Dele Momodu recounts emotional moments during escape into exile under Abacha regime

Veteran journalist and publisher of Ovation International, Dele Momodu, has recounted how he fled Nigeria

$Makinde Declares 2027 Presidential Bid Under PDP–APM Alliance as Political Rift Deepens IBADAN, OYO STATE — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, unveiling a new political arrangement anchored on a proposed alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Makinde made the declaration on Thursday during a rally at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, where he addressed a large crowd of supporters and positioned the coalition as a unified platform capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political direction ahead of the next general election. He described the proposed PDP–APM alliance as a “grand political reset” aimed at consolidating opposition forces and addressing what he called longstanding structural weaknesses within Nigeria’s political system. According to the governor, the coalition is intended to provide a stronger, more coordinated platform that can present candidates across all levels of government in the 2027 elections. However, the announcement has immediately triggered tensions within the PDP, with internal divisions emerging over the legitimacy and structure of the proposed alliance. A prominent faction led by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike rejected the coalition, describing it as illegitimate and inconsistent with the party’s official position. Wike’s camp accused the organisers of what he termed an unauthorised political arrangement, arguing that the PDP had not formally approved any merger or alliance with the APM. The dispute reflects a deeper leadership crisis within the PDP, with rival factions disagreeing over control of the party’s national structure and authority to enter pre-election coalitions. While Makinde’s supporters insist that the arrangement is a strategic move to strengthen opposition unity ahead of 2027, critics within the party have warned that the development could further fracture internal cohesion. Some party officials have also raised concerns about possible legal implications, including questions over whether the alliance structure complies with regulations set by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The Allied Peoples Movement, a smaller political party, is seen as a potential alternative platform that could provide electoral backing should internal disputes within the PDP remain unresolved ahead of the polls. Political analysts say the arrangement may also serve as a contingency plan, ensuring that Makinde retains an operational political base regardless of the outcome of ongoing disputes within his party. Meanwhile, reactions from other major political actors, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), suggest that the development is being closely monitored as Nigeria gradually moves into early positioning for the 2027 general elections. Opposition figures, including supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have yet to formally respond, though party insiders say consultations are ongoing regarding the legality and implications of the emerging alliance. As tensions continue to build within the opposition, observers say the 2027 election cycle may already be taking shape, with internal party struggles now playing a defining role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. Add wike response to the news and what this means for opposition and the implication to Obi's NDC chance Makinde Declares 2027 Presidential Bid Under PDP–APM Alliance as Wike Rejects Move, Opposition Rift Widens IBADAN, OYO STATE — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, unveiling a proposed political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a move that has immediately deepened tensions within Nigeria’s opposition bloc. Makinde made the declaration on Thursday at a rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, where he positioned the proposed PDP–APM arrangement as a “grand alliance” aimed at unifying fragmented opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the coalition was designed to strengthen electoral coordination and provide a broader platform capable of fielding candidates across federal and state levels. However, the announcement has triggered swift backlash from within the PDP, exposing fresh cracks in the party’s already fragile internal structure. Wike rejects alliance, calls it “political fraud” Reacting in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed the alliance, describing it as illegitimate and politically deceptive. Wike said the arrangement did not represent the official position of the PDP, insisting that no authorised organ of the party approved such a merger or coalition with the APM. He further alleged that the move amounted to what he called a “political fraud,” arguing that certain factions were attempting to hijack the party structure for personal ambition ahead of 2027. The controversy has intensified long-standing divisions within the PDP over leadership authority, coalition strategy, and control of the party’s national direction. Deepening opposition fractures ahead of 2027 Political analysts say the development exposes widening cracks within Nigeria’s opposition landscape at a critical pre-election period. The PDP remains divided between competing power blocs, while other opposition figures are still attempting to negotiate a unified front capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Observers warn that the internal dispute could weaken the opposition’s ability to present a single presidential candidate, especially if the coalition dispute escalates into legal battles over legitimacy and party recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Implications for Peter Obi and opposition coalition talks The unfolding rift is also expected to have significant implications for former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who remains a central figure in ongoing discussions around a broader opposition realignment, often referred to as the emerging “national democratic coalition” structure. Analysts say the Makinde–APM move, combined with Wike’s rejection, could further complicate efforts to build a unified opposition platform ahead of 2027. Some political observers argue that competing alliances within the PDP may weaken negotiation leverage among opposition leaders, potentially fragmenting votes and reducing the likelihood of a single strong anti-incumbent candidate. Others, however, suggest the early jostling could eventually force clearer alignments, as political actors move from broad coalitions to more defined electoral blocs closer to the election period. A contested road to 2027 As rival factions trade accusations and positioning intensifies, analysts say the opposition’s biggest challenge may not be the ruling party, but its own internal divisions. With Makinde’s declaration, Wike’s rejection, and ongoing coalition talks involving multiple political camps, Nigeria’s 2027 election cycle appears to have entered an early phase of strategic realignment—marked more by internal contestation than external competition.$

Crime

Politics

News

Business

Sports

Entertainment