Politics
Opposition Rift: Speaker Candidates Abbas, Betara Split Coalition
The coalition of minority members-elect in the 10th House of Representatives has become divided due to contests for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
The ’10th Assembly Greater Majority,’ a group of minority lawmakers-elect, is reportedly backing Aliyu Betara, a member from Borno State, while a new coalition has emerged in support of Tajudeen Abbas, who has been endorsed by the All Progressives Congress.
A significant number of lawmakers-elect are withdrawing from the ’10th Assembly – Greater Majority,’ a coalition comprising members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other minority parties in the 10th House.
The discontented opposition members, particularly those hailing from Rivers State and loyal to Governor Nyesom Wike, have announced their intention to establish a parallel coalition called the Minority Parties’ Forum, set to be launched today (Monday).
The new development came as the 10th Assembly: Greater Majority, planned to unveil aspirants for the positions of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker in the opposition camp this week.
On May 2, 2023, the coalition had previously stated its intention to nominate candidates for these roles from its own members.
The coalition justified its decision by citing the “divergent opinions” emerging from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The opposition lawmakers-elect expressed their determination to enter the fray by presenting viable and alternative leadership choices, highlighting their coalition’s strength of 183 members compared to the ruling party’s 177.
Consequently, the 10th Assembly: Greater Majority has established an 11-member committee with the responsibility of shortlisting, screening, and ultimately recommending aspirants within a week’s time.
The committee is composed of Nicholas Mutu from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) serving as Chairman, Victor Ogene from the Labour Party (LP) as Secretary, and Abdulmumini Jibrin from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as Deputy Chairman. Other members include Oluwole Oke, Jonathan Gbefwi, Beni Lar, Ali Isa, Alhassan Rurum, Mathew Kuzalio, Salisu Majigiri, Nnabuife Chinwe, Gwacham Maureen, and Idris Salman.
According to Ogene, who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday, some members of the 10th Assembly: Greater Majority have indicated interests in running for the leadership positions. He had also hinted that the opposition members might consider and adopt a candidate among the aspirants in the ruling APC.
However, a member-elect, Solomon Bob (PDP/Rivers), in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday, disclosed that some members of the 10th Assembly: Greater Majority were pulling out and launching a new group of opposition members on Monday.
Bob alleged that the 10th Assembly: Greater Majority was billed to adopt the current Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Betara, as its candidate.
Ironically, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Iduma Igariwey (PDP/Ebonyi), is said to be leading the factional minorities’ coalition which is billed to adopt candidates anointed by the APC. An NNPP member from Kano State, Alhassan Rurum, will be the secretary of the pressure group.
The lawmaker said, “I belong to Joint Task – 10th Assembly; I don’t belong to the Greater Majority. In fact, they are the minor minority now, with the way we are going. We will form another coalition called Minority Parties’ Forum. We are launching tomorrow (Monday). It is parallel to that one, so that we will let the whole world know that there is one Minority Parties’ Forum.
“They cannot come and seek to monopolise the perception out there that the minorities are in one basket and they are (allegedly) pushing for Betara. We have steered the public perception, giving the false impression that all minorities are for Betara. That is not true.”
When asked about the leader of the new coalition, Bob said, “Igariwey is the one coordinating (the coalition) and Alhassan Rurum is the secretary.”
Responding to a question on why Igariwey would oppose Betara’s speakership ambition despite being deputy chairman and chairman of the same committee, respectively, Bob said, “Igariwey has not been with Betara from Day 1. Being deputy to Betara in a term that is ending is one thing, trying to usher in another term is a different thing.”
When asked about the claim by the 10th Assembly: Greater Majority that has more members-elect than the APC caucus, the Rivers lawmaker claimed that the Minority Parties’ Forum would have more opposition members.
Bob stated, “Where will they get the numbers from? Everybody in Oyo State; the 14 members are with us. In Osun, out of nine, they have only one and that is Wole Oke; all the eight are with us. In Rivers, all 13 members are with us. In Akwa Ibom, all 10 are with us. Where, then, will they get the numbers from?”
The PDP member, however, admitted that the Minority Parties’ Forum would adopt the APC candidates. “We are going for Tajudeen Abbas, the person endorsed by the APC,” he said.
When contacted, Igariwey confirmed the development but said the move was only to reposition the 10th Assembly: Greater Majority.
He said, “It is actually another group in the minority caucus. Greater Minority is not our slogan. It is still the same group but the only difference is that we are trying to reposition the group. It is still the same group of minorities being populated by the same people.”
When asked about leaders and members of the Greater Majority who have been attending meetings by the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, a coalition of members-elect of the APC and opposition parties which has adopted the zoning plan of the ruling party.
Igariwey said, “We are going to have our meeting tomorrow. We will come out with something like a communiqué with which you will be better informed about it.”
Ogene (LP/Anambra), who speaks for the 10th Assembly: Greater Majority, was contacted on the number of aspirants in the opposition coalition who had indicated an interest in the speakership race as well as the emergence of another group.
He, however, referred our correspondent to the coordinators of the group, Messrs Fred Agbedi (PDP/Bayelsa), Jonathan Gbefwi (SDP/Nasarawa) and Dachung Bagos (PDP/Plateau).
However, neither Agbedi nor Gbefwi and Bagos picked up the calls made to them.
Meanwhile, ahead of the June 13 inauguration of the 10th Senate, the South-South Youth Alliance on Sunday said those against the choice of Godswill Akpabio as Senate President were against the “will of God” for Nigeria.
The youth group in a statement issued in Abuja described Akpabio as a “democrat“ who is qualified for the position of the top senate job.
The statement signed by the coordinator of the group, Benjamin Nwizua reads, “Senator Akpabio was a performing governor of Akwa Ibom State who earned the title, uncommon governor. He proceeded to the Senate where he became Minority leader and later minister of Niger Delta Affairs.”
Also, a group of the ruling party under the aegis of the Progressives Foundational Movement has thrown its weight behind Abass as the next Speaker.
The group also pleaded with the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the leadership of APC not to bow to pressure and subtle threat to remove Abbas from the list of anointed candidates.
On Sunday, the plea was conveyed through a statement released in Abuja by Aganaba Johnson, the National Coordinator of the PFM (Presidential Front Movement).
However, a different group called the Northern Business Roundtable has urged Senators elected from different party affiliations to unite in support of Abdulaziz Yari, the former Governor of Zamfara State, in his bid for the Senate Presidency.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, Larai Kolo, the group’s spokesperson, emphasized Yari’s aptitude and integrity, asserting that he possesses the necessary qualities to lead the Senate.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to consider its campaign calendar and preparations for the campaign flag-off in Kaduna.
The meeting, according to an internal memorandum released on Sunday and signed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council, will take place at 2 p.m. at the council’s headquarters, Plot 781, Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja.
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The notice states that attendance is “strictly by invitation” and restricted to the 134 members of the Presidential Campaign Council listed in the distribution list.
It explains that the meeting will formally commence the council’s collective assignment and provide an opportunity for members to consider and adopt the campaign calendar.
“The meeting will formally commence the collective assignment of the Council and provide an opportunity to consider and adopt the Campaign Calendar,” the memorandum stated.
It added that members would also deliberate on other related matters, including preparations for the campaign flag-off scheduled to take place in Kaduna on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Governors, National Assembly Leaders Listed
The distribution list includes state governors, National Assembly leaders and officials assigned to various campaign directorates.
Among those listed as state coordinators are Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
Others include Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas are also listed among the council’s leadership.
Campaign Directorates
The memorandum identifies officials responsible for coordinating different aspects of the campaign, including media and strategic communications, new media, finance and treasury, fundraising, policy and manifesto development, legal affairs, security and intelligence, data management, and contact and mobilisation.
The Directorate of Media and Strategic Communications lists Mohammed Idris Malagi as Coordinating Director I and Abdulaziz Abdulaziz as Coordinating Secretary I.
Segun Dada and Solomon Arowolo are listed as director and secretary, respectively, of the Directorate of New Media.
Other directorates listed include infrastructure mobilisation and sensitisation, creative sector mobilisation, artisan mobilisation, diaspora mobilisation, women mobilisation, sport sector mobilisation and mobilisation of people living with disabilities.
The document also identifies a Parliamentary Mobilisation Directorate for State Assemblies.
In the memorandum, Uzodimma thanked members for their cooperation and commitment to the assignment.
“Thank you for your usual cooperation and dedication to the success of this important assignment,” he stated.
The meeting is scheduled to hold four days before the campaign flag-off in Kaduna, which the memorandum identifies as a key item for discussion.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has withdrawn recognition of its diaspora chapters, citing a subsisting court judgment that reportedly restricts Nigerian political parties from establishing, operating or supervising chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.
The party announced the decision in a press statement released on Sunday October 18, 2026, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq.
The statement followed a review of the party’s relationship with its foreign chapters operating across different countries, with the NDC explaining that its decision was informed by a court judgment concerning the legality of diaspora chapters belonging to Nigerian political parties.
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The party referenced the case of Prof. Ali Alao v. All Progressives Congress (APC) & Anor, Suit No. CV/187/2025, decided by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama.
According to the NDC, the court held that “no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.”
The statement further quoted the court as ruling that “diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties were illegal, unconstitutional, and unknown to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Explaining its decision to comply with the reported judgment, the party said it was withdrawing all previous recognition granted to its foreign chapters.
“Therefore, the NDC, in deference to the said judgment, is halting recognition of foreign chapters of the party and all earlier recognitions are hereby withdrawn,” the statement read.
NDC Appreciates Diaspora Supporters
Despite the withdrawal of recognition, the party expressed appreciation to its diaspora supporters, acknowledging their contributions, loyalty, guidance and continued commitment to its activities.
The NDC said it remained grateful for the support it had received from the various foreign chapters, even as it moved to address the legal implications of the court judgment.
“We are deeply appreciative of the immense support of various foreign chapters in the diaspora. We are grateful for their unwavering loyalty, guidance, and contributions to the party,” the statement said.
The party also disclosed that a harmonisation process had been initiated in jurisdictions where more than one group existed, with the aim of bringing the different groups under a single umbrella.
It added that the judgment was still under review and had been referred to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance.
“The party is currently studying the judgment and has referred same to its Legal Department for further advice and guidance,” the statement added.
NDC Addresses Peter Obi’s Diaspora Supporters
The NDC also acknowledged the significant interest Nigerians living abroad have shown in its candidates, particularly its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The party encouraged diaspora supporters to sustain their interest and continue supporting its political activities despite the withdrawal of formal recognition from its foreign chapters.
“The party is aware of the tremendous interest that Nigerians in the diaspora have in our candidates, especially our presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi and we thank them and encourage them to sustain such interest with more vigour,” the statement read.
The party further clarified that the withdrawal of recognition did not mean diaspora supporters should stop meeting or interacting with one another.
Instead, it encouraged them to maintain their engagements, assuring them that the party would continue to communicate with them through appropriate and lawful channels.
“We encourage our supporters in the diaspora to continue to meet and interact, and we shall remain in touch with them through appropriate and legal channels,” the statement said.
NDC Criticises APC, Calls for a New Nigeria
The party also used the statement to urge its supporters to remain committed to its political objectives, calling for collective efforts to address what it described as Nigeria’s present state of drift and hopelessness under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Collectively, we must work hard to build a Nigeria of our dreams. We must rescue Nigeria from its present state of drift and hopelessness foisted on it by the rudderless APC,” the statement read.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, has questioned the implications of a proposed one-term presidency arrangement involving former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, warning that it could affect the South-East’s long-term political aspirations.
Nkwocha raised the concerns on Saturday during a strategic sensitisation meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imerienwe Ward 5, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, where he urged the South-East to embrace strategic political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The presidential aide said the region needed to reassess its political strategy in view of its electoral strength, national political realities and the development opportunities available through engagement with the Federal Government.
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He questioned whether a one-term presidency arrangement would serve the collective interests of the South-East, particularly in its pursuit of national political leadership.
Nkwocha also argued that the region’s comparatively smaller registered voter population made political partnerships with other geopolitical zones important to its long-term ambitions.
Nkwocha Urges South-East to Support Tinubu, Shettima
The presidential aide maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had demonstrated its commitment to the South-East through infrastructure projects, institutional reforms and economic investments, despite the region’s voting pattern during the 2023 presidential election.
He cited the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, the reconstruction of major federal highways, improvements in transport infrastructure and other economic initiatives as evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive national development.
Nkwocha subsequently urged his kinsmen to support the Tinubu administration and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections.
“My boss, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is on the ballot. Please support the Vice President,” he appealed.
His remarks came as the APC intensified grassroots mobilisation in Imo State, with community leaders and political stakeholders at the meeting pledging to consolidate their political structures under the ruling party.
Imo Government Official Backs APC Mobilisation
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, recalled Imerienwe’s history of political organisation and grassroots mobilisation.
“We used to come to Imerienwe to learn how to play politics,” Onuegbu said, noting that Ngor Okpala had traditionally been recognised for delivering substantial bloc votes during elections.
He also commended Uzodimma for infrastructure development across Imo State, particularly improvements in aviation facilities that have enabled night flight operations at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
“Under Governor Hope Uzodimma, aeroplanes now land at the Imo State Airport at night. More good things are coming in the future,” he said.
Onuegbu expressed confidence in the community’s commitment to the ruling party ahead of the next general elections.
“Imerienwe will deliver all APC candidates in the coming elections,” he declared.
Community Leaders Pledge Support for Tinubu, Shettima
The Chairman of Ndi Nze Ngor-Okpala and Okenze Ngor-Okpala Ggburukuru, Chief Sylvester Okenze Obinna, urged community members to support Nkwocha, commending his contributions to the development of the area.
He called on the people to demonstrate their appreciation through unity and electoral support for Tinubu and Shettima in 2027.
“Our son, Stanley Nkwocha, has made us proud, and we must stand together to support him. The best way to appreciate his efforts and the opportunities his position has brought to our community is to remain united and vote overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the coming elections. We must show that Ngor Okpala stands firmly behind its own,” Obinna said.
Retired Air Vice Marshal Remigius Ekeh also stressed the importance of unity and strategic political engagement in advancing the community’s interests.
“Politics is both local and strategic. Strategic thinking must be used in order to make a success of our political ambitions,” he said.
Earlier, the Village Chairman of Umunakara Community, Ifeanyi Nwaiwu, announced that political leaders and supporters across seven villages had resolved to unite under the APC.
The villages are Umuchieze, Umukoha, Umundiukwu, Umunakara, Umunwoko, Umuodu and Umuokoji.
“There is no other party in contention. We are all collapsing our political affiliations into the APC,” Nwaiwu declared.
He also assured the party leadership of the community’s commitment to the mobilisation exercise, saying, “We will not shame you.”
During the meeting, the ward chairman presented requests for the grading of community roads and the installation of 50 additional solar-powered streetlights at strategic locations to improve accessibility, security and economic activities.
The meeting was attended by community leaders, women and youth representatives, political stakeholders and APC supporters from Imo State and other parts of the South-East, with discussions focusing on political participation, grassroots organisation and community development priorities.
Other attendees included APC Owerri Zonal Women Leader, Lady Tina Okere; APC Vice Chairman in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, Georginia Onuoha; the party’s local government secretary, Emmanuel Ukachukwu Dubic; and its youth leader, Chinedu Uhuka, among other political stakeholders.
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