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PDP Woes Beyond Atiku, Due To Ego, Says Lawal

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PDP Woes Beyond Atiku, Due To Ego, Says Lawal

The PDP has been enmeshed in a crisis which has seen a wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has said that the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) goes far beyond its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and is largely rooted in ego battles among party members.

Governor Lawal, who spoke during a media parley with journalists on Wednesday in Zamfara, stated that the problem is not limited to any single individual.

“Everybody has their own issue; it’s not just about Atiku Abubakar; it’s beyond him,” he said.

“It’s an internal problem within the PDP, and we are making a conscious effort. I think it’s about people’s egos — everybody, no exception.”

When asked if he included himself among those contributing to the ego-driven conflict, Lawal responded, “Yes.”

Speaking further on Nigeria’s electoral process, Governor Lawal expressed optimism that free and fair elections remain possible despite systemic challenges.

He cited that his candidacy as the first PDP governor in the state is proof of electoral fairness as the 2027 elections gain weight.

“I will say yes, because I experienced it in Zamfara State — with all the powerful people that can turn things around, with the might of the Federal Government and everything,” he said.

“Yes, there will still be a free and fair election. That was what made me elected as the governor of Zamfara State. I was the first elected PDP governor in Zamfara State. So, it was a free and fair election, and I believe it will happen. It’s a matter of time.”

Internal Wranglings
The PDP has been enmeshed in a deepening crisis following its loss in the 2023 elections, sparking a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly among members of the National Assembly and governors.

Notable among the recent defections is Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno. Similarly, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, Monday Onyeme, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, commissioners, and others also joined the APC in April.

In response, the PDP’s National Working Committee held an emergency meeting in Abuja to confront growing disunity and internal tension.

Amid the chaos, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar — who has contested for the presidency six times — has begun consulting political heavyweights such as Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, seeking to form a formidable opposition coalition ahead of 2027.

He described the mission as a response to what he sees as the threat of a creeping “one-party state” under the APC.

However, not all within the PDP back the coalition plan. Party stalwart, Bode George, remains optimistic about internal reconciliation, as the party prepares for its 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

But further complications emerged after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected the PDP’s NEC notice for procedural reasons.

In a 13 June 2025 letter, INEC cited non-compliance with guidelines requiring that meeting notices be jointly signed by both the National Chairman and Secretary.

The letter noted that only Acting Chairman Umar Damagum signed the notice, omitting National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.

The NEC, slated for 30 June, is expected to address leadership disputes and zonal matters. Meanwhile, the G5 group, led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has renewed calls for zoning the 2027 presidential ticket to the South.

Channelstv.com

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BREAKING: Peter Obi Drags Kenneth Okonkwo to Court, Reasons Emerge

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Former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, through his legal counsel has issued a letter of demand to Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo following comments made during a live television broadcast.

The letter is dated June 9, 2026, and signed by Chief Alex Ejesieme, SAN, of Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co (Madiba Chambers).

According to the content of the letter, the demand stems from statements made by Okonkwo on June 8, 2026, during an appearance on Channels Television’s program, “Sunrise Daily”. The broadcast, which was subsequently reported by multiple media platforms under headings such as “Kenneth Okonkwo Criticises Peter Obi, Condemns NDC Primaries”, contained allegations that Obi’s legal team describes as completely fabricated and damaging.

According to the legal document, Okonkwo stated in substance and effect:
“(a) that our Client, Mr. Peter Obi, together with the leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East, informed the party’s aspirants that any person seeking to contest as a member of the House of Representatives must, after paying the prescribed expression of interest fee, pay a bribe of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000.00) to the NDC and to the Caucus leaders;”

The document further outlines additional claims made by Okonkwo during the broadcast, noting his assertions:
“(b) that the said unlawful demand was accompanied by documentary proof; the person who relayed the information to you having sent the said information together with the receipt evidencing the payment;
(c) that our Client personally wrote and compiled the list of the party’s candidates from his hotel room at the Johnwood Hotel;
(d) that you warned the said aspirants that our Client is going to scam them;
(e) that our Client travels abroad to collect money from people; and
(f) that our Client and the leaders of the NDC in the South-East are perpetuating criminality.”

Rejecting the assertions, Obi’s legal team emphasized that the remarks directly target their client’s character, integrity, and public standing.

The chambers stated:
“The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, and by necessary implication, falsely and maliciously represent our Client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants of their money; who is a fraudster, a scammer and a dishonest political actor; and who, in concert with others, is engaged in criminal conspiracy and is actively perpetuating criminality. These are extremely grave, damaging and reckless imputations of bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminality directed at the character, integrity, reputation and public standing of our Client.”

The letter goes on to describe the public nature of the statements as particularly troubling due to their rapid amplification across digital channels.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our Client states categorically that the said allegations are false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact. They were made with the clear intent and purpose of lowering our Client in the estimation of right-thinking members of society, exposing him to hatred, contempt and ridicule, and injuring his hard-earned reputation as a man of unquestionable integrity, a statesman and a political leader. It is particularly disturbing that the said statements were made by you on live television and were thereafter republished, broadcast and widely circulated through online and social media platforms, including video-sharing platforms, where such falsehoods spread rapidly and assume a life of their own. Your words were not mere political commentary. They crossed the permissible bounds of fair comment and constituted a direct assault on our Client’s person, integrity, image and reputation.”

The law firm said that the right to freedom of expression does not permit the reckless destruction of another person’s reputation,

The firm’s listed demands require Okonkwo to immediately withdraw the defamatory statements in their entirety and publish a clear, unequivocal, and unreserved public apology to Peter Obi.

This withdrawal and apology must be given equal prominence to the original broadcast and shared across all his social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Additionally, the legal team demanded a written undertaking that he will cease making or publishing further defamatory statements against their client, alongside a financial compensation package.

The firm said that failure, refusal, or neglect to comply with the terms within the stipulated seven-day window will force the former governor to seek full legal redress in court.

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Rice Named England Vice-Captain for 2026 World Cup

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Here’s a rewritten news story in a professional sports-news style:

Declan Rice has been confirmed as England’s vice-captain for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with manager Thomas Tuchel entrusting the Arsenal midfielder with a key leadership role ahead of the tournament.

Rice, who has earned 72 caps for the Three Lions, is among the most experienced players in Tuchel’s squad. The 27-year-old arrives at the World Cup on the back of a successful season with Arsenal, helping the club secure its first Premier League title since the 2003-04 campaign and reach the UEFA Champions League final.

Tuchel revealed Rice’s leadership status following England’s friendly victory over New Zealand, explaining that the midfielder had previously captained the side in Harry Kane’s absence during a friendly against Wales.

“I would say Declan is my vice-captain,” Tuchel said. “We had that conversation when Harry was not with the squad, and Declan wore the captain’s armband.”

Rice has since linked up with fellow Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze at England’s training camp in Florida as preparations continue for the World Cup.

England will face Costa Rica in their final warm-up match before heading to Kansas City for the tournament. The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 and will also take on Ghana and Panama in G

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Osimhen Possesses High Level Of Physical Strength –Gomez

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Galatasaray assistant coach Ismael Garcia Gomez has praised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for his incredible physical strength and work rate for the club.

In a chat with Marca, he pointed out that it is incredibly rare to find a footballer who combines Osimhen’s height, sheer speed, and coordination.

One Of The Finest Strikers In World Football

He also hailed the Nigerian forward as one of the finest strikers in world football, placing him among the top five attackers on the planet. “We have very top-level players, but in my opinion, Osimhen is among the world’s top three to five strikers,” Gomez said.

“He possesses an extremely high level and impressive physical strength. He presses, he defends, and he works tirelessly for the team. “In addition, he has the ability to influence the opposing defence even in moments when he is not heavily involved in the game.”

Osimhen’s Remarkable Season At Galatasaray

Osimhen has enjoyed a remarkable spell since arriving at Galatasaray from Napoli, continuing the prolific form that established him as one of Europe’s elite goalscorers. His performances have attracted interest from several heavyweight clubs, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Chelsea.

The 27-year-old has become one of the most feared forwards in Europe thanks to his pace, aerial prowess, relentless pressing, and eye for goal.

With the summer transfer window approaching, speculation over his future continues to intensify, with several elite clubs reportedly monitoring his situation.

Osimhen remains a key figure for both Galatasaray and the Super Eagles, and his growing reputation among football’s leading coaches further underlines his status as one of the game’s most complete center-forwards.

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