POLITICS
Wike’s PDP Fixes National Convention March 28
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), (FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s faction) on Monday fixed the National Convention For March 28, 29 In Abuja.
This was stated in the communique that was released after its 105th Meeting in Abuja.
The communique that was signed by Hon.
Abdulrahman Muhammed, National Chairman National Caretaker Working Committee and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary National Caretaker Working Committee, the NEC reiterated their commitment in ratifying resolutions and decisions reached at the Emergency 104th NEC Meeting held on Sunday, 7th December 2025.And all the actions taken pursuant to the 104th NEC resolutions remain binding, lawful, and operative, having been taken in strict compliance with the PDP Constitution (as amended), the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), the Electoral Act, and relevant judicial pronouncements.
They agreed that all Party organs, members, and stakeholders shall continue to act strictly in obedience to subsisting court judgments and judicial directives, and urged INEC and all relevant institutions to fully comply with the said judgment in the interest of democracy and constitutional order.
The NEC members also reiterated the legitimacy, authority, and mandate of the Abdulrahman Muhammed-led National Caretaker Committee, with Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu as Secretary, as earlier constituted and endorsed.
The communique reads in part, “Pursuant to its constitutional responsibilities and in line with preparations for a smooth transition to an elected leadership, NEC approved and confirmed the following schedule for Party Congresses nationwide: “Ward Congresses: February, Local Government Congresses: February, State Congresses: March.
“NEC directed the National Caretaker Committee, in collaboration with the National Organizing Secretary and relevant organs of the Party, to issue detailed guidelines, notices, and modalities for the conduct of the congresses in strict compliance with the PDP Constitution, INEC Regulations, and judicial directives.
“NEC further approved and confirmed MARCH 28th and 29th, 2026, as the date for the PDP National Convention, to be held at ABUJA, for the purpose of electing members of the National Working Committee and other statutory organs of the Party”.
NEC also confirmed the extension of the tenure of the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), and others affected Caretaker Committees of the State and Zonal Chapters pending the conduct of the National Convention, State and Zonal Congresses respectively.
NEC therefore asked the National Caretaker Committee to immediately activate Convention Sub-Committees and Commence full logistical, all administrative, and consultative preparations to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and credible Convention.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over what he described as “fiscal recklessness” in the management of Nigeria’s national budgets.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, Obi questioned which budget Nigeria is currently operating, ahead of the expected approval of the 2026 national budget by the Senate on March 17.
He noted that since 2023, Nigeria has been implementing budget items from multiple fiscal years simultaneously, describing the practice as abnormal and harmful to public finance management.
According to Obi, President Bola Tinubu inherited a N21.
83 trillion budget in 2023 but later introduced a N2.17 trillion supplementary budget, which he said prioritised benefits for public office holders despite widespread economic hardship.He further stated that the pattern continued with the approval of N35.06 trillion for 2024 and N54.99 trillion for 2025, bringing total appropriations under the current administration to over N114 trillion in less than three years.
Obi expressed concern that despite the massive spending, budget implementation has remained below 50 per cent, leading to what he described as a crisis of credibility in public finance.
He also criticised the government’s decision to repeal and re-enact the 2024 and 2025 budgets with extended timelines, saying Nigerians were not provided with details of the revised budgets or their capital projects.
The former Anambra State governor accused the Federal Government of lacking transparency, alleging that treasury reports were no longer being published on the OpenTreasury.gov.ng platform and that no budget implementation report was released in 2025.
Obi warned that no country could succeed under such fiscal practices and called on the government to restore discipline in budget management.
“This lack of transparency is not accidental; it reflects a deliberate pattern of undermining public scrutiny and debate.
“The Federal Government has stopped publishing treasury reports on the OpenTreasury.gov.ng portal, dismantling a vital transparency framework inherited from the previous administration.
“In 2025, no budget implementation report was released, regardless of how poor the performance was! No nation can operate with such recklessness and succeed,” Obi said.
From Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, has declared tomorrow Tuesday as free work day in both public and private sectors to celebrate the state at 50th anniversary.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Governor’s adviser media and publicity, Mukhtar Gidado and made available to journalists of the state.
He said that the declaration is aimed at enabling citizens to fully participate in activities marking the historic milestone for the commemoration of the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the creation of Bauchi State.
The governor described the anniversary as a moment of reflection on the journey of Bauchi State over the past five decades, celebrating achievements, strengthening unity, and renewing commitment to development, peace, and good governance.
He urged residents of the state to use the day to pray for continued peace, progress, and prosperity.
Bala also directed all residents of the state to plant at least one tree in commemoration of the day. Added that the tree-planting initiative is designed to promote environmental sustainability, combat desertification, reduce the effects of global warming, and preserve the ecosystem for future generations.
He further urged citizens to celebrate responsibly, maintain peace and order, and demonstrate the values of patriotism, environmental consciousness, and collective responsibility that define the spirit of Bauchi State.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, inclusive development, and policies that will improve the welfare of citizens and strengthen institutions across the state.
Governor Bala Mohammed congratulated all citizens on this historic milestone and urged all residents to actively participate in the Golden Jubilee activities to make the celebration a memorable and impactful one.
Ahead of its National Convention, expected to be held in March, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee has announced the composition of the Central Coordination Committee.
The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Sen.
Hope Uzodimma, will serve as Chairman of the 73-member Central Coordination Committee.National Secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Basiru, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will serve as Vice Chairman, while the Governor of Yobe State, H.E. Mai Mala Buni, has been named Secretary of the Committee.
Checks revealed that all the 26 other Governors on the party platform are members of the Committee, which also has the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas as members.
The statement was, however, silent on the date of inauguration of the committee.
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