Kano residents are facing a new wave of fuel price hikes as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, soared to ₦1,200 per litre at several filling stations across the city.

According to Daily Trust, the development comes as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) adjusts its pump prices to ₦904 per litre.

The surge in fuel prices has led to long queues at NNPCL outlets, where customers are scrambling to fill their tanks before the new price is fully implemented.

An official at one of the NNPCL stations, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed to the platform that they were awaiting directives to commence sales at the updated price.

This spike in fuel costs has further strained the pockets of Kano residents, many of whom are already grappling with the high cost of living.

The situation has also sparked concerns about the potential impact on transportation costs and the prices of goods and services, which are likely to rise as a result.

He said, “We just came this morning (Tuesday) and turned on our machines only to see the adjustment. You can see it for yourself. We are here now waiting for directives to start selling.”

Motorists in queue expressed concerns over the development.

Isah Muhammad said, “Where are we heading to in this country? How do we survive now? It’s very unfortunate we are witnessing this.”

Another motorist, Ibrahim Saleh, said, “I can recall when I used to sell petrol (black market). It was then ₦95. One day during the late President Shehu Musa Yar’adua regime, we went to buy fuel and they halted the process.

“We all thought it was going to be increased but they adjusted the litre to ₦65. It was something that I would never forget in my life. When things go up, they never come down in Nigeria and since then it has been like that.”

The representative for Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State at the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, has appointed no fewer than 70 aides throughout Ogbaru.

According to Ogene, the appointments reflect his dedication to providing outstanding service to his constituency.

The appointed individuals encompass advisers, special assistants, executive assistants, and various other roles.

The letters of appointment, signed by Ogene’s Chief of Staff, Chinedum Uwolloh, seen by journalists on Tuesday, detailed the responsibilities assigned to the aides.

The letter states that the aides will “Assist the office of Hon. Ogene in achieving its core objective of delivering excellent service to the people of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in your specific area of appointment or perform any other duties assigned by the office from time to time.

“The appointments were made based on the appointees’ experience and commitment to the lawmaker’s success as Representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency and the well-being of Ogbaru. The newly appointed aides are expected to bring their expertise and enthusiasm to their critical roles, particularly in enhancing service delivery to the constituents.

“They will receive monthly allowances aimed at motivating them and improving their economic conditions. This financial support will enable them to carry out their responsibilities more effectively without the burden of financial constraints.

“The allowances are intended to supplement their income, allowing them to better meet their basic needs and focus on providing exceptional service to the constituents of Ogbaru Federal Constituency.”

The letter also recalled that Ogene made a covenant with his constituents and Nigeria upon assuming office, outlining his commitment to responsible leadership.

The covenant, made public in February 2024 during a thanksgiving programme to celebrate his victory at the tribunal, reads: ‘I pledge to be a sensitive, responsible, and responsive Representative, working tirelessly for the peace and socio-economic development of Ogbaru Federal Constituency. To prioritise the interests of the people, ensuring equity, fairness, and justice for all Nigerians in my lawmaking and oversight responsibilities, guided by the principles of servant leadership.

“I commit to promoting self-accountability, decorum, propriety, and integrity in public office, setting a high standard for ethical governance. So help me God.‘

Notable among the appointees are Mr. David Chukwuekezie, Special Adviser (Political); Ben Nwasike, Special Adviser (Political); Emmanuel Akpati, Head of Media Relations; Maxwell Nwebo, Special Assistant (Events); Frank Oduah, Personal Assistant (Education Programmes); Tina Nwafor, Special Assistant (Women Mobilisation); Amechi Ede, Executive Assistant (Religious Affairs).

“Hello, Bros. Hello. Hello. Hello”

“Yes. I can hear you”

“Which kin thing be this now? I don dey call you since, you no pick call. Person go dey call you, you no go pick.”

“At your level, you should know that if you call somebody once or twice and the phone rings, the best thing to do is to leave a message and expect the person to call back.”

“I called you up to ten times.”

“Why? Once you call a person twice, leave a message or send a text. Do I owe you money? You Nigerians do not know how to use a phone. You think if you call me, I must answer you compulsorily. I do not respond to such calls. All the people who call me up and down are people who want to beg for money. In this Tinubu Nigeria, if you call me and up and down, I won’t answer. I may even block your line because the desperation is a serious signal, that a hungry Nigerian is calling me. I did not cause inflation oh, let nobody come and disturb me. All of you who voted for APC in 2015, 2019 and 2023, carry your cross. Do you know some people even have the effrontery to come and ask me to help pay for their wives’ hospital bills in the maternity ward. If you have enough strength to impregnate a woman, when it is nine months and the result comes out, carry your own cross. The notice is long enough. I don’t want to hear that nonsense about helping the neighbour.  Neighbour wey no get common sense.”

“So, am I one of those persons who will disturb you for hospital bills? When person call you, make you pick”

“I dey unavailable that time. Davido says I am unavailable. Dem no dey see me. The network must have told you that the line you were calling was not available at the time. So, what’s up, Omo? I have a busy day.” 

“Have you seen what I am seeing in the papers today? They say NNPC Limited is facing financial strain, financial pressure and that is why there is fuel scarcity, and long queues. NNPC says it is overburdened by debt obligations running into about $6.8 billion”

“I thought they said it was weather and bad roads causing the fuel supply disruptions, and that even if they were owing, it is in the nature of the business to source credit.”

“We are in September. The weather condition will soon change from rainy season to dry season in Nigeria. There is a limit to which anyone can blame the weather and the roads. The truth has now been let out of the bag. My question to you is what do you think this implies?”

“It is obvious. NNPCL is the breadwinner of Nigeria. If the company says it is under financial pressure, it is as good as saying that Nigeria is financially bankrupt. When you link that to the fact that NNPCL is the sole importer of finished products in the downstream sector, it means that the NNPC Limited has no money to import more PMS, and that would create supply problems and translate into fuel scarcity and longer queues at the fuel stations. Very simple.”

“Nigeria produces over 1.3 million barrels of crude per day. How is that possible? NNPC Limited can sell crude and make money.” 

“Sorry. Your 1.3 million, 1.4 million barrels have already been used to take loans upfront from Afrexim Bank and other sources. You produce the crude; you use it to pay existing debts. It is a perfect storm.”

“But what of the plan to have an Operation and Maintenance concession with private investors at the Warri and Kaduna Refineries?”

“It is called O and M. If you are an investor, I ask you, will you go and invest your resources in the same refineries that the Nigerian Government has not been able to fix for the past 20 years? Not even the Chinese who are looking for every possible opportunity in Africa will go near that. Why do you think the multinationals are very careful with Nigeria and some of them are using style, style to reduce their risk margins in Nigeria?  A country that cannot protect its biggest assets cannot be trusted. Investors look at risk factors. And I don’t think that refineries should be for concession. They should be privatized. Or sold as scrap. The Nigerian Government cannot run refineries.”

“President Tinubu is in China. He is talking to the Chinese looking for more investments. We pray that he succeeds at the Forum for China- Africa Co-operation (FOCAC)”

“I hear everybody is in China too, with some of your Ministers behaving like they have seen Heaven, the same Heaven that they cannot create here in Nigeria”

“Don’t mind those ones. Very soon there will be a cabinet reshuffle and they will be sent out”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I am not sure of anything. I just think that the President should return to the country to address the many matters arising. He is Minister of Petroleum, and the fuel queues have not disappeared. There is flooding in many of the states.” 

“The President does not have to be on the ground for the country to run properly. That is why he has appointed people to do the job. The fuel scarcity issue is simple. I wish the government can deal with all the rent collectors in the oil and gas sector. They are the ones causing the problems and they are all over the system.  The fuel marketers. The fuel depot owners. The middlemen. The thieves. Tinubu did not cause the crisis. This is one of those things that Tinubu inherited. He is trying to clear the rot in the land. His situation is compounded by the fact that he is coming as President after eight years of Buhari, whose government is remembered for its sleep-walking for eight years!”

  ‘Buhari. Hmm. Have you noticed that since he left office more than one year ago, nobody, I mean nobody, I mean no institution or platform anywhere in the world has invited him to come and give a lecture on any subject, not even cattle rearing? Even his Vice President gets invited all over the world. President Jonathan has been busy virtually every month since he left office in 2015. President Tinubu has a lot to worry about taking over from Buhari”. 

“I am hearing that the Federal Government may increase fuel price. The Minister of State for Petroleum has said that PMS must be sold above the landing cost, at the open market price to stop smuggling and ensure sustainable fuel supply.” 

“One, I don’t think the fuel subsidy regime which government had to go back to is sustainable. It only benefits the rent collectors of Nigeria. Two, I am worried about fuel price going through the roof. What would be the open market price of PMS? N2,000?”

“People are already buying fuel at over N1, 000”

“We have issues with foreign exchange. If we don’t strengthen the Naira, people will groan.” 

“As an economist, I think the pain may be for about two months, then things will stabilize and the market will adjust and self-correct.”

“Please leave economics out of this matter. No economic theory works in Nigeria. When prices go up in this environment, they will refuse to come down and the government will be confronted with another problem.”

“But I hear the Dangote Refinery has started production, up to about 70 to 80%. If they pressurize the refinery further, production levels for PMS could reach 90%.” 

“What you do not know is that Dangote Refinery is a private business. Oil business is international. Dangote Refinery is not a charity outfit. They will sell at open market price and in any case NNPC limited has not yet reached an agreement with the Refinery as to how much fuel should be sold.”

“Are we helpless then? Will fuel price go up?” 

“Things will get worse before they get better.” 

“But how about this thing I am hearing that one British national, Andrew Wynne is working with some other persons to remove Tinubu.  The Police have declared a certain Drew Povey, also a Briton wanted for subversive activities against Tinubu’s government. Povey is accused of renting a space at Labour House in Abuja as a cover for his activities which includes the funding of protests to create anarchy in Nigeria.”

“The same Povey says he has been running an innocent business in Nigeria for about seven years and that he has never done anything wrong.” 

“A sleeper cell in Labour House, shortly after the NLC President was invited by the Police for terrorism related issues? I sense something here. But my position, Bros is that nobody should ever think of talking about removing Tinubu’s government. Britons coming to Nigeria to remove government? That would be pure madness. Anybody that tries any nonsense. No, it is not even trying, if anybody gets so reckless as to think of it, that person and his or her collaborators should be summarily executed. When a Northerner was in power, nobody talked about removing anybody. Now that it is our turn, some animals are talking about removing. This country belongs to all of us. Whoever is frustrated, hungry or angry should wait till the general elections in 2027, and make a choice at the polling station.” 

“I agree with you. The Nigerian Military has also pledged their loyalty to the President and the Nigerian state. Even the Police.” 

“The Police have no option. The retirement age for policemen has just been extended by the Senate from 60 to 65 years. The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has been granted a grace period of four more years.”

“Well, well, well. I really don’t have a problem with that. The extension is not for Egbetokun alone. Other policemen will benefit from it, and every government has a right and the privilege to adopt its own directions. In the. UK, Sir Keir Starmer wants to stop winter fuel privileges. He wants to introduce a more stringent tax regime. The only thing that bothers me is that I know one police officer who is always terrorizing other people, threatening to lock people up. What this new law means is that he would spend more time wearing the police uniform. Useless man.”

“The general belief out there is that the retirement age for policemen was revised just to keep Egbetokun as Inspector General of Police. He is a Tinubu man, they say. And Tinubu wants his own person in that office.” 

“I don’t get it. If you are President, will you as Tinubu appoint Peter Obi’s person or Atiku’s person as IGP? These are commonsense things. What we should expect is performance and better quality from the Nigeria Police Force.”

“You know what I am thinking?” 

“What?”

“With all these problems that we are facing in Nigeria, why would the President buy a new Tokunbo Presidential jet? Why would a member of the National Assembly of Nigeria collect as much as N21 million per month at a time NNPC Ltd says it is facing financial constraints?” 

“You have a point. Nigerian leaders should be seen to identify with the people. Yes. But purchase of PMS is not the same as buying a presidential jet or the N21 million that Senators collect. It doesn’t show on them anyway. Many of these our lawmakers look miserable.”

“It is just that I expect higher standards of conduct.” 

“From who? From Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole for example?”

“Ha. Comrade oh Comrade. I am his fan oh. And I like his contributions on the floor of the Senate. His intervention on the National Anthem issue. His request that the Nigerian military must account for all the money that they collected to fight terrorism and banditry. But Comrade drop person hand oh, with his attack on Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, the wife of Governor Obaseki of Edo State, publicly calling her a barren woman, and asking the couple why they have failed to adopt a child.” 

“I was shocked too. When did Comrade Oshiomhole become a family planning expert. And who ask am question? Wetin concern am?”

“He was actually defending the APC Gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, after Mrs Obaseki while introducing Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo to the women electorate in Ubiaja, South East Local Government said that it is only the PDP candidate that has a wife among all the Gubernatorial aspirants in Edo State. She did not mention anybody’s name.” 

“Having a wife or a child is not a pre-requisite for becoming a Governor. There is no such thing in the Nigerian Constitution. But even if the innuendo lands perfectly where it is targeted, what is Oshiomhole’s own in the matter? We hear more from him than from the APC candidate himself. He has become Okpebholo’s spokesman and campaign manager. I sympathize with the people of Edo State. Instead of their politicians talking about issues – how to fix roads, generate employment, create jobs, promote prosperity, what we now hear is gutter politics – who has a wife who does not have, who has children, who does not have. Who has DSTV, who does not. Terrible” 

“I think the Comrade Senator owes the Obasekis an apology. Politics or no politics, there are things an elder should not say. When JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate in the US election played the same fertility card referring to Kamala Harris as a “childless cat”, there was an uproar. There must be decorum in politics.” 

“Sometimes I actually think that the whole world is going mad. Look at what the South African did to Chidinma Adesina. They pursued her out of the Miss South Africa Beauty Pageant. They threw all kinds of things at her: They said she was married or divorced, the organizers said it did not matter, they said her mother is an identity thief and that she is actually from Mozambique. Nobody remembered that Nelson Mandela, father of modern South Africa also married a former First Lady from Mozambique. When Chidinma was invited to participate in the Miss universe pageant in Nigeria, South African netizens pursued her still. They gave their votes to Miss Kwara. But in the end Miss Chdinma Adesina emerged victorious. A very big story about xenophobia, national identity politics, Nigeria South Africa relations and the love-hate relationship between the peoples of both countries.”

“Quite a moving human story. Congratulations to Chdinma Adesina. Thanks to all the fans who gave her the 15, 482 votes that brought her victory. Perhaps not everyone is going crazy. Some people will always stand by you, no matter what.” 

“What do you think of Nyesom Wike saying he would fight anybody that supports Governor Fubara of Rivers state, be such a person a Governor of another state or anybody at all?”

“Please, Bros, I think my phone is out of credit. I sincerely do not want to discuss Wike.”

Scores of demonstrators took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, demanding the immediate dismissal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over the ongoing fuel scarcity that has plagued the nation.

The protest comes at a time when the NNPCL has admitted that its considerable debt to fuel suppliers is jeopardizing the sustainability of fuel supplies across the country.

The corporation has highlighted that the financial burden is severely impacting its operations and could further destabilize the already fragile fuel supply chain.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who was recently a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, also voiced concerns regarding the rising cost of living, the arbitrary hike in petrol prices, and the resulting scarcity.

Falana emphasized the need to uncover what he described as the “monumental fraud” in Nigeria’s fuel importation process.

During the protest, demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and displayed banners with messages such as “We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working,” “No direction under Kyari,” and “We want accountability in the affairs of NNPCL.”

The protesters decried what they viewed as a dismal performance under Kyari’s leadership, calling for greater transparency and accountability.

The Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, Aminu Abbas, addressed the media at Unity Fountain after the rally, questioning why a country as rich in oil resources as Nigeria continues to face such severe fuel scarcity.

Abbas called for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis and ensure that the country’s refineries are functioning efficiently.

He said, “To President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all those in positions of power, we say the time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not those who profit from our misery. Mr Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced.

“The fuel scarcity we endure today is not just a mere inconvenience; it is a calculated perpetuation of suffering. Under Mr Kyari’s leadership, the situation has gone from bad to worse, with no end in sight. What has he done to alleviate this crisis? It is clear he seems intent on maintaining a status quo that benefits only a select few while the masses suffer.

“Why do we, the people, have to endure endless queues, inflated prices, and the daily uncertainty of whether we can fuel our vehicles or power our homes? The answer lies in the gross incompetence and mismanagement that have become the hallmarks of Mr. Kyari’s leadership.”

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters has put forward a proposal to reduce the salaries of legislators and executive members by 30% and 40%, respectively.

This proposal was discussed on Monday during an interactive session led by Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters.

The session included members of the judiciary and representatives from political parties, focusing on the review and amendment of the Electoral Act 2022.

The proposed salary cuts aim to reduce government expenditure and are part of a broader discussion on cost-saving measures.

Naija News reports that the committee also reviewed other proposals, including conducting all elections; presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly, on a single day to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Additionally, political parties suggested linking voter registration to the National Identity Number (NIN) for improved security and cost efficiency.

They also proposed that the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman should no longer be the responsibility of the executive branch but rather be an open process advertised to interested candidates.

Senator Alli assured that the joint committee would continue to engage with INEC and the public to ensure that future elections are conducted smoothly and with minimal disruptions.

Turkish giants Galatasaray have reached an agreement with Napoli to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen on loan.

The deal comes after Osimhen’s proposed transfers to Chelsea and Al-Ahli fell through during the summer transfer window.

The loan move to Galatasaray offers Osimhen an opportunity to continue his career in Europe, following a successful spell with Napoli, where he made a significant impact in Serie A. Despite interest from top clubs, negotiations with Chelsea and Al-Ahli did not materialize, leading to Galatasaray stepping in. 

Details of the loan agreement, including the duration and potential option to buy, are yet to be fully disclosed. However, this move is seen as a strategic acquisition for Galatasaray, bolstering their attacking options as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions.

Osimhen, known for his speed, strength, and goal-scoring ability, is expected to be a key player for the Turkish club, bringing his experience and talent to the Süper Lig. Fans of Galatasaray are eagerly awaiting his arrival, hoping he will replicate the form that made him a standout player in Italy.

Several protesters who took part in the August 1-10 #EndBadGovernance demonstrations have been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after being charged with treason by the Federal Government.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the protesters’ remand pending the hearing and ruling on their bail application, which is scheduled for September 11, 2024.

The decision came after the accused pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge, which includes allegations of terrorism. 

The charges, which have sparked significant concern among human rights advocates, have brought attention to the government’s handling of the protests, which were primarily focused on issues such as hunger and misgovernance.

More details are expected to emerge as the case progresses, with the next court session set to determine the immediate future of the accused protesters.

British national, Andrew Wynne and a Nigerian, Lucky Ehims were declared wanted by the Nigerian security agents, Police on Monday placed N20m (Twenty Million Naira) bounty on them.

Police in a statement on Monday afternoon said a reward sum of N10,000,000 awaits any person(s) with information leading to the arrest of British national, Andrew Wynne and a Nigerian, Lucky Ehims .

Vanguard had reported how Police had launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyuwa Adejobi said “Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country.

“Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected government.

“Investigations have identified a foreign mercenary, Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey), a British national, who built a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos.

“He rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.

“Documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.

“He mobilized and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobilize the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that would instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government.

“These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws.

“Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan have accordingly been declared wanted and global hunting for them has commenced in connection with this investigation.

“The ten other suspects already apprehended have been arraigned before a competent court of law on Monday, September 2, 2024, for Criminal Conspiracy, Terrorism Financing, Treasonable Felony, Subversion, and Cybercrime.

“They include; Angel Love Innocent (Female), Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Michael Tobitoba Adaramoye aka Leni, Suleiman Yakubu, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Abayomi Adeyemi, Abdulsalam Zubairu (M), Nuradeen Hamis, and Bashir Bello.

“These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws

The force also appealed to the public to assist in any useful information that will help their investigations, saying if Andrew Wynne and Lucky Ehims are seen, they should be arrested and “hand over to the nearest Police Station, or to the office of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Force Intelligence, Force Headquarters, Abuja, or call 08035179870, 09133333785, 09133333786. A reward sum of N10,000,000 awaits any person(s) with information leading to the arrest of each of them”.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, said that it has written a letter to Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to appear before the recently constituted Disciplinary Committee of the party to answer petitions against him over alleged anti-party activities.

The party also described as disappointing Wike’s recent threat of setting political fire in states controlled by PDP governors who have declared support for their Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara.

Deputy national publicity secretary of PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who who disclosed this on Channels TV’s breakfast show, ‘Sunrise Daily’, said Wike should have been able to manage his words carefully, adding that the party does not support his comments.

Recall that the PDP recently inaugurated a Disciplinary Committee headed by former minister of foreign affairs, High Chief Tom Ikimi.

But, shortly after the committee’s inauguration, former national vice chairman of PDP and a member of the committee, Chief Bode George, a known Wike ally, resigned from the committee claiming that it was lopsided.

However, Wike had over the weekend threatened to cause political crisis in the respective states of the governors who decide to support Fubara against him over control of the River State PDP structure.

Recall that PDP Governors’ Forum had during their recent meeting in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, declared support for Fubara, who has been having a running political battle with the minister.

But, addressing the PDP stakeholders during the party’s state congress in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said: “Let me assure you, not while we live, will anybody take away the PDP structure from us.

“Let me tell you people; I hear that there are some governors who said they will take away the structure and give to somebody. I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states.

“When God has given you peace, you said you don’t want peace; whatever you see, you take.”

Reacting, however, the deputy national publicity secretary of the party disclosed that Wike is one of those whom party members have written petitions against for alleged anti-party activities, adding that the committee “has written him a letter inviting him over,” to appear before them.

“We have received petitions with regards to anti-party on those sabotaging the party all through the primaries leading up to where we are today. Those petitions have been aggregated across the country.”

When asked specifically about petitions against Wike, he revealed that party members felt Wike should not have gotten this far still as a member of the party.

He added, “Nyesom Wike is one of the persons expected to face that committee which is headed by no less a person than High Chief Tom Ikimi.”

He said the current party leadership should be given credit for “being able to navigate the waters by not sanctioning people without giving them an opportunity of fair hearing” as against what happened under the immediate-past national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

On the recent threat by Wike against governors over the River crisis, Abdullahi said: “He (Wike) was referring to something and it was clear for everybody to see that he was referring to the governor of Bauchi State over his interference in the congress in the determination of the congress in Rivers State. I don’t know if Wike will be fair to himself if he expects the governor of Bauchi, who is the chairman of the governors forum and the leader of the PDP going forward to keep quiet in the issues affecting Rivers State because that is one of our states and we worked so hard to get that state. Wike should have been able to manage his words carefully.

“It was a very disappointing remark, we were not expecting him to say that and we are not with him on that.”

When asked if the party was on the side of Bauchi State governor on the matter, he said, “We are with Wike and everybody. What we are saying is that that is a very bad statement for Wike to make and we are not in support of it.”

On resolving the crisis in the party, he said PDP has handled more delicate issues in the past, adding that the current impasse is “one of them and we will go past it.”

The Deputy National Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi, has said the three leading opposition figures in Nigeria are discussing the possibility of a merger to salvage Nigerians from hunger and widespread insecurity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Abdullahi made this statement on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday.

According to him, the three opposition candidates in the last elections—PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)—would put personal interests aside and form a formidable alliance to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 and salvage Nigerians from hunger.

He said that had the party’s past leadership managed differences and party conflicts well, high-ranking chieftains like former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Kwankwaso, and Obi would still be full-blooded members of the PDP, and the party would have defeated Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election.

“We’ve lost Kwankwaso, we’ve lost Peter Obi, all of these people; imagine if they were in the party, we would have won the elections.

“This APC said they defeated us with one million plus (votes); just one of these names that I mentioned would have covered that gap for us, and we would have been in power today, and certainly Nigerians would not have been confronted with this despair and despondency in the land,” he said.