The wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Regina Akume has warned her husband to return to Christianity or he will not be successful.

Regina, who is the member representing Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, gave the warning during the wedding reception of the SGF’s son, which held on Sunday in Makurdi, Benue State.

She stated that her husband’s rise and achievements were rooted in his Christian faith.

A video of her comments, later circulated on social media, was shared by Idoma Television on Monday.

In the video, Akume prayed for her husband’s long life and good health, while advising him not to abandon Christianity.

She said, “I pray that the Lord will increase his years, good health of mind and body, and give him clarity in thinking and doing things right.

“And he should remember that he is a Christian, and it is Christianity that brought him this far. To drop Christianity now and go for anything else, he will not be successful.

“So my advice to him is to come back to Christianity and follow the line of Christ. We came all the way to the office of SGF, not through enemies but through Jesus Christ. And Jesus Christ is still alive and still working for us. I wish that he would come back to Christianity.”

Her comments come amid widespread discussions following reports that the SGF recently married another wife.

Akume reportedly married Zaynab Ngohemba-George, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The marriage became public on December 26, 2025, after a Facebook post by Abraham Double-D Dajoh, a member of the Akume Dajoh family from Mbakor, Benue State, welcoming Zaynab into the family.

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The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun State, Tijjani Rabe, says no fewer than 6,060.72 kilograms and 2,655.75 litres of hard drugs and liquid-based illicit substances were seized during the year 2025.

Rabe added that 760 suspects were arrested, and 316 drug users benefitted from its counseling and rehabilitation interventions.

The feat was contained in an end of the year press statement, signed by the command’s spokesperson, Haris Musa, and made available to DAILY POST on Monday.

According to the statement, 159 convictions were secured with offenders sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.

It reads, “Operationally, the Command recorded significant successes in curbing illicit drug activities within the State.

“A total of 760 suspects were arrested, while 6,060.72 kilograms and 2,655.75 litres of hard drugs and liquid-based illicit substances respectively were seized. Additionally, 316 drug users benefitted from counselling and rehabilitation interventions.

“Within the same period, the Command secured 159 convictions, with offenders sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. Several other cases are currently at different stages of prosecution,” he stated.

The statement added that in a bid to reduce drug demand, a total of 188 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation programs were conducted, reaching over 100,000 persons across the state.

“These engagements cut across students, professional bodies, religious organisations, and community development associations; delivering clear, practical, and impactful messages on the dangers of drug abuse and the benefits of prevention,” he said.

The PRO, while acknowledging various evolving challenges in its operational landscape, asserted that through sustained operations, strengthened partnerships, and people-centred initiatives, the command has continued to uphold its mandate with professionalism and unwavering resolve.

The command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities, dismantling illicit drug networks and intensifying its operations, warning that drug traffickers and merchants will not be allowed to exploit the festive season.

“The Command will continue to intensify operations aimed at disrupting and decimating drug distribution chains to ensure a drug-free Yuletide season.

“Our commitment to safeguarding communities across Ogun State from the scourge of illicit drugs remains firm and uncompromised,” the statement added.

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Seven Nigerian journalists on Monday died in a car crash along Biliri-Kumo road in Gombe State.

The victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of a colleague in Kaltungo when the crash occurred.

In a statement issued on Monday, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said he received the news with shock and a heavy heart, describing the incident as a painful tragedy for Gombe State.

“This loss is not only to the families of the deceased but also to the media community and the public service in our state,” the governor said.

Those who lost their lives include Zarah Umar, manager of News at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe, and senior special assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Kwami, manager, Administration, NTA; Isa Lawan; Musa Tabra, a retired manager of News; Aminu Adamu, a senior driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, an information officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board.

Governor Yahaya described the deceased as committed professionals whose work contributed significantly to public information and governance in the state.

“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost hardworking colleagues and devoted public servants whose dedication and service will be long remembered,” he said.

The governor extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, and the media community within and outside Gombe State.

He also expressed concern for those injured in the crash and currently receiving medical care. They include Emmanuel Akila, NTA Government House correspondent; Steven Doddo of the NTA Marketing Department; Nina Gadal of the Ministry of Information; and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA.

READ ALSO: UPDATED: Anthony Joshua injured in fatal road accident on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

Mr Yahaya assured the injured of the state government’s support and prayed for their speedy recovery.

“This is a dark moment for Gombe State. We mourn together and pray that God grants eternal rest to the departed and comfort to the families they have left behind,” he said.

Authorities have yet to release full details of the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Road accidents are common in many parts of Nigeria and are caused by several factors such as overspeeding, drunk driving and bad tyres. The Gombe accident occurred the same day a fatal accident occurred in Ogun State, leading to the death of two people. British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in the Ogun accident but survived with injuries.

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has told the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, that Nigerians won’t accept any excuses of glitch in system.

George made this statement on Monday when he appeared as a guest in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television.

His remarks came as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The elder statesman urged the new INEC boss not to repeat the same intentional mistake his predecessor made in the 2023 general elections.

“Remember the last election too, when Buhari bought the necessary tools. What did we do? They said there was a glitch.

“So let’s reverse back. Mr Amupitan, there should be no glitch in this system,” he said.

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The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has been thrown into fresh turmoil following the removal of its state chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa.

The action came barely two weeks after he was returned to office at a party congress.

The decision was taken by executive members of the party in Gargari Ward, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area.

Ward leaders said the move was reached during a properly convened executive meeting.

A resolution backing the action was endorsed by 27 ward executives.

The meeting was presided over by the Ward Chairman, Shuaibu Hassan.
The Ward Secretary, Yahaya Saidu Dungurawa, was also present.

According to the ward leadership, Dungurawa was accused of deepening divisions within the party.

They also alleged that he encouraged internal crises that weakened party cohesion.
Other accusations included failure to pay party dues and making abusive remarks against the Kano State Governor.

The executives said such conduct was damaging to the party’s public image.
They described the actions as a threat to unity and internal stability.

They insisted the party could not condone behaviour capable of undermining its progress in the state.

The ward leaders maintained that the removal followed provisions of the NNPP constitution.
They said discipline and order must be upheld at all levels of the party.
They added that no individual is bigger than the party structure.

Copies of the resolution were reportedly forwarded to higher party organs.
These include the local government, state, and national leaderships of the NNPP.
The ward said this was done to ensure proper documentation and further necessary action.

“The decision had been communicated to the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf”.

The ward executives explained that the step was also meant as a warning.
They said party officials must not abuse their offices or ignore laid-down rules.
They stressed that leadership positions come with responsibility and restraint.

Despite the development, the ward leadership reaffirmed loyalty to the NNPP’s national leadership.

They pledged continued support for Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
They also restated their backing for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

They concluded by calling for calm among party members.
They urged supporters to remain committed to peace and unity.
They said their ultimate goal remains the growth and stability of the NNPP in Kano State.

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The Northern Front for Peace and Accountability has criticised Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, over what it described as the deteriorating security situation in the state.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Tuesday, Musa Abdullahi Kaura, president of the group, said recent attacks, including a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru local government area, exposed what he called a collapse of governance and security coordination.

Kaura said the latest incident, which left several travellers feared dead, was part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence across highways and rural communities in Zamfara.

He said residents were increasingly vulnerable as armed groups now operate with “disturbing confidence and frequency”.

“The people of Zamfara are under siege. Daily, innocent citizens are killed, abducted, or forced to flee their homes, yet the state government appears overwhelmed and largely absent,” Kaura said.

He said leadership requires presence and decisive action, especially during crises, adding that these qualities were lacking.

The group also raised concerns over reports that Lawal had been out of the state for several weeks, describing the absence as ill-timed and indefensible.

Kaura said the governor’s absence had deepened public anxiety and reinforced perceptions of a leadership vacuum.

He said previous administrations had shown that insecurity, though complex, could be confronted with political will, local engagement and coordinated strategies.

Kaura urged Lawal to study the approach adopted by former governor and now senator, Abdul’aziz Yari, whom he said aggressively confronted armed groups through security operations, community intelligence and engagement with federal authorities.

“During the Yari years, there was a clear strategy. The governor was visible, security meetings were constant, and there was a sense that the government was actively confronting the problem,” Kaura said.

The group warned that continued inaction could embolden terrorists and erode public confidence in the state government.

It called for an immediate security summit involving traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and federal authorities.

The group also urged the federal government to closely monitor developments in Zamfara, warning that the state risks becoming a permanent stronghold for armed groups without urgent intervention.

“As citizens bury their dead and abandon their farms and roads, the question remains simple: where is the government of Zamfara state?” Kaura asked.

Residents across the state, the group said, remain fearful that without visible leadership and a clear security strategy, the violence may worsen.

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Anambra State has become the third state in Nigeria to adopt the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law, signalling growing momentum among sub-national governments to reform and modernise revenue administration.

This followed the signing of the law on Tuesday in Awka by Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, according to a press statement from the Joint Revenue Board.

The development comes just days after Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, signed a similar revenue reform law, reinforcing a broader alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national tax reform agenda.

The recent enactments build on the earlier passage of the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, marking a coordinated shift by states toward harmonised, transparent, and people-focused revenue systems.

What they are saying 

According to the statement, Governor Soludo’s assent makes Anambra the third state to formally adopt the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law, which standardises approved taxes and levies collectible by the state.

• In Zamfara, Governor Dauda Lawal signed into law a comprehensive framework repealing and re-enacting the state’s consolidated revenue laws, establishing the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service, and providing for the harmonisation of tax and non-tax revenues.
• The Zamfara law also creates a legal framework for effective tax administration, covering assessment, collection, and accounting of revenues accruing to the state government.
• Together, the reforms are aimed at dismantling fragmented and outdated revenue practices and replacing them with coherent, technology-driven, and economically efficient systems.

“The enactment of these laws reflects a clear policy direction by State Governments to dismantle fragmented and outdated revenue practices, replacing them with a pro people, coherent and harmonised system that leverages technology, prioritises fairness and equity, certainty, and economic efficiency,” the statement read.

“By aligning approved taxes and levies within the national tax reforms framework, the States have taken a major step toward eliminating multiple and overlapping charges that had imposed undue strain on citizens and businesses alike,” it added.

Benefits for businesses and investors 

Beyond administrative efficiency, the harmonised revenue regime is expected to enhance transparency and curb arbitrary tax and levy collections at the sub-national level.

The statement said this would help restore confidence in government institutions and create a more predictable operating environment for commerce and investment.

Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), which are often most affected by informal levies and enforcement abuses, are expected to benefit significantly from the clearer and more consistent tax framework.

• The reforms are consistent with the broader fiscal and economic agenda at the national level, which seeks to simplify governance processes and improve compliance through clarity rather than coercion.
• According to the statement, the objective is to ensure that public revenue systems serve developmental purposes instead of being purely extractive.
• The Board also acknowledged growing momentum across the federation, noting that several states, including Lagos, Katsina and Bauchi have advanced legislative processes toward enacting harmonised taxes and levies laws.

What you should know 

Last week, Ekiti State became the first subnational entity in Nigeria to domesticate the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) as Governor Biodun Oyebanji signed the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Law, 2025.

The 2025 Revenue Administration Law repeals the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law of 2019. It aims to modernize tax collection and eliminate systemic inefficiencies.

The law also created as centralized authority allowing the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) to hold the sole authority for revenue collection, effectively curbing the activities of unauthorized third-party collectors.

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Femi Otedola yesterday divested his 77 per cent controlling stake in Geregu Power Plc in a $750 million deal. The power plant uploaded the filing on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) website.

According to the details cited, the transaction was consummated through the sale of Otedola’s 95 per cent stake in Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited to an indigenous firm, MA’AM Energy Limited, an Abuja-based integrated energy company engaged in electricity generation and supply, energy trading and marketing.

According to the NGX filing, Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, the majority shareholder of Geregu Power, has undergone a significant restructuring of its ownership.

The document confirms that “MA’AM Energy Ltd has acquired a 95 per cent equity interest” in Amperion Power, effectively making it the new controlling shareholder of Geregu Power Plc.

Consequently, the indirect controlling interest previously held by Calvados Global Services Limited and Otedola “has been transferred to MA’AM Energy.”

The transaction, which closed yesterday, was financed by a consortium of Nigerian banks led by Zenith Bank, with Blackbirch Capital acting as financial advisers.

While the sale involved Otedola’s stake in Amperion, Geregu Power clarified that this “does not involve the direct sale or transfer of shares of Geregu Power Plc,” meaning the company’s public shareholding structure on the NGX remains unchanged.

Geregu Power is currently valued at N2.85 trillion, trading at N1,140 per share and remains one of the most capitalised and profitable firms on the Nigerian Exchange.

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The Nigerian Naira maintained a steady yet cautious position against the United States Dollar during early trading sessions today, Tuesday, December 30, 2025. This performance comes as the year winds down, with market participants closely monitoring the interplay between the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and the unofficial parallel market.
​
Official Market Performance
​At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the Naira opened the day with a slight appreciation. According to real-time data from early morning trading, the exchange rate settled around N1,448.03 per dollar. This represents a marginal gain from the previous day’s opening rate of N1,455.39, reflecting a relative stabilization in the official window as corporate demand for foreign exchange typically eases during the final week of the year.
​Financial analysts attribute the relative stability in the official window to consistent interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and a temporary decrease in import-related demand.
​
Parallel Market Trends
​In the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, the local currency continues to trade at a premium. Bureau De Change operators in major hubs like Lagos and Abuja reported rates hovering between N1,720 and N1,735 per dollar. The spread between the official and parallel markets remains a point of focus for policymakers, as retail demand for travel and personal remittances often peaks during the festive period.
​While the gap persists, the volatility observed earlier in the quarter has largely subsided, providing a more predictable environment for end-users seeking foreign exchange outside the formal banking system.
​
Factors Influencing the Market
​Several key factors are currently shaping the exchange rate landscape:
​End-of-Year Liquidity: The seasonal slowdown in large-scale manufacturing imports has relieved some pressure on the NFEM.
​Foreign Reserves: Market sentiment remains bolstered by recent reports regarding Nigeria’s gross external reserves, which have provided the central bank with the necessary buffer to manage currency fluctuations.
​Global Oil Prices: Stable crude oil prices have supported the inflow of foreign exchange, contributing to the current resilience of the Naira.
​As the trading day progresses, stakeholders expect the rates to remain within the current range, barring any significant economic announcements or sudden shifts in global market sentiment.
​

The post Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, December 30, 2025 appeared first on Vanguard News.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the cancellation of debts totalling $1.42 billion and ₦5.57 trillion (about $3.85 billion) owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd to the federal government, as part of efforts to clean up the company’s finances and improve transparency in the oil sector.

The presidency disclosed the decision on Monday, noting that it comes amid growing fiscal pressures on Africa’s largest oil producer, including weak revenues and rising public debt. The move is also linked to the government’s broader plan to reform NNPC ahead of proposed divestments in oil and gas assets.

Details of the approval were provided by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which said the decision was reached during the November Federal Accounts Allocation Committee meeting held last week. The meeting followed recommendations by a reconciliation panel tasked with reviewing NNPC’s financial obligations to the government.

According to the presidency, the debt write-off covers liabilities accrued up to December 31, 2024. These include obligations arising from production-sharing contracts, domestic crude supply arrangements, repayment agreements, modified carry contracts and joint venture royalties.

However, the government said outstanding obligations incurred between January and October 2025 are still being pursued. In addition, a long-standing dispute over an alleged $42.37 billion under-remittance by NNPC between 2011 and 2017 remains unresolved. While the government continues to raise concerns over the issue, NNPC has maintained that all revenues during the period were fully and properly accounted for.

The presidency said the debt cancellation is aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, while resetting fiscal relations between the government and its state-owned energy company, which remains central to national revenue generation.

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Executive members of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP,  in Gargari Ward, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, have removed and expelled the state party chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, from the party, barely two weeks after his re-election.

A resolution signed by 27 ward executives said the decision was taken during the ward’s second executive meeting, led by the Ward Chairman, Shuaibu Hassan, with the secretary, Yahaya Saidu Dungurawa, in attendance.

According to the resolution, Dungurawa was removed over allegations of causing division within the party, fueling internal crises, failing to pay party dues, and making abusive comments against the Kano State Governor.

The executives said his alleged actions were unacceptable and harmful to the image, unity, and progress of the NNPP.

They stated that the decision followed the party’s constitution and was aimed at maintaining discipline, unity, and internal harmony within the party.

The ward leadership said copies of the resolution had been sent to the party’s local government, state, and national offices for further action.

“The decision had been communicated to the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf”.

The ward executives said the move was meant to warn party members who abuse their positions and act as if they are above party rules.

They reaffirmed their loyalty to the NNPP national leadership under Kwankwaso and pledged continued support for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, while stressing their commitment to peace, unity, and the growth of the party.

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A Nigerian lady has shared why she decided she would never step into Pastor Chris Okafor’s church again after attending a service there for the first time.

First-Time Visit That Changed Her Mind

The lady, identified on Instagram as @preyemiebi, revealed that she attended the church after a close friend invited her.

Out of curiosity and trust, she honored the invitation even though she had no prior attachment to the church or its leader.

“Everything Felt Off” – Lady Explains

According to her, the experience during the service left her deeply uncomfortable. She said several activities she witnessed didn’t sit right with her and raised serious doubts in her mind.

To her, the atmosphere and events unfolding during the service did not feel genuine.

Doubts About What She Saw

She explained that some actions during the programme appeared questionable, and what she observed did not align with what she personally expected from a place of worship. The more the service went on, the more uneasy she felt.

Decision Made Before the Service Ended

Before the programme was even over, she said she already made up her mind not to return. Trusting her instincts, she walked away convinced the church was not for her.

In her words: “The first day my friend took me to his church, everything he did screamed fake. I never went back. Spirit of discernment is essential in life.”

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Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has kicked off the All Progressives Congress (APC) electronic registration (e-Registration) at his Upogoro Ward in Okene local government area.

The ceremony attracted party leaders, stakeholders and supporters who converged to witness the governor revalidate his membership on the digital platform.

After completing his registration, Governor Ododo called on the members of the party to register en masse, describing the initiative as a significant step in strengthening internal democracy and party organisation.

He noted that the e-registration platform responds to the growing interest of Nigerians who desire to identify with the party’s progressive ideology and reform agenda.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have been clamouring to register as members of our party. This platform has created the opportunity to achieve that seamlessly, thanks to our performing President and the national leadership of the party,” the Governor said.

Governor Ododo attributed the renewed confidence in the APC to the bold reforms and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the party has become increasingly attractive to Nigerians due to significant economic improvements.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made our party the most attractive in Nigeria today. His policies are yielding results. The economy is gradually stabilising, the naira is strengthening, food prices are easing, and agriculture is taking centre stage once again. The beginning was tough, but it was necessary to build a stronger and more resilient nation,” he stated.

The Governor expressed confidence that Nigerians would reward the President’s courage and reforms with renewed trust, noting that the people have faith in his leadership and vision for the country.

Governor Ododo further charged party leaders at all levels to ensure a smooth and massive rollout of the e-registration exercise across the state, describing it as a clear demonstration that the APC is leading Nigeria into a new era of digital party management.

He directed the highest political appointee in each Local Government Area to work closely with the council chairmen and key party stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise in their respective councils.

“Let us open our doors wide for others to join the progressive family. Everyone who comes into this party is welcome and will be treated as an equal stakeholder,” he assured.

Reaffirming his commitment to good governance, Governor Ododo pledged to continue delivering on the promises made to the people of Kogi State, despite the commendations his administration has received.

He noted that since assuming office as Governor, he has recorded notable achievements across critical sectors, including the strengthening of security architecture through enhanced collaboration with federal agencies and local hunters, improved access to healthcare services, and renewed focus on rural electrification.

He added that he has rehabilitated key road networks and sustained investments in education and youth empowerment, noting that his administration has also prioritised agricultural development to boost food security and support farmers across the state.

Governor Ododo stressed that the positive feedback from the people would only motivate him to work harder, declaring that his administration would not “take its foot off the pedal” in the drive to build a safer, more prosperous, and inclusive Kogi State.

The Governor was accompanied by the party’s leadership in the State.

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Political parties and aspirants have kicked off campaigns ahead of 2027 elections without waiting for the release of the timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the implications for the electoral framework and governance.

Billboards, flyers and posters adorn and litter many buildings, roundabouts, fences and any available wall in the cities and remotest, far-flung villages. They call attention to impending political battles among political parties and aspirants on the long queue for power.

Although the timetable for the next general election has not been released by the umpire, the 2027 race had begun almost three years ago.

Certain unregulated activities beyond the poster wars have catapulted the country into the electioneering period without the official approval.

Concern is mounting over premature campaigns across the six geo-political zones, states, senatorial districts, constituencies and local governments because political parties are in a hurry, and aspirants are impatient and unwilling to wait for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s whistle before throwing their hats in the ring.

Due to the hunt for votes by the ruling and opposition parties, there is no demarcation between the period for politicking and the time for governance. For example, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had hardly settled in office after the validation of his victory by the Supreme Court in 2023 when the opposition parties returned to the drawing board.

At the state level, parties outside the government also began mobiilisation immediately beyond their customary oppoosition role of constructive criticism of government policies and programmes.

In response, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) instantly beefed up a resistance, with its former chairman,  Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, declaring that a vacancy does not exist in Aso Villa, Abuja seat of government,  in 2027.

Painting a picture of premature campaigns, a political commentator, Ayuba Ahmad, said “the nation’s political space has evolved over time into a permanent season of electioneering activities,” adding that “billboards are conspicuously displayed months or years ahead of polls, just as the mass media platforms are continually flooded with campaign messaging.” He stressed: “No doubt, the steady and deafening drumbeat of political activities, deceptively labelled “party promotion” or “grassroots mobilisation,” has real, multiple and measurable impact on governance, accountability and the public interest.”

Echoing the Kaduna-based critic, Kafilat Taiwo, a reseacher whose works focussed on the electoral system, observed that “as Nigeria approaches its upcoming major elections in 2026 and 2027, the political environment is becoming increasingly active due to the avalanche of promotional materials, social media content, rallies, and indirect endorsements before the commencement of official campaign periods as defined by law.”

She added: “Although these activities may seem innocuous. Early campaigning is emerging as a significant challenge to the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.”

To observers, politicians are exploiting legal loopholes to heat up the polity, knowing that they can easily evade sanctions by the electoral agency.

In September, the commission was taken aback by the early campaigns under the guise of party meetings, party visits, empowerment programmes, endorsement and other social events, including birthdays and funeral, which they elevated into campaign platforms.

Indeed, many politicians are also clever to hide under township consultative meetings, project commissioning, ceremonial events, and distribution of palliatives to constituents.

The commission expressed frustration at the inability to sanction political parties, candidates for elections and their supporters who organise campaigns before the stipulated time.

Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Chairman of the Electoral Institute, Prof Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru, condemned the illegal campaigns at a one day conference with the theme: “Challenges of premature political campaign” in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

At the roundtable, Yakubu’s predecessor, Prof Attahiru Jega, pointed out that the political class was exploring legal loopholes. He explained that the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act have failed to stipulate stiff sanction against those behind premature campaigns ahead of polls.

Jega said while the Electoral Act imposes a fine of N500, 000 on those who engaged in campaign less than 24 hours to the main election, there was nothing in the law that serves as sanction for those who engage in campaign less than 150 days to elections as provided for in the Electoral Act, 2022.

The former INEC Chairman also noted that the trend of campaigns ahead of off-cycle governorship elections without authorisation was disturbing, stressing that lawless politicians violate the provisions with impunity and go scot-free.

Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the commencement of campaign earlier than 150 days, which is five months before the polling day and must end 24 hours prior to that day. Yakubu said “the idea is to prioritise governance over electioneering from one electoral cycle to another.”

But, he lamented that despite the provisions, political parties, candidates and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mood ahead of the timeframe provided by law.

“Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates. These actions and activities undermine the Commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits as politicians, prospective candidates and third-party agents expend large amount of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns. 

“Quite correctly, Nigerians expect INEC, as registrar and regulator of political parties, to act in the face of the brazen breach of the law on early campaign. However, the major challenge for the Commission is the law itself,” he said.

Like Jega, Yakubu, who shed light on the weakness of the law, called for its amendment. “Sections 94(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 imposes sanctions, albeit mild (a maximum amount of N500,000 on conviction), on any political party or a person acting on its behalf who engaged in campaigns 24 hours before polling day.

“However, there is no sanction whatsoever concerning breaches for campaigns earlier than 150 days to an election. Here lies the challenge for the Commission in dealing with early campaign by political parties, prospective candidates and their supporters.

“In a sense, the problem of early campaign in Nigeria is not new. The seeming inability of the Commission and other regulatory agencies to deal with the menace within the ambit of the existing electoral legal framework calls for deep reflection.”

Abdu-Zuru, also an INEC National Commissioner, highlighted the tricks by politicians who indulge in early campaigns. “We have seen aspirants use cultural festivals and religious gatherings to drop hints about their ambitions, often disguised as appreciation or philanthropy. Billboards and branded vehicles sometimes appear with cleverly crafted slogans that stop just short of open solicitation but leave little doubt about the intent.

“More recently, social media influencers and content creators have become key players and fronts, flooding platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok, YouTube, and X with songs, skits, and hashtags that project particular aspirants many months before the permission of the law.”

Abdu-Zuru described Section 94 (1) of the Electoral Act as a safeguard introduced to ensure fairness, reduce political tension, and guarantee a level playing field for aspirants. “Unfortunately, what we see today is an increasing determination to circumvent, stretch, and even undermine this law. Often, actors such as associations, professional groups, religious groups or political support groups are used as convenient fronts for disguised early campaigning,” he said.

Noting that the implications of this trend are far-reaching, he added: “When aspirants or parties compete to dominate visibility long before the official campaign period, it distorts fairness and raises the cost of political competition.

“Moreover, it distracts from governance, as elected officials become more concerned with sustaining political relevance than delivering public service. Over time, it erodes public confidence in our electoral system and fuels cynicism about whether the law can truly be enforced.”

Abdu-Zuru said  stakeholders must be frank in acknowledging the scale of the challenge and bold in designing solutions. “We must refine the regulatory framework so that what constitutes premature or early campaigning is more clearly defined in today’s digital age.

“We must strengthen enforcement, ensuring that violations are detected early and sanctioned firmly, be it by political parties, individuals, or their proxies. We must engage media organizations and social media platforms, encouraging them to cooperate in moderating content that undermines the electoral timetable. We must intensify civic education to enlighten citizens, especially the youth, on the dangers of endorsing and promoting early campaigns.

“Democracy thrives on fairness, order, and respect for the rules, regulations and guidelines governing the electoral process. Campaigns conducted within the time frame stipulated by law ensure a more level playing field, reduce political tension, and enhance the credibility of elections.

“Respecting the law is not a limitation on political participation but an affirmation that our democracy is rooted in integrity, not expediency.”

Jega, who spoke on the sub-theme: “Towards addressing the challenges of premature election campaigns in Nigeria,” described the pattern as an aberration.

“It undermines INEC’s authority, violates the rule of law and erodes the integrity of any election,” he said. 

Besides, the former INEC chairman said premature campaigns encouraging lawlessness among political actors and gives unfair political advantage to parties and candidates who are reckless and brazen in disrespecting the law. Jega listed the effects of the pattern on the political system, saying: “Candidates or parties who begin campaigning early often gain more visibility and influence than other candidates, thereby creating an uneven playing field; reduces political competition, and ultimately escalates campaign spending.”

He added: “Similarly, premature campaigns shift focus from governance to politics, especially when incumbents engage in early campaigning, and divert attention to politicking rather than fulfilling their mandates to the electorate.

“Indeed, in the Nigerian context, premature campaigns quite often heat up the polity, increase political rivalry, as well as engenders hate speech, and ethno-religious polarization. This often triggers violence, especially in politically volatile areas, deters peaceful political participation, and weaken the enforcement mechanism to punish the offenders “

Major contributory factors to premature campaigns are the off-circle governorship polls, which are perceived as prelude to the general election. This is different from the four-year electoral circle. These off-circle polls are held in Kogi, Imo, Anambra, Ondo, Osun, Edo, Bayelsa, and Ekiti states. Party chieftains from other states usually storm the eight states in solidarity with their counterparts.  The common refrain is that victory at the off-circle elections could predict success at the general election.

Also, the early campaigns generate a sort of economy which brings money to the media in terms of advertisement and income to the poster printers and the influencers.

There is no campaign fatigue as the off- circle poll campaigns usually herald the mobilisation for the general election. As political activities tend to intensify well in advance for the purpose of tenure renewal and power consolidation, politicians may turn governance into secondary business and focus more on elections than service delivery.

Alluding to the impact of early campaigns on Nigeria ‘s democratic system, Taiwo said,  based on historical data on elections, they can confer structural advantages on certain political parties.

It is an undertatement. In 2015, candidates who initiated mobilisation before the official campaign period established significant media presence and developed grassroots networks before the INEC opened the formal campaign window. It is noteworthy that the All Progressives Congress (APC) kicked off its campaigns immediately the fusion of the legacy parties – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the new-PDP – was consumated in 2014.

Also, in 2019 and 2023, social media contributed to the trend as candidates used online influencers and digital marketing to reach voters, prior to official campaign periods.

Since the first quarter of 2025, opposition politicians from the PDP, the Coalition Group and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have been holding elaborate meetings and rallies drumming support for their platforms and campaigning against President Tinubu, who has been endorsed for a second term by the APC.

Not sleeping on guard, groups within the ruling party have reacted by holding endorsement rallies in many states of the federation. Most APC governors have set up endorsement committees which have transformed into campaign structures. The endorsements harboured the elements of premature campaigns.

 “These approaches affected public perceptions of fairness in the electoral process and influenced the direction and pace of campaigns before the formal start dates,” said Taiwo, who also explained why politicians start campaigns early.

In her view, aspirants frequently begin their campaign early to demonstrate influence, establish dominance and shape national discourse ahead of elections.

Besides, internal party conflicts may prompt some candidates to initiate indirect campaigns – often through cultural festivals, philanthropic initiatives and branded events – to outpace their competitors and secure endorsements within the party. In extreme cases, some politicians conduct veiled campaigns in churches, mosques and on ethnic platforms.

When former Kaduna State Governor Nosiru El-Rufai, after defecting from APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in March 2025, appealed to the North to reject President Tinubu in 2007 some Arewa, Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo chieftains started continuity campaigns for the president in the spirit of zoning. To counter the potential regional bullying, a northern musician, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, waxed a record titled: ‘Asiwaju Omo Ologo.’ It is still trending in the region.

In the past, aspirants delivered lectures of various kinds, with the media assisting in their projections through stories, features, analysis and advertisement.

Since social media is not controlled, it is often exploited and abused. “Most individuals use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram. Tick Tok, You Tube and X (Twitter) to increase their visibility.  Due to the lack of explicit penalties, candidates often experience minimal consequences for violating regulations, which can make early campaigning more common,” Taiwo stressed.

To INEC, these premature activities severely compromise the ability to track and enforce campaign finance limits “as politicians, prospectve candidates and third party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns. “

Although the Nigerian Police is charged with protecting the electoral process, it has similarly admitted difficulties in monitoring campaign and enforcing regulations on campaign timings. Since 2024, multiple large billboards have become conspicuous in Abuja, many state capitals, cities and towns across the federation, with messages highlighting the 2027 elections, and often featuring incumbent figures in promotional poses.

Despite public disclaimers from the Presidency and party officials that they did not sponsor the materials, the presence and scale of the display show organised spending and messaging. The police have not acted by pulling any of them down.

At the Abuja conference, Adebayo Sogunle, Commissioner of Police In Charge of Election Monitoring,  who represented Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, noted that every law enforcement agency is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the implementation of all laws passed by the National Assembly. He said in doing that, the question has always been the relevance of such laws to the security and welbeing of the people and the nation.

Sogunle merely added that the police will continue to enforce all laws, ensure peaceful campaigns and provide security during elections.

Ahmad identified four reasons why enforcement is diffult. He acknowledged the constraints expressed by Jega, pointing out that while campign in less than 24 hours to the poll attract penalty, those who campaign earlier than 150 days to the poll have no fear of any sanction.

Secondly, he said “many campaign materials are funded and executed by “third party” groups, including Independent coalitions, think-tanks or media houses, and this makes it harder to tie spending to a candidate or party for legal purposes. 

Thirdly, INEC and the police are handicapped because they fear the repercussions of checking those in power. This is the consequence of weak institutions fretting in the face of intimidating political pressue. “Enforcement agencies such as the INEC and the Police depend in large measure on political actors and the government, for resources and cooperation. Where incumbents benefit from early visibility, the tendency for aggressive enforcement is blunted. In such a situation,  enforcement becomes selective, and concomitantly, the relevant institutions get weaker,” Ahmad stressed.

Above all, the Electoral Law, when it was enacted, hardly anticipated the impact of social media potrayals. Social media is comparatively cheaper for image projection. Thus, political gladiators are attracted to the ever-multiplying plethora of online platforms because their messaging goes viral at a lower cost. “This brings up the question of whether existing campaign-timing rules can remain effective in view of the fact that the law was written before this tsunami of low-cost, high-reach digital campaigning,” Ahmad said.

The effect on political behaviour is immense. Candidates who flout the rules through early campaigns have a significant presence in the media and public spaces, which can place those adhering to campaign regulations at a disadvantage. “ For example, during the 2015 and 2019 elections, individuals who established early momentum were ultimately able to surpass competitors who complied with the official campaign,” Taiwo recalled.

There is also the money factor. As wealthy aspirants kick-start the race through premature campaigns, their struggling counterparts, who ultimately enter the fray with meagre resources may dry out. This is due to the fact that extended campaigns require additional funding, which can increase the cost of political participation and competition. This situation may ultimately benefit candidates with more financial resources and present challenges for those with fewer resources.

But there is erosion of trust due to lack of a level playing field. When voters observe politicians breaking rules without apparent consequences, confidence in the fairness of elections may decrease, resulting in reduced engagement or increased suspicion about the integrity of the electoral process.

The greatest effect is governance distraction. There is conflict between premature campaigns and service delivery based on current mandate. Putting this dilema into perspective, Taiwo, who shared the view of Jega and Abdu-Zuru, said:”Office holders who seek re-election may allocate time to campaign, which can result in less focus on immediate governance responsibilities.”

However, many politicians in Nigeria do not believe in the notion of premature campaigns. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, rejected the notion, saying that “it is vague.”

He queried: “Is it when the governor is commissioning a project and his supporters gather to sing his praises and show appreciation or when a lawmaker empowers his constituents or when the opposition hold rallies to oppose government policies?”

Balogun, who represents Ibeju-Lekki Constituency on the platform of the APC, said restriction is a military legacy. “We should search our minds whether we should be having laws in 2025 restricting campaigns. We should put behind us these practices we inherited from the military and forge democratic ideals going forward,” he added.

The federal legislator pointed out that many candidates do not even know all the people who campaign on their behalf on the social media.

“The social media today cannot be controlled and sometimes, you don’t even know who is putting out posters on your behalf. So, who do you hold responsible when things like this happen? Is it the individual or the political parties?” he asked.

The solution is the amendment of the Electoral Act being proposed by INEC.

Fñormer Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Prof. Tonnie Iredia,  who supported the review of the electoral law on campaigns, said: “The law is to blame for premature campaigns because legal provisions on the subject failed to cover the field.

 Quoting William Mackenzie, a British political scientist, he added: “If the rules limiting the struggle for power are not observed faithfully, the game will disappear amid the wreckage of the whole system.”

 A political writer, Jibrin Ibrahim, who agreed with Iredia’s opinion, pointed out the conflicts in the electoral law is an obstacle.

He said: “Another problem with the Electoral Act 92(4) is its categorical provision that: “No registered political party in Nigeria, its aspirants or candidate shall be prevented from holding rallies, processions or meetings at any time for their constitutional political purposes, and the Police shall in a consultative manner, resolve any conflict of time and venue between and amongst parties where such arises.”

Ibrahim said aspirants who break the premature campaigning provision could always evoke the provision to escape any sanction for the breach they have committed. The way forward, he added, is to refine the regulatory framework so that what constitutes premature or early campaigning is more clearly defined to avoid the ambiguities that create loopholes.

Ibrahim also said that “it is important to strengthen enforcement, ensuring that violations are detected early and sanctioned firmly, be it by political parties, individuals, or their proxies.”

He blamed regulatory agencies for not immediately responding to the breach, saying:  “All billboard messages have to be approved by the advertising regulatory agency and the question is: did they approve the message and did they check whether such content violated the law?”

Jega, who inisted that premature campaigns are technical violations, urged Nigeria to emulate countries like Australia, Mexico, Philippines, and to some extent, India, where premature campaigns attract penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.

Noting that campaigns are very important aspects of elections and they play a significant role in deepening democracy,  he said they should be regulated by law.

He said: “For elections to be meaningful, democratic and beneficial to the citizens, they should have integrity; they should be rule-based, transparent, free and fair, and have a level playing field for all participating political parties and candidates. Similarly, their preparation and conduct must be seen to be professional, efficient,  non-partisan and impartial.

“Their period and duration should be defined by either the provisions of the constitution or Acts of the legislature and regulaby the Election Management Bodies (EMBs)”.

Jega also said all election campaign offences, especially premature campaign offences, should be carefully defined, stiff penalties specified, and strictly applied where applicable, while candidates and their parties, especially  incumbent office holders and their political parties, should be vicariously held responsible and penalized  for premature campaigns for them by third-parties.

He also suggested that the anti graft bodies, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should pay special attention to third-party campaigners and thoroughly interrogate their sources of funding.

Jega added: “In determining whether candidates and parties expenditures fall within approved limits, the estimated or determined expenditure by a third-party campaigner for the candidate or the party should be taken into consideration.”

The former INEC chairman also said “ the recommendation for the establishment of Elections Offences Commission and Tribunal has become even more urgent and important for consideration, and should be addressed in the current or next round of electoral reforms before 2027 elections.”

Ahmad pointed out that two years to the next election season of 2027, the political atmosphere is already overcharged with campaigns. He urged the National Assembly, through legislation or amendment, to close the legal gaps that leave the 150-day rule unenforceable. He said legislative changes should include explicit penalties and a mechanism for swift administrative enforcement of penalties such as fines or takedowns.

Ahmad added: “There is the urgent need to update the rules for digital and out-of-home advertising as well as enhancing the powers of regulatory authorities on takedown. This demands that regulatory bodies are adequately resourced to enforce quick content takedowns and trace digital funding.”

The onus is on regulatory agencies  – the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which regulates the broadcast media and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), which regulates advertisement, including outdoor advertising – to live to expectation.

Taiwo called for the disqualification of aspirants or candidate who flout the rules. She said the measures would ensure that political parties are both responsible for internally regulating their candidates and held accountable if they promote or disregard premature campaigns.

She added: ”However, INEC should promote public awareness campaigns designed to educate citizens on campaign timelines and the risks associated with premature campaigning. Such initiatives can enhance accountability by empowering voters to demand adherence to established regulations.

“INEC may utilise technology-based monitoring of campaigns, particularly on social media, to track compliance and identify instances of violation.”

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•Claims his supporters control the grassroots 

•Criticises Makinde’s approach to politics 

•Declares he’s decided to quit PDP, ADC not a threat to Tinubu in 2027 

•You’ve exposed your anti-party activities, PDP tells Wike, vows to field presidential candidate

• You’re frustrated, party’s professionals knock FCT minister

Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a long-winded media chat, yester-day, insisted that in spite of the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC), he was not the APC leader in the state.

Wike, while mocking Fubara, said he took the decision late and his defection to APC did not guarantee his re-election in 2027.

The former Rivers State governor boasted that he remained the leader of politics in the state, claiming that his supporters control the local governments and ward structures across the state.

Wike, who further dismissed insinuations in some quarters that Fubara’s defection to APC automatically made him the party’s leader in the state, said the governor did not have structure that would guarantee him leadership of the party.

He said before the governor resigned from PDP, 22 local government chairmen in the state and more than half of the House of Assembly members had left PDP and joined APC.

Wike stated, “Defecting to another party does not make you the leader. When you said you are joining the party, you must have something to offer. There’s nothing like 001. There’s nothing like, ‘I have registered in the state as 001.’

“He (Fubara) decamped to APC with who? What is ‘001’? Let me tell you, there’s nothing like 001 in the state. You register in your ward and local government. So, if you are 001, it’s in your ward.

“Everybody registered in their own ward. You could be the first person to register, but that’s not your position.

“See, leadership is not because I’m a governor. Leadership is not because I’m a minister. You must have something that makes you a leader. Who is the leader of APC in Lagos State? There are exceptions to rules.”

The former Rivers governor boasted that he had made up his mind to leave PDP, and those loyal to him, even in other states of the federation, will join him in leaving the party.

Responding to Fubara’s earlier statement that anyone who wanted to support President Bola Tinubu should “not follow corner, corner”, Wike reiterated that he had been the most abused minister in the present administration because of his support for the president.

He stated, “Nigerians know that in 2023, I supported the president. I didn’t hide that.

“If I am doing corner corner, Assembly people will not go, the National Assembly members will not go. That is leadership. I support President Tinubu. With what the president is doing in Abuja, there is no way PDP will win the FCT in the next election.”

On the alleged breakdown of the peace agreement brokered by the president in Rivers, Wike claimed that it was due to the inability of Fubara to keep to his part of the deal, adding that the governor is being economical with the truth in his working relationship with the leadership of the Assembly.

Addressing claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that the FCT minister promised to weaken PDP in favour of Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, Wike dismissed the assertion as untrue.

He described the allegation as “blatant lie,” and stressed that no such meeting ever took place.

“That is a blatant lie. That is why you see Seyi Makinde has never called me Wike again. That was the last time he did,” the minister stated.

Wike revealed that he played a prominent role in making Makinde governor in 2019, and said Makinde became governor after he and some party leaders handed him with the PDP structure in Oyo State.

Reacting to Makinde’s claim of making $1 million when he was in law school, Wike said, “I ran for the presidential primary of the PDP. I didn’t see Seyi use N1,000 in my primaries. I did not see it even once.

“Secondly, it’s only in Nigeria that I’ve seen someone awarded a job worth $1 million, and nobody is talking about it. But he came to the man who didn’t have $1 million to help him get structure. We said no, we will not give it to you. We gave it to Teslim. He went to SDP to run as governor and failed with his $1 million.

“Then, before 2019, he came back. We said, we are ready to give you structure. I was very grounded in politics, but I had no $1 million with me. But the man who made $1 million is going around looking for people to help him build a structure. It was when we gave him that structure that Seyi became governor in 2019.”

Asked why he failed to brief PDP leadership on the supposed agreement, he replied, “What was the purpose of that meeting? Why did Makinde not come out to tell the party that this is what Wike said? There was no such meeting.”

Wike clarified that the only meeting involving Makinde and some PDP governors after the 2023 general election was a courtesy visit to Tinubu, not a political negotiation.

“Myself, former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom; former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and Seyi Makinde went to see the president after the elections. And, of course, the Chief of Staff was there,” he said.

Describing Makinde’s declarations as misleading and unfair, Wike said it was wrong to attribute statements to him that he never made, adding that Makinde is “frustrated”.

The FCT minister said, “Seyi said I told Tinubu that I will hold PDP for him. Nothing like that happened. Everyone knows my stand on Tinubu, I don’t need a meeting to tell him that. As a minister, I have a duty to ensure that members of the G-5 benefitted from the Tinubu administration in one way or the other.”

Wike also challenged Makinde to explain to the people of Oyo State how the N50 billion grant for the January 2024 explosion victims in Bodija, Ibadan, by President Bola Tinubu was appropriated.

He held the view that such hefty grant ought to have been appropriated before spending, adding that even as FCT minister, has not received such largesse as Makinde got from the president.

Wike dismissed Makinde’s accusations as mere sour grapes, stating that his former confidant is only embittered because Tinubu overlooked his preferred candidate for ministerial nomination.

He added that it was improper for the governor to lie against people on national television simply because he did not get the ministerial slot he wanted from the president.

Wike also downplayed the question of African Democratic Congress (ADC) being a potential threat to the re-election of Tinubu in 2027, saying, “Let me tell you something, it’s really unfortunate. I said it clearly. I don’t know if anybody wants to believe it or not.

“If there should be any opposition that will give fight to the APC, it should have been PDP. I don’t know where you are saying that ADC is rising. I don’t know where they are rising. Mention the state where they are rising. Mention. You see, I don’t like this newspaper politics. Every politics is local.”

He said the fact that the chances of PDP winning the presidential election was slim did not mean the party would not win in states.

At another function, Wike also declared that members of APC and PDP in Rivers State had effectively put aside partisan differences to embrace Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He made the declaration during a visit to Etche and Omuma local government areas, where he addressed youth and women leaders from the two councils.

“In Rivers State, APC and PDP have already collapsed into one family, the Renewed Hope family,” Wike said.

He explained that the collaboration across party lines was driven by shared values, mutual respect, and the desire to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

“I don’t want to hear again, ‘I am PDP’ or ‘I am APC.’ What I want to hear is that you are working together. All of us are members of the Renewed Hope Agenda. It is one family,” he added.

Wike said his visit to Etche and Omuma councils was not for political campaign but to appreciate the people for their longstanding support.

He also urged party leaders and elected officials to honour commitments made, in the interest of peace and development, saying, “Agreement is agreement. When you agree with people, you must keep it.”

The FCT minister stressed that unity remained the key to political and economic progress at the grassroots.

PDP: Media Chat Has Exposed Wike’s Anti-party Activities, His Expulsion is Justified

The PDP leadership, yesterday, said through his media chat, Wike had justified the charges of anti-party activities against him and his expulsion from the party.

In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said, “By his end-of-year Media Chat, Minister Nyesom Wike has reiterated his support for, and in fact declared that he is the ‘Number one supporter’ of the presumptive candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 presidential election, while remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, confirming the basis of his expulsion from the PDP, for anti-party activities.

“This fact, which he has unashamedly reiterated in several places, is nothing less than a locus classicus of anti-democratic adventurism.”

The PDP spokesman, however, said, “This attitude of Nyesom Wike is not new, as he has been a constant agent provocateur in the political space, creating trouble to mask his selfish intentions.

“Since he assumed power as governor in Rivers State in 2015, Wike has been a recurrent troublemaker in the leadership of the PDP. From the Sheriff era, where he was a forerunner in the Sheriff-for-National Chairman movement and later turned to fight and remove Sheriff.

“Later, he championed the Uche Secondus-for-National Chairman movement (in fact, he granted a very combustible interview that polarised the party just before the convention) and then was the same person fighting to remove Secondus.

“The same Wike led the movement to produce Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman against the advice of many party leaders, and so soon thereafter, it was Wike again who led the Ayu-must-go struggle. Beyond the national leadership crises, his actions within Rivers State further illustrate this pattern.

“The imposition of candidates, internal exclusionary practices, and the unprecedented prevention of a duly nominated PDP presidential candidate from campaigning in a PDP-controlled state remain troubling departures from democratic norms.”

PDP stated, “Wike’s politics thrives on perpetual conflict, feeding on attention and seeking relevance through calculated disruption and when starved of attention, seeks to destroy everything.

“All through the interview, Minister Wike showed obvious signs of fear of losing the attention of the president, his slipping grip of Rivers State, and his frustration with the unbending nature of the true leadership of the PDP at the national level.

“The cumulative effect of these actions is a deliberate creation of tension and division, often deployed as leverage to advance narrow political objectives. Recent public statements and alignments now make clear that Wike and his group of friends have openly chosen to work against the PDP’s collective interest in favour of an opposing political platform.

“Now that the mask of his pretence is off and he has stated that he and his group of friends (Sam Anyanwu and co.) will support the president and the APC in the presidential elections, Nigerians are now clearly aware of their disposition to destroy the PDP as a part of their bargain to support the president-a clandestine agreement reached for their selfish reasons.

“We remind Wike that as a lawyer, he knows that agreements made to achieve an illegal purpose are not enforceable and should not be encouraged.”

Ememobong said, “We assure Nigerians that the PDP will field a credible presidential candidate who will receive the massive support of Nigerians and will go on to win the presidential elections in 2027. Our party is the Peoples Democratic Party, and no one person has the capacity to personalise the party.

“The Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee is working around the clock to rebuild the party, clear the issues in court, and prepare the party for electoral success come 2027.”

PDP Professionals Say Wike’s Comments Show His Frustrations ahead of the 2027 Election

PDP Professionals said Wike’s media chat had exposed his frustration over his failure to secure the support of credible Nigerians for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The professionals, therefore, invited Nigerians to note the minister’s resort to hubristic invective, diversionary falsehoods, and baseless allegations against Makinde and other credible leaders.

They said the outburst stemmed from their refusal to support the Tinubu administration, which had brought untold hardship and escalated insecurity across the country over the last two years.

In a statement by its Protem National Coordinator, Obinna Nwachukwu, the group said, “From Chief Wike’s confessionary responses during the media chat—including his failed attempts to engineer a parallel leadership for the PDP—it is now clear that the travails facing the PDP are contrived to cripple the opposition.

“This is part of a sinister plot to enable President Tinubu to establish a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general election; a plot the PDP has firmly resisted.

“Through Chief Wike’s media chat, Nigerians can now clearly identify the individuals and motivations behind the subversive court actions against the PDP, the violent attacks on the new National Working Committee duly elected at the party’s National Convention, the sealing of the PDP National Secretariat, and the attempts to compromise certain INEC officials against the party.

“Our response to Minister Wike is that the PDP is too big and too deeply entrenched to be captured or derailed. His resort to personal attacks and bogus allegations against our leaders, such as Governor Makinde, will not yield the results he desires.”

PDP Professionals added, “In any case, the CP-PDP holds no sympathy for Minister Wike, who has become an expired, ‘homeless’, and pathetically isolated politician lacking a genuine base or followership.

“Having been expelled from the PDP, rejected by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and side-lined in the politics of Rivers State, Minister Wike is now clutching at straws.

“He is jittery, forlorn, and in mortal fear of imminent political oblivion—a desperation that has driven him to attack credible leaders in a futile attempt to retain his nuisance value.”

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