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Newsline9ja Blog, Uyo Itam (2026)

09/08/2026

Dr. Etuk Jonathan Declares for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Seat, Inaugurates Campaign Office

By Uduak Okon, Ikot Ekpene.

Dr. Etuk Joseph Jonathan, a medical doctor and senatorial aspirant has declared his intention to represent the people of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

The declaration, which coincided with the official opening of his campaign office in Ikot Ekpene, drew a massive crowd of supporters and well-wishers from across the 10 Local Government Areas of the senatorial district last Friday.

Political associates, members of support groups, affiliated political parties, community leaders, youths, women, and other stakeholders also converged on the senatorial district headquarters to identify with the aspiration.

The colourful gathering transformed the venue into a sea of supporters, signalling growing political interest in Dr. Jonathan’s bid as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Dr. Jonathan said his aspiration was not simply about securing a political office but about offering the people a new direction anchored on service, representation, and responsiveness.

According to him, the opening of the campaign office marked the beginning of a journey that would place the interests and aspirations of the people at the centre of his political mission.

“Today is more than the opening of a campaign office. It is the beginning of a journey, a journey of service, representation, and a new direction for the people of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.”

The ADP senatorial candidate said his decision to contest was informed by his encounters with the people and his understanding of the challenges confronting communities across the district.

He noted that the people need leadership that goes beyond rhetoric and campaign promises, insisting that effective representation must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

“I have listened to our people. I have seen the challenges facing our communities, our youths, our mothers, and fathers. And I believe that leadership must go beyond promises. Leadership must be felt in the lives of the people.”

Jonathan subsequently made a formal declaration of his intention to seek the senatorial seat, asking the people of Akwa Ibom North-West to join him in building what he described as a stronger and more responsive future for the district.

In a message that appeared designed to position him as a listening candidate, the medical doctor said he was not coming into the race with the claim of having all the solutions, but with the willingness to listen, learn and work.

“I am not presenting myself as a man who has all the answers. I am presenting myself as one who is ready to listen, ready to work, and ready to serve.”

He further stressed that his aspiration was bigger than personal ambition, describing it as a collective project aimed at strengthening the voice of communities and creating greater opportunities for young people.

“This journey is not about me alone. It is about us. It is about building a future where our communities have a stronger voice, our young people have greater opportunities, and our people can truly feel the impact of representation.”

The event attracted notable party and community stakeholders, including party leaders, chapter chairmen, political associates, traditional and community representatives, women, and youth groups.

The significant turnout from the 10 Local Government Areas also gave the declaration a strong grassroots character, with supporters arriving from different parts of the senatorial district to demonstrate solidarity with the aspirant.

For many of the supporters at the event, the gathering was not merely a declaration but an opportunity to publicly identify with a political project they believe could offer a fresh approach to representation in the district.

As he formally commenced his campaign, Dr. Jonathan called on the people to support his aspiration with their prayers, counsel, support, and trust.

“With God before us and our people beside us, I believe that a new chapter is possible. The journey begins today. The time to serve is now.”

The event ended on a celebratory note, with the aspirant offering prayers for Akwa Ibom North-West, Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria.

With the campaign now officially underway, all eyes are set on the political contest in Akwa Ibom North-West as Dr. Etuk Joseph Jonathan begins the task of taking his message of service, representation, and opportunity to the people across the district.

08/08/2026

KWA GAS AND ENERGY IS AN OPEN BOOK OF ENGR OTOABASI NTIAH.

Engr Otoabasi Ntiah Is a Key To Unlock Underdevelopment In Esit Eket and Ibeno State Constituency.

He represents a new era of purposeful leadership that will be built on honesty, transparency, accountability, unity, good governance, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development in Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency.

His take in representation covers an array of readiness to create a Constituency where every citizen has access to opportunities, every farmer receives the support needed to boost their farming, every child enjoys quality education, every community within his purview has access to quality healthcare, efficient supply of electricity, youth empowerments, and every family benefits from improved economic growth with a deep sense of belonging in the system.

His leadership and commitment to service will further strengthen our human values to service and deliver the political scope of Esit Eket and Ibeno State Constituency from the shackles of misrepresentation.

The future of our State Constituency is brighter with Engr Otoabasi Ntiah. Our Constituency deserves a leader with courage to lead the people without selfishness, pride, and disrespectful manners, but with compassion to serve every citizen across political divides.

We are ready to take his vision through to victory and fulfillment come 2027!

08/08/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

NIGERIA: A FULL AUTHORITARIAN STATE UNDER TINUBU

The report by the Human Rights Foundation, in its latest global assessment, classifying Nigeria as a fully authoritarian regime is a mere global confirmation of the local reality that Nigerians have been facing under the APC-led Federal Government.

The report confirms the faulty electoral process, absence of protection for dissent, erosion of democratic safeguards and the obvious collapse of checks and balances on the executive by critical national institutions. The report published on the foundation’s Tyranny Tracker platform, www.tyrannytracker.org, shows that the country performed abysmally low on all the critical pillars of its assessment, indicating a full descent into authoritarianism, which is incompatible with democratic tenets.

It is worthy of note that the assessment parameters of the foundation align with the theoretical frameworks that have identified, analysed and condemned authoritarian regimes-being the rule by a dictator and a small group, or a single party; the absence of institutional checks and balances; loss or apprehension of freedom of speech; opposition targeting; and weak and fake elections. It does not take any high degree of intelligence for anybody to agree with the report, because all the indicators of authoritarianism are present in Nigeria, under this Tinubu regime.

A few examples from the numerous anomalies experienced by Nigerians will suffice here-the recent deployment of uncivilised and uncouth media attacks by officials of the administration to attack Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, the Catholic Church and Christianity generally. This incident is one of many which eloquently attests to the absence of freedom of speech under this administration. What did the cleric say that is not the lived experience of Nigerians, except, of course, the few who are isolated from reality and their paid human megaphones? The complete failure of the National Assembly to offer any form of meaningful checks to the executive is not a secret-else how could an administration fail to execute the Appropriation Act for three years, and yet that administration gets commendation, instead of condemnation, from the legislature? A parliament that ignores or blatantly disrespects the country's constitution and its own standing rules during critical legislative activities cannot offer credible oversight of the executive. What is left, which the administration has doubled down on, is the fact that the 2027 elections are designed as a mere formality, far from reflecting the people's wishes through the ballot.

We call on the Tinubu APC administration to immediately take critical steps to de-escalate the political tensions emanating from actions traceable to their officials and their proxies, in the interest of the survival of democracy. The continuous asphyxiation of the opposition, clear weaponisation of security agencies against real and perceived opponents, increasing signs of partisanship by the electoral umpire, and reckless deployment of combustible political rhetoric by the President and his handlers should cease.

The President must realise that there are two contests embedded in the 2027 Presidential elections-the presidency and the country. An attempt to focus on winning the former at all costs may result in the loss of the latter; and only a free, fair, credible and peaceful contest can guarantee a win for both coveted prizes.

We urge Nigerians to continue to demand accountability from their leaders at all levels, as this is the irreducible minimum that democracy provides.
Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr
National Publicity Secretary
Interim National Working Committee
Peoples Democratic Party
08082026

06/08/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

UK HIGH COMMISSION ENGAGES WITH PDP LEADERSHIP ON STATE OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA

The High Commission of the United Kingdom met with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Turaki, SAN, and held extensive discussions on the state of Nigeria's democracy.

The High Commission's delegation was led by Dr. Fortune Aldred, Senior Political Adviser, and Stephen Asek, Political Adviser (Cameroon). The party's delegation comprised the National Secretary, Dr. Wonyengikuro Daniel; National Treasurer, Isa Abubakar, Ph.D.; National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan; National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara'u; Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Esq.; and the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

The meeting deliberated extensively on the state of Nigeria's democracy and the opposition's role and relevance in the democratic process. The interactive session centred on the current asphyxiation of the opposition, the prolonged state-sponsored leadership crisis in the PDP, the candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 elections, and the general outlook for the 2026 elections.

In his presentation, Turaki reiterated the party's position on the "need to ensure the survival of multi-party democracy and the opposition, which remain critical pillars of a thriving democratic system." He stressed that the current “state capture disposition” of the APC-led Federal Government has directly contributed to the heightened political tension in the country, a development he described as unhealthy for Nigeria's democracy. He said “ the political temperature of the country has risen to fever-pitch levels traceable majorly to the actions and inactions of the APC-led Federal Government, who are relentlessly provocative in their desire to forcefully capture every part of our country”.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, the Commission's Team Leader, Dr. Fortune Aldred, thanked the party's leadership for receiving and engaging with the team. He assured the party leaders that the issues discussed would be conveyed through the Commission's established reporting channels. He further noted that while Nigeria is a sovereign nation and its politics remain an internal affair, the Commission has a responsibility to understand political developments and communicate its observations through established diplomatic avenues.

The meeting forms part of a broader series of engagements between the Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party and members of the international community in response to President Tinubu's "all is fair in politics" comment and the concomitant weaponisation of state institutions against opposition parties.

Signed:
Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr
National Publicity Secretary
Interim National Working Committee
Peoples Democratic Party
06082026

06/08/2026

STATEHOUSE STATEMENT

PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS EFCC TO VACATE THE COURT ORDER FREEZING OSUN GOVERNMENT ACCOUNT

It has come to my notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC's exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency's action. This is so because every action taken by an institution of State, especially at the Federal level, is always credited to me, as the President, even when I may not have had any prior knowledge of the action.

Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference. I have therefore deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative or prosecutorial agency because I firmly believe that strong democratic institutions, operating within the confines of the law, are indispensable to democratic good governance and the rule of law.

As President, I am committed to allowing institutions of State to function and take any action they consider necessary in the interest of proper governance without the need for any prior approval. Indeed, that is why institutions are set up by law with clearly defined powers. While I am yet to be fully apprised of the facts which informed the action of EFCC in approaching the court to obtain the said order freezing the Osun State Government account, I am not in the slightest doubt that the timing of the action of EFCC is inauspicious, and therefore I feel compelled to intervene.

Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election.

Based on the foregoing premise, I am duty-bound to issue a directive on this issue in consonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of our democratic process.

Accordingly, I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU(GCFR)
A*O ROCK VILLA,
ABUJA
6th AUGUST, 2026

05/08/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN NWACHUKWU DOES NOT SPEAK FOR THE FORUM OF PDP STATE CHAIRMEN

The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has observed with serious concern statements attributed to Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, who has falsely presented himself as speaking for, or on behalf of, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen.

CLARIFICATION OF STATUS
The Forum states categorically, unequivocally, and for the avoidance of doubt that Hon. Austin Nwachukwu is NOT a member of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen, nor has he ever been authorized to speak for or represent the Forum.
Accordingly, any statement issued by him purporting to represent the Forum is:
- Unauthorized
- Misleading
- Entirely personal to him
- Null and of no effect insofar as the Forum is concerned
Members of the Party, the media, and the general public are advised to disregard such statements in their entirety, as they do not represent the position or decisions of the Forum.
COMPOSITION OF THE FORUM
The Forum of PDP State Chairmen is constituted exclusively of duly elected State Chairmen whose tenures are valid and subsisting.
Its official positions are reached collectively through consultation and democratic deliberation and are communicated only through duly authorized channels.

THE FACTS
For the avoidance of doubt, at the so-called press conference addressed by Hon. Austin Nwachukwu on 3rd August, 2026:
1. Only the Chairman of the FCT Chapter was present as a duly elected member of the Forum.
AUTHENTIC MEMBERSHIP OF THE FORUM
For the information of party members and the general public, the Forum hereby publishes the list of the authentic PDP State Chairmen and the Chairman of the FCT Chapter whose elections and tenures predate the current leadership dispute within the Party.
S/N| NAME| STATE| TENURE
1| Steve Oruruo, Esq.| Enugu State| 2024–2028
2| Dr. Chidi Chidebe| Anambra State| 2024–2028
3| Chief Onyema Peter Nwele| Ebonyi State| 2024–2028
4| Dr. Amos Fawole, Esq.| Lagos State| 2025–2029
5| Rt. Hon. Tunji Odeyemi| Ekiti State| 2025–2029
6| Dupe Aisida, Esq.| Ondo State| 2025–2029
7| Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro| Oyo State| 2025–2029
8| Hon. Tella Abayomi| Ogun State| 2025–2029
9| Tony Aziegbemi| Edo State| 2025–2029
10| Hon. Solomon Agwana| Bayelsa State| 2024–2028
11| Hon. Ismaila Dogara| FCT, Abuja| 2024–2028
12| Raymond Dabo| Plateau State| 2025–2029
13| Hon. Anyebe Enemona| Kogi State| 2024–2028
14| Hon. Aliyu Mohammed Halidu| Niger State| 2025–2029
15| Alh. Adamu B. Isa| Kwara State| 2025–2029
16| Hon. Adaji Ezekiel| Benue State| 2024–2028
17| Chief Edward Masha Percy| Kaduna State| 2024–2028
18| Dr. Yusuf Ado Kibiya| Kano State| 2024–2028
19| Hon. Mohammed Nura Amadi| Katsina State| 2024–2028
20| Babandi Ibrahim Gumel| Jigawa State| 2024–2028
21| Alh. Mohammed Bello Aliyu Goroyo| Sokoto State| 2024–2028
22| Hon. Pharm. Samaila Adamu Burga| Bauchi State| 2024–2028
23| Gen. A. K. Kwaskebe| Gombe State| 2024–2028
24| Sen. Amb. El-Gash Umar| Yobe State| 2025–2029
25| Hon. Zanna Gaddama Mustapha| Borno State| 2025–2029
26| Hon. Obidah Bitrus| Taraba State| 2024–2028

STATES CURRENTLY UNDER CARETAKER LEADERSHIP.
- IMO STATE: HON. Jonjude Okere.
- ABIA STATE : Hon. Emeka Yellow.
- DELTA STATE : PROF Sylvester Monye
- AKWA IBOM STATE : Bar. Igwat Umoren
- CROSS RIVERS STATE : Hon Tim Ekawu
- RIVERS STATE : Chief Ogbam Ojimah
- Zamfara State: Hon Hassan Dauduwa
- Adamawa State: Hon Stephen Heluwa
ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Forum urges all stakeholders, party faithful, members of the media, and the general public to disregard any statement or representation made by persons who are not members of the Forum or who lack the authority to speak on its behalf.
Only communications issued through the duly authorized leadership of the Forum represent its official position.

OUR COMMITMENT
The Forum remains steadfast in its commitment to:
- The unity and stability of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP);
- Constitutional order and the Rule of Law;
- The democratic ideals and constitution of the Party; and
- Working with all genuine stakeholders towards strengthening and repositioning the PDP.

Signed:

Tony Aziegbemi, Edo State Chairman/Chairman, Forum Of PDP State Chairmen.

Date: 5th August, 2026

04/08/2026

Press Statement

PDP Condoles Amaechi on Mother’s Demise

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has condoled with the Vice Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, over the death of his mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Amaechi. The message was conveyed during a condolence visit by the National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, who led members of the party’s leadership to the former governor’s Abuja residence.

Turaki said, “Nothing prepares anybody for the loss of a parent, especially a mother. So we can only imagine the deep loss and grief that you and your family are going through. As a party on whose platform you served the good people of Rivers State as Speaker and later as Governor, we share in your grief and encourage you to be strong, knowing the certainty of death and its role as a window to immortality.”

In his response, Amaechi expressed deep appreciation for the visit and the words of condolence. He recounted the many sacrifices that his parents, especially his mother, made in raising him and his siblings. While commending the Turaki-led PDP for its resilience and defence of multi-party democracy, he stressed that unity of the opposition is the only means by which the Tinubu administration can be voted out of office in the interest of the country and its citizens. He added that the opposition must continue to explore various ways of cooperating as the election approaches, else the incumbent will have a smooth ride back to power.

In the delegation were Wonyengikuro Daniel, National Secretary; Richard Ihediwa, Deputy National Secretary; Isa Abubakar, National Treasurer; Theophilus Dakas Shan, National Organising Secretary; Abdullahi Ibrahim, Kebbi State Governorship Candidate; and Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong, MNIPR
National Publicity Secretary
Interim National Working Committee
Peoples Democratic Party
04082026

04/08/2026

EFCC PRESS RELEASE

Court Convicts Fake Lawyer for Impersonation, Possession of Forged NBA Seal in Lagos

Justice A.M. Lawal of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 convicted and sentenced a fake lawyer, John Nwawuto Anoruo for impersonation and possession of a forged seal of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.

Anoruo, who operates a legal and educational consultancy in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, was arrested by operatives of the EFCC on Monday, April 20, 2026.

His case began after he submitted a petition dated September 22, 2025, to the EFCC on behalf of his clients against the management of Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited.

Investigations, however, revealed that both the petition and a subsequent Letter of Withdrawal dated March 5, 2026, bore a forged NBA seal, which Anoruo admittedly obtained from an undisclosed business centre in Lagos.

In the course of investigations, the 55-year-old claimed that although he obtained a law degree in 2018 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, through evening classes, he did not attend the Nigerian Law School.

Upon the conclusion of the investigation, Anoruo was arraigned on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC on a two-count charge bordering on the use of a counterfeit NBA seal and impersonation.

One of the counts reads:

"That you, JOHN NWAWUTO ANORUO, sometime between 2025 and 2026, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently used a counterfeited seal titled 'Nigerian Bar Association' with Supreme Court Number SCN037400, with intent that same be acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 366(1) and punishable under Section 365(1)(x) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015."

The second count stated that the defendant, on September 4, 2025, falsely represented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a legal practitioner duly certified to practice law in Nigeria and as the holder of a Nigerian Bar Association seal bearing Supreme Court Number SCN037400, which lawfully belonged to another legal practitioner, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 382 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

He pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against him.

Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Saadatu Mahmud Yabo, called Umar Faruk Ahmad, an investigating officer with the EFCC, to review the facts of the case.

In his testimony, Ahmad told the court that the Commission, on April 15, 2026, received a petition dated April 14, 2026, from a legal practitioner, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika.

According to the witness, the petitioner alleged that Anoruo had filed a petition against him and his law firm while falsely presenting himself as a legal practitioner.

Ahmad stated that investigations revealed that the Supreme Court enrolment number on the NBA seal used by the defendant belonged to another legal practitioner.

He further informed the court that the defendant admitted obtaining the counterfeit NBA seal from a business centre in Lagos and confirmed that he was not called to the Nigerian Bar.

The witness also disclosed that the defendant earned N7,500,000.00 (Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) from the legal brief in question, out of which he paid N1,500,000.00 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to a qualified legal practitioner to handle the matter on his behalf.

Ahmad further testified that when the defendant honoured the EFCC's invitation, he came to the Commission's office with a legal practitioner's attire, adding that a subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of the counterfeit NBA seal bearing the Supreme Court enrolment number of another lawyer.

Through the investigating officer, the prosecution tendered in evidence the petition written by Olumide-Fusika; the defendant's extra-judicial statement made under caution; investigation letters sent by the EFCC to the Body of Benchers and the Supreme Court of Nigeria, together with their responses; the legal practitioner's attire recovered from the defendant; the counterfeit NBA seal; and evidence of a N300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) bank draft paid by the defendant into the EFCC's recovery account.

The witness also identified the legal practitioner's attire produced before the court as the same one the defendant brought to the EFCC's office during interrogation.

The defence counsel, G.E. Demkemefa, raised no objection to the admissibility of the exhibits, following which Justice Lawal admitted and marked them as Exhibits 1 to 9.

During his allocutus, the defendant informed the court that he paid N2,500,000.00 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to the individual who introduced the legal brief to him and N1,500,000.00 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to the lawyer he engaged to handle the matter.

Yabo thereafter urged the court to convict and sentence the defendant in accordance with his guilty plea.

She also prayed the court to order the forfeiture of all the exhibits to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Lawal held that “In view of the plea of the defendant, the defendant is hereby convicted on the two counts."

The defence counsel, thereafter, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, describing the defendant as a first-time offender who did not waste the time of either the EFCC or the court.

He added that the defendant "is the breadwinner of his family, comprising his wife and five children," and urged the court to impose the option of a fine rather than a custodial sentence.

Justice Lawal subsequently sentenced the defendant to a fine of N120,000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira) on count one and N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) on count two, bringing the total fine to N270,000.00 (Two Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira), payable to the Lagos State Judiciary.

The court also ordered that the legal practitioner's attire and the forged NBA seal recovered from the defendant be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the EFCC.

Dele Oyewale

Head, Media & Publicity

August 4, 2026

03/08/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

BY THE EDO STATE CHAPTER OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE PURPORTED FORUM OF 36 STATES AND FCT PDP CHAIRMEN

BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

AUGUST 3, 2026

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, has watched with profound disappointment the press conference addressed by individuals claiming to speak on behalf of the Forum of 36 States and FCT PDP Chairmen.

Ordinarily, we would not dignify such a publication with a response. However, because of the numerous falsehoods, distortions and deliberate attempts to mislead members of our great party and the Nigerian public, we consider it necessary to set the record straight.

1. Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Was Never Expelled from the PDP

The Edo State PDP rejects the reckless and misleading assertion that Mallam Tanimu Turaki, SAN, was expelled from the Peoples Democratic Party.

To the best of our knowledge and records, no competent organ of the PDP validly expelled Mallam Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

We therefore challenge those making this allegation to publish the authentic resolution of the appropriate organ of the party authorising such an expulsion together with any valid court judgment affirming their claim.

Political propaganda cannot replace documentary evidence.

2. Austin Nwachukwu Cannot Speak for the Forum of State Chairmen

The Edo State PDP is equally compelled to address the role of the so-called Austin Nwachukwu, who has continued to parade himself as a spokesperson for the Forum of PDP State Chairmen.

For the avoidance of doubt, Austin Nwachukwu was unanimously suspended from the Forum of PDP State Chairmen for gross misconduct. He remains suspended from the Forum and therefore lacks the authority or standing to speak or act on its behalf.

Indeed, the Forum of PDP State Chairmen had at a press conference held in Abuja on the 14th of October, 2025 publicly distanced itself from the lawsuit seeking to halt the party's national convention and took disciplinary action against this character, Austin Nwachuku responsible for instituting the suit. Dr Tony Aziegbemi was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Forum. Those disciplinary measures underscored the Forum's commitment to party unity. That suspension has not been lifted.
His continued attempts to disturb the peace of the Peoples Democratic Party by falsely presenting himself as representing the Forum are misleading and should be disregarded by party members and the general public.

3. Nigerians Deserve the Truth

Rather than addressing the constitutional issues confronting our party, the authors of the press conference resorted to personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation.

The real issue before members of the PDP is not the personality of Mallam Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

The real issue is whether the Constitution of the PDP, internal democracy and the rule of law shall continue to guide the affairs of our great party.

History cannot be rewritten through press conferences.

4. The Question of INEC Recognition Is Still Pending Before the Court of Appeal

We are particularly surprised by the attempt to create the impression that the issue of recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been finally determined.

That assertion is misleading.

The issue concerning the lawful leadership of the PDP for purposes of recognition by INEC remains the subject of pending litigation before the Court of Appeal.

Accordingly, it is improper and prejudicial for anyone to make definitive pronouncements on matters that remain sub judice.

We therefore urge party members, the media and the general public to disregard attempts to prejudge issues that are presently before the appellate court.

We remain confident in the judicial process and shall abide by the final judgment of the courts.

5. Security Agencies Should Not Be Used to Settle Internal Political Disputes

We are equally disturbed by the invitation extended to security agencies to intervene in what is fundamentally an internal political disagreement.

Security agencies should not be drawn into partisan political contests or deployed as instruments of intimidation.

Their constitutional responsibility is to maintain law and order without fear or favour.

6. Let Elder Statesmen Remain Above Internal Disputes

The unnecessary attempt to draw former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, into this internal disagreement is unfortunate.

Former President Jonathan has earned national and international respect as a statesman committed to democracy and peaceful political engagement.

His name should not be used by any group to legitimise its political position.

7. The Rule of Law Must Prevail

The Edo State PDP remains firmly committed to constitutionalism and the rule of law.

Internal disagreements within the party should be resolved through the appropriate organs of the party and the courts of competent jurisdiction—not through media trials, threats or intimidation.

We shall continue to pursue every available constitutional and legal remedy in accordance with the law.

8. The PDP Belongs to All Its Members

The Peoples Democratic Party belongs to its members across Nigeria.

It is not the personal property of any individual or group.

Every member has the right to insist that the Constitution of the party is respected and faithfully implemented.

Attempts to silence legitimate constitutional concerns through propaganda will ultimately fail.

9. Our Message to PDP Members

We urge all faithful members of the PDP in Edo State and across Nigeria to remain calm, united and resolute.

Do not be distracted by misinformation.

Remain committed to the ideals upon which our great party was founded.

Truth, justice and the rule of law will ultimately prevail.

The Edo State Chapter of the PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to internal democracy, constitutional order and the rebuilding of a united, credible and formidable Peoples Democratic Party.

CONCLUSION

We call on all members of our great party to refrain from inflammatory statements capable of misleading the public or prejudicing matters presently before the courts.

The strength of the PDP has always been its commitment to democracy, justice and respect for the rule of law.

We remain confident that truth will prevail and that all outstanding issues will ultimately be resolved in accordance with the Constitution of the PDP and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

May God bless the Peoples Democratic Party.

May God bless Edo State.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed

Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi
Chairman, Edo State Chapter
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)/Chairman, PDP Forum of state chairmen

August 3, 2026

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Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 17:00
Sunday	09:00 - 17:00