WAFFI TV | Politics

Oyo Governor Makinde Says He Has What It Takes To Lead Nigeria

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed confidence in his ability to lead Nigeria as president. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Makinde stated, “I have no doubt in my capacity to occupy the highest office in this land. I have what it takes.” With his tenure set to end in 2027, Makinde is seen as a potential contender for the PDP’s presidential ticket, especially as the party considers presenting a southern candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu. However, Makinde emphasized that the 2027 general election would be a battle between Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than just between APC and PDP. He also stressed the need for internal party reforms before anyone can aspire for higher office. “The PDP must fix itself before anyone can aspire to be anything,” he noted, referencing ongoing internal disputes within the party. Despite being considered a possible presidential hopeful, Makinde refrained from confirming any interest in running. “If my political journey ends here, I am also content,” he said. This comes amid tensions within the PDP, as the party's governors on Monday dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s push for a coalition, rejecting any merger plans. Makinde commented that while individuals may choose to align with coalitions, the party’s official stance is different. “Your house (the PDP) must be in order before you invite others,” he said. Makinde did not however confirm if he was interested in the office of the president of Nigeria. He said, “Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself.” “People can say whatever they want to say (but) right now, I am focusing on what Oyo State people have given to me; the task ahead of us. “So, I am not distracted. I will not play stunt politics; I will not do things because it feels right in some people’s ears. No, I will stay focused to ensure that we bring dividends of democracy to our people, look after them, and also build infrastructure that will lead our people well into the future. That is not consistent with whether somebody is going to go to the federal level or whether people are saying I must contest. If I want to contest, I will come out at the appropriate time. “One thing you should expect from Seyi Makinde is that he would never come out to say I want to do XYZ without preparations and without being held accountable for whatever he says he wants to do.”

4/16/2025, 7:47:03 AM

JUST IN: Reps Speaker Inaugurates 21~Man C’ttee To Oversee Rivers Assembly

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has officially inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to temporarily take over legislative duties in Rivers State, following the suspension of the State House of Assembly. The inauguration ceremony is taking place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, with designated members drawn from all six geo-political zones of the country in attendance. While addressing the 21-member committee, Speaker Abbas emphasized the non-partisan nature of their assignment, urging them to focus on promoting governance, peace, and prosperity in the oil-rich state. “This is a national call to duty following Mr. President’s emergency proclamation. You are to act without bias or partisanship,” Abbas charged the committee. Leading the committee is House Leader and Chairman, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Ali Isah (PDP, Gombe) serving as Deputy Chairman. Other members include Idris Wase (North Central), Aliyu Muktar (North East), Sada Soli (North West), Iduma Igariwey (South East), and Shehu Rijau. Additional members are Wole Oke, Akara Hi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, and Isa Anka, among others. The South West representative, James Faleke, was unavoidably absent.

4/15/2025, 1:31:08 PM

I’m Not Leaving PDP~ Governor Oborevwori Replies Nwoko

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has dismissed allegations suggesting he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The denial follows comments by Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko, who recently joined the APC and claimed at a political gathering in Agbor that the governor was preparing to defect but was “not welcome” in the party. Nwoko made the statement during the official defection of Delta Unity Group members from the PDP to the APC. Responding to the claims, Governor Oborevwori, through the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Fred Oghenesivbe, described the remarks as laughable and without merit. “We don’t have time for Ned Nwoko,” Oghenesivbe said. “Both the commissioner, Charles Aniagwu, and I have previously clarified that the governor has no intention of defecting.” He further challenged Nwoko to provide credible evidence to support his claims. “Did Governor Sheriff tell Nwoko that he is coming to the APC? You, journalists, should ask Ned Nwoko whether Sheriff approached him about coming to the APC. “If Oborevwori didn’t approach Nwoko about joining the APC, where did Nwoko get that information, for him to even be saying Sheriff is not welcome in the APC? It doesn’t make sense to anybody.”

4/15/2025, 10:24:23 AM

2027: PDP Is Finished If Atiku Gets Ticket , Says Bode George

Chief Bode George, a PDP Board of Trustees member, warns the party will collapse if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar clinches the 2027 presidential ticket. “If he (Atiku) picks it (PDP’s ticket), that is the end of this party. If he picks it by manipulation which was what was done the last time, we will not accept it,” the octogenarian said on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday. Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s 2023 presidential candidate, finished second behind former Lagos governor Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election. A veteran presidential contender, Atiku has been in the race for over 30 years and has run for president under various platforms six times. Recently, he spearheaded an inter-party alliance that led to the formation of a coalition on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Alongside key opposition figures like former Anambra governor Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku unveiled the coalition as a united front aimed at unseating President Tinubu, whose government has faced criticism over economic mismanagement, record inflation, and a soaring cost of living. The coalition is counting on the combined electoral strength of Atiku and Obi, who collectively garnered over 12 million votes in 2023—more than four million above Tinubu’s declared tally by INEC. However, in a surprising move on Monday, April 14, 2025, PDP governors rejected Atiku’s coalition efforts, dismissing any plans for mergers or alliances involving the party. Speaking on a television programme that same day, PDP Board of Trustees member Chief Bode George praised the governors’ decision, describing it as a display of sound judgment. He criticized Atiku for failing to show true leadership by not intervening in the party’s internal crises. “No, if he is the leader of the party, he would have waded into it (the crisis),” George said. “The fact that he was the presidential candidate of the party at the last election doesn’t mean he is a bona fide, fixated leader of the party. If he’s running for his private interest, it’s different from the interest of the party.” Asked whether Atiku could be the flag bearer of the PDP in 2027, the PDP chieftain said, “He cannot be. This is what I am saying. There was eight years in the north, there should be eight years in the south. That is the dictate, that is the doctrine of the PDP. I can’t say he cannot contest; he can go to any party because it is his constitutional right but as far as we are concerned, he cannot be the candidate.” “There are rules. Section 7, Sub-section 3C of our constitution. It states that once the presidential candidate has been in the south for eight years, it had to go to the north. And after another eight years, it would come to the south. Is Atiku from the South-West, South-South or South-East?” George asked.

4/15/2025, 8:03:44 AM

PDP Governors Reject Coalition Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have unanimously decided against joining any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections. This resolution was reached during the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, and attended by key governors including Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa). Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) were represented by their deputies. In a communiqué presented by Bauchi State Governor and Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, the governors addressed “nationwide speculations about possible mergers of parties, groups, and/or associations” and made it clear that “the Forum will not join any coalition or merger.” Equally, the forum emphasised that “the PDP, as a major opposition party, welcomes any parties, persons, or groups that are willing to join the party with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.” The governors reiterated their positions regarding the party’s national secretary, stating, “The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba regarding the National Secretary of the party.” They recommended that the deputy secretary temporarily act as national secretary “pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive secretary from the Southeast zone at its next meeting.” The communiqué also expressed solidarity with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stating, “We restate our commitment to stand with him until the end amid the challenges posed by the declaration of a state of emergency in his state.” Addressing the worsening security situation in the country, particularly in Borno, Katsina, and Edo States, the forum expressed alarm, stating, “The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country.” The PDP governors called for a “review and reorientation of priorities and strategies,” emphasising the need for a bottom-up approach to tackle security breaches effectively. They condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, stating, “We extend our condolences to the government and people of the state, especially those who lost lives and property during this unfortunate mishap.”

4/14/2025, 6:02:58 PM

‘It’s Constitutional,’ Women Protest In Support Of Rivers Emergency Rule

The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated as a coalition of women’s groups took to the streets of Port Harcourt in support of an emergency rule in the oil-rich state. Dressed in white, the women marched from the Garrison Flyover to Isaac Boro Park, carrying placards with messages like “State of Emergency is Constitutional” and “We Don’t Want Fubara.” The protest was led by former Rivers Commissioner for Social Welfare, Ifeyinwa Aguma, a known ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The demonstrators voiced their support for Ibok-Ette Ibas, appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the state’s administrator, urging him to sustain his efforts in restoring order. Monday’s demonstration follows a similar protest last week by women backing suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, highlighting deepening divisions amid the ongoing political turmoil.

4/14/2025, 10:38:19 AM

Stop 2027 Campaign Billboards Nationwide~ Presidency Warns

The Presidency has strongly cautioned individuals and groups responsible for unauthorised campaign billboards endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 general elections, labeling the move as illegal and premature. In a statement posted on Sunday via the X platform, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the situation as “disappointing” and demanded the immediate removal of the campaign materials, especially in Abuja and Kano where the billboards are highly visible. “The Presidency has observed, with dismay, the increasing number of billboards in some cities promoting the 2027 campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima,” the statement said. Some of the billboards also feature images of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, raising further concerns about the scale and coordination of the campaign. The Presidency, while acknowledging the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from their supporters, stressed that President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are firmly committed to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. “The electoral law forbids any form of campaign for the 2027 general elections at this stage. Premature campaigning undermines the integrity of the electoral process and creates unfair advantages,” the statement noted. “Until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the timetable for the 2027 elections, the President has not endorsed or authorised anyone or any group to mount a 2027 campaign for him,” it reiterated. The government further urged sponsors of the billboards and any related campaign initiatives to desist immediately, warning that continued violation of the law could attract sanctions.

4/14/2025, 7:14:44 AM

PDP Govs Meet Over Fubara

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have gathered in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for a two-day meeting that commenced yesterday. The meeting aims to address pressing issues affecting the party, particularly the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Meanwhile, former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, has spoken publicly for the first time since the declaration. He expressed confidence that Governor Fubara will be reinstated. In a related development, former House of Representatives member, Dr. Farah Dagogo, has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd), challenging the emergency declaration. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has also condemned the widespread destruction of billboards featuring Governor Fubara’s image across various parts of Rivers State. It was also learned that the PDP governors plan to deliberate on their legal challenge at the Supreme Court, contesting the Federal Government’s actions in Rivers State. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that the governors' forum meeting, which began yesterday in Ibadan, will conclude today. The source, who noted that the governors will also address the crisis rocking the party in the South-South, said: “The meeting is very crucial. “Part of their agenda includes the Supreme Court judgment on the National Secretary, the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting, the South-South zonal leadership crisis, the state of emergency in Rivers State, the leadership crisis within the NWC, and other party matters that will be thoroughly discussed.”

4/14/2025, 7:00:59 AM

Rivers: We Were Tortured, Offered N200m To Implicate Fubara’s CoS~ Discharged Suspects

Chime Ezebalike, Prince Oladele Lukman, Kenneth Kpasa, and MacPherson Olumini—who were previously arrested in connection with the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly—have raised concerns over threats to their lives. Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Saturday, the group stated that even after being discharged and acquitted by the court, they continue to face serious threats. They alleged that individuals opposed to Governor Siminialayi Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, are responsible for these threats. Ezebalike, speaking on behalf of the others, said they chose to go public to clear the air about their role in the Assembly fire incident. He further claimed they were offered N200 million to falsely implicate the Chief of Staff and were tortured by security personnel when they refused to do so. He narrated: “Our offence was because we refused to frame individuals, including the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, as masterminds behind the Rivers State House of Assembly inferno. “Starting from December 2023 we: Chime Ezebalike, Kenneth Kpasa, Prince Oladele Lukman, and MacPherson Olumini were individually and collectively subjected to arrest, intimidation, physical assault, psychological torture. “All of this happened between December 5, 2023, and January 16, 2024. At some point, we were offered bribes in exchange for our freedom even though it was clear that we had committed no offence that warranted our being arrested and detained. “Three of us, Chime, Kenneth, and Oladele are known associates of Rt. Hon. Ehie Edison and Hon. Sokari Goodboy, while MacPherson was an unfortunate victim of mere proximity. Our ordeal began with the arbitrary arrest of Oladele Lukman on December 5, 2023. “On December 16, Chime and MacPherson were violently apprehended at Ogbakiri Junction along the East-West Road while returning from a funeral in Ahoada. “On January 5, 2024, Kenneth Kpasa was forcefully taken in GRA, Port Harcourt, by a convoy of no fewer than three Hilux vans. We were blindfolded and taken to the Federal-Intelligence Response Team (F-IRT) unit along the Eastern Bypass in Port Harcourt, under the false pretense that the vehicle we were travelling in was stolen.”

4/13/2025, 8:21:06 AM

Pro Wike Rally In Bayelsa Postponed

The much-anticipated political rally organized by The NEW Associates, initially slated for Saturday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, has been postponed to April 26, 2025. George Turnah, convener of the rally and head of The NEW Associates' Bayelsa State Chapter, announced the change during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday. The rally—widely seen by analysts as a pro-Wike gathering—had been expected to draw significant public interest amid rising political tensions in the state. Turnah explained that the postponement followed extensive consultations with respected Ijaw leaders and consideration of concurrent events planned by opposing political groups at the same time and venue. He said: “Several pro-Diri and pro-Tambuwal groups have announced solidarity rallies for the same date and location we had initially planned for our inauguration. “As a peaceful and people-driven organization, we have decided to shift our event to allow these groups space to express themselves and to avoid any undue tension. “We urge our members and the good people of Bayelsa to keep the momentum alive as we work towards a successful and peaceful rally on April 26.” This development comes nearly a week after the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa issued an order restraining allies of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from organizing a planned mega rally in the state.

4/12/2025, 7:20:09 AM

Subscribe to our newsletter

advertisement