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Atiku, Obi, Secondus, Saraki, Dogara; Families & Associates Listed For Arrest — PDP

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National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, on Monday alleged that the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have listed critical players in opposition including himself, the PDP Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar, his Vice Peter Obi, the Senate President Bukola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, other top party leaders and their associates for arrest on frame up crimes.

The PDP National Chairman came hard on the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, saying that he has made himself a willing tool to carry out the APC script on how to cage and crush PDP.

“The country is in a keg of a gunpowder at the moment as a result of your hatchet job for the ruling government and I warn you to get away from this illegitimate job of using instruments of state to harass and intimidate opponents,” Prince Secondus said in a statement through his Media Office signed by his Media Adviser Ike Abonyi.

He said that available intelligence shows that former Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio are presiding over clandestine meetings and developing strategies for the APC which is aimed at freezing critical leaders of the opposition.

He said that aside arrest and detention of opposition leaders, their family members and business associates have been lined up for intimidation and harassment including freezing their business interests and their bank accounts.

Secondus described as an afterthought fabrication, the EFCC denial that the son of the PDP Presidential Candidate was not the target in the raid of an apartment housing him in Abuja insisting that the game plan privy to the party was clear on who was the ultimate target.

Prince Secondus reminded Nigerians that these acts of impunity is in continuation of the embarrassment they caused our Presidential candidate and former Vice President of this country on Novemeber 11, 2019 when he was thoroughly searched at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by operatives of the state on his return from overseas on November 11, 2018.

“After that embarrassment and harassment which was aimed at intimidating the candidate and nothing incriminating was found on him, no apology was extended to him as a former number two citizen.

“They followed it up with the freezing of the Bank account of our Vice Presidential Candidate as well as that of his friends and family members as part of a large scheme to keep the party distracted from its focus of regaining power in 2019.”

According to the script, “PDP will be brought to their knees so that by January they would be finally grounded with their leaders framed up and put behind bars,” Secondus said.

He said that in the script, APC and the Federal Government believe that the party can only bark and not bite as observed in the case of Osun and Ekiti states while indeed they are set and determined for the worse rather than lose the election.

Prince Secondus warned that “while PDP believes and cherishes all ingredients of democracy including the rule of law, it cannot guarantee any situation that aims at cowing the opposition and thwart the will of the Nigeria people.”

He chided “Magu and other characters of his type who are willing to assist the APC in undermining democracy, to look back at history and know that the consequences are always not palatable.”

The PDP National Chairman called on “all lovers of democracy and rule of law especially international community to rein in President Buhari, Magu and the APC to observe the tenets of democracy that respects the sanctity of the opposition and human rights.”

BIG STORY

Keyamo Faults Atiku’s Use Of Coat Of Arms In PDP Resignation Letter, Says “You Left Office 18 Years Ago”

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Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for using a coat of arms letterhead to announce his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He also expressed disapproval over Abubakar making the resignation letter public during the period of national mourning for the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari passed away on Sunday at a clinic in London, United Kingdom, and was laid to rest on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina state.

President Bola Tinubu had declared a seven-day period of national mourning in Buhari’s honour.

Despite this, Abubakar’s resignation letter from the PDP, dated July 14, was shared online on Wednesday.

Responding to the letter shared by Paul Ibe, Abubakar’s media adviser, on X, Keyamo said the former vice-president’s “perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy”.

He wrote, “Your Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political Parties at any time you may wish, however, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself.”

“In fact (as the image below shows) you prepared, typed, signed and delivered that letter the morning after the passing away of the former President was announced.”

“With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial Presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy.”

Keyamo also pointed out that Abubakar’s use of the coat of arms letterhead, despite leaving office 18 years ago, is “illegal”.

He said, “And since we are on the issue of your letter, it is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago.”

He cited Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as the basis for his claim.

The law states that “Any person who, otherwise than in conformity with the terms of a licence granted by the Minister or under other lawful authority, uses or displays- (a) in connection with the carrying on of any business, trade, profession or calling; or (b) in connection with the activities of any body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, the National Flag, the National Coat of Arms or the Coat of Arms of royalty as Head of the Commonwealth, or any flag or arms so closely resembling that flag or either of those coat of arms that they might reasonably be taken to be that flag or coat of arms, shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.”

Keyamo further argued that using the national symbol in this manner is also “reprehensible”, as it gives the impression that Abubakar is acting in an official capacity on behalf of the government.

He said, “It borders on impersonation. Imagine a situation where all former Government functionaries continue to use the Coat of Arms of Nigeria in their personal, political or private communications. There would certainly be confusion everywhere.”

As a lawyer and a member of the federal executive council (FEC), Keyamo said he is obligated to uphold the laws of the country.

 

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BIG STORY

Road To 2027:  Tensions In APC As Buhari’s CPC Bloc May Dump Party

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The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has stirred renewed discussions about the future of his political loyalists, particularly those who belonged to the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change, which he established in 2009.

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the influence of Buhari’s CPC allies has diminished. Prominent figures like former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-SGF Babachir Lawal have publicly criticized Tinubu’s potential reelection bid.

Analysts suggest that Buhari’s death could present new challenges for the APC, especially given his significant support base, long estimated to exceed 12 million people.

Signs of friction are emerging between the APC and the African Democratic Congress, as both parties attempt to court Buhari’s base. This shift comes after comments by former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who remarked that Buhari’s death might redefine Nigeria’s political future.

“That shows the magnitude of what has befallen Nigeria,” Abdulsalami stated. “With the passing away of Buhari, politics in Nigeria will certainly change — I hope for the better.”

The ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed during a PUNCH interview that many of Buhari’s key allies had already aligned with their coalition.

“Most of the Buhari loyalists are already with us,” Abdullahi said. “The majority of them, the entire North is already with our party. We are very confident. The passing of the former President will only cement that for us because that was his wish when he was alive — that his members should join the coalition.”

He added, “As you can see, there is a strong representation of CPC and Buhari loyalists in the senior ranks of the coalition — the likes of Babachir Lawal, Abubakar Malami, Isah Pantami, Emeka Nwajuba, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola and the rest of them. Those are Buhari people. And their presence in the leadership of the coalition indicates that that’s where Buhari stood.”

Abdullahi also emphasized that the coalition is determined to uphold Buhari’s legacy, arguing that the APC had sidelined and criticized the late President during his life.

“Why would they remain part of the APC?” he asked. “Is it because they enjoy the humiliation and the exclusion they have suffered? Or is it because they’ve watched the government demonise the legacy of Buhari while he was alive?”

He also blamed the Tinubu administration for attributing Nigeria’s economic problems to Buhari. “President Tinubu’s government has blamed Buhari for almost every economic woe. So, why would Buhari followers or loyalists remain with the APC?”

Some CPC figures still in the APC include former Nasarawa Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura; Babale Ila; Ibrahim Gobir; Senator Ibrahim Musa; Sanusi Aliyu; Mohammed Tukur; Senator Ahmed Sani; Ibrahim Chachangi; Yusuf Bala; and the party’s current North West National Vice Chairman, Garuba Datti.

Others include Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda; Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Chairman, M.B. Shehu; NDLEA Chairman, retired General Buba Marwa; former House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Bello Masari; Adamu Farouk; Okoi Obono-Obla; former DG of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu; Senator Ibrahim Musa; and Nasiru Argungu.

Also still in the APC are former Katsina Governor Aminu Masari; Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule; Adamu Adamu; Senator Mustafa Salihu; Almajiri Geidam; Waziri Bulama; Dr. Nasiru Argungu; Dr. Dominic Alancha; Ayuba Balami; Lucy Ajayi; Captain Bala Jibrin; Uche Ufearoh; Yusuf Salih; and Alkali Ajikolo, among others.

However, sources within the party told The PUNCH that although many of these individuals are presently supporting the APC in the lead-up to 2027, not all are expected to remain. Some disgruntled members, particularly those who feel marginalized since Buhari left office, may eventually exit.

Another member of the ADC coalition, former APC North-West Vice Chairman Salihu Lukman, said Buhari’s death signals the close of a political era where his endorsement could secure electoral wins.

During an appearance on Arise TV, Lukman noted, “What we must learn, most especially in the coalition, is that we don’t have somebody with the kind of intimidating profile like that of the late Buhari. Our leaders must have a kind of team spirit.”

He stressed that the goal isn’t only to defeat the APC or Tinubu, but to build a new political system that meets the people’s expectations.

“I know that many politicians look forward to him raising their hands and endorsing them. That translates almost into victory in many places in the North. Now we don’t have any figure like that. Politicians must relate to citizens with higher humility rather than the current arrogance,” he added.

APC pushes back

In reaction to the growing rumors of defections, APC Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim insisted that Buhari’s supporters remain ideologically committed to the APC.

“No, they will not support ADC, it’s not possible. They are people of different ideologies. They are more comfortable with and in APC,” he said.

While acknowledging that Buhari’s death leaves a void, Ibrahim believes it will spur the party to reflect and improve.

“Yes, political atmosphere will change for our party. But it is not a vacuum that will deform the party. It is a vacuum that will push the party into sobriety… The party is doing something to reconcile, reassess the situation, and see to it that there is a very good sense of mending,” he added.

Shittu dismisses claim

Former Communications Minister Adebayo Shittu, another CPC stalwart, denied claims that he’s leaving the APC for the ADC.

“No way, I am not leaving the APC. In fact, I am even planning to run for Oyo governorship seat on the platform of the party in 2027. And I have no doubt I will defeat any opponent to clinch it if I am given the APC ticket,” he stated.

On the broader impact of Buhari’s death, Shittu said, “No, the exit of Buhari can’t break up or divide the APC. Although you can’t rule out the fact that some elements of CPC may go… there are more people moving into the APC.”

Arewa leaders react

Reactions from northern political figures remain mixed.

Anthony Sani, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, believes the APC will remain on course.

“I do not think there will be any substantial change in direction by the APC after the death of former President Buhari. He said he would remain in the APC, which had made him President twice,” Sani said. “Given the attitude of his supporters, I do not see how they will betray Buhari, even in his grave.”

He also questioned the strength of the coalition, citing a lack of distinct policies and zoning disadvantages.

“The politics of zoning does not favour the coalition. President Tinubu is about the only one who has only one term to go, and northerners cannot trust Peter Obi, they cannot support Atiku Abubakar to dismantle the zoning,” he added.

On the other hand, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum President, Yerima Shettima, warned that Buhari’s death might result in a leadership vacuum within the APC.

“Buhari’s leadership was characterised by a blend of loyalty and divisiveness. His death could trigger a power vacuum. The APC would face a critical juncture in its trajectory,” Shettima stated.

He added that how the APC manages Buhari’s legacy would determine the party’s future.

“If the party fails to address the grievances of the populace, it risks losing credibility and support,” he warned.

Shettima said the CPC bloc could either rise as the custodian of Buhari’s values or transition into an entirely new political entity, depending on how it responds to ongoing internal shifts.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Dele Momodu Dumps PDP For ADC, Cites Hijack By ‘Antidemocratic Forces’

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Veteran journalist and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party, attributing his departure to what he called the party’s takeover by “antidemocratic forces.”

In a letter dated July 17, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of PDP Ward 4 in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Momodu confirmed that his resignation takes “immediate effect,” describing it as a move to preserve democratic values.

“My reason is simple and straightforward. Our party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight,” the letter stated.

He referred to the PDP as a “carcass” now controlled by those undermining internal democracy, adding that leaving the party at this time was the honourable course of action.

“It is, therefore, honourable to abandon the carcass of the party to them while the majority of us earnestly sign up with the new coalition party known as the African Democratic Congress,” he said.

Momodu, who vied for the PDP presidential ticket in the 2023 elections, also thanked party members for their support.

“I will forever treasure the kind support you gave me at all times,” he added.

This development comes amid growing defections within the PDP in recent months, with several members and leaders raising concerns over imposition and the erosion of internal democracy.

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