Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The ruling political party has criticized the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, following his recent meetings with major opposition figures and northern leaders ahead of the upcoming presidential election. After failing to secure a government cabinet position, the former governor has been rallying political opposition against the current administration and warning that the ruling party risks losing power due to a deteriorating relationship with the northern region. In response, party officials dismissed him as a disgruntled regional champion pursuing a sectional agenda out of personal grievance. Meanwhile, the main opposition party has welcomed the possibility of working with him and other critics to rescue the country, praising its own platform as an inclusive space that respects the rule of law and democratic principles.

During the 99th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, a Fact-Fnding Committee led by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, alongside Governors Dauda Lawal and Peter Mbah, and legal adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission still recognizes Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary. Because an official removal requires a twenty-one-day notice, the party scheduled another meeting for June 30 to finalize the process. This situation has worsened internal divisions. Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike withdrew from a reconciliation panel led by Bukola Saraki, blaming Governors Seyi Makinde and Peter Mbah for pulling strings against him. The party faces deep polarization, which previously caused the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Amid a rowdy session where Jones Onyereri challenged the membership of Ali Odefa, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed stated that opposition leaders face intense federal government intimidation. Board of Trustees Chairman Adolphus Wabara urged members to heal these self-inflicted wounds, even as the party ratified upcoming convention committees under Governors Douye Diri, Ahmadu Fintiri, Caleb Mutfwang, and Ademola Adeleke.