approved it, secretaries approved it, all organs have approved it, and we’re fine, we’re going, we’re coasting on to the national convention in Ibadan.”

In response to a question on how the PDP would handle Wike and his group’s decision to oppose the party’s plan, Ologunagba said that the party would take “necessary steps.”

The PDP Publicity secretary added, “Well, again, I do know that this party has done everything that is within the law, following the constitution, and we will continue to follow the constitution. If there are actions inconsistent with that constitution, the necessary actions will kick in. We’ve said that before, and we mean every word we have said as a party.

“Look, a party is a voluntary thing; there’s free entry and free exit. When you choose to leave, you can leave, but it will be irreconcilable for you, or any member, to stay within a party that has rules and not follow those rules. So, for us, we are not joining issues with anybody. We are not going to be raising issues with anybody. We are focused on our process to have a seamless national convention, and we will do that because this is the hope of democracy in this country.

“We are focused, laser-focused, on what to do in the interest of democracy, in the interest of our party. But we have said it again, and we’ll say it again: there will be zero tolerance for disloyalty in our great party. PDP is a party of process, a party of rule and law. There are established ways of taking action and seeking redress that are consistent with the constitution, we will insist on that constitutional provision and do what is necessary and appropriate.”

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Also, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Osadolor, warned Wike’s group, reminding them that the Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that internal party matters are non-justiciable.

He stated, “First of all, we are all aware that the convention has not been held. We are also aware that NEC held, and INEC participated in the last NEC, where resolutions on the convention that is going to hold in Ibadan on November 15 and 16 were taken, and they were duly notified.

“Again, this issue of going to court, like they are threatening, I wonder what has informed all of that. But again, I am aware, everybody’s aware, the Supreme Court made a pronouncement that internal dealings and affairs of political parties are not justiciable. It was a landmark pronouncement during the case of Anyanwu versus the Southeast Leaders, and the LP case versus Abure. And all of these two judgments came in the earlier part and the middle part of this year.

“I wonder which court will now entertain the briefs on issues that border on the internal affairs of political parties, having heard from the Apex Court. Again, I think the FCT Minister is overreaching himself by wanting to put himself first and above the collective interests of the political party he claims to belong to.

“And, therefore, I will urge him to take a second thought and not put himself on the wrong side of history. Because the PDP is rebuilding currently, and efforts so far have shown that Nigerians are appreciating the rebuilding that is currently going on within the party.”

Osadolor called on all party members to support the PDP’s rebuilding efforts, stressing that no single individual can prevent the party from carrying out its plans.

The NEC member stated, “Therefore, any party member should not be seen to be derailing the progress that the party has made post the defections of some adventurous governors and senators.

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“So, I want to also use this medium to tell you, Nigerians, the PDP will remain committed to its programs, and it remains undeterred in having a national convention that will usher in the next set of national committee members to pilot the affairs of the party.

“No matter who is going to court or who is not going to court, the programs of the party are set, and nothing will go against it.”

Another NEC member, Olafeso, on his part, vowed that Wike’s attempts to undermine the PDP would be resisted.

He stated, “In the final analysis, it’s obvious that Wike plans to destroy our party, and nobody will allow that for him. He’s heading for the final battle, and we’re ready for him. As far as we are concerned, we followed all the due processes to come this far.

“And he, and any other person on this planet, cannot stop us. Sometimes the arrogance of power will make them look as if everything is possible. The lawlessness that he’s exhibiting is quite unfortunate because the truth is that we are guided by a constitution.

“And that just stipulates how to move forward. We have to manage ourselves. We have followed the constitution all through. We are waiting for them to go to court. We’ll meet them there.”

Also, a former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has described the threat of Wike to stop the party’s convention slated for Ibadan in November as a mere noise.

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Speaking with The PUNCH exclusively, the PDP chieftain said the decision of the NEC of the party is superior to the personal craving of any individual, no matter how powerful.

He said, “No individual owns this party (PDP). NEC decided that there will be a national convention, and it will be held in Ibadan. Any individual can make his noise. PDP is not like the All Progressives Congress, which is owned by one person. It is the decision of the NEC authority that is taking us to a national convention.

“I will advise my political son (Wike) to just follow the rules. Otherwise, if he goes beyond that, the party has its own laws. Wike cannot dictate to people like me and many other oldies who are still fully in PDP. I don’t know why he said that (threat to scuttle the Ibadan convention). I am not happy that he said that.

“The party will take appropriate action. We have a NEC meeting coming up on Monday. I will support the procedures and the rules as stated in our constitution. No individual can change the rules, no matter what. Ibadan is the venue of our convention, and Ibadan we will go.”

Attempts to reach the PDP National Secretary, Anyanwu, a member of Wike’s camp, for a reaction were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, stated that the party’s leaders would resolve the issues bedeviling the party ahead of the November convention.

He stated this during an interview with The PUNCH in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.

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Ogungbenro said, “Well, I think I read it (Wike’s threat) in the newspaper today (Wednesday), I just laughed! It’s a sheer political statement, nothing less, nothing more. Because he is somebody I respect so much, whom my Governor, Seyi Makinde, worked, and stood for and by extension, the PDP in the state.

“He (Wike) should know that we supported him wholeheartedly, but that’s politics for you. So, let’s wait and see. Everything is politics, and our leaders will resolve it, no matter what happens,” he stated.

In what can be characterized as a significant political maneuvering, there is an impending clash within the coalition surrounding the selection of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

The ADC, having recently emerged as a coalition party, finds itself at a crossroads, with three prominent politicians vying for the opportunity to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming electoral race.

The party has been witnessing intense political factionalism, with various camps attempting to secure the presidential nomination despite claims by party leaders that the ADC was not founded on personal ambition.

Tensions are escalating, however, as factions gear up to outmaneuver one another, especially given the backdrop of recent defections from other political parties.

A significant narrative has emerged regarding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with allegations surfacing that he seeks to position himself as the ADC’s candidate.

Meanwhile, many party supporters argue for the importance of zoning the ticket to the southern region, given that the current president hails from the south. Opting for another candidate from the south could provide a strategic advantage, creating momentum for the party.

In this scenario, potential candidates like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi find themselves in the spotlight.

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Obi, with his substantial national support, seems to be the preferred choice among the electorate, while Amaechi struggles to extend his influence beyond his home state and is viewed as lacking significant political weight in other regions of the country.

Despite these considerations, recent developments suggest that neither Obi nor Amaechi stands a strong chance of securing the ticket, as pressure mounts on Atiku from certain party stakeholders to withdraw his candidacy in favor of one of the southern contenders.

An inside source within the party has noted that a significant confrontation may arise between Atiku’s camp and that of Peter Obi, given Atiku’s apparent ambitions to claim the party’s presidential nomination.

In a strategic move, Obi may opt to return to the Labour Party if his chances within ADC diminish further, particularly if Atiku were to select Amaechi as his running mate for the 2027 elections.

“Amaechi is primarily seeking relevance within the political landscape. He recognizes that his chances of obtaining the ticket are slim, but the real battle will occur between the factions of Atiku and Obi, as both sides are covertly strategizing for their advantage. However, it’s worth noting that there is significant distrust of Peter Obi among certain party insiders, and Atiku has made it clear he will not step aside for Obi. Some party stakeholders also express skepticism, suggesting that Obi may struggle against Tinubu, particularly given that northern voters are unlikely to support him in significant numbers. The dynamics of this election appear markedly different from 2023, when Obi garnered votes in northern regions.”the source said.

Meanwhile, The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the ongoing coalition talks are not centered on any individual candidate, including Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi, but focused on building a stronger alliance for Nigeria’s future.

The spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, revealed this in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Tuesday.

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“The coalition has nothing to do with either Peter Obi or Atiku. They are just members like many others. The focus is not on them. And of course, it is within anyone’s right to have political ambitions or to run for any position,” he said.

A new National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress may emerge on Thursday during its National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, according to The PUNCH.

In June, former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, resigned as the party’s national chairman citing health issues but political analysts believe his exit from the party was tied to internal power play and strategic realignments within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Thereafter, Deputy National Chairman, Ali Dalori, was installed as the acting National Chairman of the party.

Multiple reliable party sources said key items on the meeting’s agenda include the selection of a national chairman, updates from the Constitution Review Committee, and party congresses among others.

The sources at the APC National Secretariat, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, disclosed that many party leaders were in favour of Ali Dalori continuing as the party’s acting chairman until a formal Elective Convention was held to choose a new National Working Committee members.

One of the sources added that party stakeholders, including members of the Progressives Governors Forum and the current National Working Committee, were all awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s decision on his final position on the party leadership.

The source added that former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, were the leading contenders as the North Central region stepped up its push for the next national chairman of the party to return to its region.

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Prior to Ganduje, the APC had five previous chairmen: Chief Bisi Akande (2013–2014), Chief John Oyegun (2014–2018), Adams Oshiomhole (2018–2020), Mai Mala Buni (2020–2022), and Abdullahi Adamu (2022–2023).

Article 13.3 of the amended 2022 APC Constitution grants the NEC the authority to appoint the National Chairman and establish a Caretaker Committee, among other powers.

Article 13.3 (1i and ii) states, “The National Executive Committee of the Party shall be the Principal Executive body of the Party and shall perform the following functions: summon or convene the National Convention and prepare its agenda, discharge all functions of the National Convention in between National Conventions.”

Article 13.3 (B and C) adds, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, the National Executive Committee shall have the power to set up a Caretaker Committee in place of any organ at all levels, except the National Advisory Council and National Convention, where in its opinion there is a compelling situation warranting such action in the overriding interest of the Party.

“Any such Committee shall have a defined tenure not exceeding twelve (12) months.”

As a result, on June 30, APC Deputy National Secretary, Festus Fuanter, announced that the party’s NEC meeting would be held in Abuja on July 24 to address the selection of a National Chairman and other key issues.

Faunter said, “And during the meeting, if they so desire that a new chairman is nominated, we’ll also accept such nomination and then wait for the convention where the final position of the party will be made as far as the substantive chairman is concerned.

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“So, that’s as much as I can tell you. And the date, the suggested date for the NEC meeting is the 24th of July, 2025. It’s going to be here (Abuja), on the premises of the APC.”

Lobbying

Meanwhile, one of our sources said the party leadership had informed President Tinubu and was now awaiting his guidance on the next steps.

He added that influential members of the party had started lobbying for their preferred candidates ahead of Thursday’s crucial NEC meeting, with Al-Makura, Yilwatda and interim chairman Dalori the top names.

He stated, “The NEC will hold as scheduled. Of course, a lot of issues will be discussed and resolved. The E-registration, updates from the Constitution Amendment Committee, congresses, by-elections, and the selection of a substantive National Chairman are all part of the agenda.

“It is not clear whether the NEC will announce the substantive National Chairman on Thursday, because, as we speak, some people are pushing for Dalori to continue as acting chairman until an Elective Convention brings in new NWC members at a later date. However, others are insisting that a new National Chairman should be announced on Thursday.

“So, the NEC will make that decision. Already, former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Yilwatda, are the major names being mentioned among party leaders.

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“Preparations for the NEC meeting have been concluded. The President, who is the leader of the APC, has been briefed, and everyone is now waiting for him to give a directive on how and when the National Chairman will emerge and who that will be.”

The PUNCH learnt top party leaders met with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday but correspondent could not confirm what was discussed. However, there are indications that discussions were centred around who became the next party chairman at Thursday’s NEC.

Tinubu, who attended the last two NEC, is expected to also join the meeting on Thursday.

Multiple party officials believe a successor to Ganduje would emerge at the NEC meeting, claiming it was at a NEC meeting that Ganduje was also named the party chairman.

Another source stated that the NEC meeting would provide clear guidance to the party regarding the National Chairman and other key matters.

He stated, “The NEC is an important organ of the party. The Thursday meeting is very crucial because it will give a clearer direction on the substantive National Chairman of the APC.

“Al-Makura, even Yilwatda and other names have been mentioned. But the NEC’s decision, along with that of the President, will shed light on everything. One thing is certain: the APC will consolidate, and it will get better.”

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Attempts to reach APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for a response were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off as at the time of filing this report.

However, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, APC Deputy Organising Secretary, Eze Duru, confirmed that the National Chairman and E-registration were part of the agenda for Thursday’s NEC meeting.

He stated, “Well, essentially, NEC is a usual meeting of the party as stipulated in the constitution of the party. We would address the issues around the E-registration to enable members register wherever they are, and then of course receive reports from the directorates of the party through the National Secretary, who will present reports of his stewardship. So, these are the major highlights of the meeting.

“Also, the issue of the substantive National Chairman is expected to be on the agenda.”

He explained that the E-registration would make it easier for Nigerians interested in joining the APC to register seamlessly.

The APC Deputy Organising Secretary added, “Yes, I would expect that the party would come out of the meeting better, stronger and sending a signal to Nigerians that we are prepared to do what is best and what is right by them, and then, of course, to position the party to give an account to the owners of the party through the NEC.

“That’s one part of what will come out of the meeting on Thursday and then also to show that we are keying into the IT space through the E-registration — to make it possible for members to be registered across board, as well as to be accountable. People will know that once you are a member of the party, wherever you are, you can be verified.”

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N’Central preaches justice

In a related development, the North-Central APC Forum has called on President Tinubu and other party leaders to ensure that the position of the party’s National Chairman returned to the region during Thursday’s NEC meeting.

The appeal was made in a statement signed on Tuesday by the forum’s chairman, Saleh Zazzaga.

Zazzaga stressed that reinstating the position to the North-Central is the only fair and just decision, given the region’s historical role in the party.

“The North-Central has over the years played an important and strategic role in the progress and growth of the APC. Any decision contrary to returning the position of National Chairman to the region will amount to betrayal,” the statement read.

The forum maintained that the region rightfully deserved the position, citing the existing zoning arrangement and its significant contributions to the APC’s success.

It noted that former Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Adamu, became National Chairman in March 2022 when the position was zoned to the North-Central.

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Adamu later resigned in July 2023, after which Ganduje from Kano State in the North-West took over in August 2023, before stepping down last month.

Highlighting the region’s electoral performance, the forum noted that the North-Central delivered the third-highest votes for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.

“Among the various geopolitical zones, the North-Central has the highest number of APC governors. APC controls five of the six North-Central states — Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger. Returning the chairmanship to the region is not a favour; it is well deserved,” the statement added.

The forum also rejected calls by the All Progressives Stakeholders Forum for the extension of Dalori’s tenure as acting chairman.

It warned that allowing Dalori, from the North-East to remain in office would amount to “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

It dismissed fears that a leadership reshuffle could destabilise the party, arguing instead that appointing a chairman from the North-Central would “revitalise the APC and reinforce fairness and equity.”

“There are several capable personalities in the North-Central who can lead the party to greater heights. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to choose any of them as National Chairman,” the forum stated.

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N’West reacts

Reacting to calls by the North Central to be handed the party leadership, the party’s state chapters in Kaduna and Zamfara (North West), said the process to produce the next chairman should follow a democractic process.

The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Kaduna State, Salisu Wusono, said while the North Central demand was understandable, it should be guided by the party’s constitution and democratic principles.

“I am always compliant with the constitution of our party. So, if it is in order and in line with the constitution of our country, I don’t think there’s any problem.

“All we want is to act in accordance with democratic norms. Let us do everything we need to do base on the provisions of our party’s constitution. That’s all,” Wusono stated.

Also, the Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, said the state chapter of the party was ready to accept whoever would be the next chairman, irrespective of where he came from, provided he would work for the progress of the party.

He said, “We are not happy with the resignation of our national chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje but we are ready to accept whoever is going to succeed him as our new leader provided that such person would use his position to promote peaceful coexistence and progress within the party.

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“We will respect the national secretariat of the party regarding the appointment of a new national chairman for our great party.”

Former Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging him to reduce his propensity for power and allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to do his work.

Wike, during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, described Uche Secondus, Sen George Sekibo and other PDP leaders in Rivers State as “expired politicians and buccaneers” owing to their support for Fubara.

Reacting, Omehia, in a statement to journalists on Friday, described Wike’s uncontrolled outbursts as a product of a confused mind whose ambition of a third-term Governor was crashed by the people of Rivers State.

He said Wike is notorious for lying and disrespecting elders at will. Therefore, his outburst and criticisms against innocent people in Rivers State who are supporting the administration of Fubara are not surprising.

Omehia added that Wike’s excesses, inconsistencies and hallucinations had reached a shameful peak and advised him to face his job in Abuja as the state was not missing his presence and nuisance value.

He said, “The FCT Minister thought that he would continue to control and abuse the resources and governance of the state, but God, through the people, resisted the impeachment plot by his members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Wike is notorious for lying against anyone, anytime and disrespects elders at will, so there is no surprise about his outburst and criticism against innocent personalities in Rivers State.

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“Wike speaks from both sides of his mouth, he says something today and denies it tomorrow like a clown. I am not a buccaneer and my capacity to contribute to the growth and development of my state and country is not impaired.

“I wonder why he is pained by our support for the Governor and the Federal Government under President Tinubu. Does he want us to perpetually be at political war with everybody, even long after elections are over and governance taken over? Is it not madness?”

Popular Nigerian playwright and theatre director, Wole Oguntokun is dead.

Oguntokun, who was also a lawyer, passed away at the age of 56 on Wednesday.

Film director, Kayode Peters, shared the news on his Instagram page Thursday afternoon.

The post read, “I remember that year. I was just cutting my teeth as a professional theatre director. Your search for a director for your script brought you to the University of Lagos and I was your obvious choice

“I directed your first-ever performance story ‘Who is Afraid of Wole Soyinka’ at various theatres including The prestigious Muson Centre which was graced by the great @wolesoyinkaofficial himself

“Some months later, we started DBN TV’s first comedy series ‘Crossworld Blues’ which you produced and I directed.

“You moved to Canada and never stopped encouraging me to follow suit. I lost a friend, a thespian all through and through, a great mind, a writer so gifted, so loved. Nigeria just lost one of her brightest and bravest

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“Is it a coincidence that you chose to leave on the day the world celebrated World Theatre Day?

“This hurts so bad Wole. Laspapi, our own ojojo. I will miss you so so much. Thank you for trusting me with your work. A good man is gone. Rest well my friend, my brother Wole Oguntokun @laspapi”

Born on July 15, 1967, late Wole Oguntokun held a position as a board member of Theaturtle, a Canadian theater company.

Having graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, he was involved in the production and writing of the TV sitcoms ‘Crossworld Blues’ aired on DBN TV in 1999 and ‘Living Free’ on MBI television in 2002.