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PDP coalition to Atiku: Join us, not rename us

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Atiku react to recent PDP crisis clear him position

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its willingness to enter into coalitions with political stakeholders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

However, the party has categorically rejected any suggestion that it should change its name, symbol, or identity as part of such arrangements.

This position was made known by the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, following a meeting of PDP governors held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He stated that the party remains open to alliances, mergers, or strategic cooperation focused on unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections.

Damagum explained that the PDP welcomes all political actors and interest groups who are committed to forming a united opposition front.

He noted that the PDP is ready to work with those who share the goal of delivering better governance and ending the APC’s dominance.

Despite this openness, he emphasized that any attempt to rename, rebrand, or restructure the PDP to create a new identity would not be tolerated.

According to him, the PDP has existed for over 25 years and has built a strong, recognizable political legacy.

He insisted that the party’s name, symbol, and history are assets that cannot be sacrificed for political convenience or experimentation.

Damagum reiterated that while talks of political alignment are welcome, the identity of the PDP is non-negotiable.

He clarified that the recent meeting of PDP governors was misinterpreted by some as a rejection of Atiku or other political figures advocating for coalition efforts.

In reality, the governors were only opposed to any coalition plans that include altering the party’s foundational branding.

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Damagum described the PDP as a stable and trusted platform with a nationwide support base and a consistent record in Nigerian politics.

He maintained that those interested in joining hands with the PDP must be ready to work within the existing party structure and not seek to dismantle or rename it.

The party also encouraged political groups and individuals seeking unity against the APC to do so by aligning with the PDP’s long-established principles and structure.

Founded in 1998, the PDP was central to Nigeria’s return to civilian democracy and ruled the country from 1999 to 2015.

The party produced three presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan and governed at various levels across the federation.

Even after losing federal power in 2015, the PDP remains the most formidable opposition party in the country.

The party leadership believes that its legacy, electoral structure, and experience give it the strongest platform for challenging the APC in 2027.

Damagum warned that discarding such a legacy to appease coalition demands would be a disservice to the party’s loyal members and national history.

He stated that the PDP is not against collaboration, but such collaboration must be built on respect and a shared vision not at the expense of its identity.

Damagum also addressed media reports suggesting the governors rejected coalition efforts, clarifying that they only rejected rebranding proposals, not coalition talks.

“We are open, ready, and more than willing to work with all parties interested in moving Nigeria forward,” he said.

“But our name, our identity, and our political foundation are not on the negotiation table,” he concluded.

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As Nigeria inches closer to 2027, conversations around political coalitions are heating up.

Analysts believe that opposition unity may be necessary to defeat the APC’s electoral machinery.

The PDP, however, has drawn a clear line it will welcome all, but only under its established name and banner.

 

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VIRAL VIDEO: Moment Yahaya Bello Orders Kogi State House Members to Sit on Floor, Gives Strict Directives

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IGP withdraws all policemen attached to Kogi ex-gov, Yahaya Bello

A viral video circulating on social media has captured former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello making newly elected State House of Assembly member, Hassan Shado, and his supporters sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.

The meeting took place at Bello’s residence on Monday, where he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss party unity and responsibilities.

Shado, who won the Dekina-Okura II State Constituency by-election on August 16, was formally presented to the former governor.

INEC declared Shado the winner after he polled 55,073 votes, defeating Godwin Meliga of the PDP, who garnered 1,038 votes.

During the session, Bello emphasized that Shado must strictly obey the directives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in all legislative matters.

He drew his ear to stress the importance of cooperation, warning the lawmaker to align with Assembly decisions even when he did not fully understand them.

Bello said, “Go and cooperate with the Speaker and other members of the House of Assembly. Support Governor Ododo in everything that comes to the Assembly, even if you don’t understand it.”

Bello also reminded Shado that political victories are collective achievements.

He stated, “No candidate wins an election alone. Your people worked tirelessly from nomination to election day. Do not let them down.”

He urged inclusivity, consultation, and collective leadership, emphasizing that unity remains the key to APC’s continued success in Kogi State.

The former governor praised the people of Kogi East for demonstrating unity, which he said had been lacking in the past.

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He further expressed confidence that APC would retain all major political positions in upcoming elections, declaring, “Our President, Bola Tinubu, will be re-elected.

Governor Ododo will be re-elected. All our candidates will continue to win on our great party’s platform.”

Bello’s post-governorship period has been marked by controversy.

The EFCC accused him of diverting over N110 billion from Kogi State coffers during his tenure.

He evaded multiple court summons and even a failed arrest in Abuja that led to a shootout. Ultimately, Bello surrendered to the EFCC on November 26, 2024, after months of avoiding legal proceedings.

Despite his legal troubles, Bello maintains influence over APC lawmakers in Kogi and continues to assert political authority, as shown in the recent video with Shado.

Watch the video below.

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2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

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Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.

“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.

Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.

“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.

When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.

“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.

I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.

The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.

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Tinubu Secures Fresh $238m Loan from Japan

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.

The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.

President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.

“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.

Details of the JICA Loan Project

The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.

Key components of the project include:

Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines

Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines

Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations

Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses

According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.

“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.

This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.

Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.

He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.

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The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.

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‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.

Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”

According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.

He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.

Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.

The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”

The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.

The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.

But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.

“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.

The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.

READ ALSO:  JUST IN: APC Dismisses Atiku’s Defection as No Threat to 2027 Dominance

This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”

He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.

Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.

Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.

For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.

He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.

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JUST IN: Benue Assembly Suspends Four Lawmakers

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The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended four lawmakers for six months after they allegedly attempted to impeach Speaker Aondona Dajoh on Thursday night.

The affected members are Alfred Berger of Makurdi North, Terna Shimawua of Kian constituency, Cyril Ekong of Obi constituency, and James Umoru of Apa constituency.

Their suspension was announced during Friday’s sitting.

Majority Leader Saater Tiseer raised a motion of urgent importance, accusing the four lawmakers of plotting to destabilize the assembly with what he described as an unnecessary crisis.

The House adopted the motion, and the Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the suspended lawmakers out of the chambers.

The suspension also triggered changes in leadership positions. Berger, who previously served as the Assembly’s spokesperson, was replaced by Audu Elias on the directive of Speaker Dajoh.

Tension had been brewing in the Benue Assembly in recent weeks, with divisions among members deepening over political alignments and governance issues.

Thursday night’s failed impeachment move reportedly escalated the crisis, leading to Friday’s disciplinary action.

The suspension marks another turbulent chapter in the state’s politics.

In recent months, the Benue Assembly has clashed over commissioner nominations, governance direction, and security concerns across the state.

Observers fear the latest crisis could distract the House from tackling pressing issues, including widespread insecurity and economic hardship facing residents.

Political analysts also warn that the suspension may further polarize members and deepen divisions in the ruling structure of the Assembly.

The development adds to Benue’s growing list of political confrontations, highlighting the fragile relationship between lawmakers and leadership in the state.

READ ALSO:  2027: PDP Mobilizes to Reclaim Katsina

 

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