Author: bibncollar

Despite a recent wave of defections and internal turbulence, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, remains optimistic about the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections. Appearing on The Morning Show on Arise TV on Wednesday, Baraje dismissed concerns that the defections, including that of the Delta State Governor, have weakened the PDP’s position as the main opposition. “Whether there are defections or not, the PDP remains a formidable opposition party,” he said. “We have moved past the Delta Governor’s defection. The ruling party may have its opinions, but the PDP is focused and far…

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit filed by the Rivers State Government, led by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alongside Victor Oko-Jumbo and two others, challenging the legitimacy of the suspended Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 26 other lawmakers. The plaintiffs approached the court to contest the positions of Amaewhule and the 26 legislators, citing their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). When the matter was called, counsel to the lead claimant sought an adjournment—a request that was strongly opposed by the defence…

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has confirmed ongoing plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party’s inability to support his political journey ahead of the 2027 general elections. Addressing supporters during a Town Square meeting of the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, the governor hinted at a likely defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following weeks of speculation. In his remarks, Governor Eno likened the PDP to a grounded aircraft, suggesting the party is no longer viable for his political aspirations. “If you’re…

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has dismissed criticisms from opposition parties, describing their actions as mere attempts to gain attention and political relevance. Speaking while receiving Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, the member representing Bende North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP), Otti said the opposition’s activities are not a cause for concern. “We are not bothered by the noise coming from the opposition. Many of them aren’t genuinely contesting elections — they’re just looking for recognition,” the governor said. “Some only want their names…

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has claimed that former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, actively lobbied and pleaded to be selected as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections. Frank made the allegation in a statement on Wednesday, while reacting to Okowa’s recent claim that he regrets accepting the vice-presidential nomination. Describing Okowa’s comment as an “afterthought,” Frank said the former governor was desperate for the position and did everything possible to secure it. “It is understandable that Okowa is currently…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has removed the managing directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries in a major shake-up under its new leadership. This sweeping reorganization is being spearheaded by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, and the new Executive Non-Chairman of the Board, Musa Ahmadu-Kida. Several senior officials were also affected, including Bala Wunti, the former Chief of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a key subsidiary of NNPCL. Sources within the company, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development on Tuesday night. “These affected individuals include the MDs of…

The North-Central Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected calls for President Bola Tinubu to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, dismissed the demand made by a group known as the North-Central Renaissance Movement, which had urged Tinubu to pick a running mate from the North-Central zone as a condition for securing the region’s support. Zazzaga made it clear that the North-Central APC Forum was not part of the agitation and reiterated its earlier endorsement of the Tinubu-Shettima…

Panic has gripped several agrarian communities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State following allegations that the State Government is planning to establish a settlement for Fulani herdsmen in the area. Community leaders raised the alarm after officials—allegedly from the state government—reportedly invaded farmlands with the backing of armed security personnel, displacing farmers from their ancestral lands without prior notice or consultation. Residents are now appealing to the government to halt the move, stressing that farming is their primary source of livelihood. They warned that any encroachment on their land would threaten their ability to feed their families. Speaking…

In 2015, four friends—Musa, Ayo, Chike, and Fineface—graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, each earning a Second Class Upper in Economics. Their aspirations were high, fueled by a shared belief in meritocracy and the promise of equal opportunity within Nigeria’s public service. Musa, leveraging his father’s connections, secured a position at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Ayo, through similar means, joined the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Chike and Fineface, without influential networks, entered the federal civil service via the Civil Service Commission, redeployed to core ministries. Despite identical qualifications and entry-level positions, their remuneration packages starkly contrasted.…

Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed confidence that the political coalition he now belongs to can unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election—without relying on the support of state governors. Speaking to journalists in Kano on Monday, El-Rufai, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said the coalition is focused on a grassroots strategy that prioritizes direct engagement with voters over political alliances with officeholders. “We are trying to offer Nigerians a real alternative — something different from what they have seen before,” El-Rufai said.…