Politics

A’Ibom Is PDP, Gov Tells Political Dissidents

Published

4 years ago

November 22, 2021

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has told political dissidents to leave Akwa Ibom people alone as the state is Peoples Democratic Party and nothing less.
He said the politics of 2023 would not divide the state even as he urged the people not to allow partisan politics to destroy the progress the state had made so far.
The Governor stated this on Friday at the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo, during the inauguration of the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) and its National Executive Committee.
The governor who noted that peace in the state was responsible for the development it had witnessed, urged Akwa Ibom people not to accept any political party whose aim was to destroy the achievements the state had recorded, saying the state belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He said the peace in the state should be replicated in all the states in Nigeria.
”What message are we giving to the outside world, leave us alone. Politics cannot divide us. I stand in the gap for Akwa Ibom SAtate and declare peace on all parts of the State. I declare peace in all LGAs of Akwa Ibom State. This message started here in Akwa Ibom is needed in all the 36 states of Nigeria. This message must go round that we need peace, we need brotherhood. This symbolises the hallmark of our movement.
“Without peace, there is no development, without peace, there is no progress, without peace, nothing can be done. The absence of progress is the absence of peace. What are we saying to the world? Leave us alone.
“Politics will never divide us, political parties will never divide us. If we, citizens of the state agree that there will be peace, there must be peace. For any place to have peace, one party must decide to play a fool and that is you. We are saying no to armed robbery, conflict, inter-religious wars.
“Even the politics of 2023, the politics of partisan war will not divide us. This is a socio-political movement. Peace must be sustained and multiplied so that we can move forward.
“Akwa Ibom is PDP and PDP is Akwa Ibom. The only political party that can ensure peace in Akwa Ibom is PDP. As we go into 2022, politics will gather momentum. Any party which would not preach peace to you, don’t open your doors to them.”
While declaring the occasion open, the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, said the gathering was without discrimination, as everybody present was bonafide members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Ekpo said the peace enjoyed in the state was as a result of Governor Udom Emmanuel who had properly laid the foundation for peace, saying whoever God has destined to lead the state after him would be peaceful.
He said the peace movement was open for all to join, noting that the progress the state had made under the leadership of the state superintended by the Governor was not in doubt.
He said the person who would take over the State in 2023 must pursue peace, fairness, equity and justice, adding that people were able to gather for the inauguration of the MPM because people of the state were mindful of the need to put the state together.
Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated committee, National Chairman of MPM and immediate past National Legal Adviser of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Emmanuel Enoidem, said the committee had in the past three months already gone round preaching the message of peace in the state.
Enoidem explained that the people were prepared to stand with the Governor in his succession plan, as they were in support of him, saying the tradition in which the Governor picks his successor will be upheld.
He promised that members of the committee at the state, local government and ward levels were committed to the success of the PDP in the 2023 general elections.

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

15 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.

The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.

The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”

The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.

Politics

Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC

Published

16 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.

The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.

He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.

Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.

While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.

According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.

It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.

Politics

Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term

Published

16 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.

The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.

Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.

The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.

In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.

He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.

The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.

“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.

“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.

In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.

Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.

Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.

Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa