Court to Rule on El-Rufai Detention as PDP Factional Splits Deepen Across Nigeria
An Abuja magistrate court will decide Tuesday whether to extend former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai's detention, while factional congresses in Bauchi and Oyo states signal widening divisions within Nigeria's main opposition party.
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An Abuja magistrate court is set to rule Tuesday on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission's request to extend former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's detention by an additional 14 days, according to Naija News. Magistrate Okechukwu Akweke adjourned the matter last week to allow time for consideration of the anti-graft agency's application.
The detention hearing coincides with escalating factional battles within the Peoples Democratic Party, Nigeria's main opposition. In Bauchi State, a faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike elected Ibrahim Kassim Toro as state chairman during a weekend congress conducted through consensus arrangement, Naija News reported. The development marks the latest manifestation of the party's internal crisis, which has produced parallel leadership structures across multiple states.
Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido told The Nation Newspaper that reconciliation in the PDP depends on chieftains embracing the National Caretaker Committee backed by Wike. In Oyo State, Professor Abdulrahman Akinoso from the University of Ibadan's Food Technology Department emerged as chairman of another PDP faction, according to The Nation, further illustrating the party's fragmentation ahead of future electoral contests.
Meanwhile, the FCT chapter of the African Democratic Congress declared the suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe illegal and sanctioned three Wuse Ward executive members over their role in the action, Naija News reported. The party's intervention highlights tensions between legislative representatives and local party structures.
President Bola Tinubu met with Sultan of Sokoto Sa'ad Abubakar III at the Presidential Villa on Sunday, days after the traditional ruler's absence from the president's interfaith Iftar dinner on March 9, according to Naija News. The meeting follows criticism from publisher Dele Momodu, who alleged during a Channels Television interview that Tinubu opposes strong opposition, claiming "democracy thrives on competition."
In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf scrapped the Ministry of Higher Education previously overseen by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, merging it with the Ministry of Education in what officials described as reforms aimed at improving coordination and efficiency, Naija News reported. The restructuring comes amid political tensions in the northwestern state.
Tinubu directed his Renewed Hope Ambassadors support group, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, to distribute rice nationwide to support Nigerians observing Ramadan and Lenten fasts, according to a Saturday statement reported by Naija News. In Anambra State, Governor Charles Soludo marked the end of his first term with a church service at the International Convention Centre ahead of his March 17 inauguration for a second tenure, The Peoples Gazette reported.