POLITICS
PDP Crisis Deepens as South-East Rejects Ali Odefa’s Participation in NEC Meeting
Court rulings upheld; stakeholders warn against contempt, threaten legal action
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, a major rift has emerged from the South-East zone, with party stakeholders declaring that Chief Ali Odefa is no longer a member of the party and must not be allowed to attend.

In a statement released Tuesday, South-East PDP stakeholders strongly opposed Odefa’s planned participation, citing his expulsion from the party and a series of binding court judgments that bar him from acting in any official capacity.
The group described Odefa’s continued self-identification as the PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East) as illegal, noting that his expulsion has been upheld by two separate judgments of the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
In the first ruling, delivered on February 26, 2025 (Suit No. FHC/AI/CS/227/2024), Justice Hillary I. O. Oshomah:
- Restrained Chief Odefa from parading himself as a PDP member or officer;
- Declared parts of the PDP Constitution inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution;
- Upheld the right to fair hearing and political participation.


A second judgment on April 10, 2025 (Suit No. FHC/AI/CS/2/2025), reaffirmed Odefa’s expulsion, recognized Egwu Chidebere Goodluck as the validly nominated PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), ordered INEC to recognize him, and issued a perpetual injunction against Odefa’s involvement in PDP activities.
Stakeholders emphasized that both rulings remain unchallenged and legally binding, warning that any attempt to involve Odefa in party meetings would amount to contempt of court.
“In the eyes of the law, Chief Ali Odefa is no longer a PDP member. He cannot attend, represent, or participate in any capacity,” the statement read.
Warning to PDP Leadership
Amid growing concerns that Odefa may be permitted to attend Wednesday’s NWC meeting or the NEC session scheduled for next week, stakeholders warned that any decisions reached with his participation could be nullified.

They cautioned the PDP Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagun, that he risks being held in contempt of court if he allows Odefa into official party deliberations.
“Such actions would undermine judicial authority and could attract serious legal consequences,” the group stated.
Legal Action on the Horizon
The stakeholders also revealed that Hon. Egwu Chidebere Goodluck’s legal team is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to take swift legal action to enforce the court’s rulings.
“The Damagun-led leadership must respect the law. Ignoring valid court decisions undermines the party’s integrity and threatens its democratic foundations,” they warned.
This latest development signals a deepening leadership crisis within the South-East PDP and highlights ongoing tensions surrounding internal party discipline, respect for court orders, and adherence to constitutional governance ahead of key national decisions.
POLITICS
APC Chairman Reaffirms Eric Opah as Abia Governorship Candidate for 2027
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has put to rest speculation over its governorship ticket, with the state Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, reaffirming Eric Opah as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FLO 94.9 FM, Chukwu declared that all controversies surrounding the party’s primaries have been resolved, and the results announced by the primary election committee — and subsequently ratified by the APC National Working Committee — remain valid and binding.
“The results of the primaries as announced by the primary election committee and ratified by the National Working Committee stand,” Chukwu said. He stressed that Eric Opah is the authentic governorship candidate of the APC in Abia State.
The chairman called on all party members to bury their differences and close ranks in order to build a formidable APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
In the same interview, Chukwu also confirmed that Hon. Erondu Uchenna will be the party’s candidate for the Abia South Senatorial District seat in the upcoming elections.
POLITICS
ADC Accuses Justice Lifu of Acting in Contempt of Court
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has alleged that Justice Peter Lifu acted in contempt of court by issuing a judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other political parties despite a pending appeal.
According to Abdullahi, the Court of Appeal had directed that no action should be taken on the matter until the appeal is heard on October 27. He argued that proceeding with the judgment before the appellate court’s determination amounts to a disregard for the court’s directive.
“Justice Peter Lifu, the judge who gave the judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other parties, should be arrested. The Appeal Court said don’t act until the case is heard on October 27. He’s acting in contempt of court,” Abdullahi stated.
The remarks add a new dimension to the legal and political controversy surrounding the status of the affected political parties, with the matter expected to be further addressed when the appeal comes up for hearing.
POLITICS
Kwankwaso’s Son Emerges as Kano NDC Deputy Governorship Candidate
KANO — Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the party and former governor of Kano State.
The announcement comes amid ongoing political realignments within the NDC in Kano. The party recently unveiled Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as its governorship candidate for the state, following consultations among party stakeholders.
Political observers say the emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as running mate is expected to generate discussions within Kano’s political landscape, given his family ties to the influential Kwankwasiyya movement led by his father.
The NDC has continued to position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s leadership expressing confidence in its chances across key states, including Kano.
Party officials are expected to provide further details on the candidature and campaign strategy in the coming days.
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