FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, others set conditions for valid PDP national convention
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, others set conditions for valid PDP national convention
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and other top PDP leaders have set conditions for the party leadership to ensure a valid and successful national convention.
According to the group, known as the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, one of the key conditions is that the convention must be inclusive, and the position of the National Chairman must remain in the North Central zone.
The group’s position was detailed in a communiqué read by former Governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom, on behalf of the G-5 Governors at the end of their meeting held Monday night at the FCT Minister’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
The party leaders and stakeholders said the meeting was convened to review the state of the PDP and assess critical issues ahead of the national convention scheduled for Nov. 15 and Nov.16 in Ibadan.
They reaffirmed their collective commitment to the principles of equity, justice, inclusivity, and the rule of law — “values upon which the PDP was founded and upon which its continued relevance depends.”
The group emphasised that leadership positions within the party must remain open, inclusive, and competitive, while ensuring regional balance in line with the PDP’s long-standing traditions.
They warned that the PDP was at a critical crossroads, and its ability to reconcile internal disputes, uphold fairness, and respect constitutional processes would determine its future.
The leaders further observed that party unity could not be built on disenfranchisement, exclusion, or the disregard of valid judicial pronouncements.
According to them, a credible national convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
In its resolutions, the group called on the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to urgently conduct fresh, transparent, and inclusive congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra, in line with existing court judgments.
They also demanded the immediate organisation of a fresh and legitimate South-East Zonal Congress.
“That the outcome of the valid and legitimate South-South Congress held in Calabar, Cross River, and recognised by the court be respected.
“That the Ekiti Local Government Areas Congress should be conducted immediately, in obedience to the subsisting court judgement.
“That on zoning of party offices, whereas; we agree with the zoning committee’s recommendations, which was adopted by NEC that status quo remains.
“We further, and very strongly hold that there should be no form of micro-zoning for peace and stability within the party.
“Consequently, the national chairman of the party should remain in the North-Central in line with the zoning formula of the 2021 convention,” the group demanded.
The party leaders, however, cautioned that failure to comply with the above resolutions and demands shall render any purported national convention invalid, as legitimate members of the party would be disenfranchised.
They noted that the PDP was built on the foundation of inclusivity, fairness, and justice.
The group added that to reclaim its pride of place as the leading opposition and the true alternative for Nigerians, the PDP must now rise above narrow interests and embrace collective responsibility.
“We, the eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders, remain steadfast in our loyalty to the party.
“We are also resolute in our determination to work with all organs and leaders of the PDP to ensure that the forthcoming National Convention becomes a watershed moment.
“A moment where unity triumphs over division, and justice prevails over impunity.
“Only then can the PDP speak with one voice, act with one heart, and march with renewed strength toward victory,” the group said.
At the meeting were former Governors of Enugu , Ifeanyi Ugwayi; Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu; Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Sam Anyanwu.
Also in attendance were the Speaker, Rivers House of Assembly, Sen. Phillips Aduda, some serving and former members of the National Assembly, including Micah Jiba, lawmaker, and some Board of Trustees members of the party.
The PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 102nd meeting held meeting held on Aug. 25 in Abuja, zoned its party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections to the Southern Nigeria and the national chairman to the North.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NEC at the meeting also affirmed that all the PDP National office positions currently in the northern and southern should be retained in their respective present parts of the country.
NEC also affirmed Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party, to serve in that capacity until the elective convention scheduled for November.
NEC communiqué was read the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated.
“Having retained the position of National Chairman in the North, the presidential ticket of the party for the 2027 general elections is hereby zoned to the Southern region.
“That the zones should immediately micro-zone positions within its zones for implementation,” Ologunagba said.(NAN)
News
Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
An estimated 3 million followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”.
The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.
NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.
Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.
Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.
The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.
NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.
He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.
He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.
Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.
Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.
He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.
A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)
News
Expatriate kidnapped as Police officer is shot dead by suspected gunmen
Expatriate kidnapped as Police officer is shot dead by suspected gunmen
Unknown gunmen on Saturday invaded Aqua Triton Company in Ogunmakin, near Ibadan, abducting an expatriate and killing a police officer attached to him.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan.
Olayinka said the police officer was killed while repelling the attack, adding that some of the abductors sustained gunshot injuries.
“There was an attack at Aqua Triton Company in Ogunmakin, near Ibadan, where unidentified gunmen stormed the facility in a commando-style operation.
“One police officer tragically died while repelling the attack, injuring some assailants, and the Chinese expatriate principal was abducted,” Olayinka added.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, ordered the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Operations to lead anti-kidnapping and tactical teams to the scene.
According to him, bush-combing operations are ongoing, while investigations continue to rescue the victim and arrest those responsible. (NAN)
News
President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi outing
President Tinubu returns to Nigeria after Abu Dhabi outing
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after participating in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026).
Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
The president attended the summit alongside some members of his cabinet.
On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement is aimed at deepening economic cooperation, boosting bilateral trade and investment, and enhancing technology transfer.
It will also expand collaboration in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining and renewable energy.
In his address at the summit, Tinubu announced that Nigeria and the UAE would jointly host INVESTOPIA in Lagos in February.
The initiative is designed to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into Nigeria.
Tinubu also said Nigeria targets mobilising up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance.
He said the funds would support energy transition reforms and expand nationwide access to electricity. (NAN)
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