The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing critique of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, accusing his administration of operating under a veil of secrecy regarding the cost of key projects and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figures, just ahead of his second anniversary in office.

The party, in a strongly worded statement released on Sunday in Abuja by its Abia State Publicity Secretary, Mazi Eric Ikwuagwu, alleged that voices once aligned with Otti’s government are now raising red flags over financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.

The statement, titled “Calls for Accountability Mount as Critics Challenge Abia State’s Financial Management Under Governor Otti”, criticized the administration for being intolerant of constructive opposition and for attempting to silence critical voices instead of addressing concerns transparently.

Highlighting examples, Ikwuagwu cited Engr. Eke O. Ako, a respected Abia-born engineer based in Scotland who had been a vocal critic of the previous Ikpeazu administration. According to him, Engr. Ako, once hailed as a symbol of integrity by Otti and his allies, is now being smeared and accused of partisanship for applying the same scrutiny to the current government.

“Engr. Ako was never accused of being sponsored when he criticized former Governor Ikpeazu,” Ikwuagwu said. “Today, simply because he is demanding answers from the Otti-led administration, he is labelled a political tool. That’s hypocrisy at its peak. Eke Ako is not for sale.”

The PDP spokesperson also referenced Chief Obinna Oriaku, a former finance commissioner under the past administration, known for his outspoken stance on public finance. “Oriaku was once celebrated by the very people in power today as bold and uncompromising. Now, because he’s exposing what he describes as unprecedented looting under Otti’s leadership, he’s being vilified,” Ikwuagwu said.

He further alleged that both men have based their criticisms on data extracted from the government’s own official publications, such as quarterly budget performance reports.

“From these reports, questions have emerged around expenditures such as N6.5 billion on recreational facilities, N10 billion on capacity building, N7 billion on ICT infrastructure, and N54 billion on the renovation of non-existent public schools—a combined figure exceeding N200 billion,” he stated.

The PDP also questioned the justification for N36.5 billion allegedly spent on the 5.7km Port Harcourt Road, translating to over N6.1 billion per kilometre, claiming it to be the most expensive road project in Africa.

“Rather than provide clarifications or rebuttals to these serious allegations, the administration has focused on discrediting the messengers, leaving the core issues unaddressed,” Ikwuagwu said. “No press statement, no official response—only coordinated media distractions.”

The party accused the state government of diverting attention from the revelations by staging publicity stunts and alleged media manipulation, warning that “no amount of PR or foreign media involvement can erase the facts or suppress the demand for transparency.”

“The people of Abia deserve honest answers, not political theatrics. Accountability is not optional—it’s a democratic obligation,” the statement concluded.

…Confirms Meetings with Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Others

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Nwosu, has revealed that discussions on forming a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections are expected to be concluded within the next one or two weeks.

Speaking in an interview over the weekend, Nwosu confirmed that committees set up by the party had already held consultations with key political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.

He noted that the party had been actively engaging in grassroots mobilization and strategic discussions over the past 16 months, emphasizing the need for a “patriot’s coalition” in response to the nation’s pressing challenges.

“ADC has been at the forefront of this process, building from the ground up. The situation in the country demands either a citizen’s revolt or a coalition of patriots. We chose the path of responsible transformation,” Nwosu stated.

The ADC chairman, who also heads the party’s National Consultative Organ, explained that different arms of the coalition effort are being coordinated by key leaders within the party. According to him, Dr. Bamidele Jamilu Jade, Deputy National Chairman, is liaising with some political parties, while Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad is handling engagements with other political stakeholders.

“Our committees have met with almost all major 2023 presidential aspirants and candidates, including Rotimi Amaechi. Dr. Ahmad has also held discussions with various political parties,” Nwosu revealed.

He dismissed claims that the ADC is simply being used as a political “molue” or multipurpose vehicle for ambitious politicians. “At the Arewa House summit in Kaduna, we made it clear—ADC is not a political taxi for anyone’s ambition. That’s what weakens democratic structures in Nigeria.”

On the sensitive issue of zoning the presidency within the proposed coalition, Nwosu said consultations are ongoing. He acknowledged differing opinions from youth groups and stakeholders but stressed that ADC is not driven by ethnic or regional considerations.

“I’ve heard many youth groups say it’s the South’s turn. But I’ve also listened to others who say that since 1999, the South has held power for 17 years, and the North for 11 years. If the South retains power after Tinubu, it becomes 22 to 11. We don’t encourage regional division in ADC. Our structure doesn’t include North-South designations. Our Deputy National Chairmen are assigned based on function, not geography.”

Nwosu emphasized that the party has distributed its constitutional guidelines and value-based pamphlets to leaders involved in the coalition talks to ensure alignment with the ADC’s vision of inclusive, issues-based politics.

“We are laying a foundation for a new political order—one that transcends ethnicity, religion, and opportunism. What we seek is transformation, not transaction.”

As the coalition talks enter the final phase, all eyes will be on the ADC and its partners to see if a credible third force can emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has announced his withdrawal from all previously agreed resolutions aimed at resolving the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of betrayal and deliberate sabotage.

In a statement personally signed and titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” Wike expressed disappointment over what he described as serial violations of gentleman’s agreements reached by PDP stakeholders to stabilize the party. He vowed to continue the struggle until justice prevails.

“I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor recounted a series of high-level meetings, including a G5 Governors’ session in Lagos and a broader reconciliation dialogue at former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s guest house in Abuja. According to Wike, those meetings produced critical resolutions, such as the reaffirmation of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary—based on a Supreme Court judgment—and the withdrawal of all legal cases involving Rivers State.

However, Wike said those agreements were disregarded almost immediately. He accused Makinde of colluding with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to push for Ude Okoye as a replacement for Senator Anyanwu and of engineering moves to subvert internal party processes.

“To my utter dismay, Governor Makinde teamed up with Peter Mbah to convene a South-East leaders’ meeting that threatened to pull out of the PDP if Ude Okoye was not imposed as Secretary,” Wike stated.

He also alleged that some PDP officials, under the influence of Makinde, tried to legitimize unauthorized party actions, including issuing NEC meeting notices and electoral correspondence through the Deputy National Secretary instead of the legally recognized National Secretary, leading to the collapse of the zonal congress in Jos after INEC refused to participate.

Wike, who has been with the PDP since 1998, said he had contributed significantly to the party’s survival and to the electoral victories of many governors but has never demanded personal rewards.

“What is more painful is that I contributed substantially to most of these governors winning their elections, yet I have not made any personal demands on any of them and I would never do so,” he stressed.

Concluding, Wike warned that the continued violation of internal agreements will only deepen the PDP’s crisis, and he has therefore resolved to distance himself from further negotiations and pursue justice by all means.

The minister’s latest outburst adds fuel to the already raging fire within the PDP, signaling a renewed internal struggle that could reshape the party’s future direction.

…Pledge to Deliver Their States for APC Victory

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received a major boost ahead of the 2027 general elections as the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) officially endorsed him as the sole presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement was announced during the APC National Summit currently holding at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by Imo State Governor and PGF Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani—signaling a united front by APC governors in backing the President’s second-term ambition.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, Uzodimma reaffirmed the governors’ unwavering support for Tinubu, commending his leadership and reform agenda. He pledged that APC governors will mobilize political structures in their respective states to secure victory for the party in 2027.

> “We are committed to delivering our states for President Tinubu. His transformative leadership has set a new direction for Nigeria, and we stand fully behind him,” Uzodimma declared.

The endorsement aligns with recent declarations of support from other party blocs, including APC governors from the North Central, who recently passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu’s administration, citing his strides in infrastructure, economic reforms, and inclusive governance.

This strong show of support from the APC governors comes at a time when opposition alliances are beginning to take shape. Notably, former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, are reported to be aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in anticipation of the 2027 polls.

Tinubu’s endorsement by the Progressive Governors Forum not only solidifies his hold on the APC structure but also sends a clear signal to opposition blocs as political realignments continue ahead of the next election cycle.

More details to follow…

A high-profile legal challenge against the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State suffered a setback on Thursday after the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt transferred the case to its Abuja Division.

The case, Suit No: FHC/PH/53/2025, filed by Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner Samuel Amatonjie, names President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State as respondents.

The suit was slated for hearing before Justice Adamu Mohammed Turaki in Port Harcourt but was abruptly removed from the court’s docket. Upon arrival, Amatonjie was informed that the matter had been transferred to Abuja.

Speaking with journalists outside the courtroom, Amatonjie expressed shock and disappointment over the sudden development.

“I was told the case has been moved to the Abuja Division under Order 49 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules,” he said. “While I respect the court’s discretion, I have mixed feelings. This is a matter of great public interest and should have been heard here in Rivers, where the issue directly affects the people.”

He noted that other suits challenging the emergency declaration in Rivers State were also reportedly transferred to Abuja.

Amatonjie stressed the need for urgency in the matter, calling on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to swiftly assign the case to a judge to avoid unnecessary delays.

“My worry is that matters of this nature deserve expeditious hearing. Having transferred it to the FCT, I urge the judiciary to act quickly. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he added.

Amatonjie’s suit seeks to challenge the legality and constitutionality of the emergency declaration by President Tinubu, which was subsequently ratified by the National Assembly. He argues that such an action, particularly in a democratic setting, must be grounded in verifiable threats and follow due process.

“The declaration of emergency without credible justification is not only dangerous but also undermines the constitutional fabric of our democracy,” he said.

The suit adds a fresh layer to the political tensions gripping Rivers State, and legal experts suggest that its eventual outcome could set a precedent for future emergency declarations in Nigeria.