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Lagos Free Zone, the nation’s first private special economic zone has been described as the best investment destination for Nordic companies in Nigeria.

The zone is centrally located in Lagos State and it is promoted by Tolaram.

Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, made this known during the Nordic Nigeria Connect 2025 in Lagos.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the event,Mrs Ladonna explained that the Zone offers business predictability and proper organisation for investors who intend to do business in Nigeria, unlike other places where they are more likely to be confronted by infrastructural or regulatory barriers.

She stated that for Nordic companies that see Nigeria as a potential hub for business, Lagos Free Zone remains the ideal destination as it offers the proper infrastructure, enabling environment, and logistics capacity needed to thrive.

‘In Lagos Free Zone, we have a deep-sea port with state-of-the-art equipment. So, if you come to the Zone and have your business set up, it becomes easy for you to export, thus addressing the issue of delays and timing. With that, you canbring in your raw material seamlessly, effortlessly, all in the same place. So, with other access roads and coastal road being put in place, alongside plan to connect the axis through rail, many of these constraints would have been taken care of. Looking at it from a regulation perspective, we are creating our own single window where all the regulators you need to do your business are concentrated in the zone,’ she added.

She observed that the Tinubu administration’s two major policy reforms-the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate-have created a more transparent, market-driven economy and brought back a sense of predictability in the investment climate for foreign investors. She maintained that the reforms have inspiredcautious optimism in the economy, witnessing headwinds turning into tailwinds.

According to her, sustained currency stability, low interest rates, and downward-bending inflation curves in the last 12 months are good signals that the private sector capital formation cycle is ripe for revival. She also explained that with young, entrepreneurial, and passionately creative people occupying the biggest pie in the population, Nigeria offers a vast consumer market and a production base with access to the 400-million-strong ECOWAS region.

‘This dynamic market, structural reform, and market stabilisation combination makes Nigeria one of Africa’s most appealing investment destinations today. However, the real potential is in being an early mover. As Nigeria’s infrastructure advances and its industries develop, those who establish a presence early will enjoy the greatest rewards,’ she added.

She stated that the strength of the Nordic region, which can be found in specific sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, logistics, and digital solutions, remains highly complementary to Nigeria’s growth prioritiesas it unlocks enormous opportunities for collaboration that create shared value, drive innovation, jobs, and inclusive growth.

She applauded Nordic countries for their leadership in clean technology, digital transformation, and responsible business practices, which align perfectly with Nigeria’s development aspirations.

Other speakers at the panel discussion include Chief Executive Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke;Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, Development Bank of Nigeria, Ijeoma Ozulumba; Regional Director, West Africa, Norfund, Naana Winful Fynn; and Chief Executive Officer, Empower New Energy, Yerje Osmunden.

Masterpiece Resource Development Centre (MRDC), research and product development platform, is to empower entrepreneurs through its 10th R.I.S.E. conference and trade expo next month in Lagos.

Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Modupe Oyekunle, said the conference: ‘R.I.S.E. – Reinvent, Innovate, Strategise, Expand,’ will focus on how to empower entrepreneurs with potential and help them to become more successful by giving them knowledge and skills to be effective.

She said MRDC was set up for discovery, development and deployment of youth and women entrepreneurs.

‘MRDC is a world-class entrepreneurial coaching nonprofit organisation committed to discovering, developing, and deploying entrepreneurs.

‘We build capacity, mentor, create platforms for networking, and foster a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs support one another.

‘We realised we need those who could not only train but also guide others based on real-world experience.

‘Through training, mentorship, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, MRDC nurtures sustainable businesses that make lasting impact locally and globally,’ she said.

She said MRDC identifies need to build a strong internal faculty of trainers to deliver impactful mentorship grounded in real-world experience.

The initiative, she noted, culminated in MRDC’s adoption of ILO’s globally recognised Train-the-Trainer certification, which has elevated quality of business support it offered.

MRDC Chair, Abiola Popoola, said the centre is empower ing entrepreneurs to be more effective in their bid to accelerate national development.

He added that the essence is to empower entrepreneurs with much potential and help them be more successful by giving them knowledge and skills to be effective.

His words: ‘Part of the thing that MRDC is set to do is to encourage and empower entrepreneurs through three Ds. That is to discover their talents, develop their talents and and to deploy their talent.

‘In order words ,we want them to optimize their talent and focus on what they have passion for.

‘Entrepreneurs, by their nature, are full of energy and ideas and they want to keep the road running, but how they go depends on how much effort they have given to the journey,’ he said.

Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has inducted 20 doctors from Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ijanikin, Lagos, into the medical profession. The oath was administered by Prof. Fatima Kyari, the registrar.

Vice Chancellor, Prof Gbolahan Awosanya, said: ”This is the first set of doctors produced by the school.

‘Today, we celebrate realisation of a vision and fulfilment of a dream, to train competent, ethical and compassionate medical professionals.

‘To our pioneer medical graduates, I say congratulations. You have worked hard and persevered, and today, your dedication has paid off.

”As you take the Hippocratic Oath, remember that medicine is a sacred calling. One that demands knowledge, empathy and integrity.

‘Uphold values you learnt here and continue to make the institution proud,’ he said.

Awosanya advised the inductees to take contribute to Nigeria’s health care system.

Prof John Obafunwa, a medical expert, pathologist, lawyer and former VC of Lagos State University, Ojo, urged the inductees to remain focused.

He enjoined them to shun strike and be dedicated to the profession.

Obafunwa appealed to the doctors to always provide alternative if going on strike, noting that the patients might be their blood.

The founder and proprietor of the university, Chief Hammed Ibrahim, urged rich Nigerians to emulate him by establishing a medical university.

Dr Adejumoke Adenuga, the best inducted doctor, said she was happy to be honoured with the best inducted doctor.

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen was on the score sheet again as Galatasaray came from behind to defeat Göztepe 3-1 in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig match at the RAMS Park Stadium.

Göztepe took a surprise lead in the sixth minute through Efkan Bekiroglu, silencing the home crowd. However, Galatasaray responded in the 19th minute when Osimhen capitalised on a defensive error to fire home the equaliser, marking his fourth goal in five league matches.

The match’s momentum shifted in Galatasaray’s favour shortly before halftime, when Göztepe’s Malcom Bokele was sent off in the 42nd minute for a dangerous challenge on Osimhen – a decision that drew complaints from visiting fans, who accused the officials of favouring the home side.

Despite the controversy, Gabriel Sara put Galatasaray ahead midway through the second half, before Mauro Icardi sealed the win late in the game to ensure the defending champions claimed all three points.

The victory keeps Galatasaray at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table with 28 points, five clear of second-placed Trabzonspor, while Göztepe remain fifth on 16 points.

After the match, Osimhen dismissed complaints about officiating and praised his teammates’ performance.

‘Rival fans can cry as much as they want on social media. I don’t care – we won the match and deserved it,’ the Nigerian striker said.

He also commended coach Okan Buruk, describing him as both a great tactician and a mentor.

‘Okan Buruk is a great person. Besides being a great coach, he’s also a great human being. We’re ready to give everything for him,’ Osimhen added.

The 26-year-old striker, who has quickly adapted to life in Turkey, has now equalled the 43 goals Buruk scored for Galatasaray during his playing career.

Osimhen further hailed the club’s supporters for their unwavering energy, saying, ‘Galatasaray fans make crazy noise at every match, boosting our confidence. We are the biggest club in Turkey and one of the biggest in the world.’

Galatasaray will next face Trabzonspor at home, with Osimhen warning their title rivals that ‘they know what they will face’ at Ali Sami Yen RAMS Park.

The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) at Oshodi in Lagos State at the weekend started the Middle and Senior-Level Officers’ Entrepreneurship and Management Course 16/2025 to prepare military personnel for post-service life and support national economic diversification efforts.

The course, inaugurated by NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Bashir Mamman, is being conducted in partnership with the Empretec Nigeria Foundation, a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) initiative.

Inaugurating the course, AVM Mamman said it was aimed at equipping officers with entrepreneurial and managerial skills needed to achieve financial independence and contribute to national development after service.

‘Our mission is to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, develop business acumen, and build the resilience needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment,’ he said.

According to the commandant, more than 260 senior officers had benefitted from the programme in the past, adding that 42 officers drawn from the three services, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and NAFRC were enrolled for this session.

AVM Mamman expressed appreciation for the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinunu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and service chiefs for their commitment to national capacity-building.

He urged the participants to begin small-scale ventures while in service as part of their transition planning.

Giving the course outline, Deputy Director of Training, Navy Captain J. A. Oklobia, said it would combine lectures, workshops, and study tours designed to develop participants’ entrepreneurial capacity. Planned visits include Spectra Industries, Nigerian Conservation Centre, Commint Buka, and Songhai Farm in the Republic of Benin.

Representing Empretec Nigeria Foundation, Tobe Rapu described the collaboration as a model for institutional partnership promoting human capital development and self-reliance among officers.

The forex market is becoming ever more dynamic, with the brokers struggling to provide the optimal conditions, technology, and transparency. Moving through the year 2025, the traders are becoming ever more demanding, expecting the combination of reliability, competitive edges, and high-class customer services from the brokers. According to the performance, ratings, and reviews from the traders, below is the list and the review on the best performing forex brokers in 2025 – as rated by actual traders.

1. HFM

HFM is always one of the best-selling, most trusted forex brokers globally – and that’s no coincidence. Live traders applaud HFM’s low spreads, no-hidden-fee policy, and blazing-fast trade execution. On popular currency pairs such as EUR/USD, the spreads can be as low as 0.0 pips, particularly on the Zero Account.

HFM provides multiple accounts with customizations suitable for varying levels of experience – from newbies on Micro Accounts through professionals on the Premium and Zero accounts. Traders also like HFM’s sophisticated tools, quality learning material, and clear regulation under premiere authorities.

HFM’s price efficiency, credibility, and customer-friendly service justifiably position the firm as one of the leading brokers of 2025, whether you’re a day trader or a long-term investor.

2. IC Markets

IC Markets is still a favorite among algorithmic and scalping traders due to its raw spreads and deep liquidity. Its execution speed is under 40 milliseconds with often zero-to-close spreads, making it suitable for traders who rely on accuracy. Live traders praise its excellent support team as well as easy integration with MetaTrader and cTrader platforms.

3. Pepperstone

Pepperstone keeps traders all over the globe impressed with quick order execution, low spreads, and extensive platform variety. Transparency and technology focus implemented by the broker have enabled the firm to be a preferred destination among both retails as well as institutional traders. Pepperstone’s real-time market information and professionally oriented analytics tools further refine the experience of the trade.

4. XM

XM is still one of the easiest brokers for newbies, with no-commission trading, low initial deposits, and comprehensive market coverage. Spreads are a little higher compared to ECN-style brokers, but XM offsets that with frequent promotions, educational live webinars, and loyalty programs that users hold in high regard.

5. Exness

Exness receives repeated accolades for instant withdrawal, adaptable leverage, and low raw spread accounts. Traders appreciate the freedom to trade without commission charges as they still get Exness’s clear reporting and live monitoring facilities. The reliability and technical soundness of the broker maintain its presence among the best in 2025.

Conclusion

The best fx broker is one that suits your style, appetite, and plan of trade. But actual traders in 2025 always include HFM as among the best performers, owing to its unrivaled low cost of trade, reliable-platform, and trust-brokered regulations.Whether you’re new to the forex market or refining a long-term strategy, choosing a reliable and reputable broker – one with a proven track record of transparency, customer satisfaction, and protection – can make all the difference between trading success and a potentially negative experience.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raided Proxy Night Club in Victoria Island, Lagos, arresting over 100 persons, including popular socialite Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, better known as Pretty Mike, during a drug party in the early hours of yesterday.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, said the raid followed credible intelligence about a planned drug party at the club, located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island.

He said NDLEA operatives infiltrated the event around 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, and disrupted the gathering at about 3 a.m., acting on standard operating procedures.

Cartons of illicit substances, including Loud (a potent strain of cannabis) and nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas), were recovered from the club’s store and from suspects at the venue. All the individuals arrested are currently being profiled and screened in custody.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, uncovered 70 parcels of cocaine weighing 3.6 kilograms, concealed in body cream containers and destined for the United Kingdom, he said.

The consignment, disguised as personal effects and bound for London aboard an Air Peace flight on October 14, was presented for export by a cargo agent, Lawal Mustapha Olakunle, who was promptly arrested, the statement indicated.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah, a healthcare worker, and Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi, Chief Executive Officer of Mutiu Adebiyi and Co Travel Agency, who were both linked to the drug shipment.

Similarly, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, intercepted a 35-year-old Lesotho national, Lemena Mark, attempting to export 103.59 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a diabetic coffee-tea pack to the Philippines via Ethiopian Airlines on October 22.

In Kwara State, the agency arrested Umar Abubakar, 40, at Bode Saadu, Moro Local Government Area, after discovering 21,950 capsules of Tramadol 250mg hidden inside a 100-litre water heater on October 21.

The agency also made multiple arrests in other states. In Taraba, Auwal Musa, 26, and Salihu Bala, 22, were arrested at the Dan-Anacha checkpoint with 450,000 pills of Tramadol and Exol-5, while transporting the drugs from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Mubi, Adamawa State.

NDLEA patrols along the Okene-Lokoja highway in Kogi State seized 162.2 kilograms of skunk on October 24, and another 128 kilograms were recovered from Abubakar Muhammad, 55, in Keffi, Nasarawa State, two days earlier, the statement disclosed.

In Lagos, a mother of two, Oyonumoh Glory Effiong, was arrested at her Lekki residence on October 17 with 500 grams of Canadian and California Loud, which she distributed to clients across Lekki, Ajah, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and VGC. Another suspect, Ogunyabo Adenigbigbe, was arrested at Solomade Estate, Ikorodu, where operatives recovered 275 litres of ‘skuchies’, a psychoactive mixture made from blackcurrant drink, cannabis, and opioids.

In Abia State, a 75-year-old man, Echendu Onuoka, was arrested at Ovum village, Obingwa LGA, with 4.7 kilograms of skunk, while a 60-year-old woman, Aukana John, was caught with 225 grams of the same substance at Apanta village.

Further operations led to the seizure of 150 kilograms of skunk during a raid at Lot Camp, Ikun Akoko, Ondo State. In Kaduna, Bashir Mohammad, 50, and Samini Ahmed Tijjani, 35, were arrested with 234.5 kilograms of cannabis, while two others – Isah Usman, 50, and Salvation Okoler, 18 – were nabbed with 8,600 pills of Tramadol 225mg and Rohypnol along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

The statement indicated that at the Seme border, Jacob Ojugbele was arrested with 55 kilograms of skunk at Ashipa, Badagry, while Amusa Oluwabukola was caught with 121.3 litres of skuchies at Itoga, Badagry.

In Zamfara State, NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Gummi-Anka road on October 20 arrested Abubakar Ibrahim, 30, with an AK-47 rifle and 1,746 rounds of ammunition meant for AK-47 and GPMG rifles. He was allegedly transporting the weapons from Sokoto to Bagega forest in Anka LGA. The suspect and the recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation, Babafemi said.

Meanwhile, the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign continued nationwide, with sensitization programmes held in schools, religious institutions, and workplaces across Oyo, Kebbi, Enugu, Benue, Taraba, Rivers, and Kano States.

Babafemi added that NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers of the MMIA, AIIA, Lagos, Kwara, Abia, Nasarawa, Kogi, Ondo, Anambra, Taraba, Kaduna, Seme, and Zamfara commands for their successful operations and urged them to sustain the agency’s balanced and robust approach to drug control across the country.

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has applauded Nigeria’s anti-corruption and financial integrity institutions for securing the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List of countries under increased monitoring.

In a statement in Abuja, its Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, described the development as ‘a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s reforms to combat corruption, improve financial transparency, and strengthen accountability systems across all sectors of the economy’.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the agency’s Director of Communication and Stakeholders Management, Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah, said the delisting followed demonstrable improvements in the effectiveness of Nigeria’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) framework, enhanced regulatory oversight, and sustained collaboration among key national stakeholders.

The statement highlighted the value of existing Memoranda of Understanding between NEITI and the EFCC, NFIU, and ICPC as effective platforms for information and data sharing to track money laundering, illicit financial flows.

It acknowledged the excellent work of 24 member-agencies under the Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT), chaired by NEITI and supported by the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR).

According to the statement, a strong political will and a policy of non-interference by the Federal Government were instrumental to the achievement.

Orji also hailed the media and the civil society for their vigilance, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns.

The NEITI boss applauded the ‘naming and shaming’ efforts, which he said strengthened public accountability and deterrence.

Commenting on the key benefits of Nigeria’s FATF delisting, Orji said: ‘Nigeria’s exit sends a clear signal that our financial system is increasingly compliant with global transparency and integrity standards, making the country more attractive for foreign investment and international partnerships.’

The NEITI boss also listed other benefits as lower cost of financial transactions and improved access to global capital.

He explained that Nigeria is expected to benefit from reduced risk ratings, more efficient cross-border transactions, and improved access to international finance and correspondent banking services.

‘With the stigma of high-risk status removed, the private sector especially the extractive industries, will benefit from increased investor interest, smoother trade flows, and greater confidence in Nigeria’s financial governance,’ Orji said.

Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the request of Lotus Bank Limited to take over the properties – both movable and immovable – belonging to Unpacked Limited (now in receivership).

The company is owned by Oluwafeyikemi Abudu and guaranteed by Oluwafemi Badewole.

The judge issued the order allowing the bank to take possession of the company’s assets and monies held in various banks while granting an ex parte motion marked FHC/L/CS/2097/2025, filed and moved by the bank’s counsel, A. Adedoyin-Adetunji.

The lawyer informed the court that it was brought pursuant to Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 554 and 556(1-4) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

The motion sought several interim orders, including an injunction restraining a long list of financial institutions – among them Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA, and others – from releasing or dealing with any funds or assets belonging to the defendants. The order covers all accounts linked to the BVNs 22300683147 (second defendant) and 22141834308 (third defendant) up to the amount of N32,691,920.86, being the alleged indebtedness arising from an Ijara Muntaluya bittamleek (lease-to-own) facility granted to the first defendant and guaranteed by the second and third defendants.

The bank also sought an interim order empowering the second plaintiff – appointed pursuant to Clause 7(b) of the Deed of All Assets Debenture dated May 25, 2025, and the Deed of Appointment of Receiver dated October 6, 2025 – to perform his duties as receiver/manager pending the determination of the motion on notice.

Other reliefs included an order directing the receiver/manager to take necessary steps to realise the company’s fixed and floating assets, as stated in the Debenture Deed, and an order mandating the Inspector-General of Police and other law enforcement officers to assist in securing the company’s assets located at VPD Academy Building 4, Thorburn Avenue, Yaba, Lagos. The court also authorised bailiffs to force open any gates or doors obstructing access to the property.

Additionally, the court granted leave for substituted service of the orders and all court processes by pasting them at the last known addresses of the second defendant at Number 5B Onilegbale Road, Ikoyi, and the third defendant at Number 1 Charles Ifeanyi Street, Off Adebayo Doherty, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

The ex parte motion was supported by an affidavit deposed to by Patrick Mgbeoma, the receiver/manager and second plaintiff in the suit, alongside a written address and several documentary exhibits. The bank also undertook to pay damages if it is later found that the orders ought not to have been granted.

After hearing counsel’s submission, Justice Dipeolu granted the orders as prayed and adjourned the matter to October 31, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive suit.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and a section of the National Working Committee (NWC) picked former Special Duties Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as consensus national chairman to checkmate party chieftains rooting for election, it was learnt yesterday.

Three governors -Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) – led the consensus campaign, a party source said.

While the three governors also rallied support for a chairman from the Northwest, Makinde also pushed for the selection of his ally and former deputy governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, as National Secretary.

However, since Turaki was announced as consensus candidate, pro-Wike forces, the Northcentral Caucus of the party, Turaki’s home state Kebbi State executive and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido have kicked against the move.

During his media chat at the weekend, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike faulted Fintiri for announcing a consensus candidate without wider consultation with party stakeholders.

The party stalwarts from the Northcentral complained that the next chairman should have been appointed from the zone to replace the former chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

The Southeast House of Representatives Caucus has also threatened to boycot the convention scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on November 15 and 16 if the Women Leader is not zoned to the region.

A party source said Northwest leaders, including Lamido, who is a contestant for chairman, has insisted on an elective primary.

He has also indicated his readiness to contest, the consensus announcement notwithstanding, the source added.

Those aspiring for positions in the NWC are expected to appear before a13-man Screening Committee set up by the Convention Committee tomorrow in Abuja.

Headed by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), other members of the panel are Asue Ighodalo (Secretary), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief Aduke Marina, Josephine Amenities, Inna Ciroma, Zainab Marina, Mohammed Diri, Jacob Otorkoa, Emmaus Enoidem, Achike Udenwa, Felix Hassan Hyatt, and Chinedun Nwachulwu.

A source, who attended the meeting where Turaki was selected as the consensus candidate, said three aspirants indicated their intention to contest.

He said: ‘At the meeting, the governors asked those interested in the chairmanship position to indicate by raising their hands. Turaki and Senator Ibrahim Shekarau indicated their interest, while Senator Ahmed Makarfi told the meeting that Sule Lamido was interested in contesting the position, but was absent at the meeting.

‘The governors asked them to go out and discuss among themselves and come back with their resolution. Makarfi was asked to represent Sule Lamido. We all know that Makarfi was interested, but he did not indicate probably because he knew it will be difficult for him to get the position.

‘When they returned, Shekarau said he will stand by whatever decision the governors arrived at, especially if they settled for Turaki. Turaki said if the governors choose Shakarau, he will abide by the decision.

‘They told the meeting that Lamido has insisted that no matter the decision arrived at, he was going ahead to contest the chairmanship. He claimed that he was asked to contest the position by the northern elders.

‘After that, the governors met to deliberate and settled for Turaki. But Lamido has insisted that he will go ahead to contest, which is his right to do. But we all know that you need the governors to win and they are not comfortable with Lamido.

‘The governors don’t want a man that will not respect them and that will tell them that whatever they are today, he has been there. They don’t want a man that will not answer them anytime they call. That is why they did not settle for Lamido.’

The source added: ‘When the governors settled for Turaki and announced it to the meeting, they called for desenting voices by asking those who are not at peace with the decision to say their mind. But nobody said anything.

‘All those who are shouting now were at that meeting. The chairman of the PDP in Sokoto was at the meeting. He did not object and did not say anything. It was after they left the meeting that they started making noise. Sule Lamido’s people are making noise. He has gone to meet them and told him that they cannot select him because he will feel greater than all of them.’

However, a chieftain from the Northwest, Alhaji Umar Sani, said those opposed to the choice of Turaki are those bent on destabilizing the party for selfish and person gains.

Sani, who is a former spokesperson to former Vice President Namadi Sambo, described the meeting of the some Northwest leaders as a charade

He said: ‘The recent adoption of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN by the Northern Governors and key PDP stakeholders has unsettled a small but taciturn group of Northwest loyalists aligned with a southern politician hell bent on destabilizing the party.

‘Led by the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Capt. Umar Bature, these dissenters from Kebbi, Sokoto, and Jigawa States are protesting the choice, arguing that since the chairmanship of the PDP has been zoned to the Northwest, only the zone itself should determine the nominee.

‘This argument, however, is both historically and politically hollow. The chairman of a major political party is not merely a regional representative, but that of the whole federation.

‘He is the engine room and rallying point of the entire political organization. His emergence cannot and has never been an exclusive regional affair. From Solomon Lar to Barnabas Gemade, Vincent Ogbulafor, Audu Ogbe, Ahmadu Ali, Okwesilieze Nwodo, Bamanga Tukur, and Adamu Mu’azu, party chairmen have always been products of broader consultations and the influence of powerful blocs within the PDP.

‘Indeed, most chairmen were hand-picked or endorsed by sitting Presidents or leading power brokers within the party. Solomon Lar’s one-year protem tenure was an exception. He was chosen to set the ball rolling and put the party on a sound footing.

‘Sen Ali Modu Sheriff, for example, was chosen to complete the Northeast tenure after the resignation of Adamu Muazu, through the intervention of Wike and Fayose. The Sen Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee was the brainchild of Babangida Aliyu and former Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State in Port Harcourt.

‘Prince Uche Secondus emerged through Wike’s backing, just as Sen Iyorchia Ayu was a joint product of Wike and Samuel Ortom. History, therefore, proves that party leaders and governors will always show interest in who leads them.

‘Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri rightly reaffirmed the well-established PDP tradition by declaring that any dissatisfied aspirants are free to contest the position, an open and democratic invitation.

‘Ironically, Capt. Umar Bature himself became National Organizing Secretary through a unilateral nomination by Sen Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. For him now to lead a rebellion against the collective will of the governors is a clear act and a demonstration of insubordination and ingratitude.

‘His alliance with an erstwhile Kebbi PDP governorship candidate and a few handpicked PDP sympathizers from Sokoto and Jigawa states only exposes a desperate attempt to give false legitimacy to an unpopular stance. The Northwest cannot arrogate to itself the exclusive right to nominate the next PDP National Chairman when the position affects the whole country and the unity and functionality of the party nationwide.

‘The choice of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN reflects a deliberate and strategic consensus anchored on competence, character, and capacity to stabilize the PDP in turbulent times. Those who oppose such a choice for personal gain betray the collective interest of the party. The governors’ decision is steeped in wisdom and foresight, and any genuine lover of the PDP committed to the unity, stability, peace, and progress of the party should stand by it.

‘In the end, the so-called Northwest meeting is nothing more than a charade of misplaced entitlement, a political tantrum by those who mistake selfish ambition for regional interest and arrogate to themselves powers they do not have.’

Following the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on August 25 in Abuja, the party resolved to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South and the National Chairman to the North.

Subsequently, northern leaders micro-zoned the chairmanship slot to the Northwest, producing three frontrunners: Makarfi, Lamido and Turaki (former Minister).

Wike: There is need for consultation

Wike said any push for consensus without wider consultation would not stand.

He said: ‘I don’t know about Tanimu Turaki becoming chairman; maybe he becomes chairman for another faction – it’s not the PDP I know.’

Northcentral frowns

A chieftain from Nassarawa State, Chief Mike Omeri, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), said it is unfair that Ayu’s successor is being picked from the Northwest.

Also, a chieftain from Kogi State, Shaba Ibrahim, who represented Lokoja/Kotonkarfe Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021said Northcentral has not been treated fairly.

He said: ‘For sure, many are not happy. We feel shortchanged.’

Also, a group, ‘PDP Strategic Stakeholders of the Northcentral Geo-political Zone,’ said the decision to exclusive the zone could lead to crisis.

It described the exclusion ‘an act of insensitivity and manipulation’ that disregards the constitutional rights and political equities of their zone.

According to the group, ‘by the PDP constitution, Ayu’s replacement ought to have come from his same geo-political zone, a convention the party failed to honour, leading to Ambassador Umar Damagum from the Northeast assuming the role of Acting National Chairman in clear breach of internal equity.

It added: ‘This is pure power hijacking that comes with far-reaching consequences,’ the statement said. ‘Nobody is talking about it in the PDP, yet everybody expects peace and stability within the party.’