• Arewa group backs PDP govs, slams Atiku, El-Rufai as ‘political opportunists’• Ajisafe re-elected unopposed as S’West Zonal Chairman
The inner disaster rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Social gathering (PDP) deepened yesterday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar pushed ahead together with his coalition agenda, defying resistance from PDP governors—who now face allegations of backing President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Former Nationwide Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, who spoke on behalf of a coalition of opposition politicians, mentioned the refusal of PDP governors to assist the coalition alerts complicity in what he described because the ruling social gathering’s broader re-election technique.
In keeping with Lukman, no Nigerian dedicated to real democratic change and good governance ought to take the PDP Governors’ Discussion board significantly, given their reluctance to embrace a united entrance in opposition to the APC.
He alleged in a press release yesterday that the ruling social gathering had compromised the PDP, with a few of its key figures serving both as appointees or covert supporters of Tinubu’s administration. He cited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for example, claiming Wike’s actual position is to cripple the PDP’s presidential ambition in 2027 .
“The governors know the virus that afflicts the PDP has no remedy. They’re merely grandstanding,” Lukman mentioned. “The brand new plan is to revive the PDP simply sufficient to divide the opposition vote and pave the way in which for Tinubu’s victory.”
He revealed that the coalition is finalising negotiations forward of unveiling its construction and programme of motion to “rescue Nigerian democracy”.
Regardless of the PDP’s chilly stance, Lukman mentioned the coalition stays open to collaboration and urged political actors throughout the board to put aside ego and ambition for the nation’s collective curiosity.
“We prolong our hand of fellowship to all democrats who recognise the pressing must rebuild our democracy,” he mentioned.
MEANWHILE, Atiku Abubakar is forging forward with plans to construct a broad-based political coalition geared toward defeating President Bola Tinubu.
In a press release posted on his verified X (previously Twitter) account yesterday, Atiku mentioned he had met with two separate delegations—one from the PDP in Nasarawa State and one other made up of nationwide opinion leaders—to supply updates on what he described as a “pan-Nigerian coalition” targeted on reclaiming the nation.
“Yesterday, I met with a delegation of two teams, throughout which I briefed them in regards to the standing of the pan-Nigerian coalition that I’m constructing at the side of different leaders and stakeholders throughout political divides and areas,” he wrote .
In keeping with Atiku, the coalition is designed to mirror nationwide unity and political inclusivity, bringing collectively Nigerians from all backgrounds. “The coalition prepare has left the station and may have a number of stops to convey on board Nigerians of all shades,” he added.
The previous vp described the motion as one powered by residents “desirous of reclaiming and rebuilding their nation from throughout the nooks and crannies.”
HOWEVER, the Arewa Joint Motion Motion (AJAM) declared its assist for the place of the PDP Governors’ Discussion board, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in distancing the social gathering from what it described as “opportunistic workplace seekers” together with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a press release issued by its Coordinator, Barnabas Musa, AJAM described the governors’ transfer as a “daring and commendable step” in direction of safeguarding political integrity forward of the 2027 basic elections.
The group warned that Nigeria’s political area should not be dictated by the ambitions of “transient political actors” with no real dedication to nationwide improvement.
Musa accused some figures throughout the opposition alliance of prioritising private acquire over the welfare of Nigerians, saying they “feed off the goodwill of the populace whereas providing little greater than empty guarantees and misleading rhetoric.”
He mentioned: “The political panorama ought to be navigated with integrity and objective. Sadly, these people have confirmed to be little greater than job seekers chasing energy in any respect prices.”
He warned in opposition to what he described as makes an attempt to control public hopes forward of 2027 and urged Nigerians to reject “the politics of deception and self-interest.”
Commending Governor Mohammed and his colleagues, Musa urged the PDP governors to remain targeted on insurance policies that prioritise the wellbeing of Nigerians, whereas pledging AJAM’s readiness to assist any motion that promotes unity, progress and democratic values.
This got here as Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe was returned unopposed because the South West Zonal Chairman of the PDP throughout a peaceable congress held yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Ajisafe, who beforehand held the place, secured 661 votes in a course of social gathering leaders described as consensus-driven and reflective of inside cohesion. Delegates from all six South West states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti—participated within the well-attended and orderly train.
Different zonal officers elected, many by consensus, embody Obagunwa Muyiwa (Zonal Secretary), Alhaja Bose Adedibu (Ladies Chief), Bamidele Seyi Abiola (Youth Chief), Chief Sanya Atofarati (Publicity Secretary), Amuwa Benson (Organising Secretary), Adeyela Adeleke Yahaya (Monetary Secretary), Adeyemo Adetunji (Treasurer), and Ojetunde Azeez (Zonal Ex-Officio, Oyo).
The occasion was witnessed by key social gathering stakeholders, together with Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Ademola Adeleke of Osun, who recommended the maturity and unity displayed all through the congress.
Adeleke mentioned: “I’m so blissful immediately for the South-West. We give glory to God Almighty. We need to ship a sign to different zones to be taught from us. The final 4 years weren’t like this, however immediately we’re getting it proper once more.”
Former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Bode George, and Congress Chairman, Emmanuel Udom, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, additionally hailed the congress as a mannequin of peaceable social gathering management transition.
In his acceptance speech, Ajisafe thanked delegates for his or her confidence and pledged to proceed selling inclusiveness and grassroots engagement.
Observers from the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) described the method as clear and commendable.
