Reports emerging within the People’s Democratic Party( PDP), indicate that the camp led by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, is encountering challenges in maintaining unity as the crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party draws nearer.

Sources suggest that a prominent member of the G-5 faction, also a serving governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has decided to distance himself from the group.

The governor, who has experienced strained relations with the faction lately, is reportedly aligning with voices advocating for a change in the party’s status quo.

While the Wike-led camp is rooting for Ambassador Illiya Damagum to retain his seat as the PDP national chairman, the other camp, led by former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar are pushing for the emergence of Senator Gabriel Suswam.

The NEC meeting, scheduled for this Thursday, will be preceded by other strategic meetings starting today, including the PDP governors’ forum meeting, the PDP Caucus and the Board of Trustees (BoT).

Apart from Suswam, former minister Humphrey Abba (Kogi State) and Dr Emmanuel Agbo (Benue State) have indicated interest in emerging as party chairman. They all hail from North Central.

– As Gov’s campaign tour touches Ilaje, Okitipupa, Odigbo LG

– Ife Ehindero joins Gov’s campaign train, Iroju dumps PDP for APC

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said that his administration will continue to pursue the implementation of the Ondo Sea Port and complement the efforts of the Federal Government in restoring power supply to the southern senatorial district of the State.

The Governor made the promise on Monday at Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje local government area of the State as he continued his campaign tour ahead of the coming governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Responding to requests of religious leaders in the area, the Governor said the sea port is a legacy project of the former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, which must be sustained for the economic growth of the State.

He said: “As for the power issue, one of our sons who works with the NDDC has continued the job and it’s 98% completed. The BEDC authority has the challenge of meters and since many people are owing them, they cannot procure meters for individuals.

“Our government will help in procuring meters as I have asked those in charge to calculate the cost. As soon as that is done, power will be restored.”

The campaign train of the Governor moved to Ilaje, his local government, Odigbo, and Okitipupo Local Government areas where he was given a rousing welcome by the people.

While in igbokoda, the air was filled with a palpable sense of pride as the people embraced their hometown hero with open arms, with the young and old in the community standing united in support of Governor Aiyedatiwa, affirming him as the best man for the job.

Addressing the crowd, he said: “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the esteemed leaders and members of our party hailing from Ilaje local government. The overwhelming expression of joy from your hearts speaks volumes. To the vibrant Ilaje youths, I am deeply grateful for your steadfast support. Your impressive turnout today fills me with confidence, knowing that come Saturday, your presence will only multiply across the wards.

“Our collective resolve for continuity is resolute, and to achieve this, it is imperative that we all show up on Saturday equipped with both our membership and voter cards. Together, we shall excel.”

Across the three local government areas, party leaders and stakeholders reaffirmed their full support for the governor, affirming that Aiyedatiwa remains their preferred candidate of the party.

In Odigbo, the Governor visited the traditional ruler of the land, Orunja of Odigbo, Oba Rufus Adegboyega Akinrinmade, expressing gratitude for the monarch’s endorsement and prayers while reaffirming his commitment to exploring the natural resources in Odigbo and other communities in the southern senatorial district for the betterment of the state and pledging to prioritize the traditional institution in his governance.

Subsequently, the Governor went to address the eagerly waiting crowd of party loyalists at Maga primary school, Ore, appreciating them for their sustained solidarity, with a pledge to sustain the good governance he has started.

The governor said “I deeply appreciate each one of you for standing by me up to this moment. It’s evident that Odigbo stands united with me, and I’m confident that you are all ready for Saturday’s election.”

Addressing the crowd of party leaders and members who gathered at Okitipupa, the Governor thanked them for their overwhelming support which will translate to victory at the primary. He expressed his gratitude for their endorsement, assuring them that he would not let them down.

Earlier, the Governor had paid a visit to the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, Oba Michael Obatuga Adetoye and Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom, Oba William Oluwasegun Akinyomi, where the governor received royal blessings.

Also, a former Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ogundeji Iroju, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC, and was welcomed by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Those on the entourage of the Governor included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ife Ehindero, former Deputy Senate Leader, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Abayomi Akinruntan, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Ambassador Olusola Iji, Chief Gbenga Ale, Mr. Tola Awosika, Mr. Awodeyi Akinsehinde Apata,

Chairman of the campaign, Victor Olabimtan, among several other party leaders.

The House of Representatives member, representing Alimosho Federal Constituency, Hon. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba, held an inter-religion prayer session, led by leaders of the Islamic Religion and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Alimosho Federal Constituency.

In his words, Ayuba said the prayer session was to appreciate God for his victory at the last General Election and the outcome of the court ruling in his favour recently.

In a related development, the distinguished lawmaker, after the prayer session, held a crucial meeting with the coordinators and secretaries of his Independent Campaign Group (ICG) across the thirty-six (36) political wards of Alimosho Federal Constituency in the 2023 General Elections.

The meetings were held at his constituency office in Akesan Town, Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alimosho, Lagos State.

While speaking at the meeting, Ayuba emphasized that the legislative arm of government is distinguished by its exceptional level of representation, deliberation, oversight, and legislation.

He said the essence of the meeting was to show appreciation for the support and commitment towards his success at the last General Election, despite various daunting tasks and challenges during and after the poll.

While responding to questions and requests from the stakeholders, the lawmaker stated that, his commitment to the development and advancement of Alimosho Federal Constituency has led to various motions of direct impacts on the people moved on the floor of the green chamber, among other contributions that will draw government attention both at the state and federal level to his constituency.

“We can proudly say that Alimosho Federal Constituency is in an ideal spot owing to Ayuba’s ability to combine his expertise in public service with his skill as a seasoned legal practitioner to make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of our constituency and dear nation.”

Present at the stakeholders meeting are; Director General, Mayor K.K. ICG, Hon. Rotimi Ogunwuyi, the All Progressives Congress, APC Chieftains, Hon. Gbemileke Adeyeni, and other party faithful.