A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Sokoto State aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a new state executive committee ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The new executives emerged during a congress in Sokoto supervised by officials from the PDP National Secretariat and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Leader of the delegation, Abubakar Bawa-Kalgo, described the exercise as transparent and conducted in line with the party’s constitution.

He also dissolved the state caretaker committee before inaugurating the newly elected officials and urged them to remain accountable and committed to their responsibilities.

The new executive committee is headed by Hayatu Tafida as State Chairman, with Ahmad S. Fawa as Secretary, Bello Bashir as Treasurer, Abdulkadir Gidadawa as Youth Leader, Murtala Muhammad as Auditor, Hadiza Abubakar as Women Leader and Buhari Sidi-Attahiru as Publicity Secretary.

Speaking at the event, PDP governorship candidate Abubakar Abdullahi congratulated the new officials and urged them to work for the growth of the party in the state.

Abdullahi also challenged members of the faction led by Tanimu Turaki to stop presenting themselves as the legitimate leadership of the party, arguing that the convention which produced them had been nullified by the Supreme Court.

“How can a group invited to convene a national convention in a state previously governed by one of its members continue to claim the leadership of our party after the Supreme Court nullified the convention?” he queried.

Also speaking, PDP National Organising Secretary Umar Bature called for unity among members to strengthen the party’s chances in Sokoto State but insisted that the rival faction lacked legal recognition.

“I call on those claiming to be the leaders of PDP in Sokoto to stop doing so. You should shut that office to avoid impersonating the legitimate party leadership,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated State Chairman, Hayatu Tafida, thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work diligently to advance the party’s interests in the state.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Accord Party in Osun State have exchanged accusations over recent disturbances in Owode-Ede community, with both parties calling on security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure public safety in the community.

The Osun APC urged the police to declare Owode-Ede, located in Ede North Local Government Area, a political flashpoint, alleging that members and supporters of the party had been subjected to attacks and intimidation by political thugs allegedly affiliated with the Accord Party.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC claimed that violent activities by alleged Accord supporters had resulted in assaults on residents and damage to vehicles belonging to party members.

The party argued that the police should act swiftly to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

According to the APC, “Owode-Ede has become a meeting point for political hoodlums who allegedly harass opposition supporters travelling through the area. Branded caps and vehicles associated with the APC had been forcefully removed or damaged by suspected political thugs operating around the Owode-Ede Market junction.

“It would be a dereliction of duty for the police and other statutory security services to leave innocent members of the public at the mercy of these political hoodlums who operate unhindered daily. Authorities should discourage the needless convergence of political thugs in the community.”

The APC also linked the recent crisis to the blockade of its members and supporters at the Owode-Ede Market junction, arguing that freedom of movement is a constitutional right that should be protected by security agencies.

However, Accord rejected the allegations, accusing the Osun APC of politicising security issues and attempting to blame others before investigations had been concluded.

In a statement signed by its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, Accord said the APC’s allegations were “replete with conjectures, assumptions and politically motivated accusations against Governor Ademola Adeleke and residents of Ede”.

“While every responsible citizen condemns violence in all its forms, it is alarming that the APC has once again chosen the path of political propaganda rather than allowing security agencies to professionally establish the facts surrounding recent events,” it added.

The Accord chairman alleged that video clips circulating publicly showed vehicles branded in AMBO colours with persons allegedly linked to APC, adding that there were credible claims connecting some actors involved in the disturbances to political elements within the opposition party.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incidents, identify all those involved regardless of political affiliation and ensure justice is served without fear or favour.

“We also urge security agencies to investigate alleged hideouts of political thugs associated with the APC,” it demanded.

The recent disagreement between the political parties follows allegations by the Accord that political thugs in APC branded vehicles opened fire on residents and their members in Owode-Ede, Aregbe, Olaiya and other parts of Osun State.

The APC denied involvement and called on the Osun State Police Command to arrest alleged Accord thugs.

As the August 15 governorship election in the state draws near, concerned stakeholders have insisted that politicians and political parties maintain and prioritise peace and security in Owode-Ede.

They also urged politicians to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric while allowing law enforcement agencies to determine responsibility for the disturbances.

Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has canvassed support for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede, describing him as a competent, experienced and people-oriented leader who possesses the vision needed to move the state forward.

The senator made the remarks during the grand finale of the PDP governorship campaign held opposite Eagle Hall, Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Addressing thousands of party supporters, women groups, youths and members of the Ebira community, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she had spent several days across different towns and settlements in Ekiti State mobilizing support for the PDP candidate.

According to her, Oluyede deserves the mandate of Ekiti people because of his commitment to good governance, youth empowerment, women inclusion, educational development and economic growth.

She stated that the PDP candidate has consistently demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary people and has remained accessible to the grassroots.

“Dr. Oluwole Oluyede is a leader who understands the needs of the people. He is not disconnected from the grassroots. He has listened to the cries of market women, youths, civil servants and community leaders across the state,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan further described Oluyede as a unifying figure who believes every resident of Ekiti State deserves equal opportunities irrespective of tribe or background.

She noted that one of the major reasons she decided to campaign vigorously for the PDP candidate was his promise to run an inclusive government where all ethnic groups residing in Ekiti State, including the Ebira community, would be fairly represented.

“He has assured our people that his administration will carry everyone along. He believes in unity, fairness and equal representation. That is the kind of leadership Ekiti needs at this critical time,” she added.

The senator also praised the educational standard and political consciousness of Ekiti people, expressing confidence that voters would make wise decisions during the election.

“Ekiti people are proudly educated and politically enlightened people. I believe they know who truly has the capacity, compassion and experience to govern the state effectively,” she stated.

Speaking on her mobilisation efforts, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that she had visited several communities including Ikole-Ekiti, Ilasa and other settlements with large populations of Ebira residents to canvass support for the PDP candidate.

She said her mission in Ekiti was to encourage women and the Ebira community across the state to come out massively on June 20 and vote for Oluyede.

“We have moved from settlement to settlement speaking to our people. We are encouraging them to support a candidate that will prioritize development, inclusion, peace and prosperity for all,” she said.

The campaign grand finale attracted party leaders, traditional supporters, youth organizations and women groups from across the state, all expressing optimism that the PDP would emerge victorious in the June 20 governorship election.