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Sacked PDM chairman vows ‘long, messy fight’ with Atiku

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The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Bashir Ibrahim, who was removed Thursday, has vowed “a long and messy fight” with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he accused of masterminding his sack.

A meeting of the National Executive Committee, NEC, which held on Thursday in Abuja, announced the sack of Mr. Ibrahim and all other national officers of the party.

Mr. Ibrahim, in a statement Friday, described the dissolution of the National Executive Committee of the party as a “huge joke and a hatchet job by political contractors, sponsored by a notorious Big Man”.

He described the people who met to execute the “hatchet job” on behalf of the “unnamed notorious Big Man” as either ignorant of the provisions of the PDM Constitution or that they were in such a hurry to deliver on their contract to care about the fine points of the law.

Although, Mr. Ibrahim did not mention the name of the alleged “big man”, he had on Thursdaytold PREMIUM TIMES that the former Vice president was behind the crisis in the party.

He said Atiku plans to use the PDM as a second option in case he fails to get the ticket of his current party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“We all know calculations for 2019 are in top gear and he who must be President by hook or crook is, once again, at his notorious best,” he said.

Mr. Ibrahim also said that although the PDM welcomes any Nigerian who wishes to contest election on its platform, “but we are not for sale and will not be brow-beaten or intimidated by anyone”.

He said his leadership of the PDM has established a strong culture and reputation for integrity and compliance with the rule of law.

“We will not allow a desperate and serial presidential candidate to destroy our party by enticing hungry members of the National Executive Committee to precipitate crisis within our ranks.”

“For the avoidance of doubt” Mr. Ibrahim said, “the National Executive Committee of PDM cannot be dissolved to pave the way for a hostile takeover of our Party by this notorious Big Man.

“This same notorious Big Man, who specializes in destroying institutions, is also responsible for the intractable crisis from which the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had been reeling lately, a party which gave him the platform to serve as a high-ranking official in its government from 1999 – 2007 only to sabotage the same government in which he was a part.

“As far as this notorious Big Man is concerned, his ambition to be President must be achieved at any cost and all casualties along the way are justified.”

Mr. Ibrahim said he was not going to bother himself with the people who announced his sack but will engage Atiku directly.

“ We are going for the notorious Big Man, himself. We are ready to fight and defend the structures and integrity of Peoples Democratic Movement and we are fully equipped for this fight.

“He has picked on the wrong adversary. This will be a long and messy fight. We are tired of giving in to the impunity of this man. If he wants a fight with us, we are more than happy to give him one.

“There is a Nigerian saying, if an elder throws away his old age, the young ones will happily trample in it. Just because a politician made money in public office through shady deals, does not give him the right to set his own rules and insist everyone must play by them. At PDM we know what we are worth and what we are worth is not for sale,” he said.

Mr. Ibrahim also appealed to PDM members who, he said, called in to express outrage over the development to remain calm and continue the hard work of making the Party the envy of all.

“I registered this Party almost single-handedly” he said “and will not allow opportunist who are shopping for a platform to contest election to destroy it on the alter of inordinate ambition and unbridled greed. Everyone knows we do not give up on a good fight and this fight for the soul of PDM will not be different”.

He urged party members to accost the people he referred to as “political contractors” who executed the shady contract and demand their share of the proceeds.

“After all, they claimed they did it in your name. There is no reason why you should not share in the largesse,” he said.

 

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

 

 

The current threading in *entertainment* world of speculated society marriage between oganla Fuji, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma with Nollywood icon, and widely acclaimed Queen of the tube jaiyeola Kuti has brought out different opinions amongst the fans and entertainment personnel.

 

What started as a rumour and mirage is gradually turning to reality and some fans are saying it’s not possible for Jaiye Kuti who is one of the scandal free Nollywood actress to be involved in such an unholy union with Pasuma

Most people who spoke with our correspondence, are of opinion that such a marriage can only happen in a mirage sessions and in Nollywood movies that apart Jaiye Kuti been responsible and married with children, Pasuma is someone who have vowed not to married and have a woman under his roof.

But to some also, it’s not impossible as artistes are known to be engaging and married to each other after denied and counter claims, which made and at the end they will go ahead and married . With this most people believe that truly there’s marriage in offspring for both celebrities While both parties refused to comment on the trend controversial issues about the whole issue , the world is anxiously waiting if this well circulated story of Pasuma getting married to Jaiye Kuti will come to pass or it will turn out to be a mirage.

Either way the die is cast as all eyes will be on Jaiye Kuti and Pasuma with searchlight on Nigeria entertainment industry once again

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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