(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 Nigerian Electoral Reform Coalition (NERCO) has undertaken an advocacy visit to the National Assembly (NASS) as part of its campaign for immediate electoral reforms.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the visit, held on Tuesday, marked the 20th day of the 30-day deadline NERCO had given lawmakers to initiate credible electoral reform.

According to NERCO representatives, the group had earlier delivered a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on May 9, 2025, demanding urgent legislative action to overhaul the nation’s electoral system.

The coalition expressed disappointment over the lack of response from either chamber of the National Assembly.

NERCO stated that its advocacy involves Nigerians across faith-based, religious, and civic organizations who are committed to achieving a transparent and credible electoral process ahead of future elections.

The coalition emphasized that its demands are simple but critical to Nigeria’s democratic growth.

First, NERCO called for a credible process of appointing leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group argued that only reputable and impartial individuals should oversee the commission, to avoid bias in election administration.

Second, NERCO demanded the full digitalization of the voting and result collation system.

The group stressed that accreditation, voting, and result display must be instantaneous and transparent, eliminating manual collation that has historically enabled electoral fraud.

NERCO insisted that these reforms are not “rocket science” and have been successfully implemented in other countries, adding that Nigeria must be ready to lead if necessary.

The coalition warned that failure to meet the 30-day deadline would prompt further actions, which it described as more intense than the current advocacy visit.

The group reaffirmed that its movement is self-funded and not driven by political sponsorship, describing it as a reflection of Nigerians’ collective frustration with flawed electoral processes.

COPDEM, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, also reacted to the visit, calling NERCO’s push “a timely reminder of Nigeria’s democratic responsibilities.”

COPDEM stated that the National Assembly must see electoral reform as an urgent priority, not a political bargaining tool, and called for immediate dialogue between legislators and civil society groups.

NERCO concluded by reiterating its demand that electoral reforms be passed within 2025, warning that delays would be unacceptable to Nigerians.

(DDM) – Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Union Station in Washington, DC, on Wednesday sparked a heated confrontation with demonstrators opposing the Trump administration’s security policies.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Vance had arrived to host a lunch with National Guard members deployed by President Donald Trump. The troops were stationed across the capital following heightened security concerns. However, his remarks were frequently drowned out by chants from angry protesters.

Witnesses reported that Vance entered a Shake Shack restaurant at Union Station to a mix of applause and loud boos. Some patrons chanted “USA, USA, USA” in support of the vice president, while others responded with cries of “shame” and “we want the military out of our streets.”

The vice president, joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, greeted troops and thanked them for their service. But tensions escalated when protesters, blocked from the second floor where the officials were gathered, intensified their chants and disrupted a press gaggle with Vance.

Speaking to reporters, Vance dismissed the protesters as “crazy” and “communists,” accusing them of misrepresenting the city’s views on public safety. Miller went further, labelling demonstrators as “elderly white hippies” and claiming, without evidence, that they were “not part of the city.”

Vance defended the administration’s stance, recounting a previous visit to the station where he claimed his family encountered “violent vagrants” that left his children frightened. “People want safer streets, and we’re here to ensure that,” he said.

The Trump administration has faced sharp criticism for ordering the deployment of the National Guard and FBI to patrol Washington, DC, and for attempts to assume control of the city’s police department. A Washington Post-Schar School poll shows that roughly eight in ten DC residents oppose these measures, reflecting deep tensions between federal authorities and local voters.

Despite the backlash, Vance insisted he was “highly skeptical that a majority of DC residents don’t want their city to have better public safety and more reasonable safety standards.”

The visit underscored a stark political divide. While some cheered the administration’s commitment to law and order, others saw the presence of troops as a provocative overreach into a city that overwhelmingly voted against Trump.

Outside the Shake Shack, protesters continued to chant as Vance departed, leaving the debate over federal control of DC policing far from resolved.

(DDM) – The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has condemned the Nigerian government following the embarrassing sight of an empty national pavilion at the International Investment Fair in Japan.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the fair, which commenced on August 18, 2025, drew global investors, trade experts, and economic leaders to explore opportunities across various countries.

However, Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy was shockingly unrepresented at its own stand, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a large delegation of officials reportedly attending the event.

A viral video from the fair showed vibrant stands from Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, each managed by representatives showcasing their nations’ economic potential.

In stark contrast, Nigeria’s booth stood deserted, with no official present to welcome prospective investors or provide promotional materials.

COPDEM, in a strongly worded statement, described the situation as “an international disgrace and a symbol of Nigeria’s collapsing governance culture.”

The group stated that the incident highlighted a disturbing trend where public funds are spent on lavish foreign trips, yet critical tasks like economic representation are neglected.

“The President cannot lead a horde of officials to a global investment fair only for Nigeria’s stand to be empty,” COPDEM declared.

“This is more than incompetence; it is a clear sign that the welfare of the country is secondary to political pageantry.”

The International Investment Fair, hosted annually in Tokyo, Japan, provides a platform for countries to present business opportunities, forge trade partnerships, and attract foreign direct investment.

Analysts say Nigeria’s absence at its own pavilion represents a costly missed opportunity, especially as the nation battles economic instability and declining investor confidence.

COPDEM further called for an immediate probe into the delegation’s activities in Japan and demanded a public explanation from the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry.

The group warned that such blunders could further damage Nigeria’s international image and reinforce perceptions of mismanagement at the highest levels.

Meanwhile, social media users flooded platforms with critical comments, describing the incident as “a national embarrassment” and questioning how much was spent on the trip.

The fair continues until August 22, 2025, but critics say the damage to Nigeria’s reputation has already been done.

(DDM) – Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has issued a strong statement against the Dangote Group following a recent truck accident that left Ruth Otabor, sister of reality star Phyna, severely injured.

DDM gathered that Kuti described the incident as yet another tragic example of how major corporations in Nigeria escape strict accountability despite repeated safety lapses.

He argued that businesses of such magnitude would face billion-naira lawsuits in other jurisdictions, but in Nigeria, their influence often shields them from legal consequences.

Pattern of negligence cited

Kuti pointed to previous accidents involving Dangote trucks, many of which resulted in multiple fatalities.

He accused the company of prioritizing profits while disregarding the safety of citizens who suffer life-altering consequences from such crashes.

According to him, the Nigerian regulatory system has failed to enforce strict compliance with safety standards, allowing similar tragedies to persist.

Kuti’s wider criticism of corporate impunity

The musician also criticized a system where ordinary Nigerians are left to bear the burden of loss while powerful corporations avoid responsibility.

He claimed that the country’s justice system enables big businesses to settle matters quietly, often without adequate compensation to victims.

This, he warned, has created a dangerous precedent where lives are undervalued, and safety protocols remain largely ignored.

Background on Dangote truck incidents

Past reports show that Dangote Group trucks have been involved in multiple accidents across various states, sometimes resulting in mass casualties.

In many of these cases, victims or their families alleged poor handling of compensation and lack of corporate accountability.

Kuti insisted that repeated negligence should no longer be tolerated and called for tougher laws to protect citizens.

Call for enforcement and reform

He urged Nigerian lawmakers to implement policies mandating multi-billion-naira penalties for companies whose negligence causes loss of life or severe injuries.

According to him, such measures would compel businesses to prioritize safety and comply with strict operational standards.

He also appealed to advocacy groups and civil society organizations to demand justice for victims of corporate negligence.

Public reaction and next steps

The statement has sparked debate on social media, with Nigerians expressing anger over recurring incidents linked to large business fleets.

Some users echoed Kuti’s sentiments, urging regulators to enforce reforms and demanding that Dangote issue an official response.

As the controversy continues, attention now shifts to whether authorities will launch a formal investigation into the latest accident and review safety regulations.