PDP affirms Jonathan as Presidential candidate in absentia issues Certificate in Return

Former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, on Saturday accepted a Certificate of Return on behalf of former President Goodluck Jonathan at a convention organised by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.

The certificate was presented by the PDP Interim National Working Committee headed by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, following the faction’s endorsement of Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The presentation took place before party leaders, delegates, former ministers, state officials and supporters who gathered at the convention venue in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

Jonathan was not present at the event, with Gana receiving the certificate on his behalf.

The development further fuels speculation about the former president’s potential role in the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as political parties continue consultations and realignments in preparation for the polls.

After receiving the certificate, Gana addressed party members and journalists at the venue, reaffirming the faction’s position following the convention.

PDP suspends Bode George 23 others over anti Party activities

A faction of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has suspended former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Bode George, alongside 23 other members over allegations of anti-party activities.

The suspension was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the party’s disciplinary committee in Lagos State and signed by its chairman, Kayode Ogunbiyi, and secretary, Desmond Agbo.

The committee said the decision followed concerns over activities allegedly capable of deepening division and disaffection within the party’s ranks.

According to the statement, the action was reached during a meeting held on May 26, 2026, where petitions relating to alleged violations of the PDP constitution were reviewed.

“The decision to suspend George and other erring members was contained in the resolution of the meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, where various petitions were presented against certain notable personalities and other members bordering on issues of anti-party activities and deliberate infractions of the PDP Constitution,” the statement read in part.

The committee also referenced earlier disciplinary action taken against George by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), saying it was upheld.

“The Committee also reviewed the action previously taken against former Chief Olabode George by the National Executive Committee, which suspended him from the party, and reaffirmed that he remains suspended as earlier pronounced,” it added.

Others affected by the suspension include Aduke Maina, Abimbola Ogunkelu, Laja Adeoye, Tunji Shele, Sunday Olaifa, Gbenga Adegbesan, Rita Orji, Kofoworola Bucknor and Onikepo Oshodi, among others.

The committee further alleged that some of the affected members had engaged in activities involving collaboration with rival political parties or unauthorised political engagements deemed harmful to the PDP’s interests.

It stated that the suspended individuals would no longer participate in party affairs in Lagos State or represent the party in any capacity.

The faction also warned that it may initiate legal proceedings against any of the suspended members found engaging in actions contrary to the party’s interests.

President Tinubu told by Governor to increase minimum wage to 100000

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve an upward review of Nigeria’s national minimum wage from N70,000 to N100,000.

AbdulRazaq made the proposal on Friday during a meeting between the president and state governors held at Tinubu’s residence in Lagos.

The Kwara governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), praised what he described as Tinubu’s “courage” in removing fuel subsidy, saying only a small fraction of political leaders could take such a decisive step.

According to him, state governments initially anticipated widespread protests and possible unrest following the policy decision.

“We were expecting serious riots, because there were riots — #EndBadGovernance riots — even before then and for lesser issues,” he said.

“We, well, lo and behold, we spent money and mobilised the security agencies to secure the states. Lo and behold, on that day, nothing happened. There was no riot and protest anywhere.”

AbdulRazaq said the outcome had surprised many stakeholders and demonstrated the impact of the policy, adding that state governments had since benefited from improved fiscal conditions.

“I think the nation was shocked by the audacity of Mr President to implement that serious policy. Today, we’ve benefited immensely from that policy,” he said.

He also noted that most states were now able to meet salary obligations without resorting to borrowing or bond issuance.

“In my own state, when we get the FAAC allocation, after paying salaries, we’re left with N100 or N200 million,” he said.

The governor further disclosed that many states were now paying above the national benchmark, with several implementing a minimum wage of about N100,000.

“I urge your excellency, let’s have a discussion on moving the minimum wage to a minimum of 100,000,” he said.

“We know we’ll get support from you as we go ahead to implement that.”

In June 2024, President Tinubu approved an increase in the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 after signing the amended minimum wage legislation into law. The law also provides for periodic reviews every three years.

The previous minimum wage of N30,000 was approved in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.