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Ayu As The Fall Guy in Atiku/Wike Feud
*** As PDP Makes A Big Catch in Shekarau
By: Politics Editor
In the build up to the formal commencement of campaigns for the 2023 elections, intrigues, negotiations and realignments seem to be the orders of the day.
This is even as parties put final touches to their campaign structures and strategies, as they struggle to address internal issues that seem to pose threats to their outings.
This is even as each if the Frontline candidates have been falling over themselves trying to cash in on the crisis bedeviling the other, by poaching from their ranks.
Governor Nyeson of Rivers State,: though of the PDP, seems to be the beautiful bride in the scramble by candidates to win people over to their camps, with virtually candidates from leading political parties trying to reach out to him.
In the opposition People Democratic Party, PDP, one of the issues in the front burner, remains the internal wranglings, arising from its Presidential Primaries, which produced former President, Atiku Abubakar as the party’s Presidential standard bearer and Efeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta state as his running mate.
Rivers State Governor, Nyeson Wike, who was the runner up in the primary elections has been at daggers drawn with Atiku Abubakar since the emergence of Okowa as the Presidential running mate: which he felt should have been his slot.
Efforts to reconcile issues arising from the primary elections have remained contentious, leading to the setting up of a reconcilation Committee, attendant upon which a meeting of the duo of Atiku and Wike was held in London last week.
There have been conflicting reports of what actually transpired in the meeting, but one factor that remains contentious, was the issue of lack of fairness and equity to the Southern part of the country in the power equation of the PDP.
As a way of appeasing the South, especially Nyeson Wike, who has been in the vanguard for the clamour for fairness to the South, the renegotiation of the power configuration in the party was the first item on the agenda of the PDP.
It is no longer news that, part of the six point conditions given to Atiku Abubakar, Presidential standard bearer of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, by Rivers State Governor Nyeson Wike and his group, at their London meeting last week, was the restructuring of the PDP National Working Committee, with the resignation and replacement of it’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu,, and swapping of key positions in the party hierachy, as topmost.
Other reported demands handed down by Nwike’s group include, a written undertaking by Atiku Abubakar to concede Ministerial slots to his group, producing Ayu’s replacement, picking the Presidential Campaign Council Director General, amongst others.
Our correspondent gathered that, the Presidential standard bearer may have sacrificed the National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, as part of the condition for his reconcilation with Rivers State Governor Nyeson Wike.
Report from the reconcilation meetings between the two political gladiators indicate that that, members of the National Executive Committee, NEC and the Board of Trustees, BOT, of the party, have agreed to concede to this particular demand from Nwike, in the face of the moral and logical implications of having the party Chairman and it’s standard bearer coming from the North.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibrin, who is also from the North, was said to have given hints of Ayu’s ouster, when he was quoted as saying that it is indefensible to have key positions in the structure of the party coming from one section of the country.
Iyorchia Ayu himself has been quoted to have said before Atiku’s emergence that, he will be ready to step down should the Presidential standard bearer emerge from the North: in the spirit of fairness.
Reports further indicate that, one of the strongest points in Governor Nwike’s conditions for truce has been Iyorchia Ayu’s ouster: a condition Atiku was initially reluctant to accept, but be after too much pressures, has accepted to concede to.
Our correspondent who has been on the trails of the negotiations reports that, while other demands made by Nwike are being studied against further negotiations, Ayu’s voluntary resignation might have been sealed.
A meeting of all the organs of the party may be coming very soon to rectify this conclusion, and Governor Nwike may be allowed to bring a replacement.
Efforts to reach the embattled chairman for confirmation of this development were not successful, but a close associate of his confided in NationalTrail, that he has accepted to step down in principles, if only to pave way for peace to return to the PDP.
This is coming on the heels of massive decamping into the APC from other political parties in Katsina and Kano, which include former Kano state Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau.
Shekarau and thousands of his supporters were received into the party by the Presidential standard bearer, Atiku Abubakar in Kano on Saturday.
Shekarau defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, following the collapse of his accord with the party’s Presidential standard bearer, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, after he earlier left the rulling APC, to pitch tent with.
Shekarau’s, is seen as a major boost to Atiku Abubakar’s campaign. The massive decampments into the party in Katsina, has also become a morale booster to Atiku, who has been making efforts to boost his camp.
Reports on Saturday indicate that, over 30,000 members of the ruling APC in Katsina State have also joined Atiku’s team, which analyst say has been sending jitters down the spines of Aminu Masari, the state Governor.
The Governor had earlier dismissed other parties in Katsina State, as incapable of making impacts.
News
EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
News
Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
News
Ukhomunyio Community Seeks Edo Government Intervention Over Insecurity
A group of concerned stakeholders in Ukhomunyio Community, Okpella, Edo State, has called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area following recent security concerns and incidents of violence.
In a statement jointly signed by community stakeholders, the group said that the once-peaceful Ukhomunyio Community had in recent weeks experienced growing tension and insecurity.
The statement was jointly signed by Sam S. O. Afemikhe, Roland Ediawe, Dr Henry Idogun, Kasimu Sunday, Mark Adogah, Friday Ododeh, Omoreige Usman, Dr Victor Balogun, and Prince Haruna Ahmed.
The stakeholders urged the government to deploy more security personnel to the community and surrounding areas to help maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“We therefore call on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately intervene by strengthening security presence within Ukhomunyio Community and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
They also called for a thorough investigation into recent incidents of violence and disturbances linked to the annual Olimi Festival.
According to the statement, the community recently recorded tragic incidents involving residents of Kalaba and Imioko villages, while some persons were reportedly abducted during the attacks and later reunited with their families.
The group described the incidents as unfortunate and contrary to the community’s peaceful traditions.
“We strongly condemn these acts, which are completely alien to the long-standing peaceful tradition of our community,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further expressed concern over violence that erupted during the recent Olimi Festival, saying some individuals allegedly used firearms during the celebration.
They said the violence resulted in casualties and injuries, with some affected persons currently receiving medical treatment.
“The Olimi Festival has historically been a symbol of unity, peace, celebration, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and Okpella in general,” the group stated.
According to the statement, the festival had historically symbolised unity, peace, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and the wider Okpella community.
The group also appealed to authorities to ensure that all investigations and security operations are carried out lawfully and fairly to avoid escalating tensions within the community.
Beyond strengthening security, the stakeholders called on authorities to prevent further violence and restore peace and confidence within the community.
They warned that continued insecurity could affect economic and social activities in the area, including operations linked to major industries.
As part of efforts to support investigations, the group announced a N1 million reward for credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying those behind the recent incidents.
Another N1 million reward was offered for information that could help authorities identify individuals connected to the violence during the Olimi Festival.
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