Industry experts divided

’It’s politically targeted at the North’

 
 

 

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is intensifying its investigation into alleged financial mismanagement at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), focusing on approximately $2.96 billion allocated for refinery repairs.

Several high-ranking former officials, including former Managing Directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, are under scrutiny, with multiple arrests already reported.

A source close to the investigation told Sunday Vanguard that the scope of the investigation is wide.

He said: “The investigation into alleged financial mismanagement at NNPCL is advancing rapidly and covers a wide scope. We have already uncovered compelling evidence of significant misappropriation of funds, including large sums traced to the personal accounts of former officials.”

The source further said:”A key focus of our probe is the $2.96 billion earmarked for refinery repairs. We are meticulously tracking the flow of these funds to establish how they were diverted.”

As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of NNPCL, has been arrested or has voluntarily presented himself for questioning.

The investigation is specifically examining funds allocated for the quick-fix maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries, which have long suffered from persistent operational challenges.

Preliminary findings indicate that $1.56 billion was allocated to the Port Harcourt Refinery, $740 million to the Kaduna Refinery, and $657 million to the Warri Refinery.

As the EFCC prepares for further arrests in the coming days, the agency is working closely with NNPCL to secure critical financial records and interview key witnesses.

“This is not a superficial inquiry. It is a determined effort to root out corruption and hold those responsible fully accountable. The stakes are high, as this investigation is vital to restoring integrity and public confidence in the oil sector,” the source stressed.

Meanwhile, the Commission has formally requested detailed financial records from NNPCL, including documentation of emoluments and allowances, to support its ongoing investigation.

EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment, as he is currently on official assignment abroad.
However, experts in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry were divided on the matter.

 

Reacting to the probe in an interview with Sunday Vanguard, yesterday, Iledare Wumi, Professor Emeritus in Petroleum Economics and Policy Executive Director, Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, said: “I am not in a position to provide a definitive statement or to judge matters of guilt or innocence regarding the public allegations of funding misalignment relative to intended objectives.

“However, the documented operational inefficiencies of the NNPCL refineries remain a significant concern. The substantial financial outlays committed since 2021 to the repair and refurbishment of these facilities highlight the broader consequences of transactionalism in Nigeria.

“This leadership approach, which seems to characterize governance in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, continues to undermine the growth objectives outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.

“Looking ahead, I firmly believe that a shift in leadership mindset towards a shared vision, focused on prosperity for future generations is essential. Only a transformational mindset can reject the practice of retaining public funds in financial institutions for personal gain.

“The prevailing transactionalism is inadequate to effectively govern Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Perhaps a restructured NNPCL, with a deliberate and meaningful change, will mark the beginning of a truly transformative era for the Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

 

On his part, an Abuja-based oil and gas expert, who pleaded anonymity, said: “The investigation is politically-motivated against the North, whose politicians have vowed to oppose President Bola Tinubu in the next presidential election.

“The investigation would likely compel many northerners to defect to the ruling APC and support President Tinubu’s second term bid. From all indications, it is partly targeted at weakening opposition and attracting more loyalists.”

Suspended gov’s push for survival

 

 

 

Since March 18, 2025 when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency, there has been relative peace in Rivers State.

 

The eventual suspension of Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Ordu, and the entire Legislative Arm of government is the biggest setback that may likely affect the economy and other social fabrics of the state.

For close to two months, Fubara has been stripped of the paraphernalia of office as governor elected by his people in 2023.

Having understood what it means to stay inactive without political power for this long, the suspended governor has chosen to go full throttle to seek for genuine peace with his mentor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

It was reported that on April 18, Fubara came down from his high horse and went to meet Wike in his Abuja residence to ask for forgiveness.

Why the suspended governor chose to meet with the Minister in the company of some respected Yoruba political leaders like Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and former Governor Segun Osoba, among others, other than the elders in Rivers State, is relatively understandable.

The FCT Minister believes that some of the elders in Rivers State were those stoking the embers of crisis between him and Fubara.

Political problems

These elders, nearly all of them, had political problems with Wike in 2023 because of the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in the run-up to the general elections.

 

After the PDP presidential congress, where Atiku emerged as the favorite to confront the APC candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wike felt betrayed and refused to support Atiku.

A time was also when Wike thought he could be compensated with the running mate slot, again, PDP backtracked and went for Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, then governor of Delta State.

Okowa has since defected to the APC he contested against as the PDP vice presidential candidate.

Recall that the Atiku supporters had all abandoned Rivers and relocated to Abuja to give support to his dream of becoming the next President.

Wike was the man alone at home showcasing Fubara in the campaigns to become governor.

 

Some of the Atiku supporters openly condemned the choice of Fubara as governor, wondering what political sense Wike was mooting to play up a political neophyte as the next governor of a sensitive state like Rivers.

While Wike attempted to calibrate his political structure in support of Tinubu of APC, the likes of Prince Uche Secondus, a former National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Sir Celestine Omehia, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, Senator Lee Meaba and Tele Ikuru, among others, formed a formidable political bloc against Wike in the state.

But when the table turned and Wike became the FCT Minister and relocated to Abuja, these elders took the reverse flight back to Port Harcourt and suddenly began to give Fubara the energy to stand up to a man who made him governor against all odds.

This set of politicians formed what looked like an iron cast structure for Fubara with a deliberate design to castigated Wike in the war against then governor.

This same bloc of politicians was alleged to have asked the governor to have a rethink in his implementation of the 8-point peace agreement initiated by President Tinubu. This presidential move could have, according to some analysts, ushered peace into the state a long time ago.

 

Nevertheless, in his wisdom, Fubara has come to clearly realize that only genuine peace devoid of intrigues can resolve the lingering political tension in Rivers.

This explains why he has chosen to walk the path of peace alone without the involvement of the Rivers elders.

Undoubtedly, the suspended governor has seen that Wike has what it takes to take the fight to its conclusion which was initiated to end in impeachment but the intervention of the president with the tool of state of emergency to stop what would have been the end of Fubara’s political career.

Wike has the financial war-chest. He enjoys the backing of Tinubu. He is a master strategist in all forms and shapes.
Dealing with a man of this political caliber would only call for wisdom and that is exactly what Fubara chose to do even if it meant standing alone.

In his last media chat in Abuja, Wike had made it clear that if Fubara should genuinely apologize to him, he would let go. A fortnight ago, the governor made a trip to London enroute Frankfurt, Germany where he met with the president in a closed door meeting.

 

Details

The details of their discussion in that meeting were not divulged but close sources believe that it was the prelude to a symbiotic agreement for the betterment of Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 while Fubara returns as governor.

Having met with the president, Fubara never rested on his oars.

He went on a remorseful visit to Wike to let him know how sorry he was and begged for forgiveness.
It is not clear what lies in the offing after the two high stake meetings.

But Nigerians are of the opinion that having shown sufficient regrets for his actions or inactions, Fubara deserves to be reinstated.

There are speculations that Tinubu, who is alleged to be under intense pressure by prominent Nigerians, may reinstate the suspended governor by May 29. “Everything is in the realm of speculations”, said Prince Ogbonna Nwuke, a former member of the House of Representatives.

 

“I think as a democrat, the president should use the May 29, which is a big day in our country’s political history, to convince the whole world that he is indeed a true democrat by reinstating Governor Fubara , his deputy and the House of Assembly”.

On her part, Ann Kio Briggs, spokesperson for Ijaw Republican Assembly, IRA, believes that reinstatement of Fubara on May 29 would make more sense to the people of the state.

“He has to be reinstated on May 29, being Democracy Day, so that the governor can join his colleague governors to celebrate his second year in office”.

Briggs explained that the entire Rivers people will appreciate Tinubu if he could “bring back our governor on May 29. That is our Democracy Day. It will bring a lot of succor to the people of the state who have suffered as a result of the crisis in the past two years”.

History

Corroborating the IRA’s spokesperson, the President of Ijaw National Congress, INC, Prof Benjamin Okaba, said Tinubu would make history if he reinstates Fubara on May 29 as with stringent lines drawn to demarcate power play between the two warring factions.
“Fubara’s visits to the President and Wike are welcome developments. The president can make history by returning Fubara earlier than expected”, he said.

“Besides, he should make himself the president of all Nigerians, not to a particular person. Let the Minister mind his job in Abuja and allow the Rivers people to enjoy the governor they voted for.

“I am not interested whether Fubara wants to defect to APC or not. After all, our politicians do not have ideology. And the country is cascading to a one party state. “What we want is his return to power for the interest of Rivers people”.

For Dr. Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group, SSRG, “Fubara has shown that he is a man of peace. He has shown enough remorse and deserves to return to his duty post.

“The stakes are high. Expectations are also high. Nigerians are eagerly waiting to hear what Mr. President will have to tell us on Democracy Day.

“I know that the president won’t disappoint. Our prayer is that Fubara should be returned to power. I was privileged to meet with him recently in Port Harcourt and I saw a man who was ready to do anything for the sake of peace”.

 

More than anything else, what is more worrisome to the Rivers people is the terms of agreement between the FCT Minister and the suspended governor for the return of peace in the state and his subsequent return to power.

There are speculations that appointment of commissioners must be shared in a formula that will give the Abuja bloc a comfortable stand.

This same formula will apply to the appointment of all offices when normal democratic institutions are restored.
For local government elections which were earlier scheduled to be conducted on August 9, “the Minister’s interest will be highly protected”, a source privy to the arrangement hinted.

“The template has been set already. There is a change in the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

“Interested contestants would be selected, it does not matter which political parties they belong. They will be there to serve the interest of those who nominated them”.

 

How then will Fubara’s second coming to office look like? Is he going to be a puppet governor who will dance whenever the string is pulled from outside the state?

What will be the political fate of the Atiku supporters (elders) when normalcy returns and Fubara returns to the saddle? All eyes are on May 29 while Nigerians sit on edge.

The Obedient Movement in Delta State has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot win any free and fair election in Nigeria, citing the party’s poor national track record and growing public discontent.

Speaking at a press conference held over the weekend in Asaba, Chairman of the Delta Obedients Elders Council, Chief Chris Boise, dismissed the recent defection of some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members into the APC in the state, saying the move would not affect the political dynamics in Delta.

His words: “We are not bothered one bit about the fusion of PDP elements into APC.


“Their justification that this defection would foster development is hollow when viewed against APC’s abysmal governance at the national level over the past decade.”

Boise referenced the 2023 presidential election to reinforce his point, noting that Labour Party candidate Peter Obi secured a decisive lead in Delta State, winning 341,866 votes compared to Atiku Abubakar’s 161,600 and Bola Tinubu’s 90,183 votes.


He accused the APC-led federal government of dragging Nigeria into economic collapse and heightening insecurity, describing the current administration as one sustained not by performance or popular support, but by a “narrow elite” bent on consolidating power.Nigerian political art prints

“Since the APC took over in May 2015, the country has experienced a surge in insecurity, especially from armed Fulani herders, whose activities have devastated farming communities across Nigeria,” he said.

Chief Boise urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take urgent steps to bolster local security by empowering community vigilantes to defend citizens from further attacks by armed invaders.

According to the World Bank's April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, poverty among Nigeria's rural population has reached a critical 75.5%, underscoring growing inequality across the country. This rate is nearly double the urban poverty rate of 41.3%.

The report reveals that overall poverty in Nigeria continues to display stark regional disparities. Northern geopolitical zones recorded a 46.5% poverty rate in 2018/19, compared to just 13.5% in southern regions. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 30.9% of Nigerians lived below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day.

Economic circumstances have deteriorated since then, with World Bank projections estimating that by 2024, over 54% of Nigerians would be living in poverty. The report attributes this to multiple factors including economic shocks, rising insecurity, and persistent inflation.

The crisis disproportionately affects certain demographic groups. Children aged 0-14 face a 72.5% poverty rate, while adults without formal education experience a 79.5% poverty rate. Even those with secondary education show a 50% poverty rate, compared to 25.4% for those with tertiary education.

Multidimensional poverty indicators further illustrate the challenges: 32.6% lack access to limited-standard drinking water, 45.1% don't have limited-standard sanitation, and 39.4% have no electricity access.

The World Bank notes that poverty reduction had nearly stagnated before the pandemic, declining by only half a percentage point annually since 2010. This slow progress is attributed to structural economic challenges, particularly Nigeria's continued dependence on oil and vulnerability to climate shocks affecting agriculture.

Since 2018/19, an estimated 42 million additional Nigerians have fallen into poverty. Recent macroeconomic reforms have begun stabilizing the economy, but high inflation continues to erode purchasing power, with labor incomes failing to keep pace with rising costs.

The World Bank recommends urgent reforms to protect the poorest from inflation and boost livelihoods through productive employment. While acknowledging government efforts like temporary cash transfers targeting 15 million households, the report emphasizes the need for stronger social protection systems, investments in education, health, and infrastructure, and economic diversification beyond the oil sector.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied reports that he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Recently, there were reports that Kyari and several other top NNPCL officials—who were recently removed from their positions—were being questioned over alleged misuse of funds and abuse of office. One report even claimed Kyari had been taken into EFCC custody on Friday and might spend the weekend there.

The EFCC has not officially responded to the claims. However, a letter believed to be from the anti-corruption agency has surfaced online. In the letter addressed to Bayo Ojulari, the new head of NNPCL, the EFCC requested certified true copies of payment records and benefits of 14 senior officials. This includes those who have already retired.

Those listed in the letter are: Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Mele Kolo Kyari, Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Efiok Michael Akpan, Umar Ajiya, Babatunde Bakare, Dikko Ahmed, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Ibrahim Onoja, Bello Kankaya, Ademoye Adeniyi Jelli, and Desmond Inyama.

In response to the reports, Kyari issued a statement on his verified X handle on Saturday night to clarify the situation.

His words: I served not only my country but also God. I am happy to account for my stewardship.

Over the past few days and in particular in the past 2 hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only them know.

At present, I am taking a well-deserved rest after the dissolution of the management and board of the NNPCL, of which I was the Group Chief Executive.

It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years, and 17 of those in management roles and especially the last 5 years and 9 months, I had little time for leave of even two weeks. So, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve under their Excellencies Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

I must emphasize that I served with the fear of God knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah, and that I am better off accounting to the institutions of man. Therefore, having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world.

However, it is important to state that the resort to disinformation does not serve anyones purpose, the NNPCL or the country in general, as it has the potential to send the wrong signals to investors and the international community.

It is in this regard that I urge the media to be circumspect and avoid being stampeded into misleading the public on unverified stories or matters that are subject of further validation by relevant organizations.

 



I sincerely thank my family and friends who have reached out to me or tried to do so and assure them that I am available to respond to all lawful queries.

The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) has described the calls for a state of emergency in Zamfara as “politically motivated, ill-conceived, unwarranted, unpatriotic and unconstitutional”.

The Executive Director of PAPSD, Dr Sani Shinkafi, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja also described the calls as calculated attempt to destabilise Zamfara.

 

He said that it was also planned to cause confusion and political upheavals in the state to undermine Gov. Dauda Lawal’s giant strides in transforming Zamfara from an agricultural- base to an industrial state.

He condemned those sponsoring youths to stage protests calling for a state of emergency in Zamfara as declared in Rivers, saying there was no comparison between the two states.

He said that the situation that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers was not applicable to Zamfara, even as Lawal was focused on fulfilling his campaign promises, with the support of most members of the State House of Assembly and citizens.

Shinkafi noted that Sections 188 and 189 of the 1999 constitution, as amended provided the procedure for the removal of a governor or deputy from office.

He added that Section 305 of the constitution also related to the power of the president to proclaim a state of emergency .

Shinkafi, the Patron, Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council 2023, said it was obvious that Zamfara was not in a state of war to require a state of emergency.

“Compared to previous years, security in Zamfara State has significantly improved.

“Sadly, most of the videos and pictures of attacks circulating on social media were past attacks mischievously reposted to overheat the polity and undermine the visionary leadership of Gov. Lawal,” he said.

Shinkafi also noted that like other governors, Lawal had no constitutional power to deploy security agents if there was a security breach in any part of the state.

“The appellation of chief security officers of their states is merely ceremonial.

“It is an aspect of the constitution that should be amended to give powers to governors to deploy security agents to curb insecurity in their states,” he said.

Shinkafi urged President Bola Tinubu and the military high command to quickly address the security breach as previously done.

He commended the military personnel for their efforts and urged the Federal Government to motivate them and provide necessary weapons to defeat the enemies.

He also urged Lawal to summon an emergency security summit in the state involving security chiefs, religious leaders, traditional rulers, local government chairmen and civil society organisations to chart the way forward.

“This will further guarantee public safety and order, and forestall the security breach witnessed recently at Kaura Namoda.

“The PAPSD further urged the Zamfara State House of Assembly to quickly resolve the issues that led to the suspension of nine members to enable them to discharge their constitutional duties to their constituencies.

“As democrats, they should apply a political solution to issues, resolve them and move the state forward,” he said.

(NAN)

Osun State Government has dismissed as false and misleading the claim by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that Governor Ademola Adeleke attempted to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, described the claim as “hallucination”, asserting that Governor Adeleke had never negotiated or considered leaving the PDP at any time.

“At no time, past or present, has Governor Ademola Adeleke negotiated or considered defection from the Peoples Democratic Party. Such an idea has never been and will never be on the table.”

He noted that the Governor, who unseated an incumbent, Adegboyega Oyetola, in 2022, has continued to deliver on his electoral promises and enjoys widespread support among the people of Osun State.

“Governor Adeleke has achieved in under three years what the APC could not deliver in twelve. He has no need for a party widely criticised and rejected in Osun due to its past failures and current disarray,” he stated.

The Governor’s camp also pointed to Adeleke’s recent endorsement by workers in Osun during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration as evidence of his popularity and performance.

“With over 80 percent job approval and tangible results across all sectors, the Governor remains firmly rooted in the PDP,” Rasheed declared.

The government said the APC’s allegation was merely a ploy to distract the public from internal crises plaguing the opposition party in the state.

“We view the APC’s recent claim as a diversionary tactic aimed at masking its internal troubles. Its members are now exposing secrets that reflect a legacy of poor governance,” he said.

Rasheed added that Governor Adeleke is committed to protecting the peace and democratic integrity of Osun, even as he continues to engage critical stakeholders in governance.

“The Governor has acted as a patriot, ensuring law and order during times of provocation. His leadership has been people-centred and law-abiding.

“We urge the Osun APC to focus on its internal implosion and face its reality. Governor Adeleke remains loyal to the PDP and committed to delivering good governance,” he added.

DAILY POST had reported that the APC in Osun State has disputed Governor Ademola Adeleah’s claim that he never attempted to defect to the party from the PDP.

The APC revealed that its national leadership informed Adeleke that he must follow the regular nomination process and would not be granted an automatic ticket to contest the governorship election under the party.

A statement released on Saturday, Kola Olabisi, the Director of Media and Information for the APC in Osun, asserted that Adeleke was dishonest when he told PDP stakeholders he had no plans to leave the party now or in the foreseeable future.

 [DailyPost]
 

In commemoration of International Firefighters’ Day, Fire Protection Association of Nigeria (FPAN) has called for the government to go into strategic partnership with fire services, in order to better cope with emergency and disaster risks.

This was the thrust of a Press Conference, held by FPAN, at Ikeja Fire Station, on Friday.

FPAN president, Shehu Dambatta, reported that in 2024, Nigeria recorded over 100 fire-related deaths and a loss estimated at 67.1billion naira in property, 30,000 lives saved, as well as properties estimated to be worth 1.94 trillion naira.

Dambatta, noted that irrespective of the occurrences, fire fighters were able to respond to them with glaring inadequacies in staffing, obsolete equipment and lack of platform for training and continuous professional development.

He, however, urged for the acknowledgement of their unwavering efforts and sacrifice in the midst of disaster.

 

“Today, we remember and honour the sacrifices they make, both big and small, responding to emergencies with unwavering determination, battling raging fires, rescuing people from perilous situations, or providing essential first aid. They are not just firefighters; they are heroes, protectors, and pillars of our communities.

 “We also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their legacy reminds us of the high cost of the safety we often take for granted,” he stated.

Related News

Chairman, Board of Fellow, FPAN, Engr. Peter Onyeri, appealed for more Fire fighters training, provision of the equipment, adding that a lot of fire fighters sustain all sorts of injuries and hazards to their health in line of duty. 

“The government should provide adequate training for fire fighters so that their risk exposure will be reduced. They should be provided with personal protective equipment, improve on their welfare, specifically their remuneration and insurance because of the risks that they are exposed to, insurance has to come in to be able to take care of such hazards,” he appealed.

Mr Onyeri, further noted that firefighters  contribute to the economy of the country by securing lives and properties. Hence , the need to honor and support them.

“The last statistics of 2024, the fire fighters were able to secure 1.97 trillion naira in terms of saving for properties towards the national GDP and then, they have saved lives in spite of fire incidents that happened across the country. They are making a huge contribution to the national economy. So, we are asking the government as it is done all over the world, that they should look in the direction of the fire services in Nigeria to give them what they need so that they would improve on their contributions to the national GDP,” he said.

 Mr. Amodu Shakiru, lamented over the lack of cooperation by members of the public in Lagos state and several attacks by hoodlums during duty.

He said: “Basically, in Lagos, our own challenges are far much more than hoodlums attacks, false calls, the public not cooperating with us. This year in Lagos, we have witnessed attacks by hoodlums. Last year, we witnessed 578 false calls, away from the 1798 fire emergency.

 We need the public in carrying out our duty. We should salute firefighters. It is self-care. It’s humanitarian. Salute the men who are running in during a fire outbreak to save lives and properties.”

[TheNation]

Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, may have agreed to make concessions to foster unity within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

A reliable source told Sunday PUNCH that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented PDP governors in a meeting with Wike in Lagos last week.

According to the source, discussions during the meeting focused on resolving the political crisis in Rivers State involving Wike and the suspended Governor Sim Fubara, as well as addressing concerns related to the South-South zonal leadership, the National Secretary, and other matters to balance the interests of both sides.

Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been battling internal crises.

 

The situation worsened with the conflict between Governor Sim Fubara and Wike in Rivers State, along with disagreements over the South-South zonal leadership and the unresolved National Secretary position since December 2024.

Attempts by the party’s leadership bodies—the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors Forum — to mediate have only deepened divisions.

These efforts have led to further splits within state and zonal chapters of the party.

As the crisis drags on, many party leaders have grown disillusioned, with some defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress and blaming the PDP’s unresolved internal issues.

On April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other officials from the state joined the APC.

Their departure has dealt a major blow to the PDP’s image and weakened its chances ahead of the 2027 elections.

A source close to the Oyo State governor revealed that after the Lagos meeting, Makinde agreed to brief fellow governors, while Wike would relay the outcome of the talks to his loyal supporters.

He stated, “Makinde and Wike met in Lagos, where Makinde represented the PDP governors and Wike attended on behalf of his loyalists.

“During the meeting, Wike expressed concerns about the Governors Forum’s recommendations, claiming they were made without considering party laws. He stated that some of the positions taken by the governors were illegal. The minister also pointed out that despite the Forum’s numerous positions, it has only succeeded in complicating matters rather than resolving them.

“Wike informed Makinde and other PDP leaders that he was unhappy with the Forum’s decisions regarding the National Secretary, South-South Zonal leadership, and the ongoing issues in Rivers State.

“He promised to stay in the PDP but requested that the forum and party leadership reconsider their positions on these issues in accordance with the party’s considering, to ensure peace, unity, and help reposition the party.”

The source stated that Makinde also expressed frustration over how the behaviour of some of the officials involved had worsened the situation.

He said, “In his response, Makinde also mentioned that the attitude of some officials towards the PDP governors was disrespectful and was not helping the situation. He reassured Wike that no one was trying to embarrass anyone, but rather, everyone was doing their best to reposition the party.

“Makinde promised to brief the governors on or before the forum’s next meeting and assured Wike of his support. They both agreed that concerned members should withdraw the pending litigation and pursue political solutions.

“Additionally, they agreed that the Governors Forum’s decision on issues such as the zonal congress, especially that of the South-South, the Rivers State crisis, the National Secretary position, and other matters should be revisited to accommodate all interests.”

A senior member of the PDP National Working Committee, who chose to remain anonymous, also confirmed that the meeting involving Makinde, Wike, and others was aimed at addressing unresolved matters.

The source said, “Yes, Wike and Makinde met to resolve some issues, and their resolutions will go a long way in unifying and repositioning the PDP.”

Attempts to reach the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to our correspondent’s calls.

The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, expressed confidence that the meeting, along with others held previously, would reposition the party.

 

In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, Osadolor suggested that PDP leaders were engaged in consultations and taking steps to strengthen the party.

He stated, “ Our leaders are not sleeping; a lot of meetings have taken place and more will take place in the future. The PDP will not only bounce back, but it will also reclaim its rightful place. I am sure you can see the movement taking shape as we speak.

“It is already gaining momentum, and people are beginning to speak out and align themselves with the party. I believe that as the days unfold, we will see that this is truly the party to be a part of.

“At this moment, there is no other party to be in. The other party, APC is like a ship with limited capacity. As more people crowd and overload it, it will either sink or capsize. It’s just a matter of time it’s not a question of if, but when. And that will happen.”

Atiku blamed for party crisis

In a related development, a member of the National Working Committee, who asked not to be identified for fear of victimisation, and a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Diran Odeyemi, blamed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions for the ongoing crisis in the PDP.

They stated that Atiku, the PDP’s presidential candidate in both the 2019 and 2023 elections, had not contributed to the party’s growth over the years.

Instead, his actions had often complicated matters.

The party leaders urged him to publicly declare that he would not contest the 2027 presidential election.

According to the NWC member, some party leaders who believed Atiku had had his fair share in the PDP will persist in opposing the former vice president.

He stated, “Atiku in the past led five PDP governors and left the party. The party did not die. We came back stronger. From all indications, Atiku’s 2027 ambition is part of what is aggravating the crisis in PDP.

“Even the statement he made when Okowa defected, he shouldn’t have made such statement. Because if you critically look at the statement, it creates an impression that Atiku is also leaving the party soon. His defection doesn’t matter.

 

“If he continues to push for 2027, those who feel it should go to the South and others who also feel Atiku had had his opportunity will continue to fight him within the party and the crisis will continue.”

Odeyemi, on his part, stated that Atiku had the power to bring peace back to the PDP.

He said, “This situation in the PDP is demoralising party members nationwide, especially the governors. Some have defected, and there are rumors of more planning to do so.

“Part of the solution is this: Atiku Abubakar should publicly declare his support for the PDP. He must set aside the structures and ambitions that have divided the party.

“Yes, his presidential ambition is contributing to the party’s division. Many are fighting internally because they believe he plans to run again. He holds the key to restoring unity.

“That key lies in setting aside his presidential ambition. Of course, it is his democratic right to contest, but sometimes, when things are falling apart, one must consider the greater good of the party. He should prioritise the party’s survival over personal ambition.”

In response, the former vice president dismissed as absurd any claim that his presidential ambition was the cause of the PDP crisis.

Speaking through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said those blaming him were the ones who triggered the crisis due to their selfish interests.

He said, “It’s ridiculous to suggest Atiku is the problem. He has never been the problem. If others want to run, they should come forward and face the process. This is a democracy. Let me use an analogy: blaming Atiku is like a son blaming his father for his own failures and hoping for his father’s downfall so he can have a clear path. That’s not right.

“Atiku is not stopping anyone from running. He hasn’t told anyone not to contest. People are simply looking for scapegoats, inventing excuses, and blaming him unfairly. The truth is, some of these individuals created the crisis and are now trying to shift the blame.

“Atiku’s statements after recent defections showed he remains a committed democrat. He has continued engaging stakeholders and seeking solutions behind the scenes. Most of the work he’s doing doesn’t make it into the newspapers. But he’s actively involved in efforts to reposition the party and build coalitions.”

[Punch]

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has said that the Minister of Works, David Umahi has done more for the people of the Southeast region than political leaders like Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.

The apex socio-political Igbo group said it was committed to the progress of the Southeast region and would be throwing its support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

Ohanaeze said this declaration is in alignment with the vision and leadership prowess showcased by Umahi who the group described as its newly appointed Igbo National Political Leader.


In a statement signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Thompson Ohia, the Deputy President General and the National Spokesperson of the group respectively, Ohanaeze said it has reviewed the contributions made by various leaders from the region.

According to the group, its findings show that Umahi tops the list of Igbo leaders who are committed to the development of the region and the welfare of the people of Southeast.


The statement said, “The findings from this comprehensive analysis present an irrefutable case that Senator Dave Umahi’s leadership distinguishes itself above all others, particularly in contrast to Mr. Peter Obi and Governor Hope Uzodinma.”

The group added that while they respect the contributions made by other leaders including Obi and Uzodimma, that of Umahi is second to none.

The statement added, “As the Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, he effectively negotiated significant upgrades with the Federal Government, such as the enhancement of the Francis Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, transitioning it to full international operational status complete with cutting-edge facilities.


“Additionally, he championed the establishment of a second international airport in Abakaliki, thereby amplifying the region’s connectivity,” it added.

It also said that Umahi’s 21 months of service as Minister has been quite impactful, especially in his “revolutionary” infrastructural projects in the region among many other feats.

“As President Tinubu approaches the two-year milestone of his presidency on May 29, 2027, Ohanaeze Ndigbo conveys our unwavering assurance that Senator Dave Umahi is the singular, trusted political leader of the Southeast, endowed with the mandate to enhance our collective voice in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027,” the statement said.

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