Politics
Atiku: “I bear no grudges against PDP Members’ Defectors to APC “
Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights
Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election wrote today on his official Facebook page :
“I have been overwhelmed with inquiries from concerned Nigerians, all eager to understand my position on the latest political shifts, particularly the defection of some PDP members to the ruling party.
Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights.
Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble.
As someone who holds fast to these values, I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment.
Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics.
We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again.Some have resorted to insults because I visited former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape.
During the 2013 opposition merger, the leaders of the time consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida.
So why is it now sacrilegious for me and other leaders to visit Buhari in Kaduna? If you truly believe in freedom of association, then you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage, regardless of party lines.
Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics.
When PDP leaders are busy sipping tea and brokering power deals with President Tinubu, it’s called strategic alliance.
But the moment I greet Peter Obi, el-Rufai, or visit Buhari, it becomes a national emergency. Hypocrisy and the politics of selective outrage have never been this fashionable!
Let us be clear: the coming political battle is not APC versus PDP or LP versus APC. It is Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering.
The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing.
Youth restiveness is surging to terrifying levels. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so.
This moment is about collective survival. The real enemy is not one another — it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure.
We must reject every attempt to distract us with ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments. These are tools of manipulation, designed to divide and conquer, used by those with nothing else to offer.
The Tinubu administration has no achievements to stand on and no credible record to defend. Its only strategy is chaos and division because that’s the last refuge of the incompetent.
And make no mistake— an incompetent captain does not only wreck his ship; he endangers the lives of everyone on board. -AA”
Politics
PDP: 29 States Chairmen Supports Convention
In a significant development for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a large majority of the state chairmen have rallied together, offering their full support for the upcoming national convention.
A strong contingent of 29 state chairmen have publicly endorsed the convention, which is set to take place on November 15th and 16th.
Their support comes after the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan gave the green light for the event, confirming its legitimacy.
Following a meeting with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the Acting Chairman of the Forum and Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, addressed the press.
He emphasized the unwavering loyalty of the state chairmen to the current PDP leadership, led by Umar Damagum.
Furthermore, they firmly rejected a rival faction, led by Abdurahman Mu, signaling a clear stance on the party’s direction.
This show of solidarity highlights the internal dynamics within the PDP as they prepare for the crucial national convention.
Entertainment
Regina Daniels Declares Family Crisis, Calls Ned Nwoko Ex-Husband, Vows to Fight for Her Children [VIDEO]
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has finally explained the crisis rocking her marriage with Senator Ned Nwoko.
In a lengthy video she posted on her official Instagram page, the actress confirmed that her family is currently in a turmoil.
Daniels, who referred to Ned as her ex-husband, also vowed to fight for her children, stating that she is capable of training them even without Ned’s support.
She said, “My family is actually in turmoil, it’s crazy but we will definitely come out of it. What gave me the courage to do this video is seeing how my family and everyone is fighting for me. My brother, mum and my sisters, everybody is fighting.
“My brother started a petition and in hours, there were a lot of people signing the petition.
“I’m going to fight for my children Ned, I tried to be calm, I tried to let go but I will fight and take them. I will train them with or without your support. You know that my ex-husband”.
News
Immigration returns Senator Natasha’s passport after social media outcry
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has returned the passport of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after a wave of public outcry and condemnation on social media.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was stopped by immigration officers on Tuesday morning, and her passport was withheld without any official reason or explanation provided.
The lawmaker, who was visibly frustrated, had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of ordering the seizure, alleging it was a move to prevent her from traveling and carrying out her senatorial duties.
“I have committed no offence and there is no order from the court to withhold my passport and deny me travelling. The last time this happened, the officer in charge told us that the Senate President, Godswin Akpabio instructed them to withhold my passport and prevent me from travelling because he said each time I travel out of the country, I spoil the country’s image by granting interviews out in international media.
“Please, can you tell them to release my passport and this embarrassment should stop? You have no right to withhold my passport.
“You have no right to deny me exit and entrance into my country. I have not committed any offence and this must stop. No, this must stop.
“As a matter of fact, I think I have to sue you for continuously embarrassing me. No, don’t tell me sorry. Can I please have my passport? You can’t keep doing this to me all the time,” she said.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan views the incident as part of a recurring pattern of harassment, pointing out that her passport was previously seized under similar circumstances, only to be released after intervention from influential figures.
She continued, “There is no reason why. You have no right to do that, madam. You have no right. You are taking laws into your hands. There is no court order. I have not missed any of my court appearances.
“I have attended all my court sessions. I am not a flight risk. I am not a risk to my country. So why are you treating me like a criminal? Can I have my passport, please? Thank you very much. Sometimes I think you just have to be a rebel to get things right. Then you keep asking Nigerians to be good citizens.
Minutes after her public protest gained traction online, the NIS reportedly bowed to pressure and released her passport.
“If I had not gone public, would you have given me my passport,” she added.
-
Business2 days agoNigeria’s GDP growth not reflecting in citizens’ living standards – Sanusi
-
News3 days agoDSS Sacks 115 Officers (Photos)
-
News2 days agoChristians Killing in Nigeria: US Lashes back at China
-
Entertainment2 days agoRegina Daniels Declares Family Crisis, Calls Ned Nwoko Ex-Husband, Vows to Fight for Her Children [VIDEO]
-
Health2 days agoFCTA Resident Doctors Acknowledge Partial Implementation of Demands, Vow to Continue Indefinite Strike
-
Entertainment2 days agoWhy I don’t make political music – Angelique Kidjo
-
Business2 days agoRite Foods Mark Corporate Compliance & Ethics Week 2025
-
News2 days agoLocal Contractors Protest at N/Assembly over debts
