(DDM) – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be fully united before serious talks on its 2027 presidential candidate can begin.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the call came during the PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit held in Ikeja, Lagos, where top party stakeholders convened to deliberate on internal reforms and a credible zoning formula ahead of the party’s national convention.

Makinde told reporters after the closed-door session that rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion, and reconnecting with Nigerians must be the primary agenda before candidate selection.

He warned that rushing into zoning or candidate discussions without first addressing structural cracks within the party would doom the PDP to another electoral disaster.

The governor noted that critics who claim PDP is politically dead will be proven wrong as the party regains its organisational strength.

He insisted that the outcome of the Lagos meeting had already demonstrated the party’s willingness to put aside internal disputes for the sake of unity and national credibility.

Makinde emphasised that the summit was not statutory but necessary to engage stakeholders across all southern states in meaningful dialogue.

He added that democracy thrives on consultation, inclusivity, and respect for diverse voices within a party structure.

He said democracy should not be reduced to mere power grabs but should reflect credible engagement that represents the will of the people.

The Lagos summit was attended by prominent PDP leaders, including Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and representatives of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

Also present were former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and several former governors including Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Udom Emmanuel, and Sam Egwu.

Makinde revealed that at least 12 of the 17 southern states were fully represented by zoning committee members, National Assembly representatives, and party elders.

The gathering also discussed the strategic role of the southern region in shaping the PDP’s chances in 2027, particularly given the intense political calculations expected around power rotation.

PDP’s history of zoning has been controversial, often sparking internal divisions over whether the presidency should rotate between the North and South.

In 2022, the party faced criticism after nominating Atiku Abubakar from the North despite calls for a southern candidate, a decision many analysts say fractured its support base in the 2023 elections.

This historical backdrop has heightened expectations ahead of the 2027 convention, with southern leaders pressing for early consultations to avoid past mistakes.

Makinde acknowledged that winning recent by-elections, particularly in Oyo State, had boosted PDP’s morale and disproved claims that the party was politically irrelevant.

He said the success reflected the resilience of PDP supporters and the commitment of its leaders to reclaim national dominance through hard work and strategic alliances.

The governor stressed that Nigerians are yearning for an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the PDP must present itself as a credible force.

He explained that Thursday’s meeting was part of a broader strategy to ensure the party’s zoning formula reflects fairness, justice, and national balance.

He also confirmed that more consultations will take place across southern states and eventually at the national level before the convention.

Political observers note that Thursday’s summit reflects growing pressure on the PDP to consolidate its base ahead of a highly competitive election season.

Analysts argue that the party’s ability to reconcile its factions and adopt an inclusive approach could determine its viability in 2027.

Makinde expressed confidence that the deliberations in Lagos would pave the way for further engagements capable of repositioning the party for victory.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic as the PDP undertakes internal reforms to rebuild confidence in its leadership.

The meeting was called under the auspices of the PDP Zoning Committee, chaired by Governor Douye Diri, and was described as a success by attendees.

Stakeholders are expected to reconvene in the coming weeks for broader consultations and final recommendations before the party’s National Executive Council meeting.

Makinde closed by reiterating that zoning, candidate selection, and electoral strategy would only succeed if the PDP first restores unity, discipline, and credibility within its ranks.

(DDM) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdullahi Bashir Haske, son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the anti-graft agency accused Haske of involvement in alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

The notice was issued by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, on Thursday.

According to the statement, Haske, 38, is being sought in connection with a major financial investigation.

“The public is hereby notified that ABDULLAHI BASHIR HASKE, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering,” the statement read.

The EFCC urged Nigerians with relevant information to report to the nearest police station or any of its offices nationwide.

Haske was last known to reside at No. 6 Mosley Road, Ikoyi, and 952/953 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, both in Lagos State.

The agency published his photograph to aid identification and encourage public assistance in locating him.

Officials confirmed that the ongoing investigation involves multiple jurisdictions and substantial sums allegedly linked to illicit financial transactions.

The commission stressed that credible information could be provided through its regional offices across the country.

These offices include those in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.

Nigerians can also contact the EFCC via its dedicated telephone lines or official email address.

This latest development comes amid heightened anti-corruption enforcement by the agency in recent months.

Political analysts note that Haske’s connection to Atiku Abubakar, a key opposition figure, could add political undertones to the case.

However, EFCC officials insist the investigation is purely legal and unrelated to political affiliations.

The agency recently intensified its pursuit of high-profile suspects linked to financial mismanagement and fraud.

Observers believe the manhunt for Haske underscores EFCC’s renewed resolve to prosecute economic crimes swiftly.

As at press time, neither Atiku nor his representatives had issued an official statement regarding the allegations.

(DDM) – Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has denied reports suggesting he plans to anoint a successor for the 2027 elections.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the governor made this clarification during a meeting with leaders of the Owerri zone on Wednesday.

The session, which was held at the Government House in Owerri, was aimed at addressing growing political tensions in the state.

Governor Uzodimma stressed that the “charter of equity” guiding Imo’s political landscape was never intended to impose candidates on the people.

He maintained that the document was designed to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence among different zones of the state.

“I will not choose a successor for Imo people,” the governor stated firmly.

“The process will be democratic, and the people will decide who governs them in 2027.”

Uzodimma also cautioned against political actors who, according to him, have been twisting the meaning of the charter for selfish ends.

He warned that such distortions could lead to confusion and threaten the political stability of the state.

“The charter of equity is real, but it is not about who becomes governor,” he explained.

“It is about ensuring that leadership is rotated fairly and that every zone in Imo State feels included.”

Leaders of the Owerri zone, present at the meeting, pledged their support for the governor’s inclusive policies.

They urged him to sustain his developmental agenda and continue strengthening political unity across the state.

Political analysts note that the debate over succession has intensified as the 2027 governorship election draws nearer.

The charter of equity, which was first introduced in 1999, has guided power-sharing among the state’s three senatorial zones.

Under this arrangement, leadership is expected to rotate among Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri zones to maintain fairness.

Critics, however, argue that the principle has been inconsistently applied in past elections, sparking political disagreements.

Governor Uzodimma’s latest statement is seen as an effort to dispel fears of a predetermined transition plan.

Observers believe his stance could encourage a more competitive political process in the lead-up to the next election.

INEC is expected to release the full timetable for the 2027 polls by early 2026, setting the stage for party primaries.

(DDM) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally presented Certificates of Return to winners of the August 16 by-elections.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the presentation ceremony took place on Thursday at INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The by-elections were conducted across 12 states to fill 16 vacant legislative seats.

According to INEC, these vacancies included two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies.

National Commissioners of the electoral body presided over the event, handing certificates to senators-elect and members-elect of the House of Representatives.

One of the recipients, Senator-elect Emmanuel Nwachukwu of Anambra South, pledged to deliver credible and impactful representation.

He noted that his district suffers from severe ecological challenges and described Anambra South as the “erosion capital of Nigeria.”

Nwachukwu promised to engage local and international experts to tackle environmental degradation and improve living conditions in the area.

He also highlighted health care, education, and economic empowerment for business owners and people with disabilities as his legislative priorities.

In Edo State, Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was presented with his certificate as senator-elect for Edo Central.

Ikpea, who replaces Monday Okpebholo following his resignation to contest the Edo governorship election, assured his people of quality representation.

“The way I attend to my people now will determine their support for me in the future,” Ikpea remarked.

He emphasised grassroots development as his key focus, promising to foster inclusive governance.

Also in Edo State, Omosede Igbinedion (APC) received her certificate after winning the Ovia Federal Constituency seat.

She expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and her constituents for their support during the polls.

Igbinedion dedicated her victory to the people and vowed to exceed expectations through diligent service in the National Assembly.

INEC, in an official statement, confirmed that Certificates of Return for state lawmakers-elect will be presented at the state level on Friday.

Resident Electoral Commissioners are scheduled to oversee the exercise in their respective states at 11 a.m.

The by-elections have been hailed as an opportunity to strengthen legislative representation in critical areas of the country.

Political observers say the outcome also reflects the growing importance of grassroots engagement in Nigeria’s evolving democratic process.

Amnesty International has accused the Borno State Government of conducting a “sham trial” after seven Nigerian teenagers and youths received harsh sentences for participating in last year’s #EndBadGovernance protests.

The global rights watchdog revealed the development in a statement on Thursday, August 21, through its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

According to Amnesty, the convicted youths, aged between 15 and 17 years, faced charges from Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration for forming a protest group on WhatsApp.

The Borno High Court sentenced the young Nigerians to five years in prison, public flogging, and community service.

Amnesty strongly condemned the punishment, describing it as outrageous and an attempt to crush dissent among the youth.

“Right now, seven persons languish in jail in Maiduguri, Borno State, after being convicted to, among others, five years in prison over #EndBadGovernance protests,” the group declared.

Amnesty further argued that the charges made no sense. The state accused the teenagers of creating a WhatsApp group named Zanga Zanga to mobilize protests against the government.

The government also alleged that the youths “agreed to take up arms against the state.” Amnesty dismissed these claims as bizarre and fabricated.

The convicted youths include Mohammed Ali, Mohammed Gajimi (alias Bakura, 17), Muhammed Mustapha (alias Gudusu, 14), Muhammed Mustapha (alias Abbas, 15), Muhammed Kyari (alias Mome), Muhammed Bukar (alias Awana), and Ibrahim Muhammed (alias Babayo).

“These outrageous convictions are a blatant attempt to silence young voices,” Amnesty said.

“Clearly, this serves as a threat to any young person who dares to stand up against injustice and corruption. These youths have done absolutely nothing wrong.”

The organization demanded that the Borno government immediately quash the convictions and unconditionally release the seven detainees.

It also urged Nigerian authorities to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The #EndBadGovernance protests erupted nationwide between August 1 and 10, 2024, driven mainly by young Nigerians frustrated with worsening economic hardship, rising food costs, corruption, and insecurity.

What started as small gatherings in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, and Abuja soon spread to other states, including Borno, despite heavy security deployment.

Protesters adopted hashtags such as #EndBadGovernance, #EndHunger, and #EndCorruption to mobilize online.

Human rights organizations documented violent crackdowns by security agents during the protests.

Amnesty International reported that at least 24 people died after police and soldiers used live ammunition on demonstrators.

Despite these reports, President Bola Tinubu’s government insisted that “subversive elements” hijacked the protest to destabilize Nigeria.

Civil society groups rejected this claim and accused the administration of criminalizing peaceful dissent.

Senators, activists, and rights defenders have raised concerns that the conviction of the seven Borno youths signals a dangerous escalation in government suppression of free speech.

Observers argue that punishing teenagers for expressing frustration on WhatsApp reveals how far Nigerian authorities are willing to go to silence critics.

For Amnesty, the case highlights the shrinking space for peaceful protest in Nigeria. The group reiterated that jailing and flogging young people for voicing dissatisfaction only deepens mistrust between citizens and the government.

As the seven convicted youths remain behind bars, rights defenders continue to demand their freedom.

For many Nigerians, the Borno case represents more than just a local trialit underscores the broader struggle between young citizens seeking change and a government determined to maintain control at all costs.