Why Igbinedion Abandoned PDP: Inside the Rift Over Edo Governorship

Significant political shift, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, a former House of Representatives member and prominent governorship aspirant, has publicly revealed why she and her supporters have severed ties with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Igbinedion, the daughter of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, was once a staunch supporter of the PDP. However, during the recent PDP governorship primaries, she stepped down in favor of Asue Ighodalo. This decision, she says, stemmed from deep disillusionment with the party’s leadership and direction.

“The principles of equity, fairness, and justice no longer exist in the PDP,” Igbinedion lamented. She expressed concerns that loyal, indigenous PDP members who worked tirelessly to sustain the party were being marginalized. This exclusion from the Edo gubernatorial ballot, where neither the governorship candidate nor the running mate is an indigenous PDP member, led her to question the purpose of her continued loyalty to the party.

With a heavy heart, Igbinedion concluded, “I no longer have the drive, conviction, sentiments, or commitment towards the PDP—the party I once called home.”

Wike Swears in New FCT Officials: A Step Towards Renewed Hope

In a ceremony held on August 15, 2024, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike swore in the newly appointed Mandate Secretary for Youth Development, Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, along with four Permanent Secretaries of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

Wike emphasized that these appointments are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling the promises made under his Renewed Hope Agenda. He assured the residents of the FCT that conditions would soon improve, urging patience as the administration works towards the overall development of the territory and the nation at large.

Senate Refutes N21m Salary Claim by Senator Kawu

The Nigerian Senate has firmly denied claims made by Senator Sumaila Kawu regarding the salary and allowances of lawmakers in the Red Chamber. Kawu had previously stated in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service that he receives a cumulative N21m monthly. However, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu clarified that the senator’s monthly salary is actually less than N1 million, with deductions bringing it down to just over N600,000.

Adaramodu stressed that Kawu’s claims were misleading and do not reflect the accurate compensation of senators.