Sam Nda-Isaiah’s Legacy Lives On: Azu Ishiekwene Reflects Five Years After His Passing”

In this reflective opinion piece, Azu Ishiekwene examines the enduring influence of Sam Nda-Isaiah, founder of LEADERSHIP newspaper, five years after his death. He highlights how Sam’s voice remains alive through his writings, especially his incisive columns on Nigerian politics, governance, corruption, and national security. Ishiekwene revisits several of Sam’s notable articles, showing how many of his warnings and analyses still hold relevance today—from the PDP’s internal crises to terrorism, corruption, and leadership failures. The tribute underscores Sam’s relentless fight against injustice, his bold political commentary, and the lasting imprint of his ideas on Nigeria’s public discourse.


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Withdraw Mine? Then Withdraw the President’s, Vice President’s, Others Too — Sen. Ningi Condemns Selective Enforcement of Police Escort Order

The Senate session turned heated on Tuesday after Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) sharply criticized the withdrawal of police orderlies attached to lawmakers, accusing the executive of enforcing President Bola Tinubu’s directive selectively.

Raising a Point of Order, Ningi said he woke up to discover that his only police orderly had been withdrawn, insisting he was not opposed to the President’s November 23, 2025 directive—which ordered police escorts attached to VIPs to return to regular security duty—but furious that lawmakers appeared to be the first targets. “I woke up today and was told my police orderly had been withdrawn. I have no problem with that, but I want the same action applied across the board—they should also withdraw the president’s, vice president’s, ministers’, and others’ police escorts,” he said, lamenting what he described as a double standard.

Ningi further fumed that while senators were stripped of protection, “businessmen, foreign nationals, and celebrity entertainers” were still moving around with full police escorts, openly flouting the presidential directive. His outburst prompted the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, to reveal that the Senate leadership had already held an emergency meeting to seek an exemption for lawmakers, warning that the sudden withdrawal exposed members to unnecessary d+nger. In the meantime, the Senate directed its Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the alleged selective enforcement. The committee has four weeks to report back to plenary.

Davido Hints at Adeleke Family’s Backup Plan if Governor Loses 2026 Osun Election

Nigerian music star Davido has stirred online conversations after hinting that the Adeleke family could return full-time to their business empire if Governor Ademola Adeleke fails to secure re-election in 2026. His playful remark came in response to an X user who joked that Davido might compose a campaign song for the APC if his uncle loses. Davido’s comment followed Governor Adeleke’s emergence as the Accord Party candidate, winning the party’s primary with 145 votes. Social media reactions were swift, with many fans teasing Davido about always referencing money and the family's wealth. The singer also recently reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Adeleke after the governor’s defection from the PDP to the Accord Party.

PRP Rejects Rumoured Defection of Bauchi Governor Bala Muhammad, Says He Is Not Welcome

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State has dismissed reports suggesting Governor Bala Muhammad plans to defect to the party following the alleged collapse of the PDP. In a statement, PRP State Secretary Wada Abdullahi stated that the party has “set clear boundaries” and would not accept the governor, citing his alleged poor performance, disorderly conduct, and policies considered detrimental to the state. The party vowed to investigate his administration if it wins power in 2027 and reverse controversial decisions, including the creation of a First Class Emirate and the appointment of his brother as Emir. While rejecting Bala Muhammad, the PRP stressed that it remains open to individuals who have positively contributed to Bauchi’s development.

Accord Party Clears Governor Ademola Adeleke as Sole Candidate for Osun Governorship Primary

Governor Ademola Adeleke has been officially cleared as the sole aspirant for the Accord Party’s governorship primary scheduled to hold in Osogbo. The party’s screening committee confirmed that Adeleke met all requirements and completed all necessary documentation, presenting him with a certificate of clearance. Adeleke expressed gratitude and affirmed his readiness for both the primary and the general election. His clearance follows his recent resignation from the PDP over internal leadership crises and subsequent announcement of his defection to the Accord Party.

PDP Warns Nigeria Sliding Into Authoritarianism After Governor Fubara Defects to APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the defection of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his justification as “pitiful” and accusing the ruling party of weaponizing state power to coerce political actors. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Fubara’s move reflects a growing erosion of democratic institutions and a dangerous shift toward authoritarian governance under President Bola Tinubu. The party warned that Nigeria is “visibly inching toward a one-party state,” urging citizens and the international community to resist what it calls a deepening decline of democratic norms.

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke Dumps PDP, Joins Accord Party Amid National Leadership Crisis

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing unresolved crises within the party’s national leadership. In a letter addressed to his ward chairman in Ede North, Adeleke confirmed his withdrawal from the PDP effective November 4, 2025, while expressing gratitude for the party’s role in his rise as senator and governor. On Tuesday, he formally announced his defection to the Accord Party, confirming earlier speculations about his next political move.

Seyi Makinde is my younger brother. How can those who met me in the party try to dr@g me out? I won’t allow those we accepted into the PDP to d£stroy the party” — Wike says as he addresses members during his party faction NEC meeting

Wike Rejects PDP Expulsion, Accuses Bala Mohammed & Makinde of Attempting to Hijack Party

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed an expulsion notice issued by factions loyal to Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, insisting no one can remove him from the PDP. Speaking at a meeting with the party’s BoT and NEC, Wike accused newcomers of trying to destroy the party he helped build, urging members to remain firm amid ongoing leadership crises since the 2023 election loss.

Atiku Visits Jonathan in Abuja After Returning From Guinea-Bissau Mission

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited ex-President Goodluck Jonathan at his Abuja residence following Jonathan’s return from an election observation mission in Guinea-Bissau. The meeting comes shortly after Atiku’s defection from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress, where he is expected to emerge as a top presidential contender for the 2027 elections. Atiku shared photos of the visit on his social media platforms.

Kola Ologbondiyan Resigns From PDP, Cites Personal Reasons

Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party. In a letter shared on his X account, he informed party leaders of his decision to withdraw his membership, citing personal reasons. Ologbondiyan, a former aide to ex-Senate President David Mark, has not revealed his next political move.

APC Chieftain Hails Supreme Court Verdict, Calls Osun Governor Adeleke a ‘Party Orphan’

An APC chieftain in Osun State, Prince Abdulrasheed Muideen (Romeo), has applauded the Supreme Court ruling affirming the full three-year tenure of elected local government chairmen. He stated that the judgment ends what he describes as Governor Ademola Adeleke’s “era of executive intimidation” and restores constitutional order at the grassroots. Muideen further labelled Adeleke a “party orphan governor” following his resignation from the PDP, adding that mismanagement and lack of development under the current administration will lead to Adeleke’s defeat in the 2026 governorship election.

PDP Slams Rivers Lawmakers Over Fresh Defection to APC, Moves to Recover Mandates

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the renewed defection of 16 Rivers State House of Assembly members, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who announced their move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the second time. The lawmakers, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, claimed internal division within the PDP as their reason.
In response, the PDP accused them of acting as “political puppets” and vowed to begin legal proceedings to recover the mandates the lawmakers won under its platform. The party said their actions amount to “defection from APC to APC,” insisting they had long abandoned PDP values.
The development intensifies the political crisis in Rivers State and reflects broader power struggles involving Wike, who is reportedly trying to retain influence amid declining favour from President Bola Tinubu.

17 Rivers Assembly Members Defect from PDP to APC

Seventeen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly an to the Speaker have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (#PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (#APC).

The defection was formally announced by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, during Friday’s plenary session in Port Harcourt.

The lawmakers cited ongoing internal crises within the PDP as the primary reason for their decision to switch allegiance to the ruling APC at the federal level.

Rivers State House Assembly Speaker, Hon. Martin Amaewhule ~ "All 16 members, including the Speaker, have decided to leave the PDP for the APC."

16 Rivers Lawmakers, Speaker Defect from PDP to APC, Confirming SaharaReporters’ Exclusive

Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, announced during Friday’s plenary, confirms SaharaReporters’ earlier exclusive report that the lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike would dump the PDP. Amaewhule said the defection was triggered by a “clear division” within the PDP. The development marks a major escalation in the political crisis in Rivers State and further highlights the strained relationship between Wike and President Bola Tinubu, despite Wike’s attempts to regain favour with the presidency.

Two Zamfara Lawmakers Dump APC for PDP Over Internal Crisis and Poor Leadership

Two members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Shamsudeen Hassan Basko and Nura Dahiru, have resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing persistent internal crises, divisions, and poor leadership within the party. Their resignation letters were read by Speaker Bilyaminu Moriki, with both lawmakers announcing their defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Hassan, from former Governor Abdulaziz Yari’s hometown, said the APC’s sidelining of members made continued participation impossible, while Dahiru stated that joining the PDP would better serve his constituents’ interests. The move strengthens the PDP’s position in Zamfara, where the party has recently gained momentum following Governor Dauda Lawal’s emergence and ongoing leadership disputes within the APC and PDP.

Wike, Turaki PDP Factions Clash as Both Announce Each Other’s Expulsion in Escalating Party Crisis

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened as rival factions led by Nyesom Wike and Kabiru Tanimu Turaki issued counter-disclaimers expelling each other from the party. Wike’s group accused several top PDP figures of false representation and confirmed their expulsion by the NEC, while the Turaki faction declared Wike expelled and barred from acting in any party capacity. Both sides dismissed the other’s claims of legitimacy, heightening tensions over the party’s leadership and the validity of recent conventions.

PDP; DAMAGUM HANDS OVER TO TURAKI AS CHAIRMAN

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb. Illiya Damagum has formally handed over to the party’s leadership, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee.

This is as the tenure of the past NWC ends on December 8, 2025 amid a legal tussle with the camp led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Nigerians not safe at homes and workplaces

~ PDP Chairman, Kabiru Turaki tells President Tinubu