Imo: 12 Stolen Children Rescued As Police Busts Trafficking Syndicate

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June 30, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police Command on Monday June 30, 2025, reaffirmed its unflinching commitment towards protecting the rights and dignity of every child in the State.

The assurance comes on the heels of the arrest of a 42- year old Head of a child trafficking syndicate and the rescue of no fewer than 12 stolen children in the Ngor-Okpala Local Council of the State.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson Daniel Okoye, said the unnamed female suspect was intercepted on Friday June 20, 2025, along the busy Owerri/Aba highway in the course of a stop-and-search routine operation.

According to Okoye, the arrest of the suspect who hails from the Umudim Ohekelem community in Ngor-Okpala Local Council of the State ,subsequently resulted in the uncovering of a child-trafficking gang that specialises in exploiting minors and the vulnerable by way of using them to solicit alms on the streets of Aba ,in Abia state.

“Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children.whose appearance and conditions immediately aroused suspicion.

Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation.

The rescued children children, aged between 5 and 13 years are said to be from different communities in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.

“Presently, the children are in safe custody and efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their biological families”, Okoye stated.

The Police spokesman further informed that during the interrogation, the suspect confessed to being involved in the business of trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala in Imo state to Aba the commercial hub of Abia state for the purpose of street begging .

The suspect also revealed that proceeds from the alms solicitation are remitted to a supposedly” Motherless Babies Home” in.Okenyi area in Echie Local Council of Rivers State, her employers .

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, while advising all would-be child traffickers to reconsider their intentions, however assured of the Command’s zero tolerance for any forms of criminal activities in the State .

Ondo: Fmr CP Afolabi Says State Now Free Of Cases Of Kidnapping, Hands Over To Successor

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Ayodele Oni

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June 30, 2025

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Wilfred Afolabi handing over to the New CP

By Ayodele Oni

Immediate past Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, has announced that he was happy that cases of kidnapping reduced to the barest minimum during his stay in the state.

Speaking of Monday at the handing over ceremony to his successor, Afolabi said that for almost a month now, there has never been any reported case of kidnapping in the State.

“I always say that it’s not the number of years you spent that really counts, but how well, the number, what have you been able to achieve within the short space of time that you were here.

“I’ve taken time to lecture, I mean, to communicate to the incoming CP of some of the things that we put in place that assisted us to achieve the successes we could boast of today.

“The past one month, go and do your research, we’ve not had a single case of kidnapping in Ondo State.

“So it’s as a result of the crime prevention strategies, that were introduced and how our men were made to show more dedication to the job they’re doing. And I thank God that at the end, it yielded good dividends.

“So it must be sustained and what that implies is that you must give him more support even than you have given to me. And I’ve equally taken time to speak to all the officers too. The police job is one family.

“I will equally want to thank the Inspector General of Police. He gave me the opportunity to be the 45th Commissioner of Police of Ondo State. And at the peak of the security challenge we had in this state, I know how I got in touch with him.

“And he made logistics and technical support available to us, which went a long way in, assisting us to have most of the breakthrough we’ve had.

“I equally want to thank him for his patience. It’s on record, there’s never been a time, even despite the time we had all these security challenges, that he ever in any way threatened.

“In his usual manner, he will give you words of encouragement. So again, I want to thank him for that. I also appreciate the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the support given to us by the Ondo State in helping us to check some of the security challenges we’ve had.”

On his posting, Afolabi explained that “I want to put it like this, that for those of us who are professionals, posting is a normal thing. And I shared it with some of my officers this morning, that maybe because of my background, because in my days as a PMA personnel, no matter how good or no matter how fantastic that posting may be, after three or four months, you have to leave. So that becomes part and parcel of me.”

While taking over the command, the new commissioner, Adebowale Lawal, commenced his predecessor for “what you’ve been able to do in this command.

“I’ve seen it as a very big shoe, but I have the confidence that with the management team around me and with the support of the good people of Ondo State, we are going to take up the challenge.

“I’ve taken the responsibility, it’s a challenge. I want to assure everybody that I will live up to expectations. All I request is the support of everyone, the stakeholders, because security is not sole responsible of police. So I’ll call on all the stakeholders, the military, civil defense, non-state actors to give all the support that you gave my predecessor.

“The areas where we need to address, where we need to re-strategize, he has briefed me, and we are going to work on those areas.”

NCAA Grounds Rano Aircraft After Mid Air Engine Failure In Kano

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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June 30, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following an in-flight engine failure that occurred in one of its engines, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, on Monday grounded one of Rano Air aircraft in Kano.

The aircraft with full compliment of passengers was Sokoto-bound from the domestic wing of the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano.

A statement from the head of the Airworthiness Directorate of the NCAA, Victor Foyea, informed that the flight made an air return after the engine failure incident was reported at the Air Traffic Control.

The incident which was highlighted by some thick smoke in the cabin and flight deck caused a significant level of apprehension and fear among passengers on board.

According to Foyea ,following report of the incident, oxygen masks were donned ,as well as the observation of all other necessary safety measures to ensure the safe landing of the aircraft after aborting the trip to Sokoto.

Consequently, the NCAA, according to the statement has directed that the aircraft remain grounded pending the conclusion of a full inquest into the possible cause(s) of the mid air engine failure.

“The Rano aircraft 5N-BZY experienced a failure of its engine I .Smoke was noticed in the cabin and flight deck

“Oxygen masks were donned .The appropriate safety protocols were initiated on the ground for landing.

“Smoke dissipated. The Pilot safely landed the aircraft without incident. More advanced countries have worse air incidents than Nigeria because here, flights will get canceled if there is the slightest safety concern” Foyea stated .

Peter Obi To Supporters, “I Will Be On The Ballot In 2027”

By

The Source

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June 30, 2025

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The Labour Party’s standard bearer in the 2023 Presidential election, Peter Obi, has again reiterated to his numerous supporters at home and abroad that he will be on the ballot for the Presidency in 2027 and will be willing to do one term in office.

“I have not joined in any form of discussion on joint tickets including with Atiku.

“If there is any form of agreement that will restrict me to 4 years in office, I will comply with the agreement and be ready to leave office by 28th May, 2031”

Speaking on Sunday night, when he appeared on X space to answer questions from his numerous supporters, he acknowledged being involved in coalition talks because of his desire to rescue Nigeria from the drift by aligning with all patriotic Nigerians.

“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians… Count me out. Nigeria is currently at war. We need to do something about it.

He urged Nigerians to see the need to rescue this country with him. “I will bring stability in Nigeria within two years in office. Leaders of Nigeria should sit down in Nigeria and fix Nigeria

On the situation in the Labour Party, Obi said they are working around the clock to get INEC to endorse the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party based on the Supreme Court ruling.

On the rotation of the Presidency between the North and the South, Obi said, “I believe in the rotation of government between North and South. I implemented it in Anambra as a governor”.

Answering questions on President Tinubu’s visit to St Lucia Obi noted that

“In 2 years, Tinubu has not spent one night in any state in Nigeria apart from Lagos, yet he is going to spend 8 nights in St Lucia, a place smaller than Ajegunle.”

“St Lucia is about the size of the 10th largest city of Nigeria, Ilorin. President Tinubu has never slept a night in any state of Nigeria outside Lagos since the assumption of office in 2023. PBAT to stay in St Lucia for 10 days.

On his preparation for the election, the former Presidential Candidate remarked “We will do things differently in 2027. We will follow a non-violent approach and insist that the right thing will be done before the result announcement in Abuja.

Our votes in 2027 will count, and we will ensure they count.

“Three things to follow up with in the first 100 days… prioritise on security, education and poverty eradication; cut costs and shun corruption. My family will not be involved in corruption. Funds to be channelled into key critical sectors.

“My Presidency will ensure there is a strong opposition in party politics. There will be no defection of elected officials to other parties when I am in charge.

“Imagine in this country, People are dying in Benue, Borno, [and other parts of the country], and our leaders are commissioning Bus Stops and holidaying.”

“To bring order in governance, I will prioritise security, education and pulling people out of poverty. To do this is by cutting the cost of governance and fighting corruption from day one.”

” My past speaks loudly for me. Wherever there was an issue in Anambra State, I was there physically. Anybody who wants to serve should be ready to put even their life on the line for the lives of Nigerians.”

“Nobody abroad takes you seriously if you don’t have a stable government.

“Demolition Of Memorial Park Should Not Be Used To Insult Our Oba” – Fmr Late Gov Akeredolu’s Aide

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Ayodele Oni

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June 30, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

One of the former Aides to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Dr Seun Odebowale, has condemned attacks on the personality of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye over the demolition of the Memorial Park.

Odebowale, who served as Special Adviser, Special Duties to the late Governor, in a statement on his Facebook page, also revealed that the installation of Ajibade Ogunoye as Olowo could not have been singlehandedly done by his late boss.

The former special adviser who was apparently reacting the claim made by Akeredolu’s widow, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, stated that “I identify with him without any reservations as he is worthy in all respects. He is a man of enviable pedigree. He is the third Olowo in his royal lineage.

“I was privileged to have 1witnessed the activities culminating in his choice as the Olowo. I was in charge of Special Duties and Strategy in the Office of the late Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“I assert, without equivocation, that Aketi did not choose the Olowo, ‘single-handedly’. It is practically impossible in Owo tradition. The prerogative lies with the Omo Olowo. The Ojomo Luda of Ijebu Owo, the head of the Owo princes, presided over the selection process.

“There were other contestants, all prominent sons of the ancient town. Many withdrew after the first meeting. The rest contested and the then Prince Ajibade Ogunoye emerged as the Olowo-elect. I attended the last stage of the process.

“The Prince won, overwhelmingly, and all the other contestants embraced him. There was a huge carnival in Owo that evening. I was there with my team till the following morning.

“I sent on-the-spot reports to Aketi, who was overjoyed that there was no crisis in his town. We were all happy. I paid enough homage to Bacchus, the god of wine, afterwards.

“Nobody can deny the obvious fact that the Olowo was Aketi’s choice. He was our choice too. He was an Atobatele before his ascension to the throne. I worked with him in the Governor’s office and shared memorable moments with him and others. It was a great privilege knowing him.

“He is a decent, well-bred Prince, who entered the palace at the age of two, when his late father, Oba Adekola Ogunoye, became the Olowo in 1968. He was brought up in the best traditions of our ancestors.

” I attest to this fact from the standpoint of our personal relationship. He is one of the very few who still uphold our cherished traditional values.

“I will not join issues on the demolition of the Cenotaph in Owo. It is good that the State Government has promised to build another one. I can only admonish the government to exercise more care in consulting stakeholders, not those who harbour misplaced entitlement mentality, in taking decisions on sensitive matters. In the final analysis, Owo belongs to the people of Owo.

“I must, however, condemn, in the strongest term possible, the statement which suggests that Aketi chose the Olowo “single-handedly”. It is NOT true. Aketi took interest in the selection process not only as a sitting Governor.

“Owo was his town. He knew many of the contestants too. I should also set at nothing the reckless vituperations on our revered king.

“The Olowo is indeed an example of Ilufemiloye. One thousand governors and others combined would not have been able to impose a candidate on Owo. The Ojomo Luda is a retired Major General in the Nigerian Army. The youths of Owo, especially the Ehinogbe boys, would have confronted the devil, if that spirit had embraced madness.

“Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III is a revered monarch among the Yoruba people. He is a full-time traditionalist, who has refused to join impostors to desecrate the land.

“A day old baby may be crowned an Oba among our people. It is the way of our ancestors. We love it. The Olowo is nobody’s baby, not in age, career achievements and experience.

“His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III is not a Warrant Chief imposed on the people by the colonialists. He is the Olowo, the last born of Orunmila. Let no one embrace madness to the point of showing disrespect to him. It will be resisted.”

Nollywood Filmmaker, Actor, Kayode Peters Dies

By

Akinwale Kasali

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June 30, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

Kayode Peters Adewunmi, ace filmmaker and actor has died.

‘Koko’ as he was fondly called in the hit comedy, Flatmates, in the early 2000s was known for his optimism, enthusiasm, brevity and his good interpretation of roles.

The renowned Nigerian film and stage producer died in Toronto, Canada at the age of 49 Years.

He was down with a protracted illness which later led to his death.

The nature if the illness was not disclosed by the family in the official statement.

The news of his death filtered in over the weekend before his family confirmed it on his official Instagram.

The statement read, ‘‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Kayode Peters Adewumi, who passed on peacefully this morning, 28 June 2025, in Toronto, Canada.

“KP braved, challenged and conquered a long-time illness until his last breath this morning.

“KP is a cherished son, husband, father, brother, friend, and gifted filmmaker, actor and producer whose work inspired many.

“Beyond his talent, his kindness, warmth, and generous spirit truly defined him. He touched countless lives on and off the screen and will be deeply missed.

“As we grieve this painful loss, we kindly ask for kindness and privacy while we take time to make arrangements for his funeral and to heal.

“Further details will be shared in due course. Thank you for your love, condolences, and continued support”.

Peters left a lasting mark on Nigerian theatre and Television series, where he created and produced several well-loved projects, including the sitcom Extended Family, and rose to wider prominence as the producer of the hit comedy series Flatmates in the early 2000s.

El-Rufai’s Presence In Opposition Coalition Gives Me Goose Pimples” – Shehu Sani

By

Adesina Soyooye

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June 30, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Shehu Sani, a human rights activist, and former Senator, Kaduna Central, says the presence of a former Governor of Kaduna State, now in opposition Coalition, gives him goose pimples. He describes El-Rufai as a dirty political figure and one who has never been out of Government since 1999, and yet laments about the state of Nigeria. So,his question to El-Rufai: “What contribution have you made to take care of the things you complain about? As for the future of the Coalition, Shehu Sani, recently awarded a National Honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, by President Bola Tinubu, says “It is dead on arrival.”

Sani who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria said:

“Any country or government without opposition can easily slide into a dictatorship or one-party state.

“If everyone goes into one political party and there is nobody to challenge the government or hold the government to account, our government could be run aground.

“We need a coalition and we need a credible opposition; a credible opposition should not be a canopy of frustrated and angry people, whose interest is not the country or the people, but their own selfish interest.

“There are people in this coalition whose presence will give you goose pimples. Someone like former governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai.

“He is not a clean political figure that came out of the trenches; he is not someone who has never been in government.

“Nigeria just celebrated 26 years of democracy and El-Rufai was the Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprises for four years, minister for four years, governor for eight years, and so why did he not achieve all those things he is saying now while in office?”

According to Sani: ” If one had been in office for almost 20 years and the person is in his mid-sixty’s, such a person should be thankful to God because millions of people wanted to get what such person was taking for granted.”

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On the main arrow head of the Coalition, Atiku Abubakar Shehu said:

“Though former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has the constitutional right to contest, he should not contest the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku should allow a Southerner to contest and serve out the turn of the South. By doing that, Atiku would have the moral right to seek the support of the south in 2031.

“As someone who has been in the political realm more than many other politicians, he should know that there are consequences for contesting elections every other time and losing.

“Atiku should not allow himself to be seen as a face of failure. He should rather be a good mathematician and a good hunter who knows when it is right to contest elections.

“When you have someone from the North who spent eight years in office and a Southerner just spent four years in office, and you are in the opposition, you have to present someone from the South as your party’s candidate.

“You don’t build an opposition on the foundation of frustration and non-inclusion. All those things El-Rufai is saying about Tinubu is because he failed the ministerial test.

“If he was made a Minister today, he would have been one of the vociferous attackers of anyone who says anything against Tinubu.

“Now he has reached a point whereby his utterances lack decorum, no restraint, and you can see anger, frustration and even desperation on his face.

“He has moved away from pinpointing areas where the government is not doing well to personal attacks on Mr President, and when one has reached such a level, it is more of exhibition of anger than playing opposition roles.

“Atiku has a lot of good political credentials. For instance, when, as activists, we were in prison in the 90s, he was in touch with us.

“I happened to share the same prison at Kirikiri, Lagos with the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who was Atiku’s mentor and Uba Sani was the contact between us and the outside world at that time.

“The strategies being employed by the coalition cannot fetch those behind it any result.

“For instance, the Coalition ought to be looking at sectoral performances of the Government in order to win support from the masses; rather, they are attacking the government aimlessly.

“Unfortunately, El-Rufai, as a Governor in Kaduna, left with bad records.

“He treated the people from Southern Kaduna viciously, sacking thousands of teachers without paying them, sacking thousands of civil servants, disobeying court orders and arresting journalists and activists, and imprisoning them.

“El-Rufai left mountain of debts and series of uncompleted projects, among other infractions and yet, coming now to preach about good governance, sanity and peace.”

First Bank Adds Facial Recognition On Mobile App For Seamless Digital Experience

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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June 30, 2025

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Nigeria’s premier commercial bank First Bank Nigeria, FBN has launched a new facial biometric feature that enables customers to activate or register on First Bank’s mobile app- FirstMobile securely, using facial verification.

According to the bank, the facial recognition sign-up and activation, also includes virtual credit cards for secure online shopping, instant credit card activation, flexible salary advances with 3-month repayment options as well as general improvements and bug fixes.

The feature comes with an advanced anti-spoof detection, to ensure that customers’ accounts are safe from hackers and fraudsters.

The bank said the feature is carefully designed to ensure that customers receive premium services and efficiency in digital banking experience.

Commenting on the upgrade, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products Division, FirstBank, Chukwuma Ezirim, said, “with these new services now live on FirstMobile, we are confident we will undoubtedly enhance our customers’ digital experience. FirstBank is committed to innovative ways of delighting our customers so that they can carry out their transactions with no stress and with utmost convenience.

“We understand the importance of keeping up with the evolving digital landscape, and we are dedicated to providing our customers with cutting-edge solutions that make banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Our goal is to ensure that every interaction with FirstBank enhances customer satisfaction and builds long-lasting relationships.”

The upgrade in innovative solutions effectively addresses the diverse needs of customers, including new customers, diaspora customers without cards, individuals with lost or expired cards, those who have opted out of card use, as well as customers facing card verification failures or lacking convenient access to card details.

According to the bank, the feature will provide seamless access to essential banking services, such as fund transfers and bill payments ensuring swift, reliable, and convenient transaction processing for all users. Also, the newly enhanced FirstBank mobile banking platform, FirstMobile, offers a comprehensive array of features and services designed to provide our customers with a seamless and innovative digital banking experience, no matter where they are in the world.

With the improvements, users can sign up and activate the app using just their face.

Customers can shop online securely with a virtual credit card that is instantly issued and always accessible within the app.

Additionally, customers can activate their new credit card directly from the app to start spending immediately. They also have the option to access salary advances with a convenient 3-month repayment plan.

Dantata: FG Delegation Arrives Saudi Arabia For Burial

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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June 30, 2025

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A Federal Government delegation has arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead the burial of late business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata. He’s expected to be buried in the Islamic holy city of Madinah.

Dantata died in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday at the age of 94.

According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, the delegation, which left Nigeria late on Sunday, arrived in Madinah in the early hours of Monday.

Led by the Minister of Defence and former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, the delegation consists of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and Minister of State for Housing Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.

One of the last wishes of Dantata before he died was to be buried beside his wife, who died in 2023 and buried in Arabian nation.

Dantata was an uncle to Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote.

PDP NEC: Policemen Take Over National Secretariat

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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June 30, 2025

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Operatives from the Nigerian Police Force, NPF have taken over the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Abuja ahead of the party’s National Executive Council, NEC meeting.

The magazine learned that the policemen were dispatched to the area to prevent the break down of law and order by the two contending factions in the PDP who have disagreed on the modalities for the meeting.

Recall that the Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagun had last week disclosed that the NEC earlier scheduled for June 30, 2025 would no longer hold, due to the dispute over the position of the party’s National Secretary, saying “We look forward to welcoming all invited guests/participants to the Expanded National Caucus Meeting tomorrow and I wish you all safe travels and fruitful deliberations in advance.”

Countering Damagun, the faction led by the PDP Vice National Chairman South Taofeek Arapaja insited that the NEC will proceed, saying Damagun has no power to overturn the decision of the 99^th NEC , held two weeks ago, to hold the meeting.

Arapaja had while speaking during a press conference on Sunday night in Abuja, said the 100th NEC meeting will be held at the party’s headquarters in the nation’s capital.

Flanked by some members of the party’s National Working Committee, Arapaja disclosed that the party had already informed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC about the meeting, which will meet to determine the time for the National Convention of the party.

He said the NEC meeting is in line with the PDP Constitution, saying Damagun lacked the powers to ‘alter, change and vary” the decision by the party to hold the NEC meeting today.

“By virtue of section 31(3) of the constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) the Monday, 30th June, 2025 date for the 100th NEC meeting is binding on all organs and members, and as such no organ, group or officer of the Party has the power to alter, change, vary, veto or convert the already convened NEC meeting,” he said.

“Contrary to a purported notice being circulated in the social media suggesting that the 100th NEC meeting has been converted to a special expanded national caucus meeting, the NWC states in clear terms that the said notice did not emanate from the PDP and should be disregarded.

“The NWC emphasises that there is no provision whatsoever for an expanded national caucus in the constitution of the PDP or any guideline of the party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, section 30 of the constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in providing for a national caucus for the party with its composition, functions and meetings clearly spelt out, leaving no room for any form of expansion.

“The suggestion, proposal or announcement for a special expanded national caucus meeting’ is therefore unconstitutional and cannot take any decision for the PDP being not a recognised organ or body in the PDP.”

The magazine reports that the big masquerade behind Arapaja is Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state , who is currently at loggerheads with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Nyesome Wike for the control of the soul of the party. Makinde and Wike were once political allies until recently when the parted ways over the month-long crisis rocking the party.