Politics
Security Breach Allegation: PDP Demands Apology From Minister
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to apologise to Nigerians for allegedly misleading the nation and heating up the polity with unfounded security breach allegations against the party and its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
The party said with the assurances that the nation was safe for the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari for second term, the Minister had confirmed that he, acting for the Federal Government, only conjured claims to create the impression that the PDP and Atiku were working against the inauguration.
The party’s position was contained in a statement midweek by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.
“It is indeed lamentable that in its desperation to secure acceptance from Nigerians and confer legitimacy on the outcome of a rigged election, the Buhari administration would manufacture and purvey fake news to the public, only for Nigerians to learn from the same Minister of Information and Culture, that his earlier claims against the PDP and our presidential candidate were not based on any concrete evidence but, according to him, on having ‘no reasons to doubt’ claims by other individuals.
“Moreover, the Minister’s claims that he relied on certain alarms fell flat as no agency in the country has ever accused the PDP, as a political party, or our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of ‘doing everything possible to sabotage the Buhari administration, generally overheat the polity and make Nigeria seemingly ungovernable’ as claimed by Lai Mohammed,” the statement read.
Ologbondiyan said it had become clear that the essence of the allegation was to divert public discourse from the alleged rigging of the last presidential election.
He added that the allegation was further meant to scare the PDP and its presidential candidate from pursuing the petition at the tribunal.
He said: “We also have fears that Alhaji Lai Mohammed could have made those wild claims in a bid to pave the way to frame, harass, arrest and detain some opposition figures on trump-up charges.”
Governor Oborevwori spoke in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the fourth Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons.
The event, with the theme ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism and Good Governance’, honoured journalists whose contributions have strengthened democracy.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Johnson Erijo, the governor said the event came amid heightened political
He said the theme underscored the relationship between press freedom and good governance, stressing that democracy depended on access to reliable information and accountability.
“Democracy protects the freedom of the press, while responsible journalism strengthens democratic institutions and keeps government connected to the people,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori recalled the Nigerian press’s contributions to the nationalist struggle, resistance against military rule and restoration of democracy in 1999.
He said many journalists endured harassment and detention, while some paid the ultimate price in their pursuit of democratic freedoms.
He cited Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the media to uphold its fundamental objectives and hold government accountable.
The governor said press freedom must be accompanied by professional responsibility, adding that criticism must remain grounded in verified facts.
He warned that social media had increased access to information but also facilitated the spread of false reports, hate speech and misinformation.
He urged journalists to resist pressure to break news at the expense of accuracy and professional standards.
“Public trust is the foundation of journalism. Once lost, it is difficult to regain,” he said.
On government-media relations, Governor Oborevwori said democratic governance required commitment from both sides, urging authorities to protect press freedom and promote transparency.
He cautioned government officials against interpreting every critical report as hostility, saying constructive criticism could improve service delivery.
“Fair criticism can expose gaps, correct mistakes and help improve service delivery,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s experience in Delta, Governor Oborevwori described the media as an important development partner.
He reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom and open communication, saying these aligned with his administration’s M.O.R.E agenda.
“The agenda focuses on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
“Our developmental agenda goes beyond building bridges and roads. It includes rural connectivity, quality education, accessible healthcare and economic opportunities to ensure no community is left behind,” he said.
The governor congratulated the honourees, describing them as professionals who demonstrated that journalism could be courageous without being reckless and critical without being unfair.
Earlier, former NUJ President and Chairman of the occasion, Chris Isiguzo, said responsible journalism was essential as Nigeria approached another crucial general election.
He urged journalists to inform without inflaming tensions and resist attempts to weaponise information for political advantage.
NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, said Governor Oborevwori was selected as Special Guest of Honour because journalists had not faced recorded intimidation, harassment or arrest under his administration.
Comrade Yahya commended the governor’s developmental projects and support for vulnerable women and children.
Governor Oborevwori received the Media Friendly Governor of the Year award at the ceremony.
Mr Ochei described the incident as condemnable and unacceptable, urging the governor to call members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to order and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
He made the call during a media briefing at his campaign office following an alleged attack on NDC supporters during a one-million-man march organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement to mobilise support for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Mr Ochei, more than 30 campaign buses were destroyed by the attackers allegedly led by commercial tricycle operators.
He expressed disappointment over what he described as an attempt by members of the ruling party to intimidate opposition supporters rather than engage them through issue-based campaigns.
“If you are doing well as a party, come out and tell the people what you have achieved to merit re-election instead of resorting to intimidation.
“I call on Governor Oborevwori to call APC members to order and ensure that this dastardly act is thoroughly investigated. Delta State should not be turned into a theatre of bloodshed,” he said.
Also speaking, the Delta State Coordinator of the OK Movement and one of the organisers of the one-million-man march, Comrade Favour Emerue, said the group was supporting the NDC and its candidates in the 2027 elections.
Comrade Emerue alleged that the march, which he described as peaceful and massive, was disrupted by suspected thugs who attacked participants, leaving some members injured and requiring medical attention.
He condemned the incident, insisting that political campaigns should be based on issues and records of performance rather than violence and intimidation.
“This is not the democracy we fought for. Nigerians are ready to defend their votes in 2027 to ensure that the country works. No Deltan should lose his or her life because of an election,” he said.
He warned that Governor Oborevwori would be held responsible if any Delta resident lost their life as a result of political violence.
Comrade Emerue also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
He disclosed that the organisers had notified the police about the planned march and held a meeting with the Commissioner of Police to discuss security arrangements.
According to him, the police commissioner directed the organisers not to assemble at Inter-Bua Junction, a directive they said they complied with.
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