Author: Gabby

The Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mao Ohuabunwa, who aligns with the faction led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Supreme Court’s recent judgment solidifies the positions of Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s national chairman and secretary, respectively.

Ohuabunwa, in a statement he personally signed, expressed that the apex court’s decision delivered on Thursday, April 30, 2026, confirms that Mohammed and Anyanwu possess the necessary stabilizing influence to steer the PDP at the national level. He noted that the judgment effectively endorses the earlier rulings of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had nullified the party’s national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

As the moral compass and conscience of the PDP, the BoT fully respects and accepts the Supreme Court’s verdict, Ohuabunwa stated. He emphasized that the legal position is now unequivocal: the Ibadan convention is invalid, and any leadership structure arising from it lacks legal standing. Therefore, the party’s legitimate leadership comprises Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu as National Secretary.

Ohuabunwa stressed that under Mohammed and Anyanwu, the PDP remains fully operational and will continue to function through its recognized organs in line with the party’s constitution, as amended in 2017. He outlined that necessary constitutional steps will be taken to strengthen the party’s unity, stability, and readiness for future elections. He urged all party members to remain focused, united, and committed.

Furthermore, the BoT chairman advised the National Working Committee to immediately establish a National Reconciliation Committee to engage with all aggrieved members across the country. He described this as a time for discipline, loyalty, and collective dedication to the party’s ideals and future. Ohuabunwa concluded by affirming that the PDP remains strong, resilient, and committed to its historic mission of providing credible leadership to Nigeria.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has revealed the primary reason why residents of his state are expected to throw their weight behind President Bola Tinubu during the next presidential election. According to the governor, the consistent financial support that Tinubu extends to state governments is the key driver of this political loyalty.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Okpebholo articulated how the state is poised to deliver an unprecedented 2.5 million votes for the incumbent president in the 2027 election. He emphasized that the electorate is already mobilized and eager to cast their ballots for Tinubu.

“I am confident we can achieve the 2.5 million vote target from Edo State. The sentiment on the streets is clear—everyone is preparing to vote for Asiwaju on election day,” the governor stated.

Reflecting on the 2023 outcome, Okpebholo attributed Peter Obi’s victory in the state to the then-governor’s shortcomings. “Peter Obi succeeded last time because the previous administration, under Godwin Obaseki, failed to deliver. The people used their votes to express dissatisfaction, sending a message that things had to change,” he explained.

When asked whether his own popularity would influence the vote, the governor replied, “It’s not just about me; it’s about the results we are achieving and the resources President Tinubu provides for us to implement his agenda. That is what you see reflected in the streets.”

He further noted that the current level of development and engagement in Edo State is unprecedented, attributing this progress to the collaborative efforts between his administration and the federal government.

A coalition of prominent elders and political figures from Rivers State has taken a decisive step towards the 2027 gubernatorial election by securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The forms were officially obtained on Tuesday, marking a significant move in the state’s political landscape.

The delegation, led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the representative for Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency, purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination documents on behalf of the governor. Speaking to journalists after the acquisition, Abiante emphasized that this initiative was driven by the grassroots rather than by Fubara himself. He described it as a “people-funded mandate” and a reflection of the collective will of Rivers citizens.

“The governor did not instruct us to do this,” Abiante stated. “He may not even be aware of it yet. We are compelling him to run because he cannot abandon his people. This is not about personal ambition but about the demands of the populace.”

Abiante drew parallels to established political traditions, noting that similar actions have occurred elsewhere, such as when the Lagos Governance Advisory Council procured forms for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He argued that this demonstrates that democracy is driven by popular support rather than financial resources. “The depth of one’s pocket should not determine political outcomes; it is the voice of the people that matters,” he added.

The group highlighted Governor Fubara’s achievements in infrastructure and economic development as key reasons for their endorsement. They specifically cited projects like the Trans-Kalabari Road, the Andoni Access Road, and initiatives in the Blue Economy as evidence of his commitment to progress.

When questioned about Fubara’s standing within the APC and the broader political dynamics in Rivers State, Abiante expressed confidence in the governor’s widespread support. He asserted that Fubara enjoys a “strong” backing despite differing external opinions. “For the first time, Rivers State has a leader who genuinely understands the struggles of the people and is dedicated to serving them,” Abiante remarked.

This development sets the stage for an intriguing political contest in 2027, as Fubara’s potential candidacy under the APC banner could reshape alliances and strategies within the state.

In a significant political development, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, officially introduced Engineer Mustafa Gubio as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Vice President Kashim Shettima. The event took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

Governor Zulum emphasized that Gubio’s selection resulted from extensive consultations with party stakeholders throughout the state, showcasing a solid unity within the Borno APC. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic direction and unwavering support, which were instrumental in reaching this consensus. Zulum stated, “We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his exceptional leadership and the tremendous backing given to Borno State and the APC. The President played a key role in ensuring Gubio’s emergence as our consensus candidate.”

The gathering was attended by notable figures, including former Governor Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, represented by Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan; Deputy Governor Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; and APC Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori. Also present were Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume, and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan; and Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis and Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled Saturday, June 20, 2026, for conducting bye-elections across six states in Nigeria. This announcement came alongside the formal reception of a new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (retired).

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, made the disclosure during a brief ceremony at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, where the new commissioner was welcomed.

According to the Chairman, the bye-elections will coincide with the Ekiti State Governorship Election set for the same day. The elections aim to fill senatorial vacancies in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo States, as well as a State House of Assembly seat in Kebbi State and a House of Representatives seat in Kano State.

“We are approaching several off-cycle elections. The Ekiti Governorship Election is slated for June 20, 2026. On that day, the Commission will also hold bye-elections to address vacant positions,” Professor Amupitan stated.

He elaborated: “The vacant senatorial seats in Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Ondo will be contested, along with the Kebbi State Assembly seat and the Kano Federal Constituency seat.”

Regarding the new appointee, the Chairman praised Rear Admiral Malafa (retired) as a highly experienced professional with a strong background in both military service and electoral processes. He highlighted her previous collaboration with INEC on logistics and her tenure as Director of Legal Services in the Nigerian Navy, noting her valuable administrative and legal expertise.

The INEC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to its constitutional duties. “Our mandate is clear. We are committed to conducting credible and transparent elections for President, National Assembly, Governors, State Assemblies, and Area Councils,” he emphasized.

In her response, the newly inaugurated National Commissioner thanked the Commission for the warm welcome and vowed to contribute effectively to its objectives. “I am delighted to be here and grateful for the reception. I look forward to collaborating with everyone for the nation’s development and stability, and for the success of upcoming elections,” she said.

The event was attended by various National Commissioners, the Commission’s Secretary, the Director-General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), senior officials, and family members of the new commissioner.