Politics
PDP depends on voters to win, not bigwigs — Ondo chairman
The Peoples Democratic Party says it depends on eligible voters to win elections and not totally rely on its bigwigs, saying that their influence is a great advantage.
The Chairman of PDP in Ondo State, Modupe Aisida, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Akure.
Aisida said that though many members of the party, including governors, are leaving the party for a ruling All Progressives Congress, PDP strength remains in the electorate.
He said, “Look at what happened in Lagos. Tinubu, as a former governor of Lagos State and Governor Babajide Sawolu lost in Lagos State during the 2023 presidential election.
“People were surprised because nobody saw it coming. Tinubu also lost in Osun State, his home state, in the presidential election. So, you can imagine the power of the people.
“That is why we should stop building strongmen. Whether you’re a governor or not, if you build strong institutions, people will exercise their franchise and they will make their choice known to everybody.”
The State party chairman added, “For me, power resides with the people. I’m not bothered about most of those people who left the party.
“They rode in on the shoulder of the party, we worked for them, but we have moved on even nationally, we have moved on. It’s even good for the system.
“Let’s see how that will help some of these people who jumped ship in the next election. Thus, if we have free and fair election, then we’ll see how strong and popular they are.
“It’s about the people and that’s the truth. What the present scenario is telling us is that don’t rely on strong men in the party, rely on the ordinary folks out there.”
He questioned the rationale behind the movement of many politicians to the ruling APC, stating that many defected because of their selfish interests.
According to him, people should be educated and enlightened that the electoral power lies with them, so that they should stop selling their votes during elections.
The PDP chairman, who spoke on the perceived interest of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election, said that as a democratic party, PDP would give every aspirant a chance to exercise their democratic right.
“If former President Goodluck Jonathan decides to run, good, but the truth is, we are democrats. There will be primaries; we won’t prevent people who are interested from running. Everybody will be given that chance to exercise their democratic rights,” he said.
Mrs Aisida said that the party had corrected the mistake made in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, and had zoned the 2027 presidency to the southern part of the country.
He denied any faction or division in the party, both at the state and national levels, saying that what was being faced by the party was varied opinions and interests of different groups in the party.
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Politics
Gov Yusuf lauds Shekarau’s return to APC
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has welcomed former governor and senator, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his return as a major development for the party in the state.
The governor made this known in a press statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad.
According to the statement, Governor Yusuf said Shekarau’s return would further strengthen the APC’s position in Kano ahead of future elections.
“A date will soon be fixed, in consultation with the national secretariat of the party, for the formal reception of the former Governor into the APC fold,” the governor said.
He added that the party continues to gain momentum in the state, noting that “the party in Kano continues to witness growing support and consolidation, positioning itself as the most dominant political force in the state.”
Governor Yusuf also expressed confidence in the APC’s readiness for the next round of elections, saying the party is fully prepared to contest and win all available positions.
He attributed the party’s optimism to what he described as growing unity and strategic political alignments within its ranks.
The governor further assured members and supporters that the party leadership remains focused on strengthening internal cohesion and expanding its grassroots support base across Kano State.
He urged party loyalists to remain committed and continue mobilising support as the APC prepares for future political contests.
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Headline
I Will Defeat Tinubu In Credible Free, Fair Election –Melaye
Former Kogi lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, has declared that he would defeat President Bola Tinubu in a credible election, while stressing that his main focus is backing a united opposition candidate.
Melaye made the remarks during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where he criticised the current administration and expressed confidence in alternative candidates.
“My brother, anybody among those interested in presidency in ADC would do one million times better than Tinubu. They can never be a worse president than Tinubu,” he said.
Speaking on his own chances, the former senator insisted he could unseat the President under a transparent process.
“Me, Dino Melaye. Let’s go on a free and fair election,” he stated.
“I will beat him flat in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Despite his confidence, Melaye said his immediate priority is not necessarily personal ambition but ensuring a united front against the current government.
“My own for now is that we must send Tinubu away. Whoever emerges from consensus or from a primary, I will support,” he said.
He also alleged that the President may not be willing to allow a credible electoral process.
“Let him allow a free and fair contest. And if he doesn’t allow it, we will make him conduct our election. Because he doesn’t want election. He wants to be Kabiyesi. He wants to be Igwe,” he added.
On coalition talks, Melaye dismissed speculation about joint tickets, saying the priority is national interest.
“I am not interested in any joint ticket or non-joint ticket, we are only interested in rescuing this country,” he said.
The former lawmaker also raised concerns about governance, alleging undue influence by non-elected individuals, particularly the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu.
“My son will not interfere with governance. My son will not summon DGs of parastatals and agencies of government and ministers,” he said.
He further criticised what he described as the growing visibility of Seyi Tinubu in public affairs, referencing comments by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.
“Even our respected Wole Soyinka complained about him. You have seen the City Boy Movement and what they are doing,” he said.
Melaye maintained that opposition figures are already strategising ahead of future elections, stressing that unity will be key to achieving their goal
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Headline
Shekarau Dumps PDP, Gives Reasons
Former Kano State Governor and Senator, Ibrahim Shekarau, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a strategic political realignment.
In a resignation letter dated April 19, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Giginyu Ward in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Shekarau announced that his exit takes immediate effect.
“Accept this letter please as notice of my resignation from my position as member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with effect from today,” he wrote.
The former minister said the decision followed extensive consultations within his political camp, pointing to an imminent shift to another party.
“This decision follows wide and extensive deliberations within my political group, to pursue our political career in a different political party,” Shekarau stated.
While expressing appreciation to party leadership at the ward level, he added: “I thank you for being a good leader, and pray that Allah will continue to guide you in your stewardship.”
The letter was also copied to the Kano State PDP Chairman and the PDP Chairman of Nassarawa Local Government Area, indicating formal notification across party structures.
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