NIGERIA NEWS
Factional PDP BoT moves to overhaul party’s state chapters, commence fresh congresses, convention
The factional Board of Trustees (BoT) aligned with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced an ambitious restructuring agenda targeting crisis-ridden state chapters and laying the foundation for new congresses and a national convention.
The Chairman of the factional BoT, Mao Ohuabunwa, announced the plan on Sunday during the opening session of the board’s meeting held at Mr Wike’s Life Camp residence in Abuja.
Mr Ohuabunwa said the board was committed to rebuilding the PDP from within and restoring public confidence in its internal processes, noting that the party could only regain relevance by straightening its organisational structures and re-establishing trust among members.
He disclosed that the faction had already begun “meaningful progress in reorganising affected states, including the constitution of credible caretaker committees,” explaining that these steps would serve as a preparatory ground for transparent congresses and the subsequent convention process.
According to him, the internal reforms are essential to strengthen the party’s structures, build trust, and ensure that the PDP remains a model of fairness and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s democratic space.
Mr Ohuabunwa also declared the faction’s full support for the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee (NWC), stating: “We are going to work with this NWC, we are going to encourage them, we are going to support them to ensure that the right things are done, and that things will be done in line with the law and the guidance of our great party.”
He emphasised that the BoT must reclaim its statutory role in stabilising the PDP, adding that the party constitution mandates the board to “provide stability, wisdom and moral guidance.”
“It is our responsibility to safeguard the party’s soul, steer it away from divisive tendencies, and reinforce the values that have historically set the PDP apart as a disciplined and democratically established institution,” he said.
Mr Ohuabunwa urged members to prioritise unity as they advance the restructuring agenda, stressing that internal cohesion was crucial at a time he described as “defining” for the party.
“Our duty is clear and well stated, to consolidate the reforms already underway, deepen internal cohesion, and ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party emerges stronger, more virile, more united and fully prepared for leadership responsibilities ahead,” he added.
He reiterated that the BoT must remain the “conscience of the party” and its “moral compass,” warning that the board must never be found wanting in upholding due process and legality.
“We must stand by the truth and ensure that this party remains counted among those obedient to the laws of the federation, the laws of our party, and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” he said.
Mr Ohuabunwa thanked members who attended the meeting despite the short notice and logistical challenges, expressing optimism that the deliberations would provide a stable pathway towards a reinvigorated PDP.
READ ALSO: PDP issues expulsion certificates to Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, eight others
Notable attendees included the factional National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former deputy governors, including Kogi’s Philip Salawu, and several other party chieftains.
Mr Ohuabunwa was appointed Chairman of the party’s BoT on 7 November during a meeting convened at the FCT Minister’s official residence. At the same session, Ibrahim Dansidi was named Board Secretary, marking a significant shift in the leadership structure of the faction.
The appointments were interpreted within the party as a strategic move by the Wike-aligned bloc to consolidate its influence and provide organisational direction.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commended the Federal Government’s involvement in foiling a military coup in the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
The National Publicity Secretary of the opposition party gave the commendation in a statement on Monday.
Bayo Onanuga, Senior Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, who on Sunday night confirmed the present administration’s direct involvement in saving what he called 35 years of uninterrupted democracy in the West African state.
Onanuga noted that Nigeria’s response was based on a formal request by the Government of the Republic of Benin Republic which “requested immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”
The ADC however, called on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to apply similar decisiveness in combating insurgency and banditry in the country.
The party also cautioned leaders in the West African subregion to give priority to improved livelihood for the majority and tolerance for opposition in order to stem the tide of military interest.
The full statement read: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes Nigeria’s swift intervention in the Benin Republic following the announcement of a coup attempt. We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood.
“However, in doing so, the government must now take the necessary steps to align this intervention with the legal provisions of our Constitution. While the unilateral action taken by the President might have been expedient, it still has to be subjected to the ratification of the National Assembly as required by the relevant sections of our Constitution for military or security deployment outside Nigeria’s borders.
“Even in commending the government, ADC cannot ignore the question that many Nigerians are already asking: why were we not as swift in responding to the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former Nigerian President was trapped there during a period of instability? That hesitation stands in sharp contrast to yesterday’s urgency. What changed? What determines when Nigeria acts firmly and when it delays?
“Consistency in our mode of operations, especially when it comes to our foreign interventions, is essential for any country that seeks to lead the sub-region on issues of democracy and stability. This selective reaction indeed gives credence to the allegation that what played out in Benin was at the behest of another, more powerful country.
“More importantly, the government’s demonstrated ability to move quickly in Benin raises an even deeper concern. If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our borders, why has our government demonstrated such outrageous incompetence in dealing with domestic insecurity? Why has the government failed to respond with similar urgency and decisiveness even as banditry, terrorism, and violent crime still hold many of our communities hostage, displace families, abduct children, and parade themselves openly?
“A government that can act swiftly abroad must also act decisively at home. The defence of democracy does not begin in neighbouring countries; it begins in the protection of Nigerian lives, the restoration of security, and the rebuilding of trust between citizens and the state.
“Without prejudice to our fundamental opposition to any form of extra-constitutional takeover of government, we reiterate that the best possible safeguard against military adventurism is for elected governments to make democracy meaningful to the people by improving their lives and allowing opposition to thrive and alternative voices to be heard.”
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
NIGERIA NEWS
Coalition Asks IGP To Probe Allegations Against Ogah Over Constituents’ Harassment, Intimidation
A coalition of Civil Society Groups in Ebonyi State has called on Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to order an investigation into allegations that a House of Representatives member, Chinedu Ogah, uses armed thugs to harass and intimidate some of his constituents in Ikwo Local Government Area.
The Prof. Joseph Agbo-led coalition said the call had become necessary because a series of petitions to police authorities on the activities of Ogah, who represents Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the House, had stalled for months.
In one of the petitions, the coalition accused the lawmaker of unlawful possession of firearms and land-grabbing.
It listed some indigenes of the constituency, including Friday Alefia, a journalist and Chisom Achor, a Tik-toker, as currently being behind bars after they were arrested and arraigned by the Police at the behest of Ogah.
Others are Achor’s brother, Chinonso Imeba and Paul Nweke.
The group, which comprises four Civil Society Organisations-Human Rights Volunteer Corps (HRVC), Human Rights Action Group, Centre for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR and Good Living Initiative, added that a few others had been compelled to flee their communities to avert falling victim to the lawmaker’s thugs.
One of the petitions sent to IGP Egbetokun and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, by the group’s lawyers, Ede S. Ede & Co, on behalf of Emeka Kingsley, Nweke Chidi and others was dated 25th November, 2025.
The petition reads in part, “It is our client’s brief that they have seen evil and what appears to be a permanent life in hellfire in the hands of Honourable Chinedu Ogah. Our clients say that the actions and activities of Hon. Chinedu Nweke Ogah are not only atrocious, but it is a situation of the timid mentality of might is right syndrome.
“Our clients contend that Hon. Chinedu Nweke Ogah displays firearms with live ammunition anyhow and shoots without control as he feels untouchable and has boasted severally that not even the Inspector General of Police can question his activities as he is his personal friend.
‘’Our clients say that Honourable Chinedu Nweke Ogah finds it very pleasurable to oppress the poor and any dissenting voice, more especially when the person or persons refuse to pay illegal levy, which Chinedu Ogah often uses his cronies to levy on the downtrodden in the Amagu and other communities in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State or that the person refuses to surrender his land (s) for Hon. Chinedu Ogah to grab.’’
The coalition listed 46 persons, including deceased, as victims of the lawmaker’s alleged reign of terror and appealed to concerned authorities to immediately use their good offices to cause a discreet investigation into the allegations.
The coalition had last week decried the high level of attacks on free speech by Ogah, who has been in the news for causing the detention of those who criticise him on social media in police cells and Correctional centres.
Also, a serving Commissioner in the state, Prof. Awo Nwaobashi, who allegedly ordered the torture of a journalist by the members of the Neighbourhood Watch, was rebuked by the group.
The coalition’s leader, Agbo, at recent appearances on television and radio programmes, had reiterated that although the group do not in any way support defamation of the characters of anyone, cyber-bullying or cyber-stalking of any kind, among others, the allegations levelled against Ogah were too heavy not to be investigated by the concerned authorities.
Agbo, Professor of Philosophy at Ebonyi State University, specifically made reference to Alefia, whose case was referred to a Federal High Court. He said the judge fined the prosecutor N50,000 for attempting to ensure that he does not get bail.”
He said the group’s biggest concern was that ‘’as long as there are laws in our land, even if one commits murder, the laws have provided for how such a person should be handled according to law.’’
‘’As a coalition, we never and we would never support cyber-bullying of anybody. But we don’t want the cybercrime laws to become another Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation Decree Number 2 under the military rule. We are worried that the cybercrimes law appears to be slipping into that Decree’’’ the coalition boss added.
“What we are saying is that Hon. Ogah did not go to arrest any of these persons. The Police did. Hon. Ogah did not drag any of them to these Courts. The Police also did.
‘’The judiciary is the one that is hearing these cases. But the point we are making is: Why do you arrest somebody, handcuff him like a common criminal for cyber-bullying or defamation, and you dump him in the station for weeks, or for days, and in the case of Friday Alefia, for months? Why do you refer a case of cyber-bullying to a magistrates’ court?’’
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and General TY Danjuma, have unveiled TY Logistics Park FZE’s flagship Grade-A logistics facility in the Lekki Free Zone.
The facility is a major milestone for Nigeria’s logistics and industrial sector. The facility is built to international standards and designed as a fully integrated contract logistics platform.
In his goodwill message, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enabling private-sector-led industrial growth.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the Lekki axis is becoming Africa’s new manufacturing and logistics powerhouse.
The chairman of the company, Theo Danjuma Jnr, described the facility as a purpose-built platform that solves long-standing supply chain inefficiencies and positions Nigeria as a competitive hub for regional trade.
Danjuma said the company’s advanced Warehouse Management System ensures full inventory transparency, real-time stock control, and error-free order processing — critical for high-velocity sectors and essential for products with shelf-life sensitivities.
He said this technology allows goods to move faster, with greater accuracy and significantly reduced operational friction.
“Our strategic location in the Alaro Free Zone, just minutes from the Lekki Deep Sea Port, positions us to offer unmatched import and export efficiencies.
“This includes importer-of-record solutions, duty deferment, tax optimisation, and enhanced regional distribution into West African markets.
“But beyond the infrastructure and systems, our true focus is partnership. We see ourselves not just as a logistics provider, but as an extension of our clients’ business — taking on the logistical complexities so they can focus on what truly matters: growing their footprint, strengthening their brand, and increasing market share,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Group CEO of Rendeavour, Mr Stephen Jennings, highlighted the strategic role of industrial and residential ecosystems like Alaro City in attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
The Managing Director of TY Logistics Park FZE, Arno van der Merwe, emphasised the impact the platform will have on the broader West African market.
“Every hour lost to poor logistics is a cost to businesses. This facility was built to eliminate those inefficiencies by providing a reliable, centralised, systems-driven logistics engine for Nigeria and the region,” he said.
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The Police Command in Kano State on Monday announced the recovery of seven stolen vehicles and the arrest of several suspects in a series of operations aimed at curbing vehicle theft and related crimes, including armed robbery.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano on Monday.
According to the statement, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Bakori, the Command’s Special Intervention Squad, SIS, tracked down the stolen vehicles and apprehended the culprits.
“Recovered vehicles include an ash‑coloured Toyota RAV4, a red Peugeot 406, a black Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Yaris (registration Gombe 121 AH), a truck without a body, a white Toyota Matrix and a white Forland truck (registration GAK 701 XA),” the statement said.
The police spokesman explained that in connection with the recoveries, a number of suspects linked to the thefts and to armed robbery were arrested.
According to Kiyawa, they are currently assisting investigators and will be charged in court.
The CP, Bakori, was quoted as commending the officers for their dedication and professionalism. He also thanked the people of Kano State for their prayers, support and cooperation.
He said, “The Command remains committed to fighting crime and ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the state.
“The Kano State Police Command urges the citizens to continue supporting police efforts to maintain peace and security.”
NIGERIA NEWS
Naomi Silekunola: The Queen Left Me, But God Blessed Me With Seven More – Ooni Of Ife Boasts
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has recounted the type of comments people made about him before he married his wives.
He stated that people used to make fun of him and ask him why he was single, until he finally got married and had a queen.
The monarch added that people also complained that his wife followed him around, noting that she eventually left him and that he now has seven wives.
He stated this while speaking during the opening of his Ojaja University in Osun State.
The institution was launched as part of activities marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary held in Ile-Ife.
He said, “Some of them used to make fun of me that, ‘Kabiyesi, why are you single? What is your problem? Go and look for a queen now.’ Eventually I got another queen by force by fire. Then they said, ‘You are always going around with this queen.’ The queen left me. To the glory of God, God blessed me with seven more. Did I not try?”
Three of his wives who attended the event, Olori Folasade, Olori Ronde and Olori Temitope, reacted with cheers and laughter as the king spoke.
The monarch then asked the crowd to applaud them.
Naija News reports that the Ooni of Ife, married Queen Silekunola Naomi in October 2018.
The marriage drew wide attention because Naomi was a young prophetess, and the union was seen as a blend of traditional royalty and Christian spirituality.
However, the relationship became rocky over the years. By December 23, 2021, Queen Naomi shocked Nigerians when she announced on Instagram that the marriage had ended.
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Kingsley Moghalu, has described ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo as arguably Africa’s preeminent statesman alive.
Moghalu also said Obasanjo has no regrets of his time in office as Nigeria’s president.
Posting on X, the former CBN deputy governor said Obasanjo does not shy away from expressing his views on any topic, be it global, continental or national.
Moghalu stated that the former President wished he was more decisive in the creation of a common currency for the Economic of West African States, ECOWAS.
He wrote: “Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo (“Baba OBJ”) is arguably Africa’s preeminent statesman alive today. He is also a man who is not shy to express his views on various topics – global, continental, national.
“OBJ has “no regrets” about his actions and decisions during his time in office as Nigeria’s leader.
“He only wishes, in hindsight in light in the fact that ECOWAS CEDEAO “is now in tatters,” that he had moved more decisively on the creation of the common ECOWAS currency the Eco, despite the challenges posed by misalignments in the “convergence criteria” for such a regional currency among member states (single digit inflation, a fiscal budget deficit of no more than 4%, deficit financing by central banks capped at 10% of annual revenues, and foreign reserves to cover 3 months imports).”
The Niger State government has formally received the 100 pupils who were recently rescued by security forces after they were kidnapped by bandits from St. Mary Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The pupils regained their freedom 17 days after they were kidnapped.
The rescued pupils were personally received by the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, on Monday in the company of other government officials.
The schoolchildren, who were conveyed in separate buses, arrived at the Niger State Government House at about 5:20 pm.
As earlier reported by Naija News, the federal government secured the release of the 100 schoolchildren kidnapped by bandits on November 21, 2025.
The bandits had invaded the remote Papiri community around 2:00 a.m., arriving on motorbikes and attacking the school dormitories for over three hours. By the time they retreated, 315 people, 303 students and 12 teachers, had been taken away.
In the first 24 hours after the abduction, 50 pupils managed to escape and were reunited with their families. However, 265 individuals, 253 children and all 12 teachers remained in captivity.
Security agents, alongside local hunters, were immediately deployed to comb the surrounding forests in search of the missing victims.
While the release has brought immense relief to the parents of the freed pupils, those whose children remain in captivity continue to endure anxiety and uncertainty.
See the video below.
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
- A Nigerian lady has shared her experience with Harrison Gwamnishu, an activist accused of ‘stealing’ ransom money
- In a post shared via the X app, the lady described the activist as her ‘brother’, stating that she trusts him more than the police
- Speaking further, the lady made it clear that nothing would ever make her think less of him or stop supporting him
A Nigerian lady publicly defended activist Harrison Gwamnishu after allegations surfaced that he diverted part of the ransom collected during a kidnap case involving a couple.
The issue sparked mixed reactions online, with several social media users questioning his role and criticising him over claims that a part of the money expected to reach the kidnappers never did.
Lady says nothing can make her think less of Harrison Gwamnishu.
Photo credit: @efeom/X.
Source: Twitter
Lady calls Harrison her brother, defends him
Netizens placed the well-known activist under intense scrutiny and spoke about his conduct and integrity.
Read also
Man shares what people should learn from Harrison Gwamnishu’s case, asks 3 deep questions
In the midst of the uproar, a lady on X with the handle @efeom recounted her personal encounter with him and firmly aligned herself with his side.
She recalled times when he had come to her aid during difficult periods and stressed that her support for him came from long-standing trust rather than public opinion.
The lady explained that her connection with him went beyond mere online familiarity and described him as her ‘brother’.
According to her, no amount of public criticism would alter her view, as she believed his actions over the years had spoken clearly enough for her to stand by him.
She maintained that the negative comments circulating about him did not match the person she knew, so she found it unreasonable to condemn him based on accusations she did not personally witness.
The lady also expressed frustration with those urging her to distance herself from him.
Read also
“I knew him”: Man shares experience with Harrison Gwamnishu amid controversy, post trends
Lady recounts how Harrison Gwamnishu helped her when she was in trouble.
Photo credit: @efeom/X.
Source: Twitter
In her words:
“Harrison is my brother; he has helped me when I was in trouble. Harrison is my friend. He is from Delta State, and you want me to speak badly about him because of what exactly? If you must know, I trust Harrison more than the Nigerian police. Nothing on earth will make me think any less of him. All of you saying Efe stop supporting him you’re mad. But wait o some of you want me to talk bad about someone who sacrifice his sleep to make us sleep? Nigeria Na wa o.”
Reactions as lady defends Harrison Gwamnishu
Nigerians stormed the comments section to react to the post.
Bishop Ikechukwu said:
“Please is this the same Harrison that told the world on Facebook that he had kidney failure and needed millions to be donated for him? I mean the Harrison that started anioma garri business with investors and didn’t finish it for one reason or the other. Chinmark boy?”
Read also
“I removed millions”: Man reveals truth about Harrison Gwamnishu amid social media allegations
Ovie said:
“This is set up, if only they know how much Harrison has recover and given back to victims.”
Andre reacted:
“He comot 5m or not!!! They said he got the kidnappers number himself so who gave him. He will rot in jail he is an accomplise.”
Chris Ikea added:
“Twisted and disgraceful logic. No wonder the likes of Evans, Yahoo plus guys and kidnappers have people that defend them.Afterall these people spend a lot in clubs, boutiques, car malls and real estate industry, growing the economy of the areas they operate or live.”
See the post below:
Man addresses Harrison Gwamnishu’s alleged theft case
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a young man made a statement after popular activist Harrison Gwamnishu was accused of stealing.
The statement by the young man comes after another individual claimed Harrison stole N5.4 million from ransom money.
Source: Legit.ng
The Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid calls for his removal.
Matawalle described recent attacks on his integrity and credibility as “coordinated, malicious, and politically sponsored.”
He said critics targeted him for opposing attempts to sabotage the President’s security agenda.
“Public service, especially in a nation facing complex security challenges, demands courage, consistency, and commitment to truth,” he said.
Through his former Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle highlighted his achievements as Zamfara governor in tackling terrorism and banditry.
He warned that politically motivated smear campaigns would neither intimidate him nor distract him from defending the country.
“The allegations are baseless. The agenda is political. The truth is clear,” Matawalle said.
He stressed that banditry predated his administration and noted that his government worked with the federal government, traditional rulers, and security agencies to implement structured responses.
Matawalle accused detractors of fabricating stories after losing political relevance and failing personal expectations.
He detailed his security record, including establishing high-level security committees, intelligence architecture, and local vigilance units.
The former governor said he shut down telecommunications temporarily to allow military operations against bandits without hindrance.
He cited other achievements, including dismissing compromised traditional rulers, retrieving arms, requesting additional federal troops, rescuing kidnapped victims, and deporting Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining.
Matawalle also highlighted humanitarian support, including relief materials, medical care, and assistance for displaced persons and victims of banditry.
He said these interventions led to over a year in Zamfara without attacks or kidnappings, a milestone recognised nationally and internationally.
Matawalle added that he played a key role in the rescue of recently abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State despite intimidation.
He accused some political figures of exploiting the rescue for personal gain and attempting to embarrass the federal government.
“My loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains total,” Matawalle said.
He affirmed that no propaganda or political blackmail would deter him from his duty to Nigeria’s security.
Matawalle praised security officers for their professionalism during operations and said critics fear ongoing reforms in national security.
“Some of the loudest voices today work to undermine national security for election purposes,” he said.
He concluded that media campaigns would not influence the President’s judgment and reaffirmed his commitment to the Constitution, the President, and Nigeria’s security.
“No intimidation, smear campaign, or political sabotage will deter me. Justice will prevail,” Matawalle said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, received six governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a private session at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting, which was held away from the public eye, immediately drew attention within political circles as no details of the agenda were released.
The governors—Jigawa’s Umar Namadi, Edo’s Monday Okpebholo, Ekiti’s Biodun Oyebanji, Kogi’s Usman Ododo, Sokoto’s Aliyu Sokoto, and Kebbi’s Dr. Nasir Idris—arrived at the State House earlier in the day and were ushered straight into the President’s office for the discussion.
According to information gathered by POLITICS NIGERIA, the session lasted less than an hour.
Despite the short duration, the quiet nature of the visit has fueled speculation about the issues that may have been discussed, especially as the country continues to grapple with rising security concerns in several regions.
Insiders within the Villa did not provide any insight into the purpose of the gathering, and officials of the Presidency also kept sealed lips.
The timing, however, aligns with ongoing political consultations ahead of crucial national and party activities expected to shape the coming months.
Attempts by journalists to speak with the governors after the meeting proved unsuccessful, as they all declined to comment and moved swiftly out of the State House premises.
However, more updates will be provided as fresh details emerge.