Television Nigerian

The internal turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as the Turaki-led leadership formally petitions the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, demanding that three Abuja-based judges be barred from handling cases tied to the party.

In the petition, signed by National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja, the party alleges a disturbing trend: that nearly all sensitive PDP suits filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, somehow find their way to Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu and Joyce Abdulmalik. The party argues that this has fuelled public suspicion and raised questions about fairness, especially at a time when the PDP is grappling with multiple litigations.

The judges in question delivered several pivotal rulings in recent months. Justice Omotosho stopped the PDP’s planned national convention, while Justice Lifu ruled that INEC must not supervise a convention that excludes former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido. Justice Abdulmalik, on her part, restrained the dissolution of the party’s Cross River exco.

Despite this judicial pressure, the PDP pushed ahead with its Ibadan convention, electing Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as National Chairman and installing a new National Working Committee. The convention also formalised the expulsion of several members, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and allies — a move that escalated tensions between the two camps.

The power struggle took a violent turn when members from both factions clashed at the national secretariat in Abuja, prompting security operatives to seal off the building. The Wike faction has since filed a fresh suit seeking to nullify the Ibadan convention entirely.

Arapaja argues in the petition that equity demands that cases involving the PDP be distributed more fairly among judges, stressing that public confidence in the judiciary is at stake. He said the request is not an attack on the judges’ integrity but a bid to avoid perceptions of bias.

However, the Wike faction has pushed back sharply. Acting National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor dismissed the petition as an “overreach,” accusing the Turaki camp of attempting to dictate to the judiciary. He insisted that the controversial rulings simply enforced the PDP’s own constitution and internal procedures — rules the party must respect if it wishes to govern the country.

Osadolor also mocked the recent appointments made by the Turaki-led NWC, branding them “a charade” and insisting the faction lacks any legitimate authority.

President Bola Tinubu has formally submitted the names of three nominees for ambassadorial appointments to the Senate, marking a significant step in filling key diplomatic positions.

The nominees are:

Ayo Oke, former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.

Amin Muhammad Dalhatu, a seasoned career diplomat and former Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea (2017–2023), noted for his expertise in bilateral diplomacy and trade promotion.

Lateef Kayode Are, a retired Army Colonel and Nigeria’s longest-serving Director General of the State Security Service (1999–2007), who also served briefly as Acting National Security Adviser.

The Senate is now expected to review the nominations and proceed with confirmation hearings, a process that will formally enable the nominees to assume their ambassadorial roles.

Since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu has not yet appointed any ambassadors, a delay that has attracted public scrutiny and criticism from stakeholders who argue that timely diplomatic appointments are critical for Nigeria’s foreign relations and international engagement.

Political analysts say the submission of these experienced individuals reflects the administration’s intent to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic footprint and enhance the nation’s representation in key international platforms.

Observers note that the confirmation of these nominees will be closely watched, as it signals the government’s readiness to accelerate foreign policy initiatives and foster bilateral trade, security cooperation, and international partnerships.

The Senate’s deliberations on the nominations are expected to be thorough, considering the wealth of experience each candidate brings to their respective positions, and their potential to advance Nigeria’s strategic interests abroad.

Former House of Representatives member for Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency, Aliyu Omeiza Saiki (SAN), has officially declared his intention to run for the Kogi Central Senatorial Seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The announcement was made over the weekend at a critical stakeholders’ meeting organized by Uka Nation, attended by prominent traditional rulers and political leaders.

The event, held at Kings Royal Hotel, Okene, saw Saiki receive strong backing from his maternal family, the Ezi Omoye, with the National President of the Omoye Development Association, retired Permanent Secretary Adayi Y. Momoh, pledging full support. “Once you are presented by the Party, our winning support is yours, Honourable Saiki,” Momoh said, praising Saiki’s performance and moral standing.

Saiki also visited the Ohi Etohweyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Isa Ozi Salami, who commended his decision to answer the call to serve. “I am confident you will leverage your experience as a Federal Lawmaker and Senior Advocate of Nigeria to benefit the people of Kogi Central,” Salami said.

A seasoned lawyer, Saiki played a key role in the 2023 post-election litigations at both presidential and gubernatorial levels. At the declaration, he acknowledged President Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for their leadership.

The ceremony drew a broad spectrum of dignitaries, including legal professionals such as Barristers S.O. Odege, A.U. Akobe, and B.H. Onuwoji, as well as community and political leaders, retired civil servants, academics, former local government officials, women, youth, artisans, and market leaders, reflecting wide-based support for Saiki’s senatorial ambition.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State , by every body language, appears poised for one of the most significant political shifts in Nigeria’s contemporary history, following a clandestine late-night meeting with former PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, in Makurdi, Daily Independent exclusively reports.

A senior political source, who requested anonymity, described the gathering as “the strongest indication yet that Governor Alia is preparing to leave the APC for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

The confidential meeting reportedly took place Monday evening at Senator Ayu’s residence along Nyesom Wike Road and lasted over two hours, focusing on final arrangements for Alia’s entry into the ADC. Observers noted the timing, coming less than 24 hours after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar formally registered as an ADC member in Jeda, Adamawa State, a move analysts say has triggered nationwide political recalibrations.

Several sources confirmed that Ayu traveled to Benue to obtain his ADC membership card, signaling a quiet effort to build alliances with Atiku and key political actors in the North-Central region.

Insiders within Government House told Daily Independent that Monday’s meeting was part of a broader strategy to facilitate Alia’s transition to the ADC. Loyalists in the governor’s camp are reportedly establishing parallel party structures in local government areas to demonstrate that Alia enjoys substantial grassroots support capable of sustaining a statewide political movement.

One source familiar with the plan explained: “The governor is laying the groundwork for a new political home. These LGA structures are the foundation. The strategy is bigger than most people realize.”

Political tensions in Benue escalated recently after the state government ordered the demolition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign office in Makurdi. While no formal explanation was given, the move is widely seen as a symbolic break from the APC, signaling Alia’s distancing from the party ahead of his anticipated defection. APC loyalists perceive the demolition as an effort to weaken the party’s influence in preparation for Alia’s exit.

At the heart of this unfolding drama is the longstanding rivalry between Alia and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. Despite Akume’s role in securing Alia the APC ticket in 2023, disagreements over party appointments and internal structures have deepened the divide, resulting in factional congresses, rival meetings, and accusations of betrayal.

“The APC in Benue is fractured beyond repair,” an APC official said on condition of anonymity. “If Alia leaves, it will only confirm what we’ve all feared.” Observers say the demolition of the Tinubu campaign office reflects the party’s internal collapse.

Senator Ayu’s renewed political activism following his suspension as PDP national chairman in 2023 has revived longstanding networks across North-Central Nigeria. Combined with Atiku’s high-profile defection, analysts suggest a carefully coordinated political bloc is emerging ahead of the 2027 elections. For Alia, the alignment offers institutional support and a buffer against the Akume-led APC faction, which has increasingly opposed his administration.

Neither Alia nor Ayu has officially commented on the Makurdi meeting. However, the sequence of developments, including Atiku’s registration, Ayu’s movements, APC disunity, and Alia’s strategic maneuvers, points to a major political realignment. Analysts say that should Alia formally join the ADC, it would be among the most consequential shifts in North-Central politics since 2019, with implications likely to ripple across national alliances leading into 2027.

Alia’s next political move remains the focal point of attention in Benue, with the potential to reshape the state’s, and possibly the nation’s, electoral landscape.