Politics
Bauchi PDP Rejects ‘National Leader’ Tag For Wike
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bauchi State has rejected claims referring to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, as the national leader of the party, describing such a designation as unconstitutional, illegal and invalid, and insisting that the minister remains expelled from the party.
The party also dismissed threats by individuals loyal to Wike, who ordered members to vacate PDP offices across the state, describing the directive as “null, void, illegal, and of absolutely no effect.”
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the Bauchi State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dayyabu Chiroma, condemned what he described as “thinly veiled threats, reckless accusations, and pre-emptive attempts to assign blame for hypothetical acts of violence,” noting that such actions betray desperation and are wholly irresponsible.
“We ask: what legitimate authority resorts to intimidation rather than law, and what lawful leadership governs by fear instead of constitutional process?” Chiroma queried.
He stressed that PDP in Bauchi State remains a law-abiding political organisation committed to peace, democratic engagement, and strict adherence to the rule of law, adding that the party would not be intimidated by what he called “alarmist rhetoric” aimed at creating unnecessary tension and a false sense of crisis.
Chiroma also dismissed attempts to create a parallel party structure in the state, describing the faction loyal to Wike as illegal and inconsistent with the PDP constitution and established procedures.
Reacting specifically to the directive asking party members to vacate PDP secretariats across Bauchi State, the party spokesman reiterated that the order has no legal standing.
“By what authority do impostors issue eviction notices over party property they neither control nor lawfully administer?” he asked.
The Bauchi PDP reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, urging members to remain calm and focused and assuring that the party’s leadership and structures in the state remain intact and lawful.
Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has predicted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could suffer an implosion if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secures the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.
Baba-Ahmed made the assertion on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he spoke on the dynamics within the coalition-backed party and the ambitions of its leading figures. According to him, Atiku is strongly positioned to emerge as the ADC’s flagbearer if the party conducts a national convention, a development he believes would trigger an exodus of aggrieved aspirants and supporters.
“If ADC goes to convention, and it certainly will, because that’s what former Vice President Atiku wants, he will get the ticket,” Baba-Ahmed said. “And then, a lot of people will walk out because a lot of people are in that party only for the same thing. They want the ticket.”
He argued that the ADC is currently accommodating several high-profile political actors whose interests are bound to clash once the process of selecting a presidential candidate begins. Baba-Ahmed also referenced the posture of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, suggesting that Obi’s political style does not align with competitive party primaries.
“One of the reasons Peter Obi is saying, ‘Look at me, I’m not here for number two, I’m not here for convention, I’m here to fly the flag,’ is that he has people who were initially whispering politely to him,” he said. “But now they are saying, ‘Join the queue. You’re not the only one with ambition here.’”
He added that Obi was accustomed to being adopted as a consensus candidate rather than contesting against multiple aspirants. “Peter Obi doesn’t do convention. He just goes there to be anointed,” Baba-Ahmed said, suggesting that such expectations could fuel tensions within the ADC.
The former presidential adviser concluded that the outcome of the party’s convention could destabilise the coalition. “So, the ADC will bleed after its convention because almost certainly former Vice President Atiku will win the ticket, and when he does, some people will walk out,” he said.
A prominent northern political figure has outlined what he believes is the only realistic path for Peter Obi to emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
The politician, Umar Ardo, said Obi’s ambition within the ADC depends largely on the decision of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, Obi cannot clinch the party’s ticket unless Atiku withdraws from the race.
Ardo, who convenes the League of Northern Democrats and once sought the governorship of Adamawa State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shared his views during a televised interview on Tuesday. He maintained that the current political structure of the ADC strongly favours Atiku.
Moreover, He explained that Atiku remains the dominant force within the party and would easily defeat any challenger if a primary election were held today.
Ardo insisted that repeated primaries would still produce the same outcome unless Atiku decides otherwise.
“Well, the ADC, as it is currently constituted, if it goes for primaries a hundred times, Atiku will win a hundred times. There is absolutely no doubt about that. How Peter Obi and his supporters react is what will determine the election,” Ardo said.
“I am not saying that Peter Obi cannot be the candidate of the party; however, he can only be the candidate of the party if Atiku steps down,” he added.
Despite his position, Ardo acknowledged Obi’s political relevance and described him as a major asset to the ADC. He noted that the former Anambra State governor commands a large and loyal voter base across the country.
He said Obi’s popularity, which he estimated at over six million votes, is one of the reasons the ADC is keen on keeping him within its fold. According to Ardo, the party sees Obi as a strategic figure who can strengthen its chances in the next election.
Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, recently aligned with the ADC after months of consultations with party stakeholders. His move sparked wide reactions within opposition circles and among his supporters nationwide.
Obi formally addressed his supporters during a political gathering held in Enugu on December 31, where he explained the motivation behind his decision to join the ADC. He described the move as a fresh political journey aimed at national renewal.
The ADC has recently attracted several heavyweight politicians from across the country. Among them are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark.
These political actors are part of a growing opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
As a result, the group adopted the ADC as its common platform last year in a bid to present a united front.
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