Politics
Allow Peaceful Protest On May 29 – Prof. Udenta
Prof. Udenta Udenta, the Founding National Secretary of Alliance for Democracy and Distinguished Fellow at the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, issued a warning to security agencies on Thursday.
He cautioned them against obstructing any kind of protest during the upcoming presidential inauguration ceremony.
Expressing his disapproval of certain statements made by the heads of security organizations, Prof. Udenta emphasized that denying disgruntled Nigerians the right to protest on May 29th would contradict the principles of the constitution and encroach upon the fundamental human rights of citizens.
Prof. Udenta Udenta, a renowned African Literature scholar, expressed his views in an interview with journalists during the public presentation of the book titled “Media and Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy: Threats, Constraints and Resilience,”
The book, co-authored by Paul Obi, a former Political Correspondent of THISDAY Newspapers, Taye Obateru, an Associate Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Jos, and Dr. Sam Amadi, the Convener of ASSPT, received a review from Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, a communication consultant and Deputy Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at Baze University in Abuja.
During the book’s launch, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, served as the chief launcher.
Prof. Udenta expressed his concern about the statements made by security chiefs regarding the upcoming inauguration ceremony, describing them as efforts to stifle democratic discourse.
According to a report by BIZTELLERS, the Federal government had announced plans to enhance security measures at Eagle Square, the designated venue for the presidential inauguration on May 29, as well as in the surrounding areas.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba Alkali, who was represented by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a warning to journalists regarding the dissemination of false information and hate speeches.
The IGP assured the public of the police force’s preparedness for the upcoming inauguration ceremony.
The IGP further stressed the importance of journalists verifying the accuracy of their stories before publishing them while adhering to ethical standards in journalism while reporting on the event.
The Governor expressed his gratitude to the organizers, authors, and editors of the book, acknowledging their well-researched scholarly effort. He emphasized that the book directly and practically contributes to the development of media and democracy.
However, the Governor lamented the ongoing debate in Nigeria concerning the role of the media in the country’s democratic transformation and consolidation.
He highlighted the importance of the media in empowering civic spaces and strengthening democratic governance, as well as the challenges they face in undertaking such responsibilities.
Obi, one of the authors, emphasized the necessity of allowing the press to operate in accordance with constitutional provisions.
He stated “What we need to do is to ensure that those rights are not breached or limited and it should work within our constitutional framework. Any aspect that prevents media from performing constitutional rights, we should raised alarm.”
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.
Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.
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“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.
The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.
He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.
Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.
In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.
He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.
Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.
Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.
He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.
There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.
The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.
However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.
ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition
Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.
He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.
Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.
The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.
SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja
Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.
He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.
In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.
The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.
The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.
Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.
The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.
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