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PDP Crisis: Wike Camp Declares Party Is Stable Ahead of Convention

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  The Peoples Democratic Party leadership, backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the party had regained stability after weeks of internal tensions and legal disputes, as it prepares for its national convention on March 29 and 30. Speaking at the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, told party leaders that recent state and zonal congresses were largely successful, though he acknowledged underlying strains within the party. “We have made significant progress in stabilising our structures and restoring confidence in our party. “There is no victor and no vanquished—only a shared commitment to rebuild, reposition, and strengthen our party,” Mohammed said. The meeting comes amid lingering factional disagreements and court cases that have tested the opposition party’s cohesion in recent months. He added that recent court rulings had been handled “with a spirit of reconciliation and inclusiveness,” and urged members to move past divisions. “Our party remains open to constructive engagement, dialogue, and reconciliation,” he said. The PDP is scheduled to hold its national convention on March 29 and 30, a gathering expected to determine the party’s leadership direction ahead of future elections. Mohammed described the event as “a critical milestone that will shape the future direction of our party.” He called on party members to avoid actions that could deepen internal rifts. “As we approach the National Convention, I urge all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions. “The eyes of the nation are upon us,” the NCWC Chairman noted. Mohammed also praised party figures who have played roles in recent negotiations and organisational efforts, including former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who chairs the convention planning committee, and Wike, whom he described as a stabilising influence. “His commitment to the ideals of the PDP, even in challenging times, stands as a testament to true leadership,” Mohammed said of Wike. Despite the conciliatory tone, the NEC meeting highlighted the delicate balance the party must maintain as it attempts to unify competing interests ahead of the convention. Mohammed insisted the PDP remains “a formidable political force and a credible alternative for governance in Nigeria,” but stressed that unity would be critical to sustaining that position. “What is required of us at this moment is unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and commitment to the ideals that bind us together,” he said. Also addressing the NEC, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Mao Ohuabunwa, described the moment as critical for the party’s future and called for caution and collective responsibility. Ohuabunwa commended party leadership and members for conducting ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, describing them as evidence of the PDP’s commitment to democratic principles. He also highlighted the importance of the ongoing electronic registration of members, urging widespread participation. “The ongoing electronic registration of members (e-registration) is a major step in the right direction. It reflects our commitment to modernisation, transparency, and credibility in the management of our Party. “A credible membership register is the foundation of any serious political organisation. It strengthens internal democracy, enhances planning, and builds confidence among members and stakeholders. “I therefore encourage all members across the federation to embrace this process and ensure its success,” he said. On the issue of zoning, Ohuabunwa urged party leaders to approach recommendations with fairness and unity. “I urge members of this distinguished Committee to receive the recommendations of the Zoning Committee with an open mind, guided by equity, justice, and the overriding interest of unity. “No arrangement is perfect, but what is most important is our collective willingness to accommodate one another for the greater good of the Party,” he said. He emphasised that the PDP’s strength lies in its ability to manage differences and remain united. “Distinguished members, the strength of the PDP has never been in uniformity of opinion, but in our ability to manage our differences and emerge stronger as one united family. “Let us therefore rise above personal preferences and sectional interests, and focus on what will preserve the stability, cohesion, and progress of our Party. Nigeria is watching. Our members are watching. The expectations are high. We must not disappoint,” he said. Ohuabunwa called for unity and reaffirmed confidence in the party’s leadership. The meeting comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis that has plagued the party since November 2025. Governors of the PDP had earlier backed the Ibadan convention held on November 15, which produced Kabiru Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure. Leadership was handed over from former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9. However, a faction loyal to Wike later formed a 13-member Caretaker Committee, naming Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary, among others, with a 60-day mandate. Attempts by both factions to hold meetings at the PDP National Secretariat on November 18 descended into chaos, prompting the Nigeria Police Force to seal the secretariat. Legal battles followed, culminating in a February 12 hearing at the Court of Appeal. On March 9, the court ruled that the Ibadan convention violated the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the party’s constitution, nullifying the convention that produced Turaki and his committee.

Power Supply Drop Linked to Gas Shortage – Ikeja Electric

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  Electricity distribution company, Ikeja Electric, has attributed the ongoing reduction in electricity supply to a nationwide decline in power generation caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants. In a public notice issued via its X handle on Monday, the distribution company said the development has significantly affected the volume of energy available on the national grid and, by extension, the allocation to electricity distribution companies. “The ongoing reduction in electricity supply is largely due to a nationwide drop in power generation, caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants,” the company stated. It explained that the situation has led to a noticeable decrease in the energy received for distribution to customers. “This has significantly reduced the energy available on the national grid and, consequently, the allocation to Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies,” it said. The company acknowledged the impact of the development on customers and appealed for understanding. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused by this development and appreciate your patience and understanding during this period,” the notice read. Ikeja Electric also assured customers of its commitment to fair and efficient distribution of the available electricity, saying, “We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible.”

Eight Feared Dead as Terrorists Bomb Niger Bridge

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  Eight persons lost their lives on Monday after a vehicle they were travelling in was hit by an improvised explosive device IED in Niger State. The IED was planted by terrorists who used a similar IED to destroy a bridge along Luma road, Borgu LGA, connecting Luma-Babana-Agwara communities. The bombed bridge connected people moving from one town to another, particularly the Babanna major border market that holds every Monday. PUNCH further learnt that the veĥicle moving between Nuku and Woro stepped on the IED, which exploded and killed the seven occupants and the driver. The spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the bombing of the bridge and said a clearance operation was ongoing. “On 23rd March 2026 at about 6.30 am, a report received revealed that on the same date at about 2 am, suspected terrorists within the park forest used an explosive device and bombed a bridge located along Luma road, Borgu LGA, connecting Luma-Babana-Agwara communities. “It was discovered that the bridge was damaged by the hoodlums during security operations in the area. “However, monitoring continues while clearance operation is intensified,” he said.

Baruwa Unseats MC Oluomo as NURTW President, takes Control of Secretariat

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  The leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers took a dramatic turn as Tajudeen Baruwa assumed control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, dislodging Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, following a series of court rulings that reshaped the union’s power structure. Speaking to journalists at the secretariat after reclaiming control on Monday, Baruwa, flanked by supporters from across the country, said his actions were backed by two court judgments delivered in his favour. Following the victory, he said the union formally notified the Nigerian Police, attaching copies of the court judgments to facilitate the recovery of its secretariat. However, he noted that the responses were not encouraging, prompting the union to send another notice a few days ago, declaring its intention to take over the secretariat and resume duties in line with the court rulings. Baruwa said, “Their body language has not been encouraging despite repeated assurance that we are not going back to foment any trouble as we are a law-abiding union whose only mission is to get back what belonged to them. “But today, as you can see, we are taking over in a peaceful manner, and it is not a forceful takeover but just carrying out the court’s orders. “Again, please be aware that our coming here after two years is to occupy our office, having obtained judgments at both the lower court and the Appeal Court, but they refused to obey court orders after waiting for about two years. We decided to resume back at the office today without causing any violence, and here we are. “Although the other faction attacked one of our members, who is now in the hospital, the situation is under control. We are still open to reconciliation as we are a lawful organization and not a troublemaker. No one is above the law.” In further defence of the takeover, the General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said that despite several appeals, those occupying the premises unlawfully remained defiant and refused to vacate. Musa stated, “We have notified the police that, on the order of the court, we are coming back to our office today, and we are glad that journalists are here to witness it so that the world will know what is going on here. Baruwa, who is contesting the NURTW leadership, had opposed the inauguration of Oluomo as the union’s new president. Earlier, too, the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal had prohibited interference in the operations of the Baruwa-led NURTW executive. The decision upholds an earlier judgment of the lower court, which was delivered on March 11, 2024, where Baruwa was recognised as the union’s president. A three-member panel comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi dismissed the appeal filed by Najeem Usman Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, and others, ruling that the appeal lacked merit. It, therefore, upheld the industrial court’s decision, which validated Baruwa’s presidency. The appellate court further awarded N100,000 in costs against the appellants, who are known loyalists of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo. Appellants in the appeal (who were defendants before the NICN) are Yasin, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, Alhaji Aliyu Ore, Kayode Agbeyangi, Alhaji Alhassan Haruna 313, Aliyu Tanimu and Alhaji Hakeem Adeosun. Respondents in the appeal (who were claimants before the NICN) are Baruwa, Bello Adamu, Eugene Job, Danjuma Saidu, Prince Isah Usman, Suleiman Adamu and Odion Olaye JP.

Three Rescued after Failed Church Attack in Kwara

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  Joint security operatives on Sunday repelled a suspected bandits’ attack on an ECWA Church in the Omugo community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, rescuing three abducted victims in the process. The attack was reportedly carried out by armed men during a church service, triggering panic among worshippers and residents of the community. A local source said the gunmen stormed the church premises and whisked away members before security forces swiftly intervened to contain the situation. An anonymous source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch told The PUNCH that no fewer than seven persons were abducted during the attack. “At least seven people were abducted,” the source said, without providing further details. Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said security operatives successfully rescued three victims while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of others. She stated, “We commend the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attackers.” Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the attack and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims. “While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators,” she said. The commissioner further condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing the act as both cowardly and unacceptable. “The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise, and we reaffirm that such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she added. The commissioner also urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by staying vigilant and cooperating with the relevant authorities. “We call on community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to bring an end to this menace and safeguard our communities,” the statement noted. Olukoju emphasised that ongoing forest combing operations had yielded results in curbing criminal activities in the area. “At least seven people were abducted,” the source said, without providing further details. Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said security operatives successfully rescued three victims while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of others. She stated, “We commend the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attackers.” Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the attack and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims. “While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators,” she said. The commissioner further condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing the act as both cowardly and unacceptable. “The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise, and we reaffirm that such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she added. Related News Police recover abducted child’s corpse in Bauchi Ghana lauds Nigeria, DSS for rescuing 44 nationals from trafficking network Bandits invade Kwara church, abduct worshippers The commissioner also urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by staying vigilant and cooperating with the relevant authorities. “We call on community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to bring an end to this menace and safeguard our communities,” the statement noted. Olukoju emphasised that ongoing forest combing operations had yielded results in curbing criminal activities in the area. Discover more Local artisan crafts Politics political Featured content sponsorship Cultural exchange experiences “We also commend the appreciable progress made in the ongoing combing of the forests, which has significantly curtailed the activities of criminal elements across affected areas,” she said. The government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of sustained collaboration with all security stakeholders. The PUNCH had earlier reported that security concerns have heightened in the state following intelligence reports of planned coordinated attacks across parts of Kwara South.

PDP Chieftain, Olayinka Segelu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Unity, Compassion

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  A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Chief Olayinka Segelu Akintola Oladimeji, has extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan, urging them to sustain the values of sacrifice, discipline and compassion imbibed during the period. In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday, Segelu congratulated Muslims across Oyo State and Nigeria for witnessing the end of Ramadan and celebrating Eid al-Fitr, describing it as a moment of spiritual renewal and gratitude to Almighty Allah. He commended the Muslim Ummah for their devotion, prayers and acts of charity throughout the fasting period, noting that such virtues are essential for fostering peaceful coexistence and societal progress. “Ramadan is a sacred period that teaches us patience, humility, selflessness and love for one another. As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, I urge all Muslims to continue to uphold these virtues in their daily lives for the betterment of our society,” he said. Segelu also called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences, to embrace unity and work collectively towards the peace and development of the state and the country at large. According to him, “At a time when our nation is faced with various challenges, we must draw strength from the lessons of Ramadan to promote tolerance, understanding and mutual respect among all citizens.” The PDP chieftain further encouraged leaders at all levels to prioritise policies and actions that would improve the welfare of the people, stressing that governance must reflect empathy and a genuine commitment to public good. He prayed for continued peace, prosperity and stability in Oyo State and Nigeria, wishing all Muslim faithful a joyous and fulfilling Eid celebration.

Aare Of Ofiki, Beneficiaries Hail Makinde, OYSADA DG As Free Vaccination Exercise Reaches Iseyin, Akinyele, Others

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  The Aare of Ofiki Land in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Gbenga Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji Oyinlola II, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritising livestock development and farmers’ welfare as the state’s ongoing free vaccination campaign extended to Akinyele, Iseyin and Ofiki communities. The monarch gave the commendation at his palace on Wednesday in Ofiki during the continued rollout of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support [L-PRES] Project vaccination exercise. He described the initiative as timely and beneficial to rural communities. “This programme is highly commendable. It shows that the government is paying attention to the needs of livestock farmers and herders in our communities,” he said. Oba Oyinlola added, “When animals are healthy, the people are also healthy, and the economy of our communities improves. We appreciate Governor Makinde for this intervention and we encourage our people to support it.” Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency [OYSADA] and Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness, Dr. Debo Akande, who was represented by Dr Famakinde Samuel the Animal Health Expert of L-PRES in the state, noted that the vaccination campaign was part of deliberate efforts by the state government to curb animal diseases, improve livestock productivity and strengthen food security. “This vaccination exercise is designed to curb the spread of animal diseases, improve productivity and protect public health across the state,” he said. Akande added that the initiative formed part of a broader national effort under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support [L-PRES] Project. According to him, “We are committed to ensuring that livestock farmers in all local government areas benefit from this initiative. It is part of a wider strategy to reposition the livestock sector for greater economic impact.” Community stakeholders and beneficiaries also expressed support for the programme, describing it as a long-awaited intervention. The youth head of cattle rearers in Iseyin Local Government, Amusat Lateef Kehinde, said the exercise would significantly reduce losses among herders. “This vaccination will help us reduce the loss of our animals. Many of us have suffered losses due to diseases, so this programme is very important to us,” he said. Similarly, the Seriki Fulani of Atisbo Local Government, Abubakar Gizo, commended the government for extending the initiative to grassroots communities. “We appreciate the government for bringing this programme to our doorstep. It will go a long way in protecting our livestock and improving our means of livelihood,” he said. Also speaking, a livestock farmer from Akinyele Local Government, Abdulahi Garba, said the programme would help prevent disease outbreaks. “This initiative gives us confidence as farmers. When our animals are protected, our business is secured,” he said. Another farmer from Akinyele, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar, urged the government to sustain the intervention. “We want the government to continue this kind of support. It will encourage more people to invest in livestock farming,” he said. The vaccination campaign, which was recently flagged off in Eruwa in the Ibarapa area of the state, is being implemented by OYSADA under the L-PRES initiative to address the growing threat of livestock diseases. Officials said the exercise targets major diseases such as Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Peste des Petits Ruminants, Foot and Mouth Disease which have continued to affect livestock production and the agricultural value chain. The state government disclosed that the programme would be extended to most local government areas, with a target of between 200,000 and 300,000 livestock farmers. This publication also understands that the the vaccination will aid the interventions are aimed at improving animal healthcare services, boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing food security in Oyo State.

BREAKING: FG Declares Thursday, Friday Public Jolidays for Eid-el-Fitr

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  The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government. In a statement on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the fasting period. Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month of Ramadan. He also called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity and prosperity of the country. While wishing Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society. He added that the Federal Government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.  

I was Mocked Over my Daughter’s Death for Endorsing Tinubu–Actress Remi Surutu

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  Nollywood actress Remilekun Oshodi, popularly known as Remi Surutu, has opened up about the shocking online abuse she faced while campaigning for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 election. Speaking at the official launch of EKO57, a Lagos-based support group for Tinubu’s campaign on Sunday, Oshodi, in a viral video recounted how trolls on social media went as far as blaming her for the death of her daughter because of her political activities. “I am not scared. I’ve been campaigning for so many years. People bashed me on the internet during campaign time. They said a lot. They even insulted me and said, a day to election, that it was Asiwaju that I was following who killed my child. But I care less. “I still went on the second day to go and vote. Your vote is your right. Don’t let anybody deceive you. Don’t let anybody scare you. When I met B Tinubu, our Baba, he was doing well. If you think he has not done well, suggest a man in your family. Let that person come and govern for just one day. “Then you will know what is going on. But I am telling myself, I am not backing out. I am going to campaign for him, and I am going to vote for him. And he has my vote,” Oshodi said in a now-viral video footage from the event. The veteran actress also used the platform to address the broader challenges of politics and personal conviction, saying, “There are so many anti-party. When they want to take money, they will come and say I am with you. They will leave. You have to know what you are doing. You have to know what you want for yourself. If this man had not been covering a lot of things, Nigeria would have gone into a big mess by now. But we don’t know. We just sit at the back of our houses. This man does not sleep. The wife is always travelling all over. The son, too, moving around. How many politicians have you seen with their sons moving around?” Oshodi lost her first daughter, Ayomikun, to complications from sickle cell disease in July 2017. Following the death of her daughter, Oshodi had shared her thoughts and prayers for her children on Instagram, expressing gratitude to God for the strength to bear the loss. She also spoke of the joy of having a granddaughter who bears a striking resemblance to her late daughter. Her resilience and continued dedication to Nollywood have made her an enduring figure in the Nigerian film industry. The EKO57 campaign launch in Lagos attracted several other Nollywood practitioners, including Yomi Fash Lanso, Ayo Adesanya, and Lege Miami. Oshodi, a seasoned actress with decades of experience in the industry, emphasised that her political advocacy would not be deterred by online criticism or threats. “I am telling myself, I am not backing out. I am going to campaign for him, and I am going to vote for him. And he has my vote. And if you see anybody out there trying to scare anybody, if you plan to kill me, you are going to kill yourself. Because when you are going on your straight line with your good hearts, nothing happens to you,” she said.  

Passengers Injured as Abuja-Kaduna Train Derails

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  Passengers sustained injuries on Monday morning after a train operating on the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor was involved in an incident that forced the service to halt midway through the journey. The passenger train travelling from Kaduna to Abuja failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the disruption occurred along the busy rail line linking the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna State. A source within the NRC confirmed the development on condition of anonymity, as it is not within his purview to speak on such matters. Passengers on board said the incident happened suddenly, sending shock and panic through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt. Some passengers reported hearing a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats and causing confusion inside the coaches. According to the eyewitness accounts, the Abuja-bound train reportedly collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to stop temporarily while the situation was assessed. The PUNCH gathered that a number of passengers were injured, with some reportedly sustaining cuts and bruises after being flung against seats and metal fittings inside the train compartments. A social media user, Sada Malumfashi, who claimed to be one of the passengers, described the frightening moment shortly after disembarking from the train, explaining that the sudden jolt caught many people unprepared. The passenger who posted on his X account stressed that the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly towards Kubwa, an area on the outskirts of Abuja. He said, “Just dropped from the Kaduna-Abuja train. We heard a loud bang, and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across. Passengers got hit, and most are bleeding and severely injured. The train was delayed for some 30 minutes and resumed to Kubwa. No communication from @info_NRC on anything.” When contacted, the NRC spokesperson, Callistus Unyimadu, also confirmed the development, promising that a statement would be released to that effect. More to come…

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