By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured Nigerians that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains alive, strong, and resilient, dismissing speculations of its decline.

Jonathan described the PDP as a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democracy and the only surviving original political party since 1998.

He spoke on Tuesday while receiving faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by National Chairman Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, at his Abuja office. The meeting centered on reconciliation and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The PDP, being the only surviving original political party since 1998, has been a critical contributor to our democracy since 1999. I have been a beneficiary of this party, which gave me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, and President. I am grateful to the party and will continue to contribute my quota because I feel deeply indebted to it,” Jonathan said.

He urged the party leadership to prioritize national interest and institutional growth over personal considerations, emphasizing that strong political parties are key to democratic stability.

Turaki, speaking at the meeting, thanked Jonathan for his counsel and loyalty, adding that the PDP leadership is committed to a “Rebirth Agenda” aimed at strengthening and repositioning the party.

“We came to seek your guidance and brief you on the party’s prospects and challenges. Our goal is to return power to the people and reposition the PDP as the party of the majority of Nigerians. A united PDP remains the most viable platform for a balanced and prosperous Nigeria,” Turaki said.

The delegation included former Niger State Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, Hajiya Zainab Maina, Chief Mike Oghiadome, former Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, and other NWC members.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday urged the electorate in Rivers to support President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027 to sustain the progress being recorded in the state.

Mr Wike made the appeal during his “thank you” visit to Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

He cited the unprecedented attention Tinubu is giving to Rivers ranging from development projects, appointments, and human capital development.

The minister, who said that the Rivers people ‘never had it this good’, urged the people to continue their support for Tinubu to sustain the gains.

He noted that although the due attention given to Rivers was attracting envy from every quarters, supporting the reelection of Tinubu would take Rivera to greater heights.

He explained that the visit was to thank the people for the continued support, urging them to replicate the gesture in 2027.

Earlier, Peter Abe, member representing Degema LGA in the State Assembly, thanked Wike for providing the needed leadership in the state.

Mr Abe said that all communities in the state were witness to what the minister did in 2023, which was beneficial to all people in the state.

He thanked Wike for steering the state to progress, assuring him of the readiness of the people to follow his directives in 2027.

The Chairman of council, Michael Williams, assured the minister of continued support, adding that all the community structures in the LGA would support the reelection of Tinubu.

Williams noted that Wike initiative to support the election of Tinubu in the state in 2023 has brought progress in the state, stressing that supporting his reelection bid would sustain the progress.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former State Security Service Director-General, Lawal Daura, has announced his plans to run for the 2027 governorship election in Katsina State. He criticized the current administration’s performance and highlighted ongoing security issues as key reasons for his decision to enter the race.

During an interview with DCL Hausa on Tuesday, Mr. Daura stated that he has finished consulting about his political aspirations and will soon reveal the political party under which he plans to run.

He said, “I have been making consultations on the platform to use to contest, and the consultations have been concluded. Very soon, I will make the platform known.

“Why do people serve for one or two terms? If they get it right, fine. But if the reverse is the case, then there is no point in seeking re-election. It is obvious the current governor is not capable.

“It is like putting a load on somebody and adjusting it. If he complains that the load is too heavy, you have to take it down to avoid destroying fragile items. For the current administration, we can say thank you for your efforts, but you should take a break because you can’t continue.

“I never saw myself coming out to contest. I admire politics, but I only participated from the background.”