Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that he has withdrawn from his previous alignment with the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, warning that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Oyo State will not be allowed to serve the interests of another political party. Makinde made the remarks during the commissioning of the newly constructed PDP Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan. He openly criticised Wike’s involvement in Oyo PDP affairs, insisting that the former Rivers State governor lacks the moral justification to interfere in the party’s operations within the state. “Let me confess, I came into government in 2019, and towards 2023, I was aligned with them, but now I have repented. I am now born again. But for them to hold PDP just for another party to be in power? It is a no,” the governor said. He further challenged Wike’s record in Rivers State, questioning the basis of his influence in Oyo PDP politics. “What exactly has he done for the PDP in Rivers State that now gives him the moral standing to dabble into the affairs of Oyo State?” Makinde asked. According to the governor, the unity and steady growth of the PDP in Oyo State are products of inclusive leadership and collective effort. He cautioned party members against allowing internal distractions to weaken the party’s cohesion. Makinde also expressed confidence in the judiciary to resolve the lingering factional disputes within the PDP. THENEWSCREDIT recalls that his comments come in response to Wike’s recent statement at the PDP National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja, where the FCT minister declared his interest in the politics of Oyo State PDP following a Federal High Court ruling that recognised his faction as the party’s legitimate leadership.

Chief of Staff to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, says he has no doubt that he was the same person he worked with in 1984. Prof Gambari made this known on Monday while fielding questions in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. According to him, there was nothing like ‘Jubril of Sudan’ as widely purported by some Nigerians. He said: “I’m sorry to disappoint. I had no doubt at all that the Buhari I knew in 1984 was the same until his death. That was really quite a silly thing to say he was a different person (Jubril of Sudan). “But the fact is that you have people in this country who actually believe the worst about anything and any government. “This man was talking to me when he offered me the job. He was talking to me about the things we did in 1984 and 1985 to the details. He was talking about the kind of loyalty he got from me.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he is closely following developments within the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, insisting that his interest is driven by a desire to see the party survive and succeed. Wike made the remarks on Monday while speaking at the 105th meeting of the PDP’s National Executive Committee in Abuja. He told party leaders that his focus was not limited to one state but extended to the overall stability and progress of the PDP across the country. “Let me declare my interest clearly: I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in all the happenings in Oyo State PDP. That is all I am interested in,” he said. During his address, the former Rivers State governor spoke about the party’s internal disputes, ongoing legal issues and the need to reposition the PDP ahead of future elections. He dismissed claims that party members were being intimidated, arguing that recent court cases had weakened such threats. “Who will intimidate us to the end? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. The legal battle has collapsed. They have no option but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” Wike stated. He also warned against what he described as attempts by “vampires” to hijack the party’s structure across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that such efforts must be resisted. According to him, the party is now waiting for clear guidance from the Caretaker Committee, particularly on the conduct of delayed congresses, which he said are essential for organising a credible national convention. “They have no choice. We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps, especially to ensure that congresses already due are conducted, after which we move to the National Convention,” he said. Wike urged PDP members to abandon what he described as a culture of entitlement and return to grassroots mobilisation, warning against treating the party as a charity. “Go to the wards. Go to the polling units. Go to the grassroots. Forget the idea that this is a charity organisation. Many people move from place to place without any political identity,” he cautioned. He rejected the view that a political party’s strength depends solely on having incumbent governors, recalling his own rise within the party. “Some people believe that if you do not have a sitting governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor when I became governor. We were told we were not governors, but we became governors,” he said. Despite the challenges facing the PDP, Wike maintained that the party remains a strong political force capable of recovery. “The PDP is too strong, very strong. We must capitalise on what we have and move forward,” he added. While acknowledging peace appeals from the Board of Trustees and the National Working Committee, he cautioned party members to remain alert, warning that efforts to destabilise the PDP were ongoing. “Yes, the BoT has appealed for peace. Yes, the NWC has appealed for peace that is their responsibility. But those of us following the process must be extremely careful. We must be vigilant,” he said. He expressed confidence that such attempts would not succeed, urging members to stay united. “They will not give up until they believe you are destroyed. But I will not be destroyed. You will not be destroyed. Let us move forward,” Wike said. The FCT minister also highlighted the party’s internal capacity, pointing to its legal and organisational officers as assets in navigating the current situation. “We have a competent Legal Adviser. We have a competent National Organising Secretary. Experience matters. When we combine our collective experience, the results will speak for themselves,” he said. Wike concluded by thanking NEC members for attending the meeting at short notice and encouraged them to remain committed to rebuilding the PDP as a strong opposition party. Its party bloc has fixed March 28 and 29, 2026, for its national convention in Abuja, where the party will elect a new National Working Committee and other statutory organs. The announcement followed the faction’s 105th meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee held on Monday in Abuja. The decision follows a Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan, which nullified the PDP’s National Convention held between November 15 and 16, 2025, that produced Taminu Turaki as the PDP National Chairman. The court also affirmed that the Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu remains the only recognised NWC, pending a valid national convention.

Peter Obi, a prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has signaled his plan to seek the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. He revealed this ambition while addressing supporters at a campaign event for the ADC candidates in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council elections, which took place at the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC. In his remarks, Obi made it clear that he is aiming for the top position and would not settle for a subordinate role in the party’s long-term political strategy. He stressed that the AMAC election is closely tied to his wider political aspirations and called on party faithful and local residents to throw their weight behind the ADC candidate. According to Obi, success in the AMAC poll would play a crucial role in advancing his political mission, adding that his involvement in the coming elections is as a leading contender and not in a supporting capacity. “This coming election, support us in AMAC; it will help me. Your support in AMAC is critical to our journey. I am involved and contesting the coming election as number one. When I come back, you will see. I assure you,” Obi said. Obi’s supporters, particularly members of the Obidient Movement, have intensified pressure on the ADC leadership to adopt him as the party’s standard-bearer for 2027, with many insisting that the ticket should go to Obi alone. However, the ADC is hosting several other high-profile politicians with presidential ambitions, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

The Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Mr Akintunde Rotimi, has reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering an acceptable Electoral Reform Bill capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system. Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1, said the National Assembly was currently harmonising inputs from various stakeholders to ensure the passage of a comprehensive and effective electoral reform document. The lawmaker spoke on Saturday in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State while inaugurating three constituency projects comprising two roads at Isaba and Oke-Ayedun, and a staff quarters at Odo-Oro High School, Odo-Oro Ekiti. “These projects were executed based on the expressed needs of my constituents. Members of the House of Representatives are deliberate about constituency projects by giving constituents the opportunity to articulate their priorities,” he said. There have been concerns in some quarters over the delay in passing the Electoral Reform Bill, despite its earlier passage by the House of Representatives. However, Rotimi said electoral reforms remained a top priority for the National Assembly, just as they were for Nigerians, assuring that the bill would be concluded soon. According to him, the proposed reforms are designed to guarantee free and fair elections, restore public confidence in the electoral process, and ensure that votes count. “The Electoral Reform Bill before the National Assembly is targeted at improving the transparency, credibility and efficiency of our democratic system, while also addressing the shortcomings exposed during the 2023 general elections. “The reforms are all-encompassing and are products of extensive feedback from stakeholders. The Joint House and Senate Committees on Electoral Reforms have met severally. We have held retreats and consultations with community leaders, civil society organisations and other interest groups. “The House of Representatives passed the bill before proceeding on recess in December, and the Senate has since commenced work on it. At this stage, we are harmonising a few areas, and the process will be concluded very soon,” he said. Rotimi stressed that credible elections were foundational to democracy. “Nigerians must be able to vote freely, and their votes must count. That is one of the core pillars of democratic governance — ensuring that citizens can choose their representatives across all levels,” he added. Highlighting his legislative record, the lawmaker said he had sponsored over 40 bills, many of which he described as progressive and landmark interventions. “By the grace of God, I have sponsored over 40 bills, including the bill to prevent and redress sexual harassment in educational institutions, the bill on independent candidacy, and the whistle-blowers protection bill,” he said. Rotimi also urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that sustained public backing would enable the government to deliver on its policy promises. Meanwhile, THENEWSCREDIT had reported that the African Democratic Congress Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, recently called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Electoral Bill 2025, warning that delays could undermine critical reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. Abdullahi accused the All Progressives Congress-led Senate of slowing down the process, warning that prolonged delays could weaken efforts to curb electoral malpractice. “The ADC calls on the National Assembly to promptly pass the bill. Any further delay poses a serious risk to the credibility of the 2027 general elections and the integrity of the entire electoral process,” he said.

The Federal High Court in Ibadan on Friday nullified the Peoples Democratic Party National Convention held on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court also barred Kabiru Turaki and others from presenting themselves as national officers of the party, dealing a significant blow to the faction that emerged from the convention. Despite internal disputes within the party, the PDP went ahead with its highly anticipated two-day 2025 Elective National Convention at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan. Tagged #Ibadan2025, the convention attracted thousands of party delegates, leaders, and supporters. The court’s decision follows ongoing leadership disputes within the PDP, which have led to competing factions and legal battles over the party’s national leadership and internal processes. Reacting to the ruling in a statement posted on the PDP’s X handle on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the PDP is awaiting the final pronouncement of the appellate courts, which it believes will uphold its position. The statement urged members to remain calm and resolute, insisting there is “absolutely no cause for alarm.” It added that the rebirth movement remains firmly on course. “Notwithstanding this judgment, the Kabiru Turaki–led Peoples Democratic Party, which emerged from the Ibadan Convention, remains legally intact and unshaken as we await the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts,” the statement said. “We therefore urge our members to remain resolute and committed, as there is absolutely no cause for alarm. The rebirth movement remains firmly on course.” As the case progresses to the appellate court, party members and supporters will be closely watching for a definitive ruling that could shape the direction of the PDP ahead of upcoming political engagements.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has denied reports claiming that he held a closed-door meeting with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, at his Abuja residence. Fayemi, immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, dismissed the report in a statement issued by the Head of his Media Office, Ahmad Sajoh, on Thursday, describing the claim as false and urging the public to disregard it. The report, which circulated on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, was shared by several social media handles alongside an old video clip showing Fayemi greeting Kwankwaso at his residence. According to the statement, the former Ekiti governor had met Kwankwaso only once in the past year and not in any private political setting. “Dr Fayemi has only met Senator Kwankwaso once in the last year, and that occasion was at the public book launch of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN,” the statement said. It added that, “At no time has Dr Fayemi held, or is he holding, any closed-door political meeting with Senator Kwankwaso as suggested by the post.” The former governor acknowledged that he and Kwankwaso have been friends since their time as governors, but stressed that their relationship is personal and non-partisan. He noted that the friendship is “based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the progress of Nigeria, rather than on any political alignment.” Fayemi also cautioned against attempts by political actors to attach partisan interpretations to private relationships, noting that many of his friends and associates are either not involved in partisan politics or belong to different political persuasions. The statement added that Fayemi’s associates “span the entire spectrum of Nigeria’s political terrain.” It, therefore, reaffirmed the former governor’s commitment to national unity, principled engagement, and responsible public discourse.

Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s inner circle, alleging that the President is being poorly served by advisers who lack political understanding and grassroots connection. Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on ARISE Television’s Prime Time, Ndume said growing dissatisfaction in the North could have electoral consequences if urgent steps are not taken to address prevailing concerns. “Anybody that tells you that the North is not grumbling now is not telling the truth,” Ndume said. “It will be loud in their votes if nothing is done about it. The good thing about it is that the President can turn things around.” The lawmaker said northern leaders had made efforts to engage the President constructively, noting that he personally participated in meetings between Tinubu and northern elders. “In the North, northern elders have been reaching out. I was part of the first and the last meeting with Mr President when northern elders went to him,” he said. “He was prepared, he brought all the critical appointees from the North and we had a wonderful session.” According to Ndume, despite assurances from the President, the engagement process stalled shortly afterwards. “He promised that it would continue, but it never happened,” he said. While absolving Tinubu of direct blame, Ndume argued that the President’s problems stem largely from the calibre of people around him. “You know what I’m suspecting? The President is not the problem; it is the people around the President that are the problem,” he said. He contrasted Tinubu’s current leadership environment with his time as governor of Lagos State, which he said was marked by the presence of strong and capable advisers. “The President had good people around him when he was governor of Lagos; that was why he succeeded,” Ndume said. “Most of the good people are not there now. They have been sidelined.” Ndume further criticised some presidential aides for what he described as elitist isolation and lack of national outlook. “He just picked people that don’t know anybody,” he said. “They only know Ikoyi, Victoria Island and from there they fly to London or America where their families are living. They are not even full Nigerians.” He added, “Instead of bringing in his team that would look at him in the face and tell him the truth, he decided to surround himself with people that don’t know politics.” He warned that unless the concerns being raised, particularly in the North, are addressed, the dissatisfaction could deepen and manifest strongly at the polls.

The All Progressives Congress has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu or the ruling party is enticing opposition governors to defect, insisting that recent defections are voluntary decisions taken by political leaders seeking to align with the administration’s agenda. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, stated this on Monday while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today, amid growing controversy surrounding the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and other political heavyweights to the party. Asked how the APC succeeded in baiting opposition governors to abandon their existing platforms, Morka refuted the allegation. He said, “Nobody is baiting anyone. These eminent leaders in our country who are joining our party do so of their own volition. No one is baiting anyone. “So I can’t tell you where the baits are because that’s not happening. Look, Kano is one of Nigeria’s most important states. So, for a governor in Kano to decide to join our party, you can’t speak of bait. He made that decision on his own, voluntarily.” Morka argued that the defections reflect confidence in the Tinubu administration and the APC’s political direction rather than inducement. “There’s something the governors who are joining our party are seeing. They want to identify with this president. They want to be part of the success story of Mr President and the promise of a resurgent Nigeria. That is what is going on. “So I don’t think we should conclude by suggesting that anyone is being baited. How do you bait the governor of Kano or my state, Delta? These are incredibly massive states in all ramifications, in terms of resources, population and everything. So you don’t bait them. “These are men who, on their own, have decided to come over to our party because they want to be part of its great story,” he noted. When asked if Yusuf had automatically become the leader of the APC in Kano State following his defection, the party spokesman hesitated but maintained the party’s established position on leadership at the state level. “What I can tell you is that Kano is unfolding. But as a matter of principle, in our states, the governors are leaders of our party. Now, this question of leadership, in any case, we encourage a collegiate model of leadership. “The governor may be the political head, but there are other critical and eminent leaders in all of our states, whose role and involvement in decision making is critical to the success, not just of our party, but of the government, where we have a government in those states. “So, I think for those on the outside of the media, that question is linear. But for us, yes, the governors are the leaders, unquestionably, of our states. The governors themselves understand that there are leaders in the states with whom they must collaborate in order to actually deliver good quality governance and effective party administration,” he stated. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Yusuf resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party last week and officially rejoined the APC on Monday, January 26, 2026. The governor, who was a founding member of the APC in Kano, previously belonged to the party between 2014 and 2018 before leaving for other political platforms. In his resignation letter to the chairman of Diso-Chiranchi Ward of the NNPP in Gwale Local Government Area, effective January 23, 2026, Yusuf cited persistent internal crises and the need to safeguard the overall interests of the people as reasons for leaving the party. During his official unveiling in Kano on Monday, former APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, described Yusuf’s return as a homecoming, noting that the governor was part of the APC at its formative stage before exiting due to political differences. Ganduje described Yusuf as a progressive politician whose leadership style aligns with the ideology of the APC and declared that, in line with party tradition, the governor automatically becomes the leader of the party in Kano State. Yusuf’s defection was carried out alongside 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, and all 44 local government chairmen in the state.

Abba Atiku, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has openly declared that his father stands no chance against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Abba made the statement on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State, while completing his defection, where he obtained his APC membership card at Gwadabawa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area. Explaining his decision, Abba pointed to what he described as the Tinubu administration’s record in economic reforms, human development, and national growth. “I want to make it very clear that nobody or any political party can stop President Bola Tinubu from returning to Aso Rock come 2027. “Nigerians have seen his good work; he is not a tribalist, he does not make appointments based on religion or region, but his decisions are purely on merit,” he said. Beyond his personal endorsement, Abba called on Nigerians across party lines to rally behind the president, stressing the need for continuity. “The president needs your support to continue with the good work.” APC leaders in Adamawa seized on the defection as further evidence of the party’s growing strength. The party’s Zonal Vice Chairman for Adamawa Central, Alhaji Isa Bagalti, who presented Abba with his membership card, described the move as confirmation that the APC remains firmly positioned for victory in 2027. Prominent APC chieftain Alhaji Jamil Yusuf dismissed potential challengers to Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing them as “wishful thinkers” without the political weight to unseat the incumbent. THENEWSCREDIT recalls that Abba Atiku defected to the All Progressives Congress on January 15, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Mustapha Salihu.