The Renewed Controversy Over PDP’s Running Mate Choice The debate over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) running mate selection during the 2023 presidential election has resurfaced. A report recently brought to light suggests that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was initially favored over Ifeanyi Okowa, a claim that contradicts former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s previous statements. Leaked Report Reignites Political Tensions The controversy was reignited by Mr. Lere Olayinka, an aide to Nyesom Wike. The PDP committee’s report, signed by former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu and other key leaders, was dated June 14, 2022, and reportedly sighted by LMSINT MEDIA. The report, titled “Report of the Advisory Committee for the Selection of Presidential Running Mate,” indicated the following preference order: The committee’s decision was based on the broader interests of the party. The report was signed by notable PDP figures, including Umar I. Damagun, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Bala Mohammed, Olusegun Mimiko, and David Mark. Atiku’s Claim vs. Wike’s Camp Response Atiku Abubakar, in an interview with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, claimed that the committee ranked Okowa as the top choice, with Wike coming second and Udom Emmanuel third. He defended his decision to pick Okowa based on the committee’s recommendation. However, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, accused Atiku of distorting facts. He urged the former Vice President to seek forgiveness, stating: “Someone needs to show this to Atiku so that he can seek forgiveness before Ramadan ends.” Olayinka further alleged that Atiku misrepresented the committee’s findings to justify his choice of Okowa. Atiku’s Camp Responds to Allegations Atiku’s media team dismissed Olayinka’s statements as an “emotional outburst” and reaffirmed that Okowa’s selection was based on intellect, composure, and statesmanship rather than party politics. In a statement, Atiku’s media office emphasized: “While we understand that bitterness often finds expression in misplaced aggression, we must remind Wike and his team that a bitter heart isn’t capable of charity, nor does it inspire unity, healing, or truth.” They reiterated that Atiku had no apologies for choosing Okowa over Wike, as the decision aligned with his vision for national leadership. Internal Party Division and Political Fallout The renewed controversy reflects the ongoing internal tensions within the PDP. While Wike’s faction insists on the validity of the leaked committee report, Atiku’s supporters maintain that his choice was the right decision for the party and the nation. This division highlights broader challenges within the PDP as it seeks to rebuild its political strategy ahead of future elections. Conclusion The verbal war between Atiku and Wike’s camps over Okowa’s selection as PDP’s running mate in 2023 underscores lingering political rivalries. As the PDP navigates these internal disputes, the party’s ability to unite and strategize for upcoming elections remains a critical concern. For further insights into Nigeria’s political landscape, check out our in-depth analysis on Nigerian Political Party Leadership and Election Strategy and Political Alliances. ThisDay Live’s analysis on PDP’s internal conflicts READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Former Presidential Aide Reno Omokri Reveals Why He Vowed to Destroy Obidient Movement Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has disclosed the reason behind his firm decision to dismantle the Labour Party’s (LP) Obidient Movement. Omokri, an ardent supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stated in an interview with News Central that his stance against the movement is rooted in his past political involvement with Peter Obi. Peter Obi Was My Political Project – Omokri Omokri explained that he played a pivotal role in making Peter Obi the running mate of Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 presidential election. He emphasized that he has records and documents to support this claim. According to him, members of the Obidient Movement launched personal attacks against him, his wife, and his child. These attacks, he claimed, escalated to the point where his family’s safety was at risk. “Peter Obi’s movement, Obidients, started attacking me, threatening me, and insulting me. Initially, I ignored them. However, when they extended these threats to my family, I had to take action. My wife and I were trailed while jogging in the United Kingdom, and my child was also threatened,” Omokri stated. Vow to Destroy the Obidient Movement Omokri further disclosed that after Peter Obi failed to intervene and address his concerns, he resolved to use all political resources at his disposal to weaken the Obidient Movement. “I took an oath to dismantle that movement because Peter Obi was a project of mine. I was responsible for making him Atiku’s running mate in 2019. But when Obidients started attacking my family, I had no choice but to fight back,” he asserted. Backlash and Political Reactions Omokri’s statement has sparked widespread reactions across political circles. While some critics see his stance as an attempt to discredit the Obidient Movement, others argue that his grievances reflect the increasing toxicity in Nigeria’s political discourse. Conclusion The Obidient Movement, which gained massive support in the 2023 elections, remains one of the most vocal political groups in Nigeria. Omokri’s vow to destroy the movement adds another layer to the ongoing political discourse surrounding Peter Obi’s influence in Nigerian politics. Read more on the political impact of the Obidient Movement READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Sunday Karimi Clash Over Suspension Controversy Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Kogi West Senator, Sunday Karimi, engaged in a heated war of words over her recent suspension from the Nigerian Senate. The dispute escalated as Karimi defended the decision, arguing that her conduct in the Senate justified the disciplinary action. Karimi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was necessary due to the controversy surrounding her actions, which he claimed had embarrassed Kogi State. He further suggested that former Governor Yahaya Bello had foreseen this issue, reinforcing concerns about her suitability for the Red Chamber. “All our advice to her fell on deaf ears. One cannot ignore the fact that Yahaya Bello saw this coming,” Karimi stated while addressing journalists. The senator further alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan had tarnished Kogi State’s reputation and that her actions had contributed to a negative perception of the state across the country. Akpoti-Uduaghan Fires Back, Calls for Senate Drug Tests Reacting to Karimi’s remarks, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed his claims, stating that personal interests were influencing Senate decisions. She went further to propose periodic drug testing for senators, arguing that such measures would enhance rational decision-making within the legislature. “The NDLEA needs to conduct periodic tests on senators. That singular process will save the parliament from erratic legislative hallucinations,” she remarked through her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo. Akpoti-Uduaghan referenced previous calls by NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, for political aspirants to undergo drug screenings, emphasizing that similar tests had already been conducted for local government candidates in Kano State. She asserted that extending this policy to senators would help safeguard the integrity of legislative proceedings and ensure effective governance. Political Fallout and Implications The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan followed a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, an incident that has ignited political tensions in Kogi State and beyond. The controversy has further deepened divisions within the Senate, with some lawmakers supporting disciplinary measures while others call for a review of the decision. For a broader perspective on Nigeria’s legislative reforms and governance integrity, read this analysis on legislative accountability by a leading political affairs expert. Conclusion The Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension controversy underscores the ongoing political power struggle within the Nigerian Senate. While Karimi defends the disciplinary action as a necessary move to uphold legislative standards, Akpoti-Uduaghan insists that Senate reforms—including mandatory drug testing—are crucial for maintaining integrity in governance. As debates over the incident continue, Nigerians closely watch how this clash will shape the political landscape and the future of legislative conduct in the country. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has strongly criticized former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), for allegedly misrepresenting historical facts and attempting to tarnish Abacha’s reputation. In a statement issued on Sunday, Mohammed Abacha, speaking on behalf of the family, condemned the claims made in Babangida’s recent book, A Journey in Service. The book alleged that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election was solely orchestrated by General Sani Abacha. Clarification on June 12 Annulment The Abacha family dismissed this assertion as misleading and historically inaccurate, stating that the responsibility for the controversial annulment rested entirely on General Babangida, who was the Head of State at the time. According to the statement, Abacha, although a senior military officer, did not hold the position of Commander-in-Chief and therefore had no executive authority to make such a decision. “Any attempt to shift this blame onto General Sani Abacha is a deliberate distortion of historical facts. Over the years, there have been continuous efforts to manipulate Nigeria’s history, particularly regarding its democratic evolution,” the statement emphasized. Warning Against Revisionist Narratives The family further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against revisionist accounts designed to manipulate public perception for political gain. “The memory of our late father and leader, General Sani Abacha, must not be sullied by baseless accusations intended to absolve those who were truly responsible,” the statement read. Abacha’s Role in Protecting Babangida In an unexpected revelation, the Abacha family also highlighted how General Sani Abacha played a crucial role in safeguarding Babangida’s life during a critical moment of political instability. “At a time when General Babangida’s safety was in jeopardy, it was General Abacha who intervened to ensure his protection,” they stated. The family expressed disappointment in Babangida’s book, arguing that it failed to present an accurate and objective historical account. “Rather than upholding honesty, sincerity, and integrity, A Journey in Service regrettably missed an opportunity to document history truthfully,” the statement concluded. Historical Overview of Nigeria’s Political Evolution READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The Nigerian Senate has debunked widespread claims that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended due to allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Instead, the legislative body clarified that her suspension resulted from repeated violations of Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and a pattern of unparliamentary behavior. Why Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Was Suspended According to Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Akpoti-Uduaghan was sanctioned for disregarding Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate’s procedural rules. In a statement released on Saturday, Bamidele refuted media reports insinuating that her suspension stemmed from accusations against Akpabio, labeling such claims as misleading and deliberately deceptive. Following the recommendations of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the Senate imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing misconduct and her refusal to adhere to assigned seating arrangements during plenary sessions. However, the chamber provided an opportunity for reconsideration, stating that if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a formal apology, the leadership may lift the suspension before the six-month period elapses. Instead of adhering to Senate protocols, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly misled the public by claiming she was targeted for her sexual harassment allegations. Bamidele emphasized that disciplinary action against the senator was solely based on her conduct and non-compliance with established legislative rules. Procedural Flaws in Sexual Harassment Petition Bamidele further disclosed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on sexual harassment failed to meet the Senate’s procedural requirements for submitting complaints. He reiterated that if she had followed due process, the petition would have been assessed on merit. “The Senate has noted various misleading media reports falsely linking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension to allegations of sexual harassment. This narrative is entirely incorrect. The senator’s failure to adhere to Senate guidelines led to disciplinary action,” the statement read. The Ethics and Privileges Committee found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of breaching Senate Standing Orders, leading to her suspension. The violations cited in the report include: Public Trust and Democratic Implications The Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law (AIRL), a civic rights organization, has warned that the Senate’s handling of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension could erode public trust and jeopardize democratic values. AIRL Chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim Gamawa, stressed the need for legislative restraint, warning that denying Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituency representation could damage the Senate’s reputation. The group described the ongoing Senate dispute as a “show of shame” that could undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions. AIRL urged the 10th Senate to prioritize national interest and resolve the conflict through dialogue to prevent long-term political instability. Conclusion As tensions persist, stakeholders continue to call for transparency in governance. The Senate’s actions and responses will determine whether this controversy fades or escalates into a larger political crisis. To maintain institutional credibility, political leaders must act in accordance with democratic principles and constitutional provisions. Premium Times READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
