₦airaland Forum

Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Monday, said he was still awaiting the Federal Government’s approval for the take-off of his security outfit, “Iru Ekun Security Network,” as part of the moves to dislodge criminal elements from South-West forests.

He also expressed his readiness to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, to regulate the activities of private security firms in the state.

Igboho, who made this known in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, stressed that all necessary documents and procedural requirements needed for the approval of “Iru Ekun Security Network” had been submitted to the Federal Government.

The PUNCH Online reports that Makinde signed into law Executive Order 001 of 2026 on the Regulation of Associations, Groups and Organisations offering Security and Allied Services in the state on Wednesday, May 20.

Makinde said the move was necessary to ensure that all groups and associations involved in security-related activities, such as vigilantes and other community-based security groups, operate within a clear legal and operational framework that supports peace, order, and the rule of law in the state.

The governor said the executive order became necessary in view of the growing security challenges confronting communities and the increasing number of groups engaging in security-related activities without proper coordination.

Igboho, in a statement in Ibadan, on Monday, said, “We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, ‘Iru Ekun Security Network’, and are only waiting for the Federal Government’s approval, which will be granted soon.

"We are absolutely ready to collaborate with the Police, Department of State Service, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant stakeholders in the security sector to flush out terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and other hoodlums, who are threatening the peace and safety of our people, most especially in the rural communities.”

He, therefore, commended President Bola Tinubu for his resolve and commitment to rejig security architecture in the South-West and Nigeria at large.

Igboho said, “It is obvious that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is resolutely committed to tackling criminalities not only in the South-West but also in all other regions plagued by insecurity.

“Besides, I want to state that we are also ready to comply with the new Executive Order issued by Governor Seyi Makinde to regulate the activities of private security concerns. We are ready to support and cooperate with measures aimed at strengthening the security and peace in Oyo and other states in Yorubaland.

"Without peace and security, healthy socioeconomic developments cannot thrive, most especially in the rural communities which remain the hub of agricultural production critical to the nation’s food security and means of livelihood for farmers.”

President Bola Tinubu scored 131,096 votes in the All Progressives Congress presidential primary held across the 192 wards in Edo State on Saturday.

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who is the returning officer for the presidential primary, said the election was very peaceful across the state, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu securing the highest number of votes in the election, which was held simultaneously across the 36 states of the Federation.

According to Okpebholo, Tinubu scored 131,096 votes, while his challenger, Stanley Osifo, secured just 1 vote across all wards in Edo State.

The governor said, “The election was peacefully conducted across Edo State. I participated in the election myself as I voted in my ward, and the results have been presented as they are from all the 192 wards in the state, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured 131,096 votes while Osifo scored one vote.”

The collation officers from the 18 local government areas of Edo State were at the APC party Secretariat, Ikpoba Hill in GRA, to present the results as scored by the candidates in the primary election.

In the Edo South Senatorial District, Tinubu scored the highest votes. In Oredo Local Government Area, President Tinubu scored 9,177 votes while Osifo scored zero votes. In Ikpoba-Okha, Tinubu secured 13,147 votes, and Osifo scored zero votes, while in Egor, Tinubu got 10,074 and Osifo scored zero votes.

In Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Tinubu secured 6,858 votes to defeat Osifo with zero votes; in Ovia South West, Tinubu got 10,044 votes, and Osifo scored zero votes; in Ovia North East, Tinubu secured 7,983 votes, and Osifo gathered just one vote. In Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, Tinubu got 6,159, and Osifo scored zero votes.

In Edo North Senatorial District, Etsako Central Local Government Area, Tinubu secured 4,564 votes while Osifo got zero votes. In Etsako East, Tinubu got 7,123 while Osifo scored zero. Owan East, Tinubu got 5,492, while Osifo scored zero votes. Owan West, Tinubu got 4,139, and Osifo got zero votes. In Akoko-Edo, Tinubu got 7,464, and Osifo got zero votes. Etsako West, Tinubu got 11,497, and Osifo scored zero votes.

In Edo Central Senatorial District, Esan South East, Tinubu got 5,441 and Osifo got zero votes. Esan North East, Tinubu got 4,111, and Osifo got zero. Igueben, Tinubu got 5,467, and Osifo got zero.

In Esan West Local Government Area, Tinubu got 6,820 votes while Osifo scored zero votes. In Esan Central Local Government Area, Tinubu got 5,536 votes, and Osifo scored zero votes.

No foreign soldier participated in the operation that eliminated terrorist commander, Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations, has said.

According to NAN, Onoja said this in a monitored television programme where he gave update on the operation.

Onoja was quoted to have said the United States only provided intelligence and surveillance assistance.

"There were no foreign boots on the ground during this operation. What we received were intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance support and other force enablers,” he said.

Onoja described the mission as a carefully executed precision strike against a high-value terrorist target.

He said the operation reflected the professionalism, discipline and tactical readiness of troops involved.

“We are happy to state that due to our troops’ professionalism, there was no loss of life on our side,” Onoja said.

He said the mission was planned through detailed intelligence and close operational coordination.

According to him, earlier reports about Al-Minuki’s death in 2024 were based on mistaken identity.

Onoja said the man neutralised was the original Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, who used multiple aliases.

He explained that the aliases helped the terrorist evade detection for years.

“This individual has been on international watchlists for a very long time,” he said.

He added that security records linked the commander to several global monitoring agencies.

These include the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Nigeria,” he added.

Onoja said months of intelligence gathering led troops to the terrorist’s exact location.

He said the final operation was launched only after commanders confirmed credible intelligence.

He said Nigeria would continue strengthening strategic security partnerships against terrorism.

Onoja also said other notorious terrorist leaders remained under active surveillance.

He specifically mentioned wanted bandit leader, Bello Turji, saying, “He cannot hide forever. It is only a matter of time.”

Onoja urged citizens to support military operations with timely information.

He warned that ransom payments often strengthen criminal networks and prolong insecurity.

He reaffirmed the military’s determination to restore peace across affected communities in Nigeria. (NAN).

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Nigerian workers on International Workers’ Day, praising their strength, dedication, and love for the country despite the challenges they face at work.
His message was personally signed and released on Friday through his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh.

In the statement, Akpabio said, “On this auspicious occasion of Workers’ Day 2026, I, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate and chairman of the National Assembly, on behalf of the National Assembly, join millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to commend and congratulate the resilient, industrious, and patriotic Nigerian workers whose sweat and sacrifice continue to sustain the heartbeat of our nation.”

He highlighted the importance of workers across different sectors.

He said, “Today, we celebrate you, the teachers who mold our future, the farmers who feed our nation, the doctors and nurses who heal our land, the artisans, traders, civil servants, security personnel, and private sector employees whose daily toil builds Nigeria. You are the true heroes of our democracy and the engine of our economy.”

Akpabio acknowledged the difficulties workers face, including the rising cost of living and pressures at work. He said the Senate is committed to improving workers’ welfare through better laws and policies.

"The 10th National Assembly recognizes the challenges workers face, from rising costs of living to workplace demands. I assure you that the Senate remains unwavering in its commitment to legislating for a living wage, safer workplaces, pension reforms, and policies that expand job creation and protect the dignity of labor.”

He added that recent steps, such as the new National Minimum Wage Act and welfare packages, show this commitment.

Akpabio also called on employers to take better care of their workers, noting that a well-treated workforce is key to national growth.

"As we mark this May Day, I urge employers in both public and private sectors to prioritize the welfare of workers. A motivated workforce is the foundation of national productivity and prosperity.”

He praised labour unions for their cooperation and promised continued partnership with them.

“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I salute your courage, celebrate your contributions, and pledge that we will not relent until every Nigerian worker can look to the future with hope, dignity, and confidence.”

President Bola Tinubu on Friday declared insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, saying both crises pose serious threats to jobs, productivity and Nigeria’s overall stability.

The President made the declaration during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he addressed thousands of workers and labour leaders.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said there could be no meaningful employment or economic growth in an atmosphere of fear and hardship.

This was contained in a statement by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga.

He acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain significant obstacles to national development, but assured all that his administration is tackling both challenges with urgency through coordinated and sustained actions.

"There cannot be decent work where workers fear for their lives, where wages cannot feed a family, or where insecurity disrupts farms, factories, markets, and other economic activities.

"These hydra-headed challenges, the government notes, have been treated as a national emergency due to their impact on productivity, livelihoods, and the confidence of both workers and employers.
"The administration also acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain major obstacles to building a peaceful Nigeria where citizens can sleep with their eyes closed, and to achieving the Decent Work Agenda as envisioned by the International Labour Organisation.

"The agenda is not merely an international framework but a national imperative, aligned with its vision of a country where hard work is rewarded, opportunities are accessible without discrimination, and every citizen can reach their full potential, ” he said.

Tinubu cited the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which he said has recruited 45,000 young Nigerians to strengthen community security while creating jobs.

He also highlighted economic and social interventions under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including expanded cash transfer programmes reaching 15 million vulnerable households and lifting an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty.

According to him, major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have generated over 600,000 jobs nationwide.

On workers’ welfare, the President said his administration had implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears and reintroduced gratuity payments from January 2026.

He added that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses continue to benefit from a N200 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises support fund.

On workers’ welfare, the President said his administration had implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears and reintroduced gratuity payments from January 2026.

He added that over 800,000 informal sector workers have been enrolled in the micro pension scheme, while small businesses continue to benefit from a N200 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises support fund.

Hussein27:
Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) said:

*"Then verily the reality of Tawhīd is: That we worship ALLĀH alone.*

*So ˹this means˺:*

*None is called upon except HIM.*

*None is truly revered except HIM.*

*None is truly feared except HIM.*

*None is truly relied upon except HIM.*

*And the religion (all of our acts of obedience) should be for none except HIM, not for anyone from the creation.*

*And that we should neither take the angels nor the prophets as Lords.*

*So how can Imams, shuyūkh, scholars, kings and other than them ˹be taken as Lords˺?!*

*And the messenger (ﷺ) is the conveyor from ALLĀH, ˹conveying˺ HIS commands and prohibitions.*

*So none of the creation is to be shown complete obedience except HIM."*

📚 Minhājus-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah (3/490)

Copied

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has pushed back against mounting calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

Atiku, who will be 80 by the time the next election takes place, has been taunted by critics on account of his age.

But weighing into the issue, Momodu, a staunch loyalist of Atiku, dismissed the campaign as “unbridled chicanery.”

Momodu’s reaction followed criticism from activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, who argued that Atiku’s projected age of 80 by 2027 makes him unsuitable for the presidency.

In the viral video in which Idris, dressed in green traditional attire, he urged Atiku’s allies to persuade him to withdraw from the race in favour of younger contenders.

In the video, which lasted nearly two and a half minutes, Idris contended that Nigeria’s current challenges require a new generation of leadership and insisted that young voters would reject an 80 year old candidate regardless of political alliances.

"If he likes, let him bring angels as running mates – not even Peter Obi – we won’t vote for an 80 year old man,” he said.

Idris further called on Atiku to assume the role of an elder statesman by rallying support for younger aspirants, including Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, instead of contesting the presidency himself.

However in a statement shared on social media, Momodu said critics were misplacing priorities by targeting Atiku rather than holding the ruling government accountable.

"Instead of making videos against the ruling government, you’re dissipating energy on a man who has never wronged your preferred candidate,” he said.

The publisher and politician bolstered his argument by citing a list of global leaders who held office or remained politically active at advanced ages.

Among those he referenced were former United States Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, US senator Bernie Sanders, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Others are South Africa’s anti apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, former Ghanaian leader Nana Akufo-Addo, former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and Liberian President Joseph Boakai.

The former Vice President argued that these figures demonstrated that age could be an asset rather than a limitation when combined with experience and leadership capacity.

“What disqualifies Alhaji Atiku Abubakar?” Momodu asked.

Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is widely reported to be positioning for another run in 2027, this time under the African Democratic Congress.

Two Nigerian men, Akinade Raheem and Abayomi Eletu, are facing 50 years in prison each for an alleged multiple tax fraud scheme involving stolen identities to steal more than $100m from the Internal Revenue Service in the United States.

In a statement by the Department of Justice on Wednesday, Raheem and Eletu allegedly conspired with their accomplices to claim fraudulent tax refunds by impersonating accountants and taxpayers.

They allegedly filed more than 300 false tax returns claiming over $100m in refunds from the IRS, with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft and other crimes.

Raheem, 43, and Eletu, 42, residents of the US and the United Kingdom, respectively, obtained identifying information for tax experts and taxpayers between 2018 and 2023.

They used the information, including names, addresses and social security numbers, to generate online accounts with the IRS and request private taxpayer information.

Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

While Eletu was also charged with five counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, seven counts of access device fraud and 21 counts of aggravated identity theft, Raheem was charged with 14 counts of access device fraud and 14 counts of aggravated identity theft.

"The defendants face maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, 20 years for money laundering and 10 years for access device fraud, as well as a mandatory sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft,” the statement read.

According to the report, indictments were unsealed in the Northern District of Georgia and the Western District of Texas concerning them.

As part of the scheme, they allegedly changed taxpayers’ addresses to addresses controlled by co-conspirators so the IRS would correspond with the co-conspirators instead of the taxpayers.

They allegedly laundered some of the funds by purchasing money orders from US postal offices and local stores in amounts low enough to avoid reporting thresholds when refunds were deposited into prepaid debit cards.

They also used the money orders to purchase used cars from auction sites, some of which they shipped to Nigeria, as well as designer clothing and other items.

Eletu was arrested in the UK at the request of US authorities.

Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, has said he is “not afraid” of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Wike had said he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” Okinbaloye, over his comments that a one-party system would destroy democracy in Nigeria.

The minister’s remarks has attracted widespread condemnation, with Amnesty International accusing him of using “reckless and violent language”.

But Okinbaloye on Sunday doubled down on his views and said violent rhetorics have no place in a democracy.

He said: “The fact remains that our democracy is in danger if we allow one-way traffic in balloting.

"This is not a warning to the opposition or ruling party. But to all Nigerians who believe in the development of our nation.

“I received a call from the honourable minister, who clarified the intention was not as conveyed.

“While that is noted, it is important that violent rhetoric or threats are never appropriate responses to dissent in a democratic society.

“Let me clear: I am not afraid and I will never be intimidated.

“We may disagree and as humans we may err, but dissent must never descend into hostility or harm.

“I will continue to do what I love, asking the necessary questions and holding power to account.”

There are indications that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his counterpart from Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed, may no longer join the African Democratic Congress.

Credible sources close to Makinde and the ADC told Sunday PUNCH that the two governors had slowed down their consultations to move to the ADC following the de-recognition of the party’s leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Sunday PUNCH also gathered that INEC’s decision had cast doubt on the intentions of National Assembly members planning to join the party.

INEC on Wednesday removed the names of the NWC of ADC led by Mark from its official portal, citing a Court of Appeal order.

The electoral commission said it would maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The decision followed a protracted leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions led by Nafiu Gombe and Mark laying claim to the party’s national structure.

According to the commission, the appellate court, in a judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, directed all parties to maintain the existing situation before the dispute arose and refrain from actions that could prejudice the outcome of the case.

But the Mark-led NWC rejected INEC’s decision and called for the dissolution of the electoral commission.

It also vowed to proceed with preparations for the proposed National Convention scheduled for Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on April 14.

There were reports that Makinde and Bala would join the ADC following the prolonged crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party.

Bala, who is Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, on Tuesday indicated plans to defect to the ADC.

The governor gave the hint after a closed-door meeting with a delegation of the ADC, led by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Presidential Lodge, Bauchi.

Bala stated that despite exhausting all avenues for reconciliation within the PDP at both national and state levels, no meaningful progress had been made.

The Bauchi governor described the ADC as a “preferred destination,” noting, however, that consultations and negotiations were ongoing to ensure a well-informed decision.

Ditto for Makinde, who had been meeting with chieftains of the party.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, an ally of Makinde, who is knowledgeable about the political activities of the governor, said he might not join the ADC again.

The source said, “I’m not sure Makinde will join the ADC again because ever since INEC’s derecognition of the ADC leadership, he has not been showing interest in further engagements with the ADC leaders.”

Reacting, the Special Adviser to Makinde on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed claims that the governor was planning to dump the PDP.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has clarified comments he made about Channels Television’s anchor, Seun Okinbaloye.

Wike had said he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” Okinbaloye, over his comments that a one-party system would destroy democracy in Nigeria.

The statement has attracted widespread condemnation, with Amnesty International describing the minister’s remarks as “reckless and violent”.

But in a statement signed by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike has explained that he did not mean it literally.

The statement released by Olayinka on Saturday read: “The minister never meant that he will shoot Seun Okinbaloye. They even spoke on phone today, and he (Okinbaloye) understood what the minister meant.

"What the minister meant, which he made clear during the media chat was that he was angry seeing Okinbaloye, whom he hold in high esteem as a journalist, descending into the political arena by speaking as an interested party, instead of an interviewer.

“The statement made by the minister was in hyperbolic context, which was clearly without intent. It was primarily using exaggeration to make a point.

"Even after the minister made the clarifications on the live television program, which had Chamberlain Uzor, Head of Channels Television’s Abuja Office as part of the interviewers, all the journalists who were interviewing him just laughed.

"Therefore, after the minister detailed explanations of what he meant, including saying on the live television program that he didn’t mean that he will carry gun and shoot the television anchor, it will become a clear hatchet job for any individual or group to pick the statement out of context and make any issue out of it.

“The public is therefore urged to discontenance the use of the comment as instrument of blackmail and propaganda by those whose intent is to misrepresent facts for their political gains.”

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Segun Showunmi, has described former presidential candidate Peter Obi as lazy when it comes to structural thinking.

Showunmi made the statement on Saturday during an interview on Hard Copy, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST.

He said, “Peter Obi is not serious. He doesn’t know where his victory card is. He could have stayed in the Labour Party, and there could have been a clear path to victory for him.

“Every time he’s moving around. I don’t deal with that kind of laziness. When it comes to structural thinking, Peter Obi is very lazy. He is too lazy to think that if he had remained in APGA all this while, he couldn’t have built the crowd he has now.

“Now he has aligned himself with people among whom I know he can’t even win a primary. I know Atiku very well, and nobody takes him for granted when it comes to primaries because he has institutional experience of how these things work out since 1992.

"You don’t come to a political party with that kind of man and start screaming that if it’s not Peter Obi, you won’t agree. Who will listen to that?”

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has revealed the reason for his intention to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at a cultural event in Jimeta, Adamawa State, on Saturday, Kefas said his planned defection is motivated by his commitment to promoting the interests of his people.

The event, titled ‘Civic Reception: Unveiling of Margi National Attire’, was organised by the Margi tribe in the state to promote their culture and inaugurate a national attire for its people.

The celebration was attended by three governors of the Peoples Democratic Party and other dignitaries.

DAILY POST reports that Kefas, on Tuesday, announced the postponement of his ceremonial defection to the APC, earlier scheduled to be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

Speaking at the gathering, Kefas said the decision was driven by the interest of the people of Taraba State.

“This is an event where all Margi nations come together to look at where they are coming from, where they are, and where they will be going.

“This is not a political gathering. Governor (Ahmadu) Fintiri is a true Margi son. He is a unifying factor, and I have enjoyed our neighbourhood and brotherhood.

"The only reason why we have disagreements is because I decided to move to the All Progressives Congress. But I know that at the end of the day, he will reason with me that my decision is in the interest of my people. I wish you all the best,” he said.

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party escalated on Saturday following the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and 10 other high-ranking leaders over alleged anti-party activities.

The decision was taken at the PDP’s 20th National Convention at the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Those also expelled include a former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; and Austin Nwachukwu.

Others are the factional chairman of the party, Mohammed Abdulrahman; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Austine Nwachukwu; Abraham Amah; George Turner; and Chief Dan Orbih.

A motion for the expulsion was moved by the former National Vice Chairman of the party (South), Chief Olabode George, and seconded by the Bauchi PDP Chairman, Samaila Burga, before its eventual adoption by the party’s delegates.

At the convention, the delegates also unanimously confirmed Umaru Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party.

The convention sparked divisions among the governors loyal to Damagum, as two of them—Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, who chaired the National Organising Committee of the convention, and the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang—dissociated themselves from Wike’s expulsion.

The battle before convention

The PDP has been engulfed in crises in recent months, with factions loyal to Wike and Damagum clashing over control of the party’s structure.

This culminated in a bitter confrontation before the convention.

Ahead of the convention, former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking justice after being denied the opportunity to purchase the PDP national chairmanship nomination form.

On Friday, Justice Peter Lifu ordered the party to suspend the convention.

He also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any convention conducted by the PDP that did not include Lamido as a contestant.

Justice Lifu held that evidence before the court showed that Lamido had been denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman.

Recall that on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Justice Lifu delivered a similar ruling restraining the PDP from holding the convention, which was intended to elect new national officers to lead the party.

Lamido, through his counsel, Jephthah Njikonye, SAN, had filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction to halt the convention pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the plaintiff’s application had merit and consequently restrained the PDP from convening the event until the substantive matter before the court was resolved.

He noted that there was no reason to depart from an earlier ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the same court on October 31, 2025, which similarly halted the convention.

However, in a conflicting order, the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on November 3 permitted the PDP to proceed with the convention.

Justice Ladiran Akintola, ruling on an ex parte application filed by an Oyo PDP member, Mr Folahan Adelabi, directed INEC to attend and monitor the convention for the election of new national officers.

The Damagum camp went ahead with the programme, claiming no knowledge of Justice Lifu’s Friday order.

Wike, others expelled over anti-party activities— PDP

Announcing the expulsion of Wike and other high-profile members via X on Saturday, the PDP said the decision was ratified by the majority of delegates at the convention.

The party explained that the move underscored its commitment to eradicating internal divisions and anti-party conduct that have hindered its progress.

Citing Articles 10(6) and 58(1)(b), (c), (f), (i), (j), (l), as well as 59(1)(g) of its 2017 Constitution (as amended), the PDP argued that the National Convention remains supreme in all matters relating to the party, including issues of discipline involving its officers and members.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH after the announcement, the South-West PDP Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, said the expulsion was long overdue.

“Wike and others were suspended for anti-party activities,” Ajisafe said.

“They wanted to destroy the party, and we cannot allow that to happen.”

He, however, clarified that Lamido was not included in the expulsion despite his series of court moves to stop the convention.

“Lamido isn’t in Wike’s category. He is a respected PDP leader,” Ajisafe stated.

“He is just angry that he wasn’t allowed to purchase the nomination form to contest the PDP chairmanship, as he showed interest after the closure of the timeframe for such. We will resolve issues with him.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, dismissed the convention as mere drama.

Olayinka, via X, argued that no one should take the organisers seriously.

“They went to Ibadan to start dirty December in November. When people decide to start their own dirty December in November, one can’t but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths,” he wrote.

“They gathered in Ibadan to do social party, enjoyed themselves and got intoxicated. They are free to say anything.”

Governors revolt against Wike’s expulsion

Governor Fintiri dissociated himself from Wike’s expulsion.

Fintiri, while delivering his speech at the convention ground, said the absence of INEC officials at the event also necessitated his withdrawal from the exercise.

“With the absence of INEC and the various litigations for and against this convention, it is not within my prerogative to continue with this exercise. I leave the convention delegates to decide,” Fintiri said.

The Adamawa governor further clarified his position in a statement shared on his verified X handle (@AhmaduUmaruFintiri).

The Adamawa governor further clarified his position in a statement shared on his verified X handle (@AhmaduUmaruFintiri).

He described Wike’s expulsion as an action against the interest of the party and warned that it could plunge the PDP into an unending crisis.

Fintiri urged party members to work towards unity and the reconciliation of aggrieved members.