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Crisis Deepens in PDP as Makinde-Aligned Bloc Rejects Wike Faction’s Convention Plan

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A fresh crisis has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), threatening to undo reconciliation efforts as a powerful bloc loyal to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, rejected a rival faction’s plan to hold a national convention. The move has intensified the leadership tussle between Governor Makinde’s camp and supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The conflict came to a head on Saturday during the party’s 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where the Makinde-aligned group dismissed the convention scheduled for March 28–29, 2026, by the Wike-backed faction. The Wike camp, however, insists the convention will proceed as planned, arguing that the current National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, lacks legitimacy.

The faction loyal to the FCT Minister has already conducted ward, local government, and state congresses, positioning its upcoming Abuja convention as a move to install a new NWC. Party insiders say the group has intensified mobilisation across several states, engaging delegates and stakeholders to secure support for the exercise.

Proponents of the convention describe it as a “reset” aimed at producing a more assertive and electorally competitive leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Beyond the convention dispute, the crisis reflects a fundamental struggle over who holds legitimate authority within the opposition party. The two camps remain deeply divided over reconciliation efforts and the strategic direction of the PDP, raising concerns about the party’s ability to present a united front in time for the next election cycle.

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Tensions were laid bare during the NEC meeting, which had been delayed for weeks to allow for broader consultations. In attendance were key party leaders, including National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN; Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; House of Representatives caucus leader, Hon. Fred Agbedi; Chairman of PDP State Chairmen, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi; and National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.

Opposition to the planned convention was swift and unequivocal, particularly from state party leaders who accused the Wike-aligned camp of sidelining broader party structures.

“You must have consultation. You must bring more people to the table when you are sharing those positions,” Aziegbemi said. “Here we are, with just one person, or at most two people, presenting us with a list of members of the National Working Committee of our great party. Will you allow that to happen?”

He added: “Which convention? Where did we decide that we are going for a convention? Who agreed to go to that convention? For us at the level of state chairmen, we want to assure you that we will go nowhere, that we will stand with you, no matter what happens.”

Addressing reporters after the meeting, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong denied knowledge of any impending convention, while cautioning against public commentary that could further fracture the party.

“Talking about the convention, there’s no convention coming up to our knowledge,” Ememobong said. “But we will not begin to deconstruct that because that would be an inconvenient truth, and we cannot be saying those inconvenient truths at this point in public.”

On reconciliation, Ememobong acknowledged progress while noting the journey is far from over. “Reconciliation is a journey towards a destination, and so you measure it by movement. Movement is being made along that line. The destination will be met. We have a situation of negative peace at the moment—at least a cessation of hostilities.”

National Chairman Turaki underscored the party’s commitment to due process, explaining the NEC meeting was intended to assess developments carefully before taking decisive action.

“We felt it was important to examine these developments microscopically so that we can take informed decisions, not only to save and strengthen our party, but to ensure that multi-party democracy survives,” Turaki said. “All hope is not lost. Indeed, no hope is lost.”

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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EFCC Reopens Atiku’s Alleged Financial Crimes Probe

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

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The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

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