The decision was reached during the party’s national convention held in Abuja amid growing momentum within the opposition platform following a wave of high-profile defections from other political parties.

Announcing the development on its official social media handle, the party stated, “NDC presidential ticket is zoned to the South!!”

The party also resolved that its 2031 presidential ticket would be ceded to Northern Nigeria as part of efforts to maintain regional balance and internal equity.

The convention comes as key opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former New Nigeria People’s Party presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, joined party leaders and delegates at the Abuja gathering.

Saturday’s convention is expected to ratify several recent decisions taken by the party’s National Executive Committee, including zoning arrangements, amendments to the party constitution, and the election of new national executives.

According to the convention agenda obtained by journalists, discussions centred on zoning, ratification of the amended constitution, and leadership restructuring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC has in recent weeks witnessed a surge in defections from rival opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.

On Tuesday, no fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Their defections were formally announced during plenary at the House of Representatives.

The lawmakers include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The defections came barely two days after Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC from the ADC.

The duo were presented with the party’s membership cards last Sunday shortly after a closed-door meeting with party leaders.

A former Governor of Bayelsa State and NDC national leader, Seriake Dickson, officially welcomed the opposition figures into the party.

Obi had attributed his exit from the ADC to worsening internal crises, external interference and what he described as increasing hostility within party structures.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria’s political environment had become increasingly toxic, marked by intimidation, insecurity and sustained scrutiny of opposition figures.

He also lamented that institutions meant to protect citizens were now often deployed against them, while individuals committed to genuine public service faced mounting pressure both publicly and privately.

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A statement issued  after his appearance before the Senate stressed that Tegbe was deliberate and cautious in his presentation, avoiding unrealistic timelines while outlining a structured reform pathway for the power sector.

According to the clarification, Tegbe explained that while Nigerians can expect early signs of progress, particularly in grid stabilisation within his first 100 days in office, comprehensive reforms will be guided strictly by technical assessments, stakeholder consultations, and sector realities.

He noted that critical challenges such as gas supply constraints, metering gaps, infrastructure decay, and commercial inefficiencies require coordinated interventions that cannot be resolved through arbitrary timelines.

“My commitment to this distinguished chamber and to Nigerians is clear: we will deliver visible and measurable improvement in the power sector,” Tegbe stated during the screening.
He assured that his focus would include stabilising the national grid, modernising transmission and distribution infrastructure, strengthening commercial frameworks, and enforcing accountability across the electricity value chain.

On tariff policy, the minister-designate reaffirmed that reforms would be carefully designed to balance sustainability with social protection, ensuring that vulnerable households are shielded while also restoring investor confidence in the sector.

The statement further emphasised that Tegbe’s approach reflects discipline, technical understanding, and a reform-minded agenda aimed at delivering lasting solutions rather than short-term political promises.

It added that he remains open to responsible media engagement and constructive clarification where necessary, noting that accurate reporting is essential to public understanding of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s power sector.

Tegbe reaffirmed his readiness to lead a transparent, results-driven reform process anchored on accountability, realism, and measurable progress.

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The three-day heritage festival, unveiled by organisers on Wednesday, is themed, “Ogedengbe Agbogungboro Legacy: Leadership, Security, and Statecraft for Modern Governance in Nigeria.”

The event is designed to preserve Yoruba cultural heritage, deepen historical consciousness, promote tourism and stimulate national conversations on leadership, peacebuilding and governance.

According to the organisers, the fiesta will commence with traditional homage at Atorin and heritage excursions to notable Kiriji War historical sites in Imesi-Ile, where participants will relive significant moments in Yoruba military and political history.

The programme will also feature guided visits to the historic Ogedengbe Cave, Ibu Latoosa Site and the Yoruba Peace Treaty Grove, all regarded as symbolic monuments of Yoruba resilience, diplomacy and unity.

As part of activities lined up for the celebration, participants will tour the gardens of renowned legal icon and elder statesman, Afe Babalola, in Okemesi-Ekiti.

The organisers further disclosed that a Legacy Awards and Hall of Fame Investiture ceremony would hold in Ilesa to honour individuals who have contributed immensely to the promotion of Yoruba culture, leadership and community development.

A distinguished personality lecture in honour of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, and Arole Fabunmi of Okemesi-Ekiti is also expected to headline the event, with scholars, traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts and public intellectuals billed to discuss pathways to strengthening governance and security through indigenous values and historical lessons.

The organisers noted that all activities would commence daily by 11am, adding that the festival would serve as a rallying point for lovers of Yoruba culture, history and tourism across Nigeria and beyond.

They described the fiesta as not only a celebration of the heroic exploits of Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, but also a strategic platform to inspire a new generation of leaders through the ideals of courage, unity, patriotism and visionary leadership.

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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, stated this in Paris, France, during a meeting with global investors alongside President Bola Tinubu.

Oyedele said the government would also not introduce price controls, stressing that market forces remain the preferred mechanism for determining petrol prices.

“We will not bring back fuel subsidy because it creates distortions for the economy, and we won’t introduce price control because we believe in the market,” he said.

The minister argued that the subsidy regime had long undermined economic efficiency, adding that emerging global energy shifts, including developments in Iran, present fresh investment opportunities for Nigeria.

The removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023 triggered a steep rise in inflation, worsening the country’s cost-of-living crisis.

Nigeria’s headline inflation climbed from 22.41 per cent in May 2023 to 34.19 per cent by June 2024 — its highest level in nearly two decades — driven by surging fuel, food, and transportation costs.
Food inflation further accelerated, exceeding 39 per cent by October 2024, while transport fares soared by nearly 300 per cent, compounded by currency devaluation.

Despite the economic strain, Tinubu defended the policy, saying it had stabilised the foreign exchange market.

“Subsidy that was a burden to the entire country was removed, and ever since we have achieved FX stability,” the President said, according to his Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.

In a related statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the administration’s reforms were aimed at eliminating structural distortions, strengthening macroeconomic stability, and laying the foundation for inclusive growth.

He added that the government remained committed to fiscal discipline and transparency.

Highlighting economic progress, Oyedele disclosed that Nigeria recorded an 11.2 per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product in dollar terms in 2025, describing it as a major step towards the country’s ambition of building a $1tn economy by 2030.

He also pledged that the government would begin publishing quarterly financial reports to enhance accountability and public trust.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, assured investors of Nigeria’s commitment to prudent borrowing and sustainable debt management.

The Federal Government has continued to defend its reform agenda despite growing public discontent, insisting that the long-term gains will outweigh the current economic pains.

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Wike warned Nigerians against what he termed an attempt to create confusion within the party, insisting that there is only one authentic Peoples Democratic Party with its national secretariat at Wadata House, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

Speaking on the development, the former Rivers State governor maintained that the caretaker committee set up by Turaki and his loyalists was an effort to deceive the public, stressing that there was no leadership vacuum in the party.

He said, “You have refused to tell the public what is on ground, and you are coming out to say ‘we are setting up a caretaker committee’, how? And you are deceiving people that you want to sell form.

“I dare them, let me see an office you will name PDP national secretariat. If you say you are a party, go and put a sign ‘PDP national secretariat’ just as we are occupying Wadata, that is where everybody knows as PDP national secretariat.

“If you are saying that you want to sell form, to whom? You will submit it where? Is that not fraud? You went to court, we didn’t go to court, and the court gave judgment against you.

“You have not set aside that judgment and you are now coming to deceive people by setting up a caretaker committee and begin to sell forms. Is that not fraud? What is 419?”

Wike further stated that the recent PDP convention held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, and witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, remained the only legitimate convention of the party, which produced the current National Working Committee.

Turaki bloc insists on interim leadership
Meanwhile, the crisis took a new turn on Monday as the Board of Trustees of the PDP, led by Adolphus Wabara, appointed a 13-member interim National Working Committee for the party.

Wabara said the decision was in line with the party’s constitution, arguing that a recent Supreme Court judgment, which upheld the nullification of the Ibadan convention, created a leadership vacuum within the PDP.

The interim committee is headed by Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties.

The decision followed a National Executive Committee meeting convened by the Turaki-led bloc at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

Notable stakeholders present at the meeting included the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; former Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu; ex-Minister of Information, Jerry Gana; Wabara; Turaki; and former Minister of Women Affairs, Zainab Maina, among others.

The group also declared that the Abuja convention which produced the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee of the PDP was null and void.

The latest development signals a deepening leadership crisis within the main opposition party, raising concerns over its internal cohesion ahead of future political contests.

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As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?

At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.

A Candidate Rooted in the People

In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.

His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.

Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.

The Danger of Political Disconnect

History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.

Ibadan North presents no exception.

With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.

Echoes from the Grassroots

Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.

Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.

A Test of Leadership and Judgment

For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.

The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.

The Stakes Are Clear

Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.

In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.

Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences

As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.

In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.

Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.

The post Repete or Regret: APC’s Moment of Truth in Ibadan North first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

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Umoru, a maintenance worker at the Presidential Villa engaged by a construction firm, made the claim in a video recording tendered by the prosecution as part of evidence against six defendants standing trial over the alleged plot.

In the footage played in open court, the defendant told investigators that he was introduced to key figures in the case by the third defendant, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, who is attached to the Presidential Clinic.

He said Ibrahim introduced him to one Hassan Mohammed, whom he later discovered to be Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji.

Umoru explained that he initially believed Ma’aji was a civilian businessman who intended to engage him for electrical work at a building under construction.

He, however, told investigators that he subsequently received several cash payments from Ma’aji during meetings attended by Ibrahim and another associate identified as Usman.

Recounting one of such meetings at a bar, Umoru said Ma’aji allegedly gave between N100,000 and ₦120,000 to him and others after buying drinks and asking about their professions.
He further disclosed that on September 24, 2025, Ma’aji allegedly handed him a “Ghana Must Go” bag filled with cash.

According to him, he deposited the money in a bank, where it was counted and confirmed to be N8.8m.

He added that an additional N2m was allegedly given to him the following day during another meeting involving Inspector Ibrahim.

Umoru told investigators that he became uneasy over the repeated cash payments and demanded an explanation from Ibrahim.

He claimed that Ibrahim told him Ma’aji was dissatisfied with the state of the country and intended to “sanitise the government” with the support of unnamed associates described as “boys”.

The defendant further alleged that discussions included plans to involve an ambulance driver to facilitate access into the Presidential Villa, with promises of financial rewards.

Despite the revelations, Umoru maintained that he had no knowledge of any coup plot.

“I was misled,” he said, adding that he would have distanced himself from Ma’aji had he known he was a military officer or had intentions beyond business.

Umoru also admitted escorting Usman into the Presidential Villa, noting that security personnel granted access after he identified the visitor as someone who came to see him.

He added that he later caught Usman taking photographs in his office and warned him to desist.

The defendant expressed regret during the interview, apologised to his employers, and affirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration.

The court also viewed a separate video involving an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Imam Kassim Goni, who similarly denied involvement in the alleged plot.

Goni told investigators that funds he received from Ma’aji were meant strictly for prayers and charitable causes, including spiritual interventions linked to alleged promotion challenges.

However, investigators presented financial records indicating transfers running into millions of naira, including a ₦10m transaction in October 2024, which they said contradicted aspects of his claims.

The prosecution further argued that discussions captured in the videos—particularly references to gaining access and procuring “work tools”—raised concerns about a coordinated scheme, although both individuals denied any knowledge of a coup plot.

Following the presentation of the video evidence, counsel to the sixth defendant, Michael Numa (SAN), told the court that he had just been served with his client’s video exhibits and required time to study them.

While defence counsel sought an adjournment, the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to adhere to its earlier directive for accelerated hearing of the case.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned proceedings till May 11, 12 and 13, 2026, for continuation of trial.

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The company disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, noting that a 100MVA 132/33kV transformer would be temporarily shut down for routine preventive maintenance.

According to the statement, the exercise is scheduled to take place between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

TCN explained that the maintenance was part of ongoing efforts to ensure efficient and reliable operation of its transmission facilities nationwide.

“The scheduled maintenance will allow our engineers to carry out essential checks and servicing of the transformer to maintain optimal performance,” the statement read.

The company further stated that the temporary shutdown would affect electricity supply in some areas under the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.

It listed the affected areas as Express, Industrial and Oluyole, adding that residents in the locations would experience interruption in power supply during the period.

TCN, however, assured that normal electricity supply would be restored immediately after the maintenance exercise is concluded.

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The decision followed the outcome of a review by the Force Disciplinary Committee, which examined the circumstances surrounding the incident and other related internal disciplinary procedures.

Addressing an emergency press conference in Abuja on Friday, the IGP said the officer, alongside members of his team found culpable in the matter, had been recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.

According to him, the police panel established that the officer acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations guiding the use of firearms.

He said, “The disciplinary committee recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Usman, as well as other officers found culpable in the incident.

“Upon dismissal, all officers will be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities to face criminal charges for unlawful homicide.”

Disu added that he had approved the recommendations and forwarded them to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process.

The IGP reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force maintains zero tolerance for extrajudicial killings, abuse of power and all forms of misconduct.

He said, “No uniform confers the right to take life outside the provisions of the law. Any officer who violates this fundamental principle will face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.”

Disu also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, assuring them that the incident would not be treated lightly.

He said the Force remained committed to ensuring that justice was not only done but seen to be done in a manner that would reinforce public confidence and institutional accountability.

The IGP urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the police remained committed to discipline, professionalism and the protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens.

The killing of Ogidi has sparked outrage on social media. According to the police, the incident occurred on April 26, 2026, when operatives attached to Area Command Effurun acted on intelligence that the deceased had been apprehended while allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.

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This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Chairman of the Publicity Committee for the Governor’s campaign visit, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre.

According to the statement, the visit is expected to be peaceful and colourful, while also serving as an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between the governor and residents of the two councils.

Ojo-Lanre described Oyebanji as a leader whose administration had continued to demonstrate humility, sincerity and commitment to the development of the state.

He said the governor’s visit was beyond politics, noting that it represented continuity, trust and people-centred governance.

He said, “Ido-Osi and Isokan are ready. Our people are prepared to receive a governor who has governed with calmness, compassion, intelligence and visible results.

“This is a call to all sons and daughters of Ido-Osi and Isokan to come out in their numbers and appreciate a leader who has kept faith with the people of Ekiti.”

The committee urged party members, community leaders, youths, women groups, artisans, market leaders, transport unions and other residents to turn out in large numbers for the event.

It added that necessary arrangements had been made for community mobilisation and proper documentation of the visit.

The committee also appealed to residents and party supporters to maintain peace, orderliness and discipline before, during and after the event.

According to the statement, the visit would provide another opportunity for the people to reaffirm their support for continuity, stability and consolidation of good governance in the state.

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