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Wike-Backed PDP Prepares For Convention, Makinde Says Crisis Will Pass

Published

2 weeks ago

March 11, 2026

Amid the lingering leadership crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the faction believed to be backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, yesterday intensified preparations for the party’s proposed national convention with an inspection of the Velodrome at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The inspection was led by the acting national chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee, Mohammed Abdulrahman, alongside the party’s national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and other officials.

Addressing journalists after inspecting the facility, Abdulrahman said the visit was part of efforts to ensure adequate arrangements ahead of the convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

“You can see for yourself, and that is why we are here this afternoon, to look at the venue of the national convention that is coming up on 29th and 30th March and to also examine the possibility of putting things in place before the date of the national convention,” he said.

Abdulrahman noted that the recent judgement of the Court of Appeal had clarified the leadership situation within the party, adding that the caretaker committee was committed to organising a smooth and credible convention.

“With the outcome of the Appeal Court judgment, individuals across the federation and those in the diaspora now know that we have a party at hand.
“With the leadership of our leaders and the position of the National Caretaker Working Committee, we are willing to do everything possible to ensure that we have a smooth national convention like never before,” he stated.

He called on party members to put aside their differences and unite for the progress of the PDP and Nigeria’s democracy.

“We are not claiming that the victory is for any individual or group. It is a victory for all. We should all put our differences aside and work together for the progress of the party,” he added.

On his part, the national secretary of the caretaker committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, assured party members and aspirants seeking elective offices under the PDP platform that they had nothing to fear regarding the legitimacy of party processes.

According to him, the Appeal Court judgement had affirmed the caretaker committee as the recognised leadership of the party pending the emergence of a new National Working Committee at the national convention.

“All those who want to contest elections under the platform of the PDP should not be afraid. The Appeal Court has affirmed this Caretaker Working Committee, and by the time we hold our convention, we will have a full-fledged National Working Committee,” Anyanwu said.

He also dismissed concerns raised by some defectors about who would sign nomination documents for aspirants, insisting that the party’s processes remained intact.

Meanwhile, leaders of another bloc within the party, led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), held an expanded meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) to deliberate on the implications of the Appeal Court judgement and the future of the party.

Speaking at the meeting, Turaki said the developments within the PDP had generated concern among Nigerians and party members, making it necessary for stakeholders to chart a way forward.

“It becomes imperative that our leaders sit down, consider the situation on ground and come up with workable and implementable options that will save this party and indeed strengthen Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of PDP governors, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde acknowledged that the party was going through a difficult period but expressed optimism that the crisis would eventually be over.

“It’s a challenging period for us as leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party. It is also a challenging period for democracy in Nigeria,” Makinde said.

The governor noted that the current political situation facing the PDP was unprecedented in the country’s democratic history.

“I have been talking to people who have been involved in the political evolution of this country, and none of them have seen a political landscape like what we are witnessing today,” he said.

Makinde, however, maintained that despite the challenges confronting the party, PDP leaders must remain steadfast.

“We are only two remaining governors, but we are not bothered. I can say personally, and on behalf of my colleague, that when the story of this period is told and when the story of democracy in Nigeria is written, they will find us on the side of the people,” he stated.

Makinde urged party leaders and members to remain conscious of the role they play in shaping the party’s future and Nigeria’s democratic history.

“Whatever role we want to play as individuals and collectively as a party, we must be conscious of what history is going to record against us or for us during this period,” Makinde added.

He concluded on a note of optimism, saying the current crisis would eventually give way to better days for the party.

“This period will pass away. As the Holy Book says, weeping may endure for the night, but in the morning, joy comes,” the governor added.

Meanwhile, former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has called on leaders and stakeholders of the PDP to bury their differences, accept the Court of Appeal verdict and focus on organising a fresh national convention that complies with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Saraki, reacting to the Appeal Court judgement on the party’s national convention held in Ibadan last year, said the ruling should mark the end of internal litigations within the party.

“My own position is that the Court of Appeal has ruled. However, with the revised timetable by INEC, it is obvious that there is no time to wait for the Supreme Court decision. Otherwise, we would not meet the deadlines for completing the process of nominating candidates,” he said.

According to him, continued legal battles could create uncertainty over the validity of PDP candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“One of the key essentials of a political party is to provide a platform for candidates seeking to serve the people by contesting elections. We should not defeat this purpose.

“The only option open to all of us is to end all litigation and work with the arrangements that are on the ground for holding a national convention within the INEC timetable,” Saraki stated.

Similarly, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, called on PDP leaders and stakeholders to embrace reconciliation following the Appeal Court judgement.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the lawmaker urged party members to see the ruling as an opportunity to restore unity and strengthen internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The Court of Appeal has spoken, and as a democratic party that believes in the rule of law, we must now shift our focus from litigation to reconciliation and rebuilding. The strength of our party lies in unity and collective purpose,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan warned that prolonged legal disputes within the party could undermine the aspirations of many loyal members intending to contest elections on the PDP platform.

“Our members across the grassroots, those aspiring to serve in State Houses of Assembly, the House of Representatives, Senate, governorship positions and even the presidency, must not become casualties of prolonged disagreements among leaders,” she said.

-Leadership

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Wike Reaffirms Nigeria–EU Ties, Moves To Reclaim Encroached Diplomatic Lands

Published

4 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, while announcing steps to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

Wike made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between Nigeria and EU member states, noting that the partnership aligns with the broader policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We will continue to engage EU member countries to further strengthen bilateral relations,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over diplomatic land allocations, Wike disclosed that several plots originally designated for EU countries had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He noted that the FCT Administration has begun reclaiming such lands.

“We discovered that some lands allocated to EU member countries were taken over by land grabbers. In recent weeks, we have moved to recover those lands by removing illegal structures,” he stated.

He added that the government would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest in the properties and ensure rightful ownership is restored.

“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the EU for its contributions to governance and justice sector reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and improved justice delivery.

“I am aware of your support, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will continue to partner with you to deepen these initiatives,” he added.

On requests for land allocation for local EU staff, Wike assured that applications would be considered based on due process, stressing that such processes must ultimately benefit the public.

He further addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee has been constituted, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon.

In his remarks, Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for the EU, noting that both parties are entering a new phase of deeper engagement.

“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong, mutually beneficial, and evolving into a more significant phase,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, court digitalisation, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage further with EU ambassadors to explore collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban planning, and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Wike recently ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land designated for foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

He explained that the land, originally allocated on March 18, 2008, for residential use by diplomatic missions, was later encroached upon by an unauthorised developer who commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

-Leadership

News

Inspector-General Disu Submits 75-Page Framework On ‘State Police’ To Senate As Push Gains Momentum

Published

4 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a 75-page framework on the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a fresh move to advance decentralised policing in Nigeria.

The report was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee set up to develop modalities for instituting State Police.

Disu said the document encapsulates the Force’s professional input following extensive consultations and a thorough evaluation of the legal, operational and administrative implications of decentralised policing.

“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria,” Disu said.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.”

The police chief noted that the framework has been formally submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s official contribution to the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Responding, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive step aligned with the security agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Deputy President of the Senate commended the IGP for his proactiveness on the establishment of State Police in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fully secure the country,” the statement read.

He assured that the Senate Committee reviewing the Constitution would carefully examine the framework alongside other submissions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal foundation.

The proposed framework is expected to outline the operational structure, governance model, and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems— marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Disu inaugurated an eight-member committee in March to drive the implementation of State Police, declaring that the reform was irreversible.

At the inauguration in Abuja, the IGP insisted that decentralised policing “has come to stay,” dismissing concerns that it could threaten the roles of existing police personnel.

“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to contribute their part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid, our jobs are not being taken,” he said.

He described the committee’s assignment as urgent and critical, giving members one month to submit their report amid rising security challenges across the country.

Disu stressed that the move towards State Police is aimed at strengthening internal security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and enabling faster, more targeted responses to threats.

“Across the nation, we continue to confront evolving security challenges. These require innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and the willingness to explore reforms,” he added.

The push for State Police has gained renewed momentum following President Tinubu’s assurance that the plan would not be shelved, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.

-Sahara

News

N1.54billion Settlement: Court Frees Ex-Minister Stella Oduah, Strikes Out Case Months After She Joined APC

Published

4 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

Justice Hamza Muazu struck out the case on Thursday after the prosecution informed the court that the value of the disputed funds had been returned.

Aformer Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has been discharged by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja after the Nigerian government confirmed the recovery of funds linked to the fraud allegations against her, bringing an abrupt end to her prosecution.

Justice Hamza Muazu struck out the case on Thursday after the prosecution informed the court that the value of the disputed funds had been returned.

Oduah, who was standing trial alongside her former aide, Gloria Odita, had faced allegations tied to multi-billion naira transactions involving companies connected to the aviation ministry.

In his ruling, Justice Muazu declared, “The charge dated October 13, 2025, is hereby struck out, and the defendants are accordingly discharged.”

Earlier, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the court he was acting on the directive of the Attorney-General of the Federation to confirm that the government had received restitution.

“I have the instruction of the Attorney-General of the Federation to inform your Lordship that the state confirms receipt of the value of the subject matter of this charge,” Oyedepo said.

Following the announcement, the prosecution amended the charge to retain only two companies, Sobora International Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited, effectively removing Oduah and Odita as defendants.

The development comes amid earlier revelations by SaharaReporters that the resolution of the case may have been influenced by political considerations.

On March 8, 2026, SaharaReporters reported that the Tinubu Presidency allegedly “rewarded” Oduah’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with a N1.54billion settlement arrangement in a broader N5billion fraud case, according to sources.

Oduah had entered into discussions with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) over allegations involving the misappropriation of approximately N5billion in public funds.

She and Odita were initially arraigned on December 10, 2025, on a five-count charge filed by the AGF’s office over transactions that allegedly took place between January and February 2014 during her tenure as aviation minister under former President, Goodluck Jonathan.

The prosecution alleged that both defendants conspired to obtain about N2.46billion from the Federal Ministry of Aviation through companies, including Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited, under the guise of providing technical supervision and security logistics services.

Specifically, prosecutors claimed that N839.7million was obtained through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited, while N1.62billion was channelled through Global Offshore Marine Limited.

The funds were said to have been authorised under Oduah’s supervision, constituting offences punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act 2006 and the Penal Code.

Sources had told SaharaReporters that the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), proposed that Oduah pay N1.54 billion to resolve the matter—an arrangement described by insiders as politically motivated rather than a conventional plea bargain.

It was further alleged that the case was withdrawn from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to facilitate the process.

“In order to facilitate the fraudulent process, the AGF office took away the case from the EFCC,” a source privy to the matter said.

“The Tinubu Presidency decided to reward Stella Oduah for joining the APC. Contrary to reports in the media, the process is not a plea bargain, but a newly ready-made legal process designed to free politically connected individuals who are favoured by the President.”

Oduah had reportedly filed an application under Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to initiate plea discussions, prompting Justice Muazu to adjourn the matter to March 26, 2026, for a report on negotiations.

During earlier proceedings, Oyedepo had disclosed that the defendants were making efforts to refund the alleged proceeds.

“They have made moves to refund a certain amount of money into the government coffers,” Oyedepo told journalists. “What is left is the confirmation of receipt of the bank draft by the government.”

Her counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and Odita’s lawyer had both confirmed that negotiations were ongoing at the time.

In June 2025, sources told SaharaReporters that the AGF had stalled the N5 billion case initially filed by the EFCC, allegedly due to Oduah’s political alignment with the ruling APC.

Oduah had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in August 2021 while representing Anambra North in the Senate.

Her tenure as aviation minister also drew criticism in 2013 after revelations that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) purchased two armoured BMW 760 Li vehicles for her at a cost exceeding N255million, despite funding constraints within the agency.

Officials had at the time raised concerns that critical aviation infrastructure and staff development were being neglected while funds were diverted for luxury acquisitions.

During the Thursday proceedings, Counsel to Oduah, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and Odita’s lawyer, Wale Balogun (SAN), urged the court to formally drop the charges against their clients, while the prosecution maintained they could still appear as representatives of the companies.

Justice Muazu clarified that no conviction would be recorded against the two women, noting that their roles were limited to representing the firms.

After a brief stand-down to resolve disagreements, both parties agreed that only the companies would remain as defendants.

The Nigerian government subsequently arraigned the firms on amended fraud charges.

According to the charge, Sobora International Limited allegedly held N838 million in 2015, funds suspected to have been illegally obtained from the Ministry of Aviation through ISEC Security Maintenance Limited.

Global Offshore Marine Limited was also accused of receiving N1.629 billion from the same source.

Oduah, appearing as a representative of the companies, pleaded guilty to the amended charges.

The court thereafter convicted the companies and ordered the restitution of N1.2 billion to the Nigerian Government, alongside the forfeiture of N780 million earlier recovered during investigations.

-Sahara