COVER
PDP: NEC Passes Vote of Confidence on Ayu
By Jude Opara, Abuja
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to be over as Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has insisted that the only minimum requirement for a truce was the resignation of the National Chairman of the party, Senator Iyochia Ayu.
This is as the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party rose from its 97th meeting on Thursday to pass a vote of confidence on the National Chairman.
It could be recalled that Governor Wike had shortly after losing out of the presidential primary of the PDP demanded that Ayu, a former Senate President step aside from his position as the leader of the main opposition party.
Wike had argued that most of the prime offices of the party were held by northerners; adding the Ayu had on assumptions of office promised to resign his position should the North also produce the presidential candidate of the party.
Probably, to assuage the aggrieved members, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Sen Wahid Jibrin announced his resignation from that position to pave the way for a southerner to take over.
Already, former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara has been named as the new BoT boss, but that seems not enough to placate Wike who in a swift reaction said Ayu must vacate his plum position for peace to reign.
But contrary to the expectation of Wike and his supporters, the Nth in passing the vote of confidence on the Ayu led National Working Committee (NWC) said they were satisfied with the way they have handled the affairs of the party.
The motion for the vote of confidence was raised by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu during the party 97 NEC meeting in Abuja.
Elumelu said that the NWC members deserved a vote of confidence because having led the party to victory in the July 16 Osun governorship election and other achievements that had made for the party, he was convinced they will equally deliver the country to the party.
“I moved this day Sept. 8 that a vote of confidence be put before the end of this for their doggedness, their forthrightness, and their professionalism most especially been given us as Osun State
“I believe by extension they will give us Nigeria come 2023. I so move,” Elumelu said.
The motion was seconded by a member of the NEC from Kwara State, Ishola Balogun Fulani, which was unanimously adopted by NEC members present at the meeting.
On Wednesday, the efforts of some concerned PDP stakeholders to end the feud between Wike and the leadership of the party continued with 17 PDP governorship candidates who had met with the angry governor in Port Harcourt; but they were told by the governor that the matter was beyond them but with the NEC of the party to resolve.
Also speaking at a function in Ahoada, Rivers state on Thursday, Wike said it was unfortunate that the party leadership including the candidate, Atiku Abubakar of being economical with the truth that he wants to destroy the party.
He said that after the primary, Atiku told him that he understands his position and that he supports that the national Chairman should come from the South now that the presidential candidate has emanated from the North.
“We had a gentleman’s agreement that the national chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, will resign immediately after the primary since he won. The resignation of the BoT chairman of the PDP, Walid Jibrin, will not stop his demand for the resignation of Ayu; since the north has got the presidential ticket, they should not hold on to the position of the National Chairman”.
Iyochair Ayu was quoted to have said he would step doe as national Chairman if the North produced the party’s presidential candidate.
Jibrin Resigns as PDP BoT Chairman, Wabara Takes over
The crisis rocking the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new twist on Thursday with the immediate resigning of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Sen. Walid Jibrin.
In his place, the erstwhile Secretary of the BoT and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara was elevated to take his position.
Jibrin, who announced the resignation during the board’s meeting in Abuja, Thursday said his decision was in the interest of the party and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of 2023 general elections.
Jibrin said; “All we want is to make sure that Atiku becomes the president of Nigeria by all means. That is why I decided that me Sen. Walid Jibril, I am stepping down from the BoT.
“I discussed this with the candidate and he agreed with me. If the party wins I will be given a bigger position,” Jibril said.
The decision of Jibril was however greeted with wide and ovation during the party’s 97th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which held immediately after the BoT meeting.
The embattled National Chairman of the PDP, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu while announcing Jibrin’s decision to NEC members said the former BoT chairman as a foundation member had served the party meritoriously over the years
Ayu said; “We want to, on behalf of the party specially thank him for all his services over the years, which culminated in his being secretary of the BoT and ultimately the National Chairman of the board.
He asked all NEC members for a standing ovation for Jibrin.
On his part, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar appreciated Jibrin’s sense of patriotism and service to the party, while Wabara said that Jibrin by his action had demonstrated that the BOT is truly the conscience of the PDP.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Tambuwal of Sokoto State, also thanked Jibrin for his show of commitment and sacrifices to the success of the party.
It could be recalled that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has kicked againt the situation where all the leaders of the party including the National Chairman, the presidential candidate and the Chairman of the BoT were from the Northern part of the country.
Jibrin’s Resignation, a Distraction – Wike
Meanwhile Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers yesterday declared that the resignation of the the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Sen. Walid Jubrin was a distraction.
Wike who made the remark at Ahoada on Thursday described it as charade.
Jubrin who resigned his position earlier in the day said that his resignation was to ensure the victory of the party at the 2023 general election.
However, the Rivers governor said the current hierarchy of the PDP leadership was against the constitution of the party.
He said that a situation where the North held the presidential ticket and the national chairman position at the same time was a gross injustice to the South.
According to him, the current hierarchy of the PDP does not give room for the interest of the south, particularly when decisions were to be taken.
Wike said PDP national chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu had earlier promised that if its presidential candidate came from the north, he would resign after the party convention to give way for a chairman from the south.
He claimed that Ayu made the pledge both in the house of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed and at the PDP Senate Caucus meeting.
Wike added that the the party’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar also told him after the convention that Ayu would resign.
He then challenged Atiku to implement what he said, adding, ‘’it is nothing to do with Wike; it has to do with integrity.
‘’This is what he told me; I challenge the presidential candidate to deny this.
‘’If he denies it, I will go further to say so many things to Nigerians because enough is enough; we can’t continue this way.”
He described as erroneous, the belief in some quarters that he was bent on destroying the party and stated that he was only calling for justice and equity.
According to him, we have finished the presidential primaries; it is over. So, when people say you want to destroy the party because you didn’t win primary, I think they’re sick.
‘’Wike is not causing problem, Wike is bringing peace to this country, Wike is advocating for justice, Wike is advocating for equity, Wike is advocating for development,’’ the governor added.
He, however, said he would sustain the fight for a return to healthy party structure to allow for an even representation of the interest of the north and south in the national leadership of the party
PDP Reacts:
The party Through Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary in a communique issued at the end of the 97th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, held Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja reacted to the devements.
According to Ologunagba, the NEC of the PDP at its 97th meeting extensively deliberated on issues of urgent national importance as well as the preparation for the 2023 general elections and resolved as follows:
1. NEC unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for effectively managing the affairs of the Party and restated its confidence in the NWC to lead the PDP to victory in the 2023 general elections.
2. NEC received and accepted the resignation of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sen. Walid Jibrin and accepted the nomination of Sen. Adolphus Wabara, the Secretary of the BoT, as Acting Chairman of the BoT.
3. NEC thanked Sen. Jibrin for his loyalty and commitment towards the unity, stability and success of the Party at all times and urged him not to relent in his service to the Party and the Nation at large.
4. NEC congratulated the Party as well as the Osun State Governor-elect, Sen. Ademola Adeleke for our victory in the July 16, 2022 Osun Governorship election
5. NEC commended the NWC, the Board of Trustees, PDP Governors’ Forum, National Assembly Caucus, Zonal and State Caucuses, other leaders, critical stakeholders and all organs of the Party for the successful conduct of the 2022 National Convention as well as all primaries for the election of our candidates for the 2023 General Elections.
6. NEC unanimously ratified the list of candidates of the PDP as submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the NWC.
7. NEC congratulated H.E Atiku Abubakar and H.E Ifeanyi Okowa on their emergence as Presidential and the Vice Presidential Candidates of the PDP for the 2023 Presidential election, respectively.
8. NEC also congratulated all the Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly Candidates of the PDP for their emergence as flagbearers of our Party at various levels.
9. NEC commended all leaders, members, critical stakeholders and supporters of our Party across the country for their continued steadfastness in the PDP’s mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the nightmarish misrule of the failed APC.
State of The Nation:
10. NEC strongly decried the worsening state of the nation’s economy with attendant excruciating hardship occasioned by the corruption, insensitivity, incompetence and harsh economic policies of the inhumane and vicious APC.
11. NEC is also appalled by the worsening insecurity in the country occasioned by the obvious complicity of the APC administration which continues to condone and enable acts of terrorism in various parts of the country.
12. NEC lamented the failure of the APC government to address the industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). NEC lamented that the APC is relishing the agony, pain and suffering of parents and students in Nigerian public universities due to the prolonged strike action.
13. NEC condemned the constant display of arrogance by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu in handling the issue of ASUU strike and called for a more constructive engagement by stakeholders to resolve the matter.
14. NEC also condemned in the strongest terms the appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari of card-carrying members of the APC as INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
This unpatriotic act is a brazen plot by the APC to manipulate and rig the 2023 general elections against the Will of Nigerians. The PDP demands that President Buhari immediately withdraws the APC members nominated as RECs, failure of which has the capacity to trigger serious political crisis that can threaten the 2023 general elections and derail our democratic process
Campaign Structure
15. NEC approved a unified campaign Structures across the country for the PDP for the 2023 general elections which will focus more on the grass root.
16. NEC approved the proposed Structure and organogram of the National Campaign Council as well as the National Campaign Management Council for the 2023 general elections.
17. NEC also approved the Structures for Campaign Councils at the States, Local Government, Ward and Unit levels.
18. NEC unanimously empowered the NWC to modify and adjust the structures of the Campaign Councils as and when the need arises.
19. NEC received and approved the proposed structure for Zonal Reconciliation Committees to be set up to ensure that our Party presents a common front ahead of the 2023 general elections.
20. NEC also received and approved the composition of the Manifesto Review Committee to review the Manifesto of the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections.
21. NEC charged Nigerians to remain united in rallying towards the success of the PDP at the 2023 general elections and start the onerous task of rescuing and rebuilding our nation.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Presidency has issued a strong rebuttal to recent criticism by a faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, accusing it of peddling falsehoods and failing to acknowledge the measurable gains made under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement titled “Response to Afenifere Faction’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm,” the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, described the group’s remarks as biased, misleading and aligned with partisan opposition rhetoric. The presidency, while defending the administration’s economic reforms and governance record, called on opposition leaders and their supporters to go beyond criticism and present realistic policy alternatives.“It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time,” Dare said.In response to Afenifere’s claim that Nigeria had suffered “economic deforms” under Tinubu, the statement pointed to bold reforms — notably the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of the naira’s exchange rate — as crucial steps in halting fiscal decline and restoring investor confidence.According to Dare, the removal of fuel subsidies saved over $10 billion in 2023 alone, while the floating of the naira has contributed to a growing foreign reserve base, now at $38.1 billion, and a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion.Inflation, while still elevated, is reportedly on a downward trend, with April 2025 data showing a reduction to 23.71%, and food inflation moderating to 21.26%. These improvements, Dare argued, signal macroeconomic stabilisation after years of policy distortions.Complementing the reforms are social interventions, such as cash transfers to over 5.7 million poor households, the Students’ Loan Scheme (NELFUND), increased stipends for youth corps members, free CNG kits for transporters, and a N70,000 minimum wage proposal.Dare also listed notable achievements: 900,000+ beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, $10 billion in cleared FX debt, N50 billion released to resolve ASUU strikes, 1,000+ revitalised primary healthcare centres, N75 billion in palliatives to states, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024, $50 billion in new FDI commitments as well as $800 million raised from solid minerals processing in 2024.“Dismissing these reforms as ‘unforced errors’ shows a lack of policy understanding and underestimates the scale of fiscal dysfunction this administration inherited,” Dare noted.On allegations of increased governance costs and failure to implement the Oronsaye Report, the presidency clarified that while full implementation of the report is ongoing, important steps have been taken to restore fiscal discipline.Nigeria’s fiscal deficit reportedly declined from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, with debt service-to-revenue ratio reduced to under 40%. Revenue generation rose to N6 trillion in Q1 2025 — a reflection, according to the presidency, of reforms that include the elimination of Ways and Means financing.Reacting to accusations of favouritism and corruption in palliative distribution and mega-project execution, the presidency cited the suspension of Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu over a corruption probe as proof of the administration’s commitment to accountability.In 2024, the EFCC secured 4,111 convictions and recovered over N364 billion, alongside millions in foreign currencies. In what Dare called a “landmark recovery,” a 725-unit estate in Abuja was forfeited to the federal government in May 2025 — the agency’s biggest asset recovery to date.On charges that Tinubu’s government is veering toward authoritarianism, Dare maintained that democratic institutions remain intact.He cited the Supreme Court’s upholding of opposition victories in Kano, Plateau, and Abia as evidence of judicial independence.Criticism of INEC’s appointments, he said, lacks concrete evidence that any of the appointees are card-carrying members of the ruling APC.He also dismissed concerns over centralisation of power, especially regarding security architecture, noting that discussions on state policing are ongoing and subject to national security assessments.On the security front, the presidency reported the neutralisation of over 13,500 terrorists and the arrest of 7,000 suspects in the past year. The administration, it said, is investing in food security through agricultural mechanisation, and expanding access to tech skills under the 3MTT programme targeting 150,000 youths.Dare further highlighted the establishment of regional development commissions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as a step toward more inclusive growth.While Afenifere accused the federal government of fomenting discord within opposition parties, the presidency described the claim as “baseless” and challenged opposition actors to focus on policy instead of conspiracy.“Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability,” the statement read.“The Moody’s upgrade from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, is proof that Nigeria is turning a corner.”Sunday Dare concluded with a call for constructive engagement, urging critics and political actors to abandon partisanship and join hands with the administration in building a better Nigeria.“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results.”He acknowledged the hardship being experienced by Nigerians but expressed confidence that continued reforms would bring microeconomic relief in the short term and sustained growth in the long run.
By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has called for feedback from financial services industry stakeholders in the country, policy makers and the general public towards the ongoing revision of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance System.
The proposed revision launched by IADI in May 2025, is a significant step towards enhancing the resilience and relevance of deposit insurance frameworks in the face of an evolving global financial landscape. Specifically, the revision is aimed at comprehensively addressing structural changes, including digital innovation, the growing role of deposit insurers in resolution, and lessons learned from the banking turmoil in March 2023, which is the most significant systemic stress event since the 2007-09 global financial crisis.The IADI Core Principles are used by jurisdictions, including Nigeria, as a benchmark for assessing the quality of their deposit insurance systems and for identifying gaps in their deposit insurance practices and measures to address them. The Core Principles are also used by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in the context of the Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP), to assess the effectiveness of jurisdictions’ deposit insurance systems and practices.According to a statement by Hawwau Gambo Head, Communication & Public Affairs of the NDIC, the first set of the Core Principles was issued jointly by the IADI and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) in June 2009 while the document is subjected to periodic revision order to keep it up-to-date with evolving trends on the global financial system landscape.”As a founding and committed member of IADI, NDIC recognizes the importance of the ongoing revision and hereby invites stakeholders and the general public to actively participate in the process by reviewing the document on the link https://ndic.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Draft-Revised-IADI-Core-Principles.pdf”, the statement added.
By Attah Edeh, Makurdi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, over the incessant killings of innocent villagers by herders and militia groups.The killing, which is becoming almost a daily occurrence, has left many dead, several others injured and maimed, and several houses burnt, leaving many homeless.
It was gathered that Lt Gen Oluyede departed Abuja yesterday morning, accompanied by his Principal Stafftaff Officers (PSOs) and other top officers at the Army Headquarters, to the state to have an on-the-spot assessment of the situation on the ground. The COAS did not address the media, traditional rulers and heads of other security agencies in the state.However, Governor Alia told the Benue Traditional Council and state Security Council members the purpose of the visit of the army chief.Alia said the COAS had brought a message of hope to the people of Benue in the face of the renewed unprovoked attacks and killings perpetrated by armed herders.Sources further said the army chief has ordered the deployment of more troops to the state to give the militia and other armed groups terrorising the people of the state the battle of their lives.In Benue State, the source said, the COAS will hold strategic meetings with all operational and unit commanders to brainstorm on the way forward as well as review the ongoing operations with a view to end the killings.The COAS will also visit troops’ locations and operational bases in the state to interact with troops and boost their morale and fighting spirit.The COAS is also expected to visit villages that have been attacked and reassure residents of their safety and the resolve of the Nigerian army to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.The COAS is said to be unhappy with reports of daily killings in Benue that have ravaged the state in the past few weeks and may order some strategic changes, including the redeployment of some commanders to head some of the operational units on ground.Oluyede, while in the state, will personally lead troops in the operation on the battlefront. He is expected to spend some days in the state before relocating back to Abuja.Recall that the attacks in Benue have been described as ethnic cleansing by many, as gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have embarked on a killing spree, attacking villagers in their villages using sophisticated guns and machetes.Last weekend gunmen killed 43 persons in renewed attacks carried out on several communities of Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.The attacks occurred barely one week after herdsmen militia shot a priest, Rev. Fr Solomon Atongo, along the Makurdi-Naka road and attacked four communities in Gwer West LGA, including the village of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, killing 42 persons, including a mobile police officer.
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