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After Atiku’s Defection, PDP Heavyweights Makinde and Bala Mohammed Jostle for Top Seat
The race for the 2027 presidential ticket within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is intensifying following the exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed emerge as leading contenders expected to challenge President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Party insiders, who spoke to Punch on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the ambitions of both governors are well known within PDP circles, even as the party begins to chart its course in the wake of Atiku’s dramatic defection.
A senior PDP official said, “The party remains open to all qualified aspirants. The constitution provides a clear path for anyone interested in seeking the presidential ticket.”
With the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 24, key issues such as zoning and preparations for the party’s national convention are expected to dominate discussions. However, members of the NEC are already split over whether the ticket should remain in one region or be rotated between the North and South.
Atiku, who was PDP’s presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, resigned from the party on July 1, citing “irreconcilable differences” and lamenting that the PDP had veered off its founding principles. In his resignation letter, he said:
“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged. As a founding father of this esteemed party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision. Serving two full terms as Vice President and being a Presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life.”
His departure has unsettled the PDP but also emboldened other aspirants who long felt overshadowed by his dominance.
Shortly after leaving the PDP, Atiku teamed up with other opposition heavyweights—including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai; and former APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi—to launch a new political front under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Former Senate President David Mark now serves as interim National Chairman of the coalition, with former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim National Secretary, signaling a broad alliance aimed at challenging the APC in 2027.
A PDP source observed:
“Atiku’s exit will bring calm to the party. His ambition has often been a source of tension. Now that he’s left, the field is clearer for others to pursue their ambitions. Right now, names like Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed are prominent among party leaders. Of course, others will join later. PDP remains open to everyone, and it is still the most formidable opposition party despite the noise from the ADC.”
Another party insider noted that Atiku’s repeated presidential bids had created internal divisions for years.
“In 2019, his ambition split the party. In 2023, five governors and many others refused to support him, leading to further disunity. Even Peter Obi left during that period. Now that Atiku has moved on, the PDP can rebuild and allow new, credible leaders to emerge.”
Although Makinde and Bala Mohammed are yet to formally declare, multiple party leaders say both men are seriously considering a run.
“Even though they haven’t announced publicly, we hear within our circles that Makinde, Bala Mohammed, and some former governors from the South are interested in the ticket. It’s still early, but with time, more will declare, and others will join. The PDP is open to all and remains very popular among Nigerians,” the source added.
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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.
Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.
“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.
He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”
Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.
He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.
In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.
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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.
While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.
He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.
The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.
He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.
“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”
The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.
2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.
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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.
Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.
Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment
Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.
The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.
According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.
The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.
The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.
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