Politics

2027 Elections: PDP ticket zoning to South splits North

Published

7 months ago

August 27, 2025

The decision by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria has pitted various northern groups in different camps, with many describing the development as undemocratic and contrary to the spirit of fair competition.

The National Executive Committee of the party, at its 102nd meeting on Monday, zoned the presidential ticket to the South, while retaining the current National Working Committee headed by Ambassador Umar Damagum.

Although, prominent northern figures in the PDP, including foundation members like former Information Minister, Prof Jerry Gana have been in the forefront urging the party to go south in its search of a candidate to vie against President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress; some northern stakeholders have warned of the danger of losing significant votes in a region known for its voting strength.

The National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, on tuesday stated that the PDP’s decision to zone its ticket has raised many questions that require answers.

“By preemptively zoning the presidential ticket to the South, the PDP appears to be constraining fundamental rights, effectively sidelining potential candidates from the North who may possess the requisite qualifications and vision to lead the country. This decision not only diminishes the political strength of Northern voters but also risks alienating a significant portion of the electorate who may feel that their choices are being dictated by party machinations rather than genuine democratic processes.” This, he said, may give President Tinubu an easy ride against his potential opponents.

“As the APC prepares to nominate President Tinubu for re-election, the implications of the PDP’s zoning decision become even more pronounced. Tinubu, a seasoned politician with considerable influence and a well-established political network, is likely to leverage his incumbency and the support of the APC to solidify his position. In this context, the North may find itself in a unique position, one that could lead to a strategic consensus in favour of Tinubu rather than the PDP.

“The northern political landscape is characterised by a complex interplay of ethnic, religious, and regional interests. Historically, Northern leaders have often prioritised unity and consensus-building as a means of navigating Nigeria’s diverse political terrain. However, the PDP’s decision to zone the presidential ticket to the South could inadvertently galvanise northern political actors to consolidate their support around Tinubu.

“The North, recognising the potential risks of a divided political front, may opt to rally behind the incumbent, particularly if they perceive that the PDP’s choice is exclusionary and undermines their representation.

“The North’s support for Tinubu could be further reinforced by the perception that the PDP’s zoning strategy is not only politically motivated but also detrimental to the principles of democracy. In this light, Northern leaders may view their alignment with the APC as a means of safeguarding democratic ideals by promoting a candidate who, despite his Southern roots, has demonstrated an understanding of the complexities of Nigerian governance and has the potential to address the diverse needs of the nation,” he added.

Groups reject move

Leaders from the North Central zone, under the platform of the North Central Renaissance Movement, rejected the PDP’s zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the chairperson of the movement, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, argued that in the spirit of fairness, the presidential ticket should have been zoned to the North Central, as it remains the only zone yet to produce either a President or Vice President in a democratic dispensation.

He said, “As leaders of the North Central, we reject the PDP decision that zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

“Some have taken to armed struggle and branded themselves as freedom fighters. But in the North Central, the nationalist movement has never gone down that path and will never descend so low as to inflict harm, injury, or pain on the Nigerian state. Ours will always remain an intellectual struggle.

“Yet, despite numerous appeals, especially to our major political parties, to recognise a zone that has been consistently shortchanged politically, the only zone since independence that has never produced a civilian President or Vice President, the neglect continues. As we speak, political parties in Nigeria still take us for granted, undermining and despising our demands, even when they are peaceful, even when these are backed by facts.

He noted that despite the region’s abundant human and natural resources, Nigeria’s major political parties continued to sideline the zone.

He added, “Zoning is not just about North and South; within these blocs, fairness must extend to zones that have never been given the chance. And this is why we insist that any political party that fails to zone the 2027 presidency to the North, and more importantly to the North Central, risks losing millions of votes from our people.

“Our people, especially the younger generation, are tired of recycled and uninspiring leaders. They want fresh leadership rooted in fairness and inclusion. This is why our agitation goes beyond the simple North–South dichotomy. We are demanding equity within the Nigerian federation. It is not too much to ask that the North Central, a zone with solid credentials and undeniable contributions, be given the chance to prove itself in civilian leadership.”

Also, a coalition of northern youth groups under the umbrella of the Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations described the move as “anti-democratic, unjust, and a monumental betrayal” of the region.

The group, at a press conference on Tuesday in Kaduna, warned the opposition party of grave political consequences if it failed to reverse the zoning arrangement.

Speaking at the briefing, JACON’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Sani Yaya, said, “The Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations has received with utter shock and profound dismay the anti-democratic and unjust decision by the PDP to zone its presidential candidacy for the 2027 elections exclusively to the Southern part of Nigeria.

“This decision is not only a grave affront to the principles of fairness and justice but also a monumental betrayal of the massive and unwavering support the North has given the PDP since the inception of the Fourth Republic. It is a reckless move that negates the very spirit of national unity and rotational equity, which the party claims to uphold.”

Similarly, political analysts believe the zoning debate could deepen internal cracks within the opposition party, especially as it struggles to rebuild following its defeat in the 2015 general elections.

A Kaduna-based analyst, Dr Ibrahim Ahmed, told The PUNCH that JACON’s position reflects a growing discontent among northern stakeholders who feel marginalised by the PDP.

“The North has always been a critical voting bloc for the PDP. If the party insists on zoning the ticket to the South, it risks losing its strongest electoral base,” he said. “But at the same time, the PDP leadership may argue that national unity requires a balance of power rotation.”

On its part, the Coalition of Northern Groups said the zoning was a deliberate attempt to shortchange the North of its democratic right.

CNG’s National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, said “Even though it is a party affair and it is left for the party to decide, the reality is that it should be an open contest whereby every Nigerian has the right to contest for any seat in this country. I see no reason why the North should be exempted.

“In politics, it should be an open contest. When you zone both the National Chairman and the presidency to one region, it becomes a problem. The tradition has been that when the chairman comes from the North, the president emerges from the South, and vice versa. But restricting it this way will shortchange those with capacity, integrity and passion for the country,” he added.

CNG’s Chairman, Mohammed Deba, however, noted that political parties are at liberty to make their choices. “We believe all the parties should be free and fair to all. It’s a strategy for them (the PDP), having tried the north in 2023.”

ACF wades in

Joining the conversation, the Arewa Consultative Forum has said it is too early to conclude the issue of zoning as done by the PDP in its NEC meeting.

The Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, while speaking in an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, said, “Things are unfolding; so it is a bit premature to take a position on the matter.

“At any rate, it is a bit premature to make calculations or reach conclusions on the matter since the necessary processes leading to the 2027 elections are yet to officially commence.

“As it is, the permutations for the 2027 elections are within the internal business of political parties. As it is known, the ACF does not take a stand on purely partisan political matters,” he said.

Also speaking, former ACF’s Secretary General, Anthony Sani, said it was the politics of zoning that “Made it possible for Bola Tinubu to prevail over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the North in 2023, stressing that “It is perhaps that consideration that has informed the decision by PDP to zone its presidency to the South for 2027.”

Sani added, “If the presidency will be in the North in 2031, it means the North will vote for President Tinubu, who cannot be president beyond 2031. The North is therefore not left in the cold by waiting for its turn in 2031.”

Saraki, Dingyadi differ

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, threw his weight behind the move to have the South fly the PDP presidential flag in 2027.

Speaking through his Media Adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the ex-Kwara State governor said, “As head of the party’s panel, Saraki played a major role in bringing back the peace and unity in the party today.

“Following Buhari’s eight years, it’s obvious that the South should also be given eight years. The party had also given the ticket to the North in 2019 and 2023, so it’s fair that it should go to the South (in 2027).

“If the party’s zoning committee, headed by Bayelsa State Governor (Duoye Diri), recommended that NWC positions occupied by northerners should remain as it is, while those occupied by southerners should also remain in the South, it means that the right thing to do is to zone the ticket to the South since the party chairman is automatically from the North.”

According to him, the position taken by the PDP would make it easier for members and those with the intent to join the party to know where they stand.

“With this, PDP is even more stable than the APC now. Go to Delta and Akwa Ibom States. Ask their governors who defected to the APC how comfortable they are now. APC is telling them, ‘You can’t just come and take the party ticket.’”

But another PDP chieftain, Yusuf Dingyadi, strongly criticised the party’s decision to zone the ticket to the South, warning that the move could weaken the PDP’s chances and alienate its northern supporters.

Dingyadi, who spoke to The PUNCH in Sokoto, described the resolution of the party’s NEC as “unfortunate” and ill-timed, saying the party should have focused on rebuilding unity and strengthening internal cohesion before taking a position on zoning.

“The PDP could have skipped the issue of political struggle and instead concentrated on unity, cohesion, and building a stronger platform before talking about positions. Rushing to zone out the presidency is uncalled for, ill-advised, and lacking wisdom,” Dingyadi said.

Dingyadi warned that the zoning decision may push many northern supporters to look for an alternative platform to pursue their political aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections.

He lamented that the PDP had veered off the vision of its founding fathers, saying the party had turned into “a commodity for the highest bidders.”

“The leadership of the party has become too weak to the point that governors dictate its future. The (Nyesom) Wike group, in particular, has been given too much power to decide the fate of the PDP before 2027,” he alleged.

MBF backs South

Meanwhile, the Middle Belt Forum came out in defence of the PDP’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

In an interview with The PUNCH in Jos on Tuesday, the National President of the Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu, said the PDP’s decision is fair and in line with the party’s zoning system.

“The PDP is just following its own laid down procedure agreed by its members who are also Northerners since 1999 that the presidency will rotate between the North and the South. So, all they have done is to keep to that agreement which they have in their party.

“Every party has its zoning system. PDP got it wrong in 2023, and at that time, going by their zoning formula, it should have gone to the South.

“The PDP’s interest, at the moment, lies in their ability to secure government and unite their people, especially the G-5 Governors who revolted in 2023. So, it is only proper and wise for them to zone the presidency to the South at this time, being part of their tradition and practice since 1999 when they formed government.”

In its contribution, the Niger State chapter of the party has said that the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the party to the south is acceptable to the north.

The Niger North Zonal chairman of the party, Yahaya Ability, said, “That is what we agreed on, and I’m sure that the zones will respect that agreement. It is accepted by the entire chairmen of the states chapter because before we came out with this, the states chairmen forum- 36 of them, including the FCT, have agreed on this and the Board of Trustees also met and agreed on this. That is why I said it is the final resolution.

Nasarawa politicians

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Christian politicians in Nasarawa State, under the aegis of the Christian Northern Nigeria Political Forum, have declared their support for a Southern candidate to emerge as President.

The state Coordinator of the CNNPF, Promise Ezekiel, disclosed this to our correspondent in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, while reacting to a decision by the People’s Democratic Party to zone its presidential ticket to the south.

He said, “Looking at the latest happening with the PDP zoning its presidential ticket to the South, and National Chairmanship to the North, brings back to mind the yearnings of the people, making sure that every other person is carried along. We want other regions to be given that opportunity to participate in politics.

“You will agree with me that in the past, we had the likes of Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Late President Muhammadu Buhari who had occupied the Presidency from the North.

“At the moment, President Bola Tinubu, who is from southern Nigeria, is occupying the office. So, as an organisation, we are pleased with that decision. We hope that the PDP will bring a candidate with fresh ideas to participate in the 2027 presidential election.

“Zoning the presidency to the South is a good omen. Since the office of the National Chairman of the party was zoned to the North, then we are fully in support that the South should be allowed to contest for the position in 2027.”

When contacted, the Nasarawa State PDP Chairman, Adamu Bako Ninga, aligned himself with the decision of NEC to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the south.

He said, “I categorically say that I align myself with the decision of NEC, and even as a state, the PDP in Nasarawa aligns itself with the decision.

“After the considerations, the party set up a committee, and they followed the necessary procedures. The report of the committee was received yesterday, and the NEC agreed that the decision taken by the zoning committee should stand.”

“It is a fair judgment. The PDP is the party of the people, and we feel that it is the best decision for the party.”

Kwara, Yobe

The decision of the NEC of the party to zone the Presidency to the South is a balanced decision by the party hierarchy, Olusegun Adewara, PDP publicity Secretary in Kwara State, said.

Adewara said the position taken by the NEC was a “balanced decision,” stressing that “the North will not make any demand from the South because the NEC has also zoned the party’s chairmanship to the North. The decision was a joint one by the party’s top hierarchy.”

Similarly, former Speaker of Yobe State House of Assembly, Usman Sugum, believes the zoning of the Presidency to the South and the national party chairman and vice chairman positions may create a more competitive environment for other political parties in the 2027 general elections.

“This arrangement will provide healthier competition for other political parties,” Sugum explained. “Politics is all about healthy competition, and depending on the party’s internal calculations, this arrangement may work in their favour,” he said.

The PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Salisu Baba, said the zoning arrangement was designed to work in the party’s favour in the 2027 general elections.

“The party is considering bringing former President Goodluck Jonathan from the South to complete his tenure,” Baba stated. “Politics is about winning, and the South should be given a chance to vie for the Presidency, considering former President Goodluck Jonathan’s performance in the country.”

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Politics

2027: Wike fires back at Bauchi gov amid PDP crisis

Published

7 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Barely 24 hours after the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, disclosed plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Wednesday, visited the Government House in Bauchi.

The two leaders were sighted entering the Government House, where they held a closed-door meeting with Mohammed.

At the end of the meeting, none of the parties involved addressed journalists.

The governor is expected to announce the political party to which he will defect today.

The development comes as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, slammed the governor for his inconsistencies.

Sources within the Government House said the visit to the governor may not be unconnected with efforts to persuade him to reconsider his plan to join the ADC and instead align with the APC.

The development comes a day after Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, hosted a delegation of the ADC led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

Speaking with journalists after the Tuesday meeting, the governor attributed his planned defection to the lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, noting that reconciliation efforts had failed.

He said, “We have found ourselves in a very serious situation. I have done everything possible to ensure reconciliation, but it has not worked.

“We set up committees at both the national and state levels to explore all options, including even the APC, but sadly, we discovered that we are not wanted there.”

Mohammed added that although discussions were ongoing with several political platforms, the ADC had emerged as the most acceptable option so far.

“As of now, ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” he said.

The governor further noted that his camp felt unwelcome in the APC, which influenced their preference for alternative political platforms.

“We are not wanted in the APC because we are not being approached, and we tried to get there, but certainly, our antecedents will connect most of the people around us, preferring ADC or other parties to the APC.

“If they open up and say we should come to the APC, we will go, but for now, the preference is to move to the opposition party,” he added.

The governor also said Wike was planted in the PDP to undermine the party, adding that, “We have somebody called Wike who is being used to destroy us. He has already taken over the party, holding all the positions of the PDP.”

In a response, Wike described the claim as “very embarrassing” and criticised the governor for inconsistency.

He described the allegations that he was planted to weaken the PDP as unfounded.

“This accusation of me being planted; they have always accused me, but all those who accused me, where are they now? They have moved to APC. So who now has told the truth?” he asked.

Speaking during the inspection of road construction projects across Abuja on Wednesday, Wike accused Mohammed of previously trying to negotiate with the APC and recalled a 2022 trip to Port Harcourt, where the governor allegedly lobbied for Tinubu before returning to support the candidate of the PDP in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar.

“It is very embarrassing. He tells you one thing today, he says one thing in the morning, and in the afternoon, he says a different thing.

“Bala, we are very happy that you told Nigerians who you are—that you are never stable,” Wike said.

Wike also addressed PDP internal disputes, asserting that the party remains “alive and kicking” despite ongoing legal challenges.

He criticised Mohammed’s request for the party’s national secretary position from “a position of weakness.”

He said, “You are already conquered, you lost. You are talking from a weak point, and you want to demand the secretary? That is not done.”

He further accused the Bauchi governor of attempting to manipulate party processes for personal gain.

He asked, “It is very embarrassing. He said he went to see Mr President three times. What did he go and see Mr President for? How will somebody in another party solve your own problem in another party?”

Reflecting on PDP’s delegate system and internal discipline, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the party while maintaining support for the President.

“I have said I will not leave the PDP. I have said that I will continue to support Mr President, that has been my position from 2022 to 2023,” he said.

IPAC warns Bauchi gov

Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Bauchi State has urged the governor to prioritise the collective interest of the people of the state in deciding his next political platform.

The state IPAC Chairman, Auwal Isah, made the call while addressing journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday.

Isah said the council welcomed the governor’s decision to consider leaving the PDP, citing what he described as irreconcilable differences within the party.

He noted that IPAC, as a coordinating body of political parties in the country, was prepared to play a leading role in facilitating the governor’s movement to another political platform.

“Bala Mohammed has the constitutional right to associate with any political party of his choice to participate effectively in political activities.

“Anywhere he goes, the place will definitely witness increased political activities,” Isah said.

The IPAC chairman further stated that the council was ready to advise the governor on the most suitable party to join, adding that it would also support him if he had already made up his mind.

He emphasised the need for the governor to ensure that his decision reflected the collective interest of Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.

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Politics

INEC derecognises Mark, Aregbesola, parties revolt

Published

7 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The African Democratic Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have protested the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and others.

INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday.

It hinged its decision on a court order which directed the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit challenging the legality of David Mark’s leadership of the opposition party.

Reacting, the ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi and his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Ini Ememobong, insisted that the development was a calculated attempt to undermine democratic structures, alleging the involvement of the APC government and urging supporters to mobilise in defence of democratic principles.

Also, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Obi’s support group, Yunusa Tanko, warned that INEC’s decision is a recipe for crisis, adding that there might be a catastrophic consequence if the commission chooses to be partisan.

On Wednesday, the electoral commission removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal, delisting them as the national chairman and national secretary of the ADC, respectively.

The commission also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who approached the court seeking to be declared the national chairman.

Haruna explained that the commission had been inundated with conflicting legal demands from opposing camps, each laying claims to the party’s leadership and seeking official recognition.

INEC disclosed that it received a letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co., cautioning it against recognising Gombe as acting national chairman due to a pending court case, specifically referring to ongoing litigation, and a counter-letter from Summit Law Chambers demanding enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment, which they argue affirms Gombe’s position.

The electoral body explained that, “the letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co urged the commission not to recognise Mr Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress on account of the pending Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, while the letter from Summit Law Chambers, on the other hand, attached the certified True Copy of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026: Senator David Mark v Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe & Ors and requested the commission to enforce the judgement of the Court of Appeal, including: Ceasing recognition of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively of ADC; Removing their names from the Commission’s portal; and refraining from dealing with or recognising any actions taken by them in respect of the party in line with the preservation orders made by the Court of Appeal.”

INEC said Summit Law Chambers accused it of disregarding court orders by engaging with David Mark’s faction, alleging that the commission invited the group to a meeting and monitored its activities.

The chambers also called for several actions, including invalidating the group’s NEC meeting, removing its name from INEC’s portal, and allowing Gombe to take control of the party pending the court’s final decision.

However, INEC maintained that its actions were strictly based on the Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, which dismissed Mark’s interlocutory appeal and issued preservative orders.

Quoting the appellate court, the commission stated, “Finally, it is necessary to make preservatory orders to ensure that the subject matter of the dispute pending before the trial court is not prejudiced, as courts have inherent powers to control and regulate proceedings to ensure justice.

“That suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, be and is hereby granted an accelerated hearing in view of the Electoral Time Table released by the 4th Respondent.”

The court in its decision had also ordered, “That the parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.”

INEC, in its observations, traced the dispute to the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by David Mark following a National Executive Council meeting in July 2025, after the resignation of the previous executive.

The commission explained that Gombe, who was then Vice-National Chairman, rejected the process and insisted that he should automatically assume leadership, which led him to file Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 at the Federal High Court.

INEC noted that “ Nafiu Bala Gombe, who was the Vice-National Chairman, denied he ever resigned from the party and claimed that following the resignation of the chairman of the party, Mr Ralph Okey Nwosu, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, automatically ought to take over as the chairman of the party.”

The commission added that Gombe sought multiple court orders, including “An order restraining INEC from recognising, dealing with or continuing to deal with the 2nd and 3rd Defendants as the national chairman and secretary” and “an order directing INEC to recognise the Plaintiff as the acting national chairman.”

After reviewing all legal processes and the appellate court’s judgment, INEC said it reached a decisive resolution at its meeting on March 31, 2026.

The commission declared, “To maintain the status quo ante bellum as directed by the Court of Appeal based on the facts and position of the parties existing before 2nd September 2026, when the case was filed by the plaintiff.

“That the commission would refrain from taking any step or doing any act capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court or otherwise rendering nugatory the proceedings before the trial court.”

Rejecting Gombe’s request to assume interim control, INEC stated, “The commission refused to accede to the request of the Plaintiff’s Solicitors to allow Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to take over the affairs of ADC pending the determination of the case.”

INEC also announced a complete suspension of engagement with all factions of the ADC.

“The commission shall not receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining to the affairs of the party and will not monitor any meeting, congress or convention convened on behalf of the African Democratic Congress by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court, Abuja.”

Additionally, the electoral body ordered the removal of the current leadership names from its official portal, stating, “Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025, the names would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum.”

Reacting on behalf of the ADC, Abdullahi dismissed INEC’s reliance on the Court of Appeal’s stance, noting that its directive merely calls for maintaining the status quo as an interim measure.

He argued that the appropriate position is to revert to the status quo as it existed before Gombe’s legal action, particularly, prior to proceedings at the court.

Abdullahi maintained that at the time in question, Mark was in charge, and that remains the position the party recognises.

He warned that any attempt to alter this arrangement now suggests a fresh plot by enemies of democracy, stressing that such moves would be resisted.

The ADC spokesman warned, “It is definitely a violation of the Court of Appeal position because what the Court of Appeal will rule is that we should maintain the status quo. And that means we should go back to maintain the status quo before all legal interpretation.

“This indicates only one thing. We should maintain the status quo before the Nafiiu Gombe went to court. And the status quo at the time was that David Mark was the leader. And that’s why INEC recognised it.

“So if they are doing otherwise now, it means they are yielding to pressure from the enemies of democracy that this APC government represents, and we are going to resist it by all legal means possible.”

Earlier, in a statement on Wednesday, Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to hijack its leadership, while vowing to resist any such move through lawful and democratic means.

Abdullahi further claimed that the APC plans to sponsor a crowd posing as disgruntled party members to take to the streets and demand the removal of David Mark from his position.

The statement read in part, “Yesterday, we disclosed a sinister plot by agents of the ruling APC government to pressure INEC into taking illegal action to destabilise our party, following the milestone movement of H.E. Rabiu Kwankwaso to the ADC.

“After meeting a brick wall with INEC, they have now changed tactics, but the objectives remain the same. Information reaching us this morning is that a public protest is being planned for tomorrow, Thursday, 2nd April, in Abuja, sponsored by a particularly notorious minister. Their expectation is that a protest will give oxygen to a case already suffocating in the courts under the weight of its own illegality.

“The plan is simple: a paid crowd, posturing as aggrieved party members, will take to the streets demanding David Mark Must Go. This, they hope, will create public pressure on the INEC Chairman to magically upgrade and recognise an individual who resigned his position and was subsequently expelled from the ADC, to the position of National Chairman of a party he no longer belongs to.

“The plan by the ruling APC government to hijack the leadership of the ADC, the only viable opposition party left in the country, is real. If anything, it has assumed a new level of desperation in the past few days.

“They are not just afraid of our momentum. They are afraid of what happens when the Nigerian people start paying attention and begin to believe that change is possible.”

When contacted, the former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, dismissed as false reports INEC’s de-recognition of ADC leadership.

Nwosu, who spoke in a phone interview with The PUNCH, described the circulating claims as unfounded amid growing controversy over the internal wrangling within the ADC. “That is fake news. I can’t say more than that,” Nwosu said.

An ally of Obi, Yunusa also condemned the decision, describing it as absurd and unacceptable, and questioning why a pending court matter would be used as a basis for INEC’s actions.

Yunusa also alleged that the move is politically motivated, suggesting government involvement and warning that the development could have serious consequences for Nigeria, while insisting that the action would be resisted.

The Obidient National Coordinator stated, “This is completely absurd. A court case that is still pending. When did they adjudicate on the issue of the court case and make it a basis to say they are not recognising anybody? This is terrible. This is unacceptable. They should be careful with the way they are going. We will reject this, honestly.’’

“Anyway, as far as we are concerned, this is a matter that will be discussed in the public domain for the Nigerian people. Nigeria ceases to be a nation if this happens. Nigeria will face catastrophic effects if INEC continues to use this as a pretext in making decisions that concern the people. This is totally unacceptable in any ramification whatsoever, and the people reject it.

“The APC government is behind it. Of course, because they have seen the level of mobilisation of the African Democratic Congress in Kano, Kaduna and some other parts of the country. And they do not really care if this is set ablaze. This is a catastrophic position that they should not take,” he noted.

The APC spokesman, Felix Morka and his deputy, Duro Meseko, did not respond to a request for reaction. Calls to their phones rang out and they have yet to respond to a message seeking their reaction to the ADC allegations as of the time of filing this report.

Commenting on the development, the PDP National Publicity Secretary alleged that the government is responsible for the challenges facing ADC and other opposition parties, accusing it of undermining credible political processes and influencing opposition parties’ affairs.

He described the situation as a national tragedy and a threat to democracy, noting that the parties will pursue legal options but warned against continued interference, while expressing confidence that Nigerians will overcome the situation.

He stated, “We have said in the statement that it is the APC government that is responsible for the internal crisis in opposition political parties, and they will do everything possible to ensure there is no credible opposition.

“The APC government is afraid of the quit notice Nigerians are giving them. They started with the Labour Party, then they moved to the PDP, and now they are in the ADC. They even went to Accord. Any platform that looks credible and formidable, the APC people enter and destroy it. This is why we are saying that we must all come together and reason. If we need to boycott this election, then we will do so.’’

He added, “I can say for a fact that there is no opposition political party whose APC leadership and the president have not interfered with to the extent that they can use it to do what they want. These are the reasons why the problems in these parties are intractable. There is absolutely no doubt.

“It is a national tragedy and a challenge to democracy that should not be allowed to happen. It is sad that Nigerians are being denied what they are supposed to have, but we can assure that in the end, Nigerians will progress.”

Meanwhile, the faction led by Gombe commended INEC for what it described as a neutral and lawful handling of the party’s deepening leadership crisis.

The commendation was conveyed by Gombe’s Chief of Staff, Bala Sani, in a phone interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday.

The faction said INEC’s recent actions were in line with the ruling of the Court of Appeal and reflected a commitment to due process amid the ongoing dispute over the party’s leadership.

He said, “Our position is very clear. All we want is for INEC to comply with the judgment of the Court of Appeal. So, at our own ends, as the leadership of ADC under the Nafiu Bala leadership, we try to commend INEC’s commitment to neutrality and impartiality by maintaining the status quo ante bellum, which does exactly what the Court of Appeal ruling gave.

“We are telling the world that they came to hijack the party from us. We are the legacy parties and members of the party. We built this party for more than 20 years before these people came in. And when they came in, they wanted to pursue us all. But we stood our ground and said, “ No. That’s not how it works.

‘So, the decision is a testament to INEC’s dedication to upholding the constitution and ensuring that the electoral process in this country is not compromised. We thank the civil societies because they all went to the INEC this morning to protest, which drew the attention of INEC to do the needful.”

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Politics

APC, PDP Abuja conventions of varied colours

Published

1 day ago

April 1, 2026

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General Editor, Politics, Taiwo Adisa reviews the national conventions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held in Abuja, observing that the two achieved predetermined ends.

Before the November 15, 2025, national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Senate President Bukola Saraki acted like the Nostradamus of our political space when he dropped the advice that the party should rather put in place a caretaker committee. The party, however, shunned the advice, went ahead with the convention, and landed in further travails. But the group supported by the Minister of the Federal Capital (FCT), Nyesom Wike, went ahead to set up a caretaker Committee before the tenure of the former chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, ended in December 2025.

That caretaker committee now appears to be the cornerstone of Wike’s control of the party, even as many other bigwigs have started joining the trail.

Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the groundswell for the affirmation of Prof Nentawe Yilwatda-led National Working Committee was unmistakable ahead of the March 28 convention. There were hardly any issues as the ruling party spoke with one voice and tested its adoption of the consensus option, a move that would possibly be perfected during the forthcoming primaries for the various elective posts on offer for the 2027 polls. As expected, the APC convention sprang no surprises, and all went well. President Bola Tinubu, who spoke at the convention, spoke of unity among Nigerians as he chided the opposition parties for failing to put their houses in order.

Of all the conventions, the gathering of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium is the one that generated intense heat.

The night before

All eyes were on the Wike-led PDP ahead of the March 29-30 convention. The day before the convention, a report indicated that the faction of the party led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) had headed to the Supreme Court to appeal the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which nullified the Ibadan convention. There was palpable tension in Abuja, as members of the PDP were largely unsure of the exact situation. There were concerns about whether INEC would monitor the convention, even as some members of the Turaki-led faction went to town with the indication that the convention would not hold because an appeal had been lodged with the Supreme Court. That, however, was doused in the evening house when Wike appeared on an inspection tour of the Velodrome location of the convention. He told the nation that all was well with the planned convention.

The two remaining governors of the party were clearly against the convention. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, sanctioned the return to the Supreme Court, despite the push for reconciliation. One of the leaders who also spoke against the convention is presidential hopeful Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, who stated that a parallel convention might not be advisable.

The Saraki intervention

The former Senate President had attempted to play the peacemaker before the end of last year and was at a stage appointed to lead the search for peace by the Wike-led faction. As the convention drew closer, Saraki appeared on Channels Television, where he expressed his desire to attend the March 29 convention. It was gathered that he was also privy to several top-level meetings held in Abuja between Tuesday and Friday, centering on the need for a convention that could guarantee that the teeming members of the party are not disenfranchised in the 2027 polls.

As stated by a Saraki insider: “The view of the former senate president is primarily about the fate of the members as he advised that the feuding leaders of the PDP should take concrete steps to protect the interests of the members.”

He was also said to have insisted that the party must seek to put in place an NWC that would be recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while he urged party leaders to utilise the opportunity of the convention to scale the hurdle of having a leadership that is recognised by INEC.

Wike’s victory lap and convention proper

Having established that there was no court injunction stopping the conduct of the convention, the Wike group moved fast enough, and the venue was the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja. It was an irony that at the same venue in 2022, Wike had lost the presidential primaries to former Vice- President Atiku Abubakar, a development that had some spiralling effects on the PDP, leading it to the greatest haemorrhage it has ever witnessed since its formation in 1998.

So, for Wike, it was a triumphant entry for the FCT Minister at the Velodrome, and every observer saw the joy in Wike on the day. He danced around the complex and was very energetic in his steps. The fact that the convention could hold for him was a victory for his caucus. After all the preliminaries at the convention ground, including the nullification of earlier motions ratified by the previous National Executive Committee, which named Damagum as substantive national chairman, the convention went ahead to elect Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara as the new chairman. Whether he is a factional chairman or he would assume the full powers as the chairman of the PDP would be known after the ruling of the Supreme Court.

Questions over Saraki’s role

Several Nigerians have questioned whether Saraki was with Wike on this route or if he was working to prepare a platform for the 2027 presidential contest. He is a member of the highest decision-making organ of the party, being a former number three man in the country, so he is one of the elders. So what was Saraki driving at, roving around the Wike group and seeking an elusive peace with the other group? Sources close to the former governor of Kwara State said that he had seen the PDP as the veritable platform through which his supporters in the state could seek political power in the next election.

Said a source close to the former Senate helmsman said: “It is believed that he sees the PDP as the only platform that is capable of presenting a solid opposition to the ruling APC with its broad national outlook and structure. Remember, the PDP has never changed its name, and that makes it resonate with a lot of Nigerians.

“Then, Saraki’s supporters back in Kwara have affirmed that they want all their aspirants to contest elections on the PDP platform as it is their sure bet for regaining power in the state. A meeting of the party’s stakeholders in Ilorin last Wednesday agreed that its delegates from the state should attend the Abuja convention and that if they observe that INEC was present and other necessary recognition to validate the activities and resolutions from the convention are present, they will hold another meeting to finally decide on their political future.

“Saraki is of the view that the popularity of the PDP in Kwara State is unmistakable and that his supporters prefer the platform to mobilise the grassroots. Since all politics is local, the former Senate President is determined to listen to his supporters and pursue plans at the national level that will give maximum advantage to his supporters back home. Thus, the survival of PDP and its ability to field candidates in the 2027 polls is important to Saraki.”

It was also learnt that the former Senate president was calculating that the PDP was better placed to benefit from the possible implosion of the ruling party, which he said has become so big that its fall could be imminent. He believes many of the defectors to the APC and others who have gone to displace or put at a disadvantage will either return to the PDP or work for the PDP. He also told his supporters that a prominent gubernatorial aspirant who previously left the PDP for APC in Nasarawa State, David Ombugadu, has returned to the PDP and that many others are willing to return if they fail in the primaries.

To his joy, the convention was attended by INEC, and a stage could be set for a huge happening within the former ruling party, as the Wike group has been offered the legal right to run the party. Only a Supreme Court’s reversal, as hoped by Tanimu Turaki’s faction, could change Wike’s Abuja dance steps.

What next for PDP?

The former ruling party appears to have boxed itself into Wike’s corner for a long time, when the former Rivers State governor was left to cater for the soul of the party. The fact that many of the party’s governors refused to attend to its welfare strengthened the former Rivers man, and today, maybe he is reaping the fruits of his tenacity in funding the party over the years. However, a thick cloud still hangs in the air, and only the Supreme Court validation would clear the fog. As things stand, the Turaki faction may have to find avenues to fix its ambitious members in a platform that could enable them to contest elections, if words are not coming in early enough from the Supreme Court. As stated by a source, the task of reconciliation should be the duty of the Wike-led team, now that a convention recognised by INEC has been held. “The new NWC must move to withdraw all cases in courts and encourage the other faction to do the same,” the source said, adding that leaders like Saraki must continue to ring the bell of unity and peace. Incidentally, Gbenga Hashim also stated during the week that reconciliation is still possible even after the convention. Hopefully, elders like Sule Lamido, Bukola Saraki, Senator Abba Moro, and Chief Dan Orbi, among others, would serve the party with their wealth of experience to find a lasting peace under the umbrella.

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