Politics

Makinde in limbo as INEC recognises Wike-backed PDP faction

Published

2 weeks ago

March 30, 2026

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde is in limbo as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has formally recognised the faction of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, backed by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The move signals a significant shift in the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.

Unsettled by INEC’s position, the Makinde’s faction has declared that it is awaiting the verdict of the Supreme Court on the leadership tussle in the party.

This position was announced in a statement on Monday by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.

According to the statement, they have become aware of disturbing activities over the last 48 hours regarding the leadership tussle in the party, and hope the Supreme Court will expedite action on the matter, which is already before it.

“With the series of disturbing activities occurring in succession within the last 48 hours, genuine members of the Peoples Democratic Party
@OfficialPDPNig
across the country have expressed their concerns and are asking what the future holds for the party and our country’s democracy, by extension.

“To them, and other fair-minded, democracy-loving Nigerians, we reassure that we have taken this battle to the Supreme Court for the determination of all the issues relating to the leadership of our party, particularly as it relates to what constitutes an internal affair. With this appeal and the relevant concomitant applications filed and served on all the parties involved, we are hopeful that sooner, rather than later, the apex court will, in the interest of democracy, expeditiously hear and adjudicate on this matter,” the statement read.

INEC published the updated PDP leadership on its official website, listing Abdulrahman Mohammed as the party’s National Chairman. Mohammed emerged alongside other members of the NWC during a national convention held on Sunday at the velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The development comes amid deepening divisions within the PDP, which has been split into two rival factions. One faction, led by Kabiru Turaki, had approached the Supreme Court seeking to restrain the Wike-backed group from conducting the convention.

Despite the legal challenge, the convention proceeded, producing a full slate of new national officers.

Addressing party faithful at the event, Wike declared that the PDP had overcome a protracted leadership crisis that once threatened its survival. He credited loyal members for reclaiming the party’s structure and restoring internal democracy.

According to him, party members resisted forces promoting ethnic and regional divisions, insisting that the PDP had been “returned to its rightful owners — the people.”

Wike also commended grassroots supporters for sustaining the party through turbulent times, noting that despite what he described as “the infidelity of opportunistic elite,” the rank-and-file remained steadfast.

Full list of recognised PDP NWC members

Abdulrahman Mohammed — National Chairman

Aaron Chukwuemeka — Deputy National Chairman (South)

Yusufu Akirikwen — Deputy National Chairman (North)

Anyanwu Samuel — National Secretary

Kolawale Olabisi — Deputy National Secretary

Odeyemi Oladiran — National Treasurer

Lado Marke — Deputy National Treasurer

Eyim Henry — National Financial Secretary

Grema Kyari — Deputy National Financial Secretary

Umar Bature — National Organising Secretary

Efere Augustine — Deputy National Organising Secretary

Jungudo Mohammed — National Publicity Secretary

Egwu Chidiebere — Deputy National Publicity Secretary

Kamaldeen Ajibade — National Legal Adviser

Aloysius Uba — Deputy National Legal Adviser

Osuoha Donatus — National Auditor

Adaba Seri Yatu — Deputy National Auditor

Ogunshe Adedayo — National Women Leader

Hauwa Shinge — Deputy National Women Leader

Ibrahim Aboki — National Youth Leader

Momoh Bashir — Deputy National Youth Leader

Related Topics:Featured INEC Makinde PDP Wike

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Politics

Amb. Yusuff Maitama Tuggar: A leader committed to positive change

Published

7 hours ago

April 15, 2026

News Diggers

By Adebayo Adeoye

No doubt many have lost hope in the nation’s democratic process, but the beauty of democracy can always be restored when the people begin to enjoy the much-needed dividends of good and credible governance. This reality has brought many to the conclusion that the electorate must consciously choose leaders who understand governance and know their onions.

The realities of various protests and public criticism have opened the eyes of many to the urgent need for a new set of individuals who are ready and committed to facilitating positive change. There is a growing demand for a generation of sound minds with the courage to pull the bull by the horns and do the needful to move communities to a place where hope is not only rekindled but dreams are turned into reality.

It is for these reasons that many people increasingly point to Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, an experienced diplomat of high repute and a brilliant mind, as a symbol of hope for a new Bauchi State. This growing public yearning is fueled by his passion for using public service as a viable tool for societal re-engineering, rather than any personal declaration or ambition on his part.

As part of his grassroots advocacy and passion for community building and development, Tuggar, in June last year, expressed sympathy for affected traders and condemned the demolition exercise. He pledged support for their recovery and rebuilding efforts. The demolitions, which affected shops along Kano Road and other parts of the Bauchi metropolis, left thousands of small business owners in despair.

Understanding how pivotal education has become to the wholesome development of human nature, Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar the Minister of Foreign Affairs this January has granted a scholarship to 40 indigent students to study at the Aminu Sale College of Education in Azare, Bauchi State. No doubt upon the completion of their studies they will contribute immensely to the educational advancement of the zone.

In Nigeria, public leadership has long carried an unwritten expectation: that national prominence should never sever local responsibility. Community foundations linked to political figures often serve as informal bridges between state institutions and grassroots needs. Through the Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in Bauchi State appears to reflect this tradition modest in publicity, yet steady in local impact.

Its most visible contribution lies in humanitarian welfare. Periodic distribution of food items, grains, and basic relief materials has provided short-term stability to vulnerable households, particularly in rural communities where inflation, climate pressures, and employment gaps remain acute. Through his intervention on the 15th of December 2024, the ECOWAS Emergency Flood Response supported 850 households across Katagum, Jama’are, Zaki, Gamawa, and Giade local government areas, with a total of 1,000 households benefiting from the initiative. Last he made a personal donation of 20 Million Naira to the same zone to cushion the effects of flooding.

This, among many other actions, has showcased his milk of kindness and deep concern for the welfare of the people.

The current Minister of Foreign Affairs has consistently demonstrated belief in policies and initiatives that have direct impact on the welfare of the people. Many believe that much can be achieved in Bauchi State through proper governance, adequate leadership and effective representation, values he has continued to exemplify in public service. His track record suggests that he would bring governance closer to the grassroots if ever called upon to serve at that level.

Beyond his current role as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar’s career is marked by deep-rooted political heritage, extensive private sector experience in the energy sector, and recent high-level diplomatic achievements.

Indeed, the growing calls for a bright mind like him to lead Bauchi State reflect the people’s desire to move away from recycling mediocrity towards purposeful leadership with clear vision and plans for governance.

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Politics

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar: The man the cap fits

Published

7 hours ago

April 15, 2026

News Diggers

Adebayo Adeoye

In every defining political season, the real question is not simply who can lead, but who fits the moment. In Bauchi State’s unfolding story, many believe Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is that fit — the man the cap sits on with ease and authority.

Leadership, like a cap, is symbolic and weighty. It demands balance, composure and a certain natural bearing. Not every head can carry it without strain. Tuggar, honed by years of public service and diplomatic finesse, wears it with quiet confidence. His demeanor is calm, his rhetoric measured, his vision deliberate.

On the global stage, he cultivated the art of negotiation, consensus-building and strategic engagement. He understands policy not as theory but as a living instrument for development. That rare fusion of international exposure and local awareness positions him uniquely in a state eager for growth and renewed direction.

Yet beyond résumé and reputation lies temperament. Tuggar’s strength is not in political theatrics but in thoughtful engagement. In an era where volume often substitutes for value, he represents depth over display, strategy over slogans.

Bauchi stands at a crossroads — rich in agricultural promise, blessed with youthful energy and hungry for investment-driven transformation. What it requires is steady, purposeful leadership. Tuggar’s outlook aligns with those aspirations, offering a vision rooted in structure, sustainability and inclusive progress.

Politics

Beyond Protocol: The Tuggar Effect on Nigeria’s Global Standing

Published

7 hours ago

April 15, 2026

News Diggers

Adebayo Adeoye

Less than three years after stepping into office as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has steadily carved a distinct imprint on the nation’s diplomatic landscape. In a world increasingly defined by shifting alliances, economic realignments and delicate geopolitical balances, he has proven himself, beyond rhetoric, to be a round peg in a round hole.

From the very beginning, Ambassador Tuggar approached the ministry not merely as an administrative responsibility, but as a strategic command centre for Nigeria’s global engagement. With an intellect sharpened by experience and a temperament grounded in composure, he has brought clarity and coherence to Nigeria’s foreign policy direction. His style is not loud, yet it resonates. It is measured, yet firm. It is thoughtful, yet decisive.

In multilateral corridors and bilateral negotiations alike, Tuggar has showcased the fine balance between diplomacy and national interest. He speaks with precision, listens with intent, and negotiates with foresight. Under his watch, Nigeria’s voice has not only been heard — it has been respected. From strengthening regional partnerships within Africa to redefining economic diplomacy as a core pillar of engagement, he has demonstrated that foreign policy is not an abstract exercise; it is a tool for national development.