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Quadri Alabi, the campaign poster boy for Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party has said that he wants to go to school.
Alabi pleaded with Nigerians to support his mother in her petty business to enable her carter for him and his siblings.
In a video seen by Politics Nigeria, Alabi said, “I want to go to school…people should help my mother because she doesn’t have anything she’s doing…please if anybody can help us, we’d appreciate it.”
This call by the teenager comes barely hours after he was acquitted and released by the court after being incarcerated in Kirikiri prison by the Police.
Alabi was framed up by some touts who were angered by his failure to share donations made to him by Peter Obi and his supporters after he went viral during the election campaign.
Also, in a separate appeal, Alabi’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong called for fundraising for the teenager education and entire well-being of his family.
In a post on X, Effiong said, “Following my discussion with the family of Quadri Alabi and at their request, I hereby appeal to all conscientious organizations, individuals, and corporate entities to offer immediate financial assistance to Quadri to enable him and his family relocate from their present community and home.
“Amukoko is no longer safe for them, those behind his travails can easily target him or his family members again,” the lawyer wrote.
Continuing with the post titled, ‘Urgent Fundraising for Quadri Alabi’, Effiiong said the appeal became necessary following threats received by the teenager and his mother.
He added, “Upon the release of Quadri at the court, it became apparent that it is no longer safe for them to return to their home. Due to the urgency and severity of the situation, we have paid for and lodged them in a hotel for tonight.
“In addition to the necessity of relocation, Quadri’s mother who is a ‘petty trader’, has also pleaded with Nigerians to assist her financially to enable her cater for herself and her children. Her husband (Quadri’s father) is deceased,” he said.
He also stated that Alabi needs to be rehabilitated as he has expressed the desire to go to school.
He also stated that the teenager said he is open to acquiring a skill.
Effiong added, “If you are minded to assist, kindly send your support to the account details below:
“Account No: 0092695127
Bank: Sterling Bank
Account Name: Quadri Yusuf Alabi
“We will do our best this time to ensure that whatever is donated to Quadri is properly utilized and not misappropriated,” Effiong added.
Five hundred and seventy-four schools across Nigeria have had their licences revoked by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
The schools’ licences were revoked after they were found guilty of various forms of examination malpractices
According to WAEC, the schools would no longer be allowed to conduct examination starting from the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The 2025 WASSCE has been scheduled to commence on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Making the declaration on Thursday, Amos Dangut, the head of WAEC’s national office said the list of the affected schools has been sent to the Federal Government for onward action.
“This year, we have shared with them a total of 574 schools that have their recognition withdrawn and that is also going to be the same for all examining bodies.
“So, these are those that have got their license revoked as far as the examination centre is concerned. So we will not conduct examinations there. We don’t know them as far as conducting examinations” Dangut said
Over 30 cows have reportedly died after a suspected case of poisoning of the animals in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Killed under mysterious circumstances, the cows – 32 in number – belonged to a local herder who operates along the Zawura-Jebbu Miango axis, between Dutsen Kura and Jebbu Miango of the state.
Samaila Nuhu, the herder of the deceased cattle told a security expert, Zagazola Makama that the animals started presenting strange symptoms after grazing.
Nuhu said he believes his animals were poisoned intentionally by some yet-to-be-identified persons.
However, it was gathered that troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have successfully intervened in the matter.
The troops were said to have been deployed to the area following a distress call received by the OPSH.
Further investigation led to the discovery of suspected poisoned vegetables including tomatoes and eggs that were littered across a field with no single residential structure on it.
Recall that over 50 people were killed in five different communities in Bassa LGA by some suspected armed herders.
The attack in Bassa LGA followed an attack on Bokkos LGA by some suspected herders in the past week
Police faces N100 million law suit over arrest of viral teen who stood before Peter Obi’s convoy
AFOLABI
Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to pay ₦100 million in compensation to 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, who was wrongfully detained for months at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility on allegations of armed robbery.
Quadri gained public attention in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections after a video of him standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, went viral.
Shortly afterward, the teenager was arrested by police and charged with armed robbery — a charge his family has consistently denied.
On Thursday, a Magistrate Court in Apapa, Lagos, presided over by Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi, ordered Quadri’s release following legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, who found no basis for the charges.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the ruling, Effiong praised the DPP for “standing by the truth” and described Quadri’s ordeal as a reflection of the “monstrous impunity” within the Nigeria Police Force.
Effiong also issued a stern demand to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Amukoko Division, and to subject him and the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Odigbe Samuel, to an orderly room trial.
He accused them and other officers of orchestrating a “sinister and corrupt scheme” to frame the teenager at the instigation of local miscreants.
In addition to monetary compensation, Effiong is demanding a formal and public apology from the police to Quadri. He warned that failure to meet these demands would result in legal action.
His words: “Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force.
“There are many Quadris languishing in detention centres across Nigeria because of the unbridled criminality, lawlessness, and lack of accountability in the Police institution and the weakness of the justice system. History will vindicate the just.”
The House of Representatives on Thursday expressed deep concern over reports of the crash of a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme – CBEX, calling for an urgent crackdown by all security agencies on the perpetrators of the economic crime.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the scheme has trapped over ₦1.3 trillion belonging to thousands of Nigerians.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, in a statement expressed the House’s sympathy to Nigerians experiencing distress due to the complex scam.
Rotimi emphasised that the Investment and Securities Act (ISA), 2025, which was approved by the National Assembly and enacted into law has made Ponzi schemes and similar frauds illegal, imposing harsher penalties, including potential imprisonment for up to 10 years.
According to him, “Preliminary findings indicate that the platform, which is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), deceptively adopted the name “CBEX”.
He highlighted that CBEX may not be affiliated with the legitimate China Beijing Equity Exchange.
This Chinese equity trading institution has disavowed any involvement in digital asset trading or operations in Nigeria.
“This large-scale fraudulent scheme, which promised unrealistic returns and preyed on public trust, highlights the growing risks posed by unregulated digital investment platforms.
“The House notes that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force have already commenced coordinated investigations, working with Interpol to track the perpetrators, safeguard investors, and recover withheld funds where possible.
“We urge these agencies to sustain swift and effective action in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the masterminds behind this massive financial crime.”
The House also underscores the importance of the recently enacted Investment and Securities Act (ISA), 2025, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
“This landmark legislation – resulting from sustained legislative efforts across the 8th, 9th, and 10th Assemblies – strengthens the SEC’s enforcement powers, criminalises Ponzi schemes and related frauds, and introduces stricter penalties, including up to ten years’ imprisonment.
“Through these reforms, the investor protection responsibility of the SEC has been enhanced, reinforcing its mandate to shield Nigerians from fraudulent investment activities,” Rotimi noted.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions, Solomon Bob, said, “We must continue to confront financial fraud with the full weight of the law. But beyond enforcement, we must invest in public awareness. Financial literacy is not optional; it is essential in building a resilient, inclusive economy. Fraudsters thrive where ignorance prevails.”
Bob also advised, “Nigerians to exercise utmost caution and verify all investment opportunities with the SEC and other regulators. Citizens must remain vigilant to the hallmarks of fraud, especially promises of high returns with little or no risk.
“Furthermore, public figures, celebrities, and influencers are reminded of their civic and legal duties. Under the new ISA, promoting unregistered investment schemes could attract liability for aiding financial misrepresentation and consumer deception.
“The House calls on schools, faith-based organisations, media outlets, and civil society groups to support a national effort to promote financial education and protect the public from predatory schemes.
“In line with the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda (2023-2027), particularly Agenda 4 on Economic Growth and Development, the House reaffirms its commitment to securing the financial welfare of Nigerians.
“We will continue to support sound legislation, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and promote capital markets that are safe, transparent, and inclusive.”
Popular Nigerian skitmaker and activist Adebowale Adedayo who is popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has reignited political discourse on social media after replying to a series of old tweets made by President Bola Tinubu in 2014, during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
The tweets, originally posted when Tinubu was a vocal opposition leader under the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticised the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over issues of national trust, security, and leadership competence.
Mr Macaroni reworded and reposted the same tweets, only replacing the PDP and Jonathan’s names with APC and Tinubu’s, to highlight what many see as similar or worsening issues under the current administration.
One of Tinubu’s tweets from September 24, 2014 read, “The entire nation has lost its trust in the ruling party, PDP. It is a challenging time and we have to be very careful.”
Mr Macaroni responded with a mirrored post, “The entire nation has lost its trust in the ruling party, APC. It is a challenging time and we have to be very careful.”
He also referenced another 2014 tweet where Tinubu condemned attacks on Christian worshippers and questioned then-President Jonathan’s competence.
“The slaughtering of Christian worshippers is strongly condemnable. It calls to question the competence of Jonathan to protect Nigerians,” Tinubu tweeted in 2014.
Mr Macaroni responded with nearly identical wording, questioning President Tinubu’s ability to protect Nigerians amid ongoing insecurity in parts of the country.
“The slaughtering of Christian worshippers is strongly condemnable. It calls to question the competence of Tinubu to protect Nigerians.”
Tinubu had also tweeted in 2014, “Nigeria’s security situation is precarious, Nigerians are tired of excuses and explanations. They want protection for their lives and property.”
In reaction, Mr Macaroni retweeted, “Nigeria’s security situation is precarious Nigerians are tired of excuses and explanations. They want protection for their lives and property.”
The United States Department of Homeland Security said Harvard University will lose its privilege to enroll foreign students if it does not meet the Trump administration’s requirements to share information on some visa holders.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also announced on Wednesday that two DHS grants totalling more than $2.7 million to Harvard will be terminated.
Noem said she wrote a letter to Harvard demanding records on what she called the “illegal and violent activities” of Harvard’s foreign student visa holders by April 30.
“And if Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,” Noem said in a statement.
A Harvard spokesperson said the university knew Noem’s letter “regarding grant cancellations and scrutiny of foreign student visas.”
The spokesperson said the university stood by its statement earlier in the week to “not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights” while saying it will comply with the law.
Trump’s administration has threatened universities with federal funding cuts over pro-Palestinian campus protests against United States ally Israel’s devastating military assault on Gaza after a deadly October 2023 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants.
Trump casts the protesters as foreign policy threats who are antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas.
Protesters, including some Jewish groups, said the Trump administration wrongly conflates their advocacy for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza with support for extremism and antisemitism.
The Trump administration is also attempting to deport some foreign protesters and has revoked hundreds of visas across the country.
“With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaos – DHS won’t,” Noem said, adding an “anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology” existed at Harvard.
Operatives of the Kano State Hisbah Board have arrested a 24-year-old man, Shamsu Yakubu, for allegedly engaging in an obscene act with a she goat.
Shamsu was captured in a viral video on social media licking the genitalia of the animal. The suspect, a resident of Dawakin Kudu local government area of Kano State, was apprehended on Tuesday after the video surfaced on TikTok.
He was heard instructing another unseen person to film him in the act. The footage has sparked widespread outrage among residents of the State and netizens on social media.
In the video, Shamsu says he was doing the act to gain attention online. When questioned, he admitted to staging the scene in an attempt to “to trend” and gain fame on social media platforms.
His queer behaviour has been met with strong condemnation from his community members, some of whom threatened to take matters into their own hands. However, a local community leader intervened and reported the incident to the Islamic Police known as Hisbah Board, prompting swift action.
During initial interrogation by the Hisbah operatives, Shamsu denied actually licking the goat’s genitalia, claiming he merely placed his mouth close to the animal’s private part. He also insisted it was the first time he had done anything of the sort and promised not to repeat the behaviour.
The suspect further denied being under the influence of drugs or any intoxicating substance at the time. Nonetheless, the Hisbah Board has ordered comprehensive psychiatric and drug evaluations to ascertain his mental and physical state.
Reacting to the incident, the Deputy Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Mujahidden Aminuddeen Abubakar, strongly condemned Shamsu’s actions, describing them as not only disgraceful but also deeply offensive to Islamic teachings and moral standards.
“It is tragic that a Muslim man would subject himself to such a disgraceful act, ignoring all religious and ethical values. This individual clearly lacks any proper understanding of Islam. His pursuit of cheap social media fame has led him into disgrace,” Sheikh Abubakar said.
The Hisbah Board reaffirmed its commitment to upholding moral values and warned against any attempts to erode the cultural and religious fabric of the state through indecent acts, especially those shared publicly for attention-seeking.
Fresh insight has emerged regarding the delay in the appointment of Nigerian ambassadors, with Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirming that the list of nominees has been with President Bola Tinubu for over a year.
Speaking in a recent interview, Tuggar revealed that while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had long submitted its list of proposed ambassadors, the president’s focus on urgent economic reforms and other state matters contributed to the delay.
“The president has to forward the names to the Senate for screening, and thereafter, there will be a request where we will assign ambassadors to the nations where they will go…” he stated.
According to Tuggar, the nomination list was prepared shortly after the Tinubu administration came into office in 2023. However, sweeping macroeconomic policies, including the removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, took precedence.
President Tinubu’s economic reforms, announced during his May 29, 2023, inauguration, led to currency devaluation and economic readjustments. Four months later, all serving ambassadors were recalled, but none have since been reappointed.
Explaining further, the minister cited logistical and financial constraints as contributing factors to the delay, particularly those affecting Nigeria’s 109 missions abroad.
“There were even shortfalls because we had different exchange rates and then we had huge fluctuations in the exchange rate as well. This further compounded the issue of funding missions and also funding the sending out of ambassadors,” Tuggar said.
Despite the prolonged wait, the minister assured that appointments would be made “soon,” and gave a glimpse into the composition of the list sent to the president.
“It is a mixture,” he said. “In fact, the list being contemplated has more political appointees than the career ambassadors.”
When probed about the number of political appointees, Tuggar said that such decisions lie at the president’s discretion. He also defended the inclusion of non-career diplomats, referencing his own time as a political appointee to Germany under a previous administration.
“The same way that you have competent political appointees and you have some that are not equally competent. By the way, I was a former political appointee as an ambassador,” he said.
Reports emerged last week suggesting some nominees had already undergone security clearance. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed these claims.
“Be rest assured that when it is ready, Mr President will transmit the list of nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation,” said ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Despite increased allocations in naira to Nigeria’s foreign missions, fluctuations in exchange rates continue to hamper their operational funding. While budgets are set in naira, funds are often disbursed in U.S. dollars and converted again into local currencies at the missions’ destinations—leading to value losses.
Nigerian cultural tours
Minister Tuggar noted that steps are being taken to stabilize funding and improve the sustainability of Nigeria’s foreign service infrastructure.
“First is ensuring the stability in the exchange rates… now we have a single exchange rate that allows for stability and predictability,” he explained.
He added that the ministry had presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council to begin rationalizing foreign properties and pursue public-private partnerships aimed at making some missions self-sustaining.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has endorsed Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno’s bid for a second term—barely 24 hours after the latter publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election.
Governor Eno, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had on Tuesday declared his support for President Tinubu to serve a second term in office.
The gesture was reciprocated by Akpabio, a key leader within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at a public lecture hosted by the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Uyo, Akpabio lauded the governor’s rare political gesture and pledged the support of the party in return.
“Sir, for doing that, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress. I am speaking for the elders and to tell you we are also going to support you for a second term,” the Senate President declared, leading to applause from attendees, including Governor Eno.
“We will support you in whatever aspiration you have. Yesterday, you broke a record by being the first opposition governor to declare support for a second term bid of Mr Tinubu,” Akpabio added during his goodwill remarks at the lecture.
Akpabio was represented at the event by Saviour Enyiekere, Chairperson of the National Assembly Service Commission.
The event also doubled as a celebration of Governor Eno’s recent academic achievement. The governor, an alumnus of the University of Uyo, had recently earned a doctorate in Political Science with a specialisation in Public Administration. He served as guest speaker at the event, delivering a speech on “Leading Economic Development in Sub-Nationals of the Nigerian Federation: The Arise Agenda.”
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The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, April 16, called for peace and unity among Nigerians across all regions, ethnicities, and religions.
Shettima said Nigerians have no business fighting each other no matter the provocation.
The Vice President said this during the Validation Workshop on Framework for the Anticipatory Action for Nigeria at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja.
Condemning the repeated killings by some yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Plateau state, Shetiltima said Nigerians should rather be United in fighting poverty.
He said, “We have no business fighting each other. We should be fighting poverty.
“The heart of the President bleeds, as does my heart and the heart of every conscientious Nigerian and African, with the tragedy unfolding in Plateau State.”
Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organization, Afenifere, has criticized the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying it is working against democratic federalism.
The group added that the actions of President Tinubu have been autocratic and targeted at silencing all dissenting voices.
Naija News reports that the position of Afenifere was made known by the faction loyal to late Pa Ayo Adebanjo in a statement signed by its leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye.
The group argued that the current administration led by Tinubu is “de-structuring the Nigerian federation” and “stifling democratic freedoms.”
It accused the Tinubu government of usurping the federating units, the judiciary and the legislative arm, displaying unrestricted abuse of basic rights of freedom of speech and association, spiralling insecurity, and destruction of the country’s economic fabric, among other things.
It also specifically condemned the ban of the song, ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem.
According to the Afenifere faction, “Instead of restructuring towards a prosperous egalitarian federation, President Tinubu is destructuring Nigeria with his autocratic attack on the fundamental pillars of democratic federalism.
“With the blatant usurpation of the federating units, the judiciary and the legislative arm, the abuse of basic rights of freedom of speech and association, spiralling insecurity, and destruction of our economic fabric, and among other things, we can’t but wonder how much more can the federation take before imploding, and the wheels come off our manifest destiny.
“Freedom of speech, a basic tenet of democracy, has repeatedly been under attack. This suppression of democratic freedoms, most instantiated by the banning of ‘Tell Your Papa’ by Eedris Abdulkareem, a fair response to the atrocious claims made by Seyi Tinubu on the state of the nation.
“The autocratic ban signals a leadership tendency that is disconnected from citizens’ realities, essentially inclined to maintaining autocratic control than fostering a milieu of freedom and creativity. The ban destructs the principles of democracy, is evidence of the increasing disregard for dissenting voices in Nigeria, potentially silencing artists and stifling creativity and the progress we need to move forward as a society.”
Growing Insecurity
The group blamed the growing insecurity and attacks in some parts of the country on the inability of the government to manage the affairs of citizens, leading to frustration in many quarters.
“Insecurity incidents, as contained in the recent report of HumAngle’s Conflict Tracker, have accounted for the death of 1,420 Nigerians, with over 537 reportedly kidnapped across the country in the first quarter of 2025,” it said.
Demand For State Police
Afenifere, however, said the establishment of State Police would go a long way in addressing the various security challenges. It also called on the government to consider ranching as a way to prevent further clashes among farmers and herders in the country.
“The renewed unrestrained violence of Fulani herdsmen and bandits highlight the need for the government to address the root cause of these conflicts-open grazing- and outrightly ban it, while enforcing and promoting the more sustainable and safe alternative- ranching.”
“Specifically, we call on the government to deploy effective security strategies to protect lives and property, ensuring Nigerians can live without fear of violence or attack. We, again, call for the establishment of state police to complement existing internal security architecture.
“Politics aside, all management principles and best practices inform us that a single police hierarchy is not sufficient to provide the security required by a nation of our size and diversity.
“Yet due to personal political consideration, the Tinubu government has refused to create State Police as killings and kidnapping rise, threatening our national cohesiveness,” the group added.
Tinubu Is Now A Bad Man Because You Did Not Get Ministerial Appointment – Buhari’s Ally Accuses El-Rufai Of Undermining Northern Unity
AFOLABI
A former House of Representatives minority leader and Muhammadu Buhari’s ally, Farouk Adamu Aliu has accused erstwhile governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai of undermining Northern unity for personal reasons.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television Politics Today, Aliu questioned El-Rufai’s shift in stance regarding President Bola Tinubu.
He pointed out how the former governor rallied Northern Governors to support Tinubu’s presidential candidacy, but has now decided to jump ship after failing to secure a ministerial position.
He said, “We the elites of this country are simply not being fair to the people. We don’t kill ourselves, so why do we allow the masses to kill themselves for our own selfish reasons?
“When Tinubu was contesting to be President, El-Rufai led the Governors of the North to challenge the Northern Elders to do the right thing and support President Tinubu.”
Aliu expressed disappointment at El-Rufai’s recent criticisms of Tinubu, suggesting that El-Rufai’s discontent stemmed from not securing a ministerial appointment.
“Now, because he didn’t get a ministerial appointment, Tinubu is suddenly a bad man?” Aliu questioned.
He reminded that Buhari’s victory was achieved with Tinubu’s assistance, questioning El-Rufai’s sudden shift in perspective, “Buhari got elected with Tinubu’s assistance, now because Tinubu is in government, all of a sudden he doesn’t like the North?”
2027: ‘Only A Coalition With Other Political Parties Can Rescue Power From APC’ — PDP Chieftain
AFOLABI
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ladan Salihu, has emphasised the necessity of a united opposition to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a Thursday appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Salihu declared that collaboration among political parties is the only viable path to reclaim power from the APC.
“We all agreed during our meeting with Atiku and others that we should go into a coalition with other political parties to democratically rescue power from the APC. Coming together is strategic, helpful, and will generate the numbers necessary to succeed,” Salihu revealed.
Naija News reports that this aligns with recent remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who signalled that any forthcoming opposition alliance ahead of 2027 will not be confined to just one political platform.
The former FRCN DG cautioned that without such alignment, President Bola Tinubu’s re-election would be almost guaranteed. “From where we stand today, there’s no way the PDP alone can secure victory. If we don’t collaborate and bring all stakeholders under one umbrella, Tinubu will return,” he warned.
Beyond coalition politics, Salihu also raised serious concerns about internal power dynamics within the PDP. He criticised the recent PDP Governors’ Forum meeting held in Ibadan, labelling it a breach of the party’s constitution.
“The PDP has a pedigree and history guided by its constitution, just like any country operates under the rule of law,” he said. “What we saw with the outcome of the governors’ meeting in Ibadan was a misstep. It appears to me that the Governors’ Forum has taken over the powers of the National Executive Committee (NEC), and that is unconstitutional.”
Salihu noted that the actions of the governors could weaken the party’s internal democracy. “To assume that a forum within the party can come up, organise a national convention, create committees with chairmen and members from within itself, and assume full control of the party structure — that is overriding and unconstitutional,” he stated.
He also pointed to the conspicuous absence of members from the National Working Committee (NWC) and NEC during the governors’ meeting, calling the development exclusionary.
“Everything I have seen in the actions of the Governors’ Forum is an abuse of the constitutionality of the PDP,” Salihu said.
Reflecting on the party’s past missteps, he issued a stern warning: “If this trend continues, it would be as though we are a party that shoots first and aims later. We end up in blame games when we lose, instead of taking timely and strategic decisions. The governors must not be dictatorial.”