By OBSERVERS TIMES

Alhaji Sule Lamido, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has forecasted a rapid disintegration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that its National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and other key members will eventually defect to the PDP. Lamido made these remarks during his keynote address at the PDP congress held at Aminu Kano Triangle in Jigawa State.

“I’m confident that all those who left the PDP will return, including Ganduje, because very soon, the APC will burst and split into factions, having accommodated people with different mindsets,” Lamido stated. He further asserted, “I said it, and I repeat: within six months, all those who defected to the APC will come back, and the PDP will rise with full force to wrest power in 2027.”

Lamido urged PDP members not to be disheartened by the recent defections of elected officials to the APC, attributing these moves to fear of intimidation and harassment. His criticisms of the APC come amid growing concerns about the increasing number of defections from opposition parties to the ruling party.
The former foreign affairs minister reiterated his belief that the PDP possesses the necessary confidence and strength to defeat its opponents in the 2027 elections. He also addressed broader issues of governance and leadership in Nigeria, which he believes are being undermined by the APC.

“Nigeria is blessed, but the leaders are always the problem,” he remarked.
Lamido issued a stern warning to the current government, urging them to cease intimidating the opposition, as such actions could lead to further instability within the country.
Meanwhile, Honourable Ibrahim Babandi Gumel, the newly elected chairman of the PDP in Jigawa State, called for unity among party members as they prepare for the 2027 elections.

By Sulieman Ibrahim

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has been appointed to lead a seven-member reconciliation committee by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum and former governors, aiming to unify the party ahead of critical upcoming events. This decision follows a pivotal meeting held in Abuja on Monday, where party leaders addressed growing internal conflicts.
The mandate of the committee, as announced by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, is to engage with party members and mend divisions before the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27 and the National Elective Convention scheduled for August. The PDP has been grappling with internal discord since the 2023 elections, exacerbated by a rift between Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, leadership disputes in the South-South zone, and the vacant National Secretary position since December 2024.
Despite previous interventions by the party’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, NEC, and the Governors Forum, efforts to resolve these conflicts have only intensified internal divisions, leading to further fragmentation within state and zonal chapters. This unrest has resulted in notable defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the recent switch by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key officials, which significantly impacted the PDP’s image and its prospects for the 2027 elections.
Governor Mohammed confirmed that the meeting of current and former governors was convened to address these pressing issues and find viable solutions. “We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of course, that have been circulating in the media and among us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC scheduled to take place on the 27th of this month. By August, we will have an early convention,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of closing ranks and ensuring unity among party leaders. “Many issues and reports have emerged, and this meeting is an opportunity to close ranks and ensure that, at the very least, there are no ill feelings, no qualms, and no misgivings among the leaders of the party. The governors of the party have reached out to our colleagues who have served before and who have more in-depth experience.”
The establishment of the reconciliation committee, headed by Saraki, aims to facilitate swift reconciliation efforts and outreach. “There are some gaps here and there. We have set up a committee of seven, headed by His Excellency, the former Senate President and former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, to ensure that reconciliation efforts and outreach are conducted swiftly. This will help us achieve a very peaceful and harmonious NEC and convention,” Mohammed added.
Regarding the defection of the Delta State Governor, Mohammed acknowledged it as a significant factor prompting the meeting. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to maintaining strong and resilient PDP chapters. “Well, this is one of the manifestations of a democratic setup like ours, and it is what is compelling us to come together. Rather than weakening us, it is actually making us stronger. We will ensure that the chapters where we have history and established structures are not abandoned.”
While declining to disclose all specific matters discussed, Mohammed confirmed that unity was a central theme. “We talked about unity. Definitely, there are some ill feelings, and we are not here to sweep anything under the carpet. You already know some of the concerns, some of the litigations in court, some of the misgivings among party members. And while we wouldn’t want to blame the APC for causing the crisis, it is likely that they may be involved.”

The Peoples’ Democratic Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) is holding the 2025/5th meeting at the Conference Room, Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge, Asoroko.

The meeting is expected to feature an enlarged session of incumbent and former governors of the PDP, provided they remain listed in the Party’s Membership Nominal Roll.

The agenda will cover National issues, Party unity, and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also, the Forum will equally host the National Working Committee (NWC) led by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum.

Governors present are;

H.E. Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Bauchi State) – Chairman

H.E Dr. Agbu Kefas ( Taraba State) – Member

H.E. Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State) – Member

H.E. Dr. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State) – Member

H.E. Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke Ademola Adeleke, (Osun State) – Member

H.E. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (Enugu State) – Member

H.E Barr. Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State) – Member

H.E. Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State) – Member

H.E. Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo (Deputy Governor Bayelsa State) – Member

Dr. Emmanuel Agbo – D.G PDP Governors’ Forum.

FORMER GOVERNORS:

H.E. Dr. Sam Egwu – Ebonyi State

H.E. Sen. Liyel Imoke – Cross River

H.E. Sen. Seriake Dickson- Bayelsa

H.E. Rt.Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu)

H.E. Sen. Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna & BOT Secretary)

H.E. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)

H.E. Dr. Samuel Orton (Benue)

H.E Adamu Muazu (Bauchi)

H.E. Dr. Achike Udenwa (Imo)

H.E. Jonah Hang (Plateau)

H.E. Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger)

H.E. Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom)

H.E. Sen. Gabriel Suswam (Benue)

H.E. Sen. Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto)

H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano)

H.E. Dr. Bukola Saraki (Kwara & fmr. Senate President)

H.E Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe)

H.E Sule Lamido ( Jigawa)

H.E Nyesom Wike (

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Denies Defection Rumours Following Viral ‘Omo Ologo’ Video
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has moved to dispel swirling rumours of a potential political shift following the emergence of a viral TikTok video featuring the popular song ‘Omo Ologo,’ a well-known track associated with President Bola Tinubu.
The brief 15-second video, which surfaced online on May 8th, depicted the senator in a seemingly lighthearted moment, subtly smiling while the song played in the background. This prompted a wave of reactions across social media, with some interpreting her use of the track as a possible indication of a change in political allegiance.
‘Omo Ologo’ (meaning ‘glorious child’), performed by Kano-based musician Dauda ‘Rarara’ Kahutu, has gained significant traction since its debut at a dinner event held in Katsina State on May 3rd. The dinner was organized to honour President Tinubu during his recent official visit to the state, where he addressed regional security concerns. Rarara’s song serves as an ode to the President, celebrating him as a victorious leader who has triumphed over his critics.
In her original TikTok post, which included the caption, “Just for fun, song choked,” some online users viewed the comment as a playful remark, while others attributed deeper political significance to it.
However, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has since issued a public disclaimer via her X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, explicitly stating that she does not operate a TikTok account.
The lawmaker clarified that the widely circulated video, which incorporated a short clip of her with the ‘Omo Ologo’ soundtrack, was not posted by her.
While urging the public to disregard the video, Akpoti-Uduaghan further explained that it was fabricated using an older video of her from 2023.
She wrote on X: “Public Alert ⚠️ I do not own a TicTok account. Many parody accounts exist in my name on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Some have garnered large following. While I hold the President in utmost respect; I’d urge everyone to disregard the mischievous post made using an old 2023 video of mine. God bless – Senator @NatashaAkpoticUduaghan.”
This statement aims to quell the burgeoning speculation and reaffirm the senator’s current political stance amidst the online chatter.