Politics

PDP, threat to APC in 2027, says George

Published

4 months ago

February 28, 2026

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Chief Olabode George, has said the main opposition is a threat to the second-term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

He said, despite efforts to liquidate PDP, the platform will survive and reclaim power.

George, a former military governor of Ondo State, raised the alarm that the APC-led Federal Government is forcing PDP members to defect, saying that it is an affront on democracy.

He said, “Because APC is threatened with the way we conducted our convention in Ibadan, they are now using INEC to truncate that process. But, Nigerians know their undemocratic game plan. That is why voters who have suffered from the APC’s bad policies are waiting to re-elect PDP in 2027.”

The party elder spoke at the swearing-in of newly elected ward, local government and state officers who emerged at the recent congresses.

At the ceremony held at the party secretariat, in Ikeja, were former Ekiti State Acting Governor Sunday Odeyemi, Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Mrs Aduke Maina, governorship aspirant Funso Doherty and Dr Amos Fawole, the chairman of the chapter.

George said, “Our governors and lawmakers are being forced and threatened to defect, but we are not bothered because the PDP is the only true national party in the country today. APC is just a coalition of strange bedfellows.”

He said PDP has lived up to expectations as a democratic party, unlike the APC that has indulged in the culture of imposition.

George said PDP stands for what is just, fair and equitable, adding that the Saminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) has vowed to sustain these values as it prepares for next year’s polls.

Although he did not tender any evidence, George alleged plans by the APC to rig the 2027 elections, vowing that the PDP would resist the move.

He added, “In this rigging plot, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should also be careful. In PDP, INEC cannot choose our leaders for us. Opposition parties will resist this irresponsible behaviour from the umpire.

“What INEC is doing is shameful. Some of the characters in INEC were not born in 1962 when the crisis in the defunct Western Region started, due to the manipulation of democratic processes by the powers that be then.

We all know what happened between then and 1966, which eventually led to the civil war between 1967 and 1970, when over two million Nigerians died. So, INEC should be very careful.”

George urged party members not to panic, assuring that “the challenge PDP is facing today is temporary.”

He added, “Nigerians are waiting for us in 2027. Remain in the party and work for its progress.

From the North to South, East to West, PDP remains a strong political platform, offering great opportunities for members and Nigerians.

“It is only in the PDP that the interest of Nigerians can be better served.

“There is no coalition in today’s Nigeria that can be stronger than the PDP.

Ours is a reborn political party that has weathered every storm and can never go under. Those defecting must return to this Iroko political party. PDP is coming back to take over its place as the ruling party in the country.

I want to assure Nigerians that come 2027, PDP will take Nigeria to its rightful place in the comity of nations”

Politics

Why INEC yet to decide NDC’s fate

Published

11 hours ago

June 27, 2026

The Exclusives

Obi, Kwankwaso

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will not take any action on the status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja directing the withdrawal of the party’s registration.

A source disclosed that the Commission would study the court’s decision before taking an official position.

“We will apply for the Certified True Copy of the judgment and act in accordance with the court’s decision once it is received,” the official said.

The Federal High Court in Lokoja had, in a ruling delivered on Friday, reversed an earlier judgment of December 10, 2025, after finding that not all parties affected by the matter were joined in the suit.

The earlier judgment, which paved the way for the registration of the NDC as a political party, was challenged because it overlooked the interests of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC in securing its registration.

Counsel to the PMP, C.S. Ekeocha, said the latest ruling effectively nullified every action taken on the strength of the previous judgment.

According to him, “The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit.”

Sources said INEC is currently studying the Certified True Copy of the judgment and will determine its next line of action after completing its review.

Politics

2027: Salihu’s emergence as Kwara APC guber candidate excites lawmaker

Published

12 hours ago

June 27, 2026

The Exclusives

Saba

A member of the House of Representatives representing Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency, Dr Ahmed Adamu Saba, has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Tinubu over the emergence of Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu, as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.

Ajiya Shaba, in a statement made available to journalists in Ilorin, described AbdulRazaq as a true leader who meant well for the people in view of his landmark achievements across all sectors of the economy, which have had maximum positive impacts on the people and the support of zoning the governorship ticket to Kwara North.

Saba, in the statement, said it’s a welcome development and an historic achievement for the people of Kwara North, noting that it has further strengthened their sense of belonging and inclusion in the political affairs of Kwara State.

The lawmaker, Chairman of the Belgium-Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the emergence of the Speaker, Yakubu Danladi Salihu, in the strategic leadership position, describing it as a monumental achievement for the people of Kwara North.

According to the lawmaker, the emergence of Saihui is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and equitable representation.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Pension and National Assembly Matters, in the statement expressed confidence in the ability of the Speaker to consolidate on the achievements of Governor AbdulRazaq to further develop not only Kwara North, but the entire state as a whole.

The lawmaker also joined the traditional rulers, APC leaders, and other stakeholders across Kwara State to support the emergence of the party’s flagbearer in the 2027 election.

He stated that the recognition accorded to Kwara North has rekindled hope among the people and reinforced their confidence in the leadership of the President.

“It gives the people of Kwara North a greater sense of belonging in Kwara politics. We believe this opportunity will inspire more progress, unity, and development across the region,” Saba said.

He expressed confidence that Kwara North would continue to contribute positively to the growth and advancement of the state, adding that the zone is prepared to justify the confidence reposed in it through dedicated service and support for good governance.

Saba further congratulated Salihu on his emergence and urged him to remain committed to excellence, integrity, and the collective interest of the people.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote unity, development, and sustainable progress across Kwara State and Nigeria.

Politics

State police excites Kaduna governor

Published

4 days ago

June 24, 2026

The Exclusives

Uba Sani

The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has expressed optimism about the creation of state police, saying the problem of insecurity in Nigeria would be solved.

The Nigerian Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill establishing state police to operate concurrently with the existing federal structure.

Speaking during a live interview on Channels TV, the governor said that at the initial stage, many people were opposed to the idea of the creation of the state police, but today many of them have supported the idea.

Answering a question about who to hold accountable between the governor, the commissioner or the federal government, if the idea of the state police failed, he said he was optimistic that the state police would address the problem of insecurity in Nigeria.

According to Uba, “Honestly speaking, I’m very optimistic about it. It (state police) is going to be successful. That was my thinking in 2020; I still believe it right now. Many people who were opposed to it at the beginning are now supporting it.”

Uba revealed that lawmakers such as Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, who opposed the idea when it was raised in 2020, are now supporting it, adding that “Because they have sat down, and they have seen that things are changing.”

He advised Nigerians not to be sceptical about something we have not tested.