Politics
Adamawa 2027: Ex-House spokesman, Namdas joins governorship race
By Saint Mugaga
An erstwhile spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas has declared his intention to contest for the position of governor of Adamawa state in the 2027 general elections.
Namdas, the North-East representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board announced his decision to contest for governorship seat at an Iftar dinner he hosted in Abuja at the weekend.
Namdas, who also served as Chairman of the Committee on Army in the 9th House said his decision to throw his hat in the ring was arrived at after extensive consultations with various stakeholders in the state.
He said “I believe I possess the capacity and expertise to advance our state, drawing on my experience as a media practitioner, legislator, and security and strategic expert.
“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has undoubtedly made significant contributions to the state in infrastructure, welfare, education, health, and sports.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently acknowledged these achievements during a speech when he was invited by the governor to commission several projects.
“In light of this, I believe a capable leader is needed to consolidate these gains and further advance progress in other sectors, such as agriculture, rural development, and security”.
He appealed to his guests and other major players in the state to support his aspiration, saying, “I have invited you here because I recognise the caliber of individuals you are. Many of you have contested and won elections before, which means you are well-positioned to advise and support me in achieving my goals”.
He added, “Adamawa is richly endowed with abundant mineral and agricultural resources. Significant mineral deposits—including gypsum, limestone, magnesite, kaolin, and bentonite—are found in large quantities across the Gombi, Guyuk, Numan, Lamurde, Ganye, and Yola South local government areas, among others.
“Agriculturally, the state benefits from a wealth of cash crops, food crops, and substantial livestock production. The availability of these mineral and agricultural resources has inspired me to consider running for governor, as it presents an opportunity to drive meaningful progress for the state, among other important reasons.
“This is not a manifesto night but a meeting with key stakeholders. I want to give you a glimpse of what to expect if I become governor of the state, so that you can provide me with fair and honest advice”.
Recall that Namdas represented the Jada/Ganye/MayoBelwa/Toungo Federal Constituency of Adamawa State from 2015 to 2023.
This will be his second shot in the governorship, as he was the deputy governorship candidate of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 gubernatorial elections in the state.
Politics
At last, Ex-FCT Senator, Aduda dumps PDP
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
Former senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda on Tuesday resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a letter obtained by Pressicon, Aduda sent his letter of resignation to the Chairman, PDP, Karu Ward, Abuja, Abu Danjuma, dated 17th of March 2026.
The letter that read, “Notice of resignation of my membership from PDP”, was signed by Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda JP.
It read, “I write to formally notify you of my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect due to the crisis in the party.
“I remain grateful for the opportunity the party gave me to serve in various elective positions in our nation.
“Please, accept the assurances of my high esteem.
Sen. Philip Tanimu Aduda JP. MFR. CON Senator of the 7th 8th and 9th Assembly
(2011 – 2023)”.
Aduda, a close ally of the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, is believed to have completed arrangements to join the ruling APC.
He is also set to recontest the FCT Senatorial elections in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Politics
Pro-Wike PDP NEC Fx Dates For National Convention, Others
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday evening released its 2027 election timetable, fixing its presidential primaries for May 23, 2026, National Convention for March 29-30, 2026.
The resolutions were issued in a
communique, read by Jungudo Mohammed, at the end of the party’s 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The NEC’s commendation of the caretaker committee led by Hon. Abdur Rahman Mohammed for stabilizing the party during the transitional period.
The NEC expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of both national and local government congresses across the country and expressed confidence that the upcoming state congresses and zonal congresses will be carried out peacefully and transparently in strict compliance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
The NEC also commended the Court of Appeal’s judgment affirming the authority of the National Caretaker Committee, the NEC stressed that the decision strengthens constitutional processes and stability within the party.
In this context, the committee urged all disputing factions to embrace reconciliation, avoid further litigation, and desist from moves to the Supreme Court for the sake of party unity and stability.
The meeting also approved the expansion of the party’s electronic membership registration to modernize the database, enhance grassroots participation, and improve transparency and efficiency in party administration.
According to the communique, the party’s timetable for upcoming primaries and convention activities has been approved in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) schedule for the 2027 general elections.
Key dates include:
Submission of party register: April 10, 2026
State Assembly primaries: May 2, 2026
National Assembly primaries: May 9, 2026
Gubernatorial primaries: May 16, 2026
Presidential primaries: May 23, 2026
National Convention: March 29-30, 2026.
The NEC strongly condemned the attack on party members during recent congresses in Oyo State, describing it as “unfortunate and unacceptable” and urged security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for all party leaders, stakeholders, and members nationwide to remain united, disciplined, and focused, reiterating the PDP’s commitment to democratic principles, national unity, good governance, and the welfare of Nigerians.
“The NEC ended on a note of renewed unity and determination among party leaders and members to strengthen the party and position it for greater national service,” the communique read.
This resolution underscores PDP’s resolve to present a cohesive and credible platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, with emphasis on internal democracy, transparency, and peaceful engagement.
Earlier, The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, at the occasion insists that his faction is firmly in control of the party.
Wike denied being a mole in the party and insisted he is still committed and loyal to the party. And said his faction is open to negotiation on the position of strength.
“PDP will never die. There comes a time when you have crises, but those crises are for you to put yourself in order. We are for reconciliation, but genuine reconciliation.
“When you talk about reconciliation, come with concrete proposals. I don’t like people who negotiate at night and come out to shout in the daytime,” Wike said.
Wike insisted, “The party is working hard for the convention to hold. The venue has been secured and necessary fees paid.
Convention must hold and everyone will be allowed to participate.
“We must provide a platform for the party to act as one. Whether I contest the election in 2027 or not, the survival of PDP is paramount”.
Politics
Enough of litigations’, Wike’s PDP faction declares as BoT moves for unity
By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja
The Wike’s faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called for restraint from the relentless legal battles advising members to give reconciliation and party consolidation a chance.
Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, stated this on Wednesday, during the 86th meeting of the Senator Mao Ohuabunwa-led Board of Trustees BoT, in Abuja.
He lamented that recent judicial outcomes should serve as a final signal for members to sheath their swords.
“The court has spoken once again that the rule of law must prevail in our party’s internal affairs. I want to call on all party stakeholders, leaders to unite ourselves for the betterment of our party. Enough of litigations that will delay our activities towards the 2027 general election”, he said.
The meeting, presided over by BoT Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, served as a platform to outline the party’s roadmap for the coming weeks, including state congresses and the National Convention.
In his address, Senator Ohuabunwa characterized the gathering as a “defining moment” for the PDP, calling for “wisdom, institutional memory, and calm reflection.”
He said; “This gathering comes at a defining moment in the life of the PDP; one that calls not for emotion or haste, but for wisdom, institutional memory, and calm reflection. As the Board of Trustees, we are not merely participants in party affairs; we are the custodians of its soul, its values, and its constitutional integrity.
“Our party has recently recorded significant milestones in its ongoing process of internal reorganization and strengthening. Across the country, we have successfully conducted ward and local government congresses, which were largely peaceful, transparent and reflective of the democratic spirit that defines our party.
“These exercises demonstrate that the PDP remains deeply rooted in participatory democracy and the will of its members at the grassroots.
“We are optimistic that the state congresses scheduled to take place this weekend will further consolidate this process and strengthen our party structures across the federation. These congresses are not merely administrative exercises; they are critical steps in renewing the legitimacy, inclusiveness, and vitality of our great party.
In the same spirit, preparations are well underway for our National Convention scheduled for the 29th and 30th of March, which will provide an opportunity for the party to further reposition itself and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles, unity, and national service.
“It is also important to acknowledge the recent judgments of the Court of Appeal, which have affirmed the legality and authority of the National Caretaker Committee led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed.
“These judicial pronouncements have provided much-needed clarity and stability within the party. As a law-abiding political organization, we respect the decisions of the courts and will continue to conduct our affairs in accordance with the rule of law and the provisions of our party constitution”, he added.
