– The crisis in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) seems to be taking a new dimension
– Governors in the party have resolved to be the ultimate power brokers
– The governors have decided to choose their own foot-soldiers in the party
The feud between the chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu may have taken a new dimension.
Governors under the platform of the APC have resolved to use the opportunity to hold a tight grip on the party, NAIJ.com has been informed.
A high ranking member of the party confided in NAIJ.com that the feud between Oyegun and Tinubu came up at the last meeting of the APC governors.
The party chieftain who was privy to the meeting, but choose to remain anonymous because he is not authorised to speak on party affairs said the governors wants to take advantage of the vacant Board of Trustees chairmanship position in the party to‘hijack’ the party.
His words: ‘‘The suggestion was brought forward by a governor in the North-west region and met little resistance from the other governors.
‘‘Instead, they quickly started mapping out the strategy to perfect their plans, which was when they came up with hijacking the vacant BOT position.’’
Tinubu and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar were at loggerheads over the position in the past, but the disposition of President Muhammadu Buhari, who has shown no interest in party politics since he came on board made the duo forget the idea.
While Tinubu was angling for the former interim chairman of the party, Bisi Akande to take over the position, Atiku was positioning himself for BOT leadership.
Tinubu and Atiku seem to have sheath their sword since then as Tinubu’s call Oyegun’s regination was immediately backed by a similar call from Atiku.
Another source close who is in the know of the APC governors’ plan, opined that the state chief executives are likely to have their way.
‘‘They are in the majority, and to make matters worse, governors loyal to Tinubu who are actually few in number were absent at the meeting.
‘‘While those close to Atiku were actively involved in the plans of their colleagues,’’ he said.
When NAIJ.com probed further to find out those likely to be backed by the governors for the coveted position, the source said the governors are yet to settle for anyone, but he quickly added that, ‘‘they are likely to settle for someone from the north, since Oyegun is from the south.’’
Meanwhile, the governors have also resolved to start contributing financially to the sustenance of the party, especially at the national level.
NAIJ.com exclusive report few weeks back detailed how Tinubu has withdrawn his financial support for the party since his feud with Oyegun began, which had caused panic in the headquarters.
‘‘The party hierarchy reached out to the governors and they have promised to start sending something to us regularly and we are a grateful for that,’’ a staff of the APC told NAIJ.com.
NAIJ.com efforts to reach one of the spokespersons of the APC, Mr Edegbe Odemwingie for an official reaction, at the time of this report was not successful.
Supreme Court Slams Door on Fred Ajudua’s Bail, Orders Immediate Return to Prison in $1.43M Fraud Trial
In a seismic ruling that sends shockwaves through Nigeria’s legal and social elite, the Supreme Court on Friday revoked the bail earlier granted to flamboyant Lagos socialite and alleged fraudster Fred Ajudua, ordering his immediate remand in prison custody.
Delivering a unanimous judgment, a five-man panel of the apex court dismantled the bail granted by the Court of Appeal in 2018, declaring it a judicial overreach steeped in procedural irregularity.
Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, who read the lead judgment, minced no words as she condemned the appellate court’s decision, declaring it “an exercise in futility” after it had already ruled Ajudua’s appeal incompetent.
“The lower court, at that point, had no jurisdiction to proceed further. It had become functus officio,” she ruled, restoring the earlier decision of trial Judge Mojisola Dada who denied Ajudua bail in July 2018.
The decision marks a major victory for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had petitioned the apex court to overturn what it described as a flawed and unjustified release of Ajudua—an accused at the center of a staggering $1.43 million international fraud.
The case, which has dragged for decades, centers around allegations that Ajudua, in concert with an accomplice still at large, duped a Palestinian businessman, Ziad Abu Zalaf, of millions under the guise of executing shady contracts backed by forged documents from the Central Bank of Nigeria and NNPC.
The scandal has long been a symbol of Nigeria’s struggle with high-profile financial crimes and delayed justice. With this ruling, the Supreme Court not only nullified the appeal court’s decision but also ordered a swift resumption of Ajudua’s long-stalled trial before Justice Dada of the Lagos High Court.
The EFCC had charged Ajudua in a 12-count indictment that included conspiracy to obtain money under false pretenses and forgery. Despite citing health concerns, Ajudua’s attempt to evade prosecution through bail has now been effectively shut down.
Legal observers say the ruling reasserts the authority of trial courts and reinforces the Supreme Court’s intolerance for procedural abuse in high-profile criminal cases.
“This appeal succeeds and it is hereby allowed,” Justice Nwosu-Iheme declared. “The respondent is to be remanded in prison custody.”
The court further directed that the matter be reassigned immediately for continuation of trial “within the shortest possible time.”
With the bail revoked and trial back on track, all eyes now return to the courtroom—where a case that began over three decades ago may finally see resolution.
#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a court order to remand controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.
VDM was dramatically arrested last Friday outside a bank in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, Department of State Services (DSS) officers, and the Nigeria Police Force. Eyewitnesses say the activist was apprehended moments after leaving the bank, sparking immediate online outrage.
The arrest has ignited a social media firestorm, with the hashtag #FreeVDM dominating trends across platforms throughout the weekend. Many critics argue that the arrest is yet another attempt by authorities to intimidate dissenting voices online.
“The remand order was granted to allow us to complete our investigation and finalize the charges,” a senior EFCC official told reporters, noting that charges would be filed under the Cybercrimes Act once investigations are complete.
Sources familiar with the case say the EFCC is building a case focused on alleged violations involving online financial misconduct, which fall under the commission’s purview.
As of Monday morning, VDM remains in EFCC custody, with his legal team led by rights activist Deji Adeyanju confirming efforts to gain access to him and prepare a legal response.
“We are seeking to visit our client and are reviewing the legal implications of his arrest,” Adeyanju said in a statement.
Despite the mounting public interest and widespread speculation, the EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the arrest or outlining the specific charges VDM may face.
The arrest of VeryDarkMan adds to growing concerns over press freedom and digital expression in Nigeria, where several social media commentators have recently faced legal action for controversial posts.
David Abioye Launches New Church, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Amid Jubilant Crowd
Former Vice President and retired pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Abioye, has officially inaugurated his new ministry, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, marking a new chapter in his over four-decade-long spiritual journey.
The launch took place today, Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the ministry’s first Sunday service, which saw a massive turnout of enthusiastic worshippers. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as congregants gathered to witness what Abioye described as the “manifestation of God’s eternal purpose.”
In a passionate address during the inaugural service, Abioye emphasized that the establishment of the new church was not the result of public opinion or personal ambition, but a divine assignment birthed from deep spiritual conviction.
“May I make it very clear that the inauguration of this assembly is not in response to demands of people to start a church,” Abioye declared. “But by the emergence of God’s eternal purpose, ordained from the foundation of the word, which is just coming to light at His own time.”
The renowned cleric explained that the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly is founded on divine direction and is dedicated to the spiritual development, edification, and victory of believers worldwide.
Clarifying his role in the new ministry, Abioye stated that he does not view himself as someone attempting to fulfill the entire Great Commission alone, but rather as a messenger raised for a specific divine assignment within God’s broader agenda.
“In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for the spiritual development, edification, and triumph of the saints globally… this assembly is hereby inaugurated,” he declared, drawing a resounding “Amen” from the congregation.
The launch follows Abioye’s retirement from Living Faith Church in October 2024, alongside Pastor Thomas Aremu, after the church implemented a policy setting a mandatory retirement age for senior leaders. Abioye bowed out of active service at the age of 63, concluding a distinguished ministry career under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo.
As the curtain lifts on this new ministry, many see it not as a departure from Abioye’s legacy, but as a continuation of his divine calling—this time under a new banner with a global vision.
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