Connect with us

Published

on

PDP Turmoil Worsens as Wike-Aligned Faction Expels Makinde, Turaki, Others—–The factional National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, has purportedly expelled governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara from the party.

The faction also expelled the the party’s new National Chairman, Sen. Tanimu Turaki, Board of Trustees Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara and Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja.

Also expelled, according to the group, are the Chairman, Caretaker Committee for South-South, Emmanuel Ogidi and others for alleged anti Party activities.

Attempts by the Makinde and Mohammed backed faction and that supported by Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to hold their meetings at PDP headquarters on Tuesday caused clashes between the two groups.

The embattled National Secretary of the party, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, said this while presenting  the communique of the controversial 103 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held by the faction at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said that the factional NEC ratified the expulsion of the affected members.

He said they they well expelled over alleged disregard for court judgements, an action he said put the party in disrepute.

Anyanwu said that the  NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organising and attending a purported and unauthorized convention.

This act, according to him, triggered confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and legislators nationwide.

“NEC received the report of the acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the Party into disrepute.

“NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following; Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, and Setonji Koshoedo.

“Others include Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel and Emmanuel Enorden.

“NEC further resolved that Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024. These actions are taken to preserve order and discipline within the Party,” he said.

Anyanwu said that the NEC also ratified the dissolution of party State Executive Councils of Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti.

He said that the NEC directed the NWC to constitute caretaker committees and begin fresh congresses immediately while it recognised the Edo exco led by Nosa Ogieva.

“NEC directed Deputies in all National Working Committee positions now vacant owing to expulsion to assume the substantive positions in acting capacity and function as NWC members.

“NEC also formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

“NEC directed the legal team and NWC to commence immediate constitutional action to recover seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution,” he said.

Anyanwu added that the NEC also approved a party-wide reconciliation initiative to heal divisions and rebuild trust, while ensuring that reconciliation did not undermine discipline.

He also disclosed that a nationwide membership audit and revalidation would begin ahead of the 2027 elections.

“NEC acknowledged the anxieties among members but assures the Party faithful that these decisions are aimed at stabilising and strengthening the PDP.

“The NEC affirms that the era of indiscipline is over. The PDP will not bow to lawlessness or personal ambition.

“With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle,” he said.

Earlier in their opening remarks, the BoT Chairman, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa and Abdulrahman urged the party members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP will surmount its problems.(NAN)

0Shares
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Entertainment

JUST IN: Nollywood Thrown Into Mourning As Actor Alexx Ekubo Dies At 40

Published

on

Actor Alexx Ekubo Dies At 40

JUST IN: Nollywood Thrown Into Mourning As Actor Alexx Ekubo Dies At 40—-Popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has reportedly passed away at the age of 40 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Reports which emerged on Tuesday evening stated that the award-winning movie star had been privately battling the illness for some time before his death, throwing the Nigerian entertainment industry into deep mourning.

News of his passing has since triggered an outpouring of grief across social media, with fans, colleagues, and celebrities paying tribute to the actor known for his charisma, elegance, and versatility on screen.

For months, concerns had grown among fans over Ekubo’s absence from public appearances and social media activity. His last major online post dated back to late 2024, fueling speculation about his health and wellbeing.

Born Alex Ekubo-Okwaraeke, the actor studied Law at the University of Calabar and also earned a diploma in Mass Communication. He first gained national attention after emerging as the first runner-up in the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition — a breakthrough that opened the doors to a successful acting career in Nollywood.

Ekubo quickly became one of the industry’s most recognisable faces, admired for his ability to interpret a wide range of roles. His performance in the 2012 movie In the Cupboard earned him the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

Beyond acting, his personal life often attracted public interest, especially his relationship with American-based model Fancy Acholonu. The pair became one of Nollywood’s most talked-about celebrity couples after announcing their engagement in 2021.

However, their planned wedding — famously tagged #FalexxForever — was abruptly cancelled just months before the ceremony, sparking widespread reactions online. In the years that followed, both parties made headlines over comments regarding their relationship and eventual separation.

As tributes continue to pour in, colleagues in the movie industry have described Ekubo as a warm-hearted individual whose talent and energy left a lasting impact on African cinema.

His death marks a painful loss for Nollywood and the many fans who admired him throughout his career.

0Shares
Continue Reading

Business

UBA, GTCO Lose ₦2.13 billion To Fraudsters Despite Heavy Cybersecurity Investments

Published

on

UBA, GTCO Lose ₦2.13 billion To Fraudsters

UBA, GTCO Lose ₦2.13 billion To Fraudsters Despite Heavy Cybersecurity Investments—-Three of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions have reported combined fraud-related losses of approximately ₦2.13 billion in their latest audited financial statements, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime and electronic banking fraud in the country’s financial sector.

The affected institutions include Access Holdings Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, and United Bank for Africa Plc.

According to details contained in the banks’ 2025 financial reports, fraud incidents linked to the three lenders totalled approximately ₦10.29 billion. However, through recoveries, transaction reversals, and security interventions, the banks were able to prevent or recover about ₦8.16 billion, leaving actual losses at approximately ₦2.13 billion.

Among the banks, Access Holdings recorded the highest direct loss to fraudsters, losing an estimated ₦1.24 billion within the financial year.

United Bank for Africa reported over 26,400 fraud-related incidents, with actual losses totalling approximately ₦621.57 million, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company recorded approximately ₦269.44 million in losses tied to fraudulent activities.

Industry analysts say the figures reflect the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital banking ecosystem.

Most of the fraud cases were reportedly connected to electronic banking channels, including unauthorised transfers, mobile banking compromise, phishing schemes, identity theft, and other forms of digital payment fraud.

The development comes as Nigerian banks continue to accelerate the country’s transition toward a cashless economy through mobile banking platforms, internet banking services, agency banking networks, and digital payment systems.

Despite the losses, the financial institutions significantly increased investments in technology infrastructure and cybersecurity measures during the year under review.

Collectively, the banks reportedly spent over ₦280 billion on technology upgrades, fraud monitoring systems, customer authentication processes, and transaction security enhancements aimed at reducing cyber threats and protecting customer funds.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria has also intensified regulatory efforts to curb financial fraud across the banking industry.

The apex bank recently introduced stricter compliance measures requiring financial institutions to strengthen fraud detection systems, improve transaction monitoring, and respond more rapidly to suspicious activities and customer complaints.

Financial experts have warned that as digital banking adoption continues to rise across Nigeria, banks and customers alike must remain vigilant against increasingly advanced cybercrime tactics targeting the financial sector

0Shares
Continue Reading

Trending

0Shares