In a statement issued by Osa Director, national publicity secretary of the party, the NDC said the purported results being shared online do not represent the official outcome of the primaries conducted on May 28 and 29, 2026.

The party said only its national executive council (NEC) is authorised to announce the outcome of the exercise.

“The results of the primaries are with the National Executive Council, NEC of our great party. They are solely responsible for announcements of results,” the statement reads.

The party also announced that a NEC meeting has been convened to deliberate on matters arising from the primaries.

According to the statement, the meeting was called on the directive of Seriake Dickson, the party’s national leader.

The NDC directed all NEC members to arrive in Abuja for a pre-NEC meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, while the main NEC meeting will hold on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

The party added that the public and stakeholders would be informed of the official outcome of the primaries after the process of forwarding the names of successful candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The NDC urged party members and the public to await official communication from its leadership.

The post NDC dismisses social media primary results, schedules NEC meeting in Abuja first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

Sanwo-Olu presented Hamzat as his successor at a meeting with party leaders at the governor’s office in Alausa, Lagos, describing him as the “best man for the job.”

During the meeting, the governor prayed for his deputy and thanked party stakeholders for their continued support, while reaffirming his confidence in Hamzat’s capacity for leadership.

“Peace of mind, peace in your family among your children, wife, spouse and everybody. That which you require, God will provide it for you: renewed strength, God Almighty will make it available for you,” he said.

Hamzat, in a post shared on his Facebook page expressed gratitude to the governor and promised to build on tge progress they both have recorded together in Lagos.

“Today, I am honoured by the endorsement of my Governor, my brother and my friend, HE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he wrote.

“His trust means a great deal to me. We’ve worked side by side in the service of Lagos State, and I don’t take this vote of confidence lightly.

“I remain committed to building on the progress we’ve made together, and look forward to serving Lagosians with integrity, focus and a clear sense of purpose.”

The post PHOTOS: Sanwo-Olu endorses Obafemi Hamzat as his successor in 2027 first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

The elections were held on Thursday at the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, during the party’s zonal congress, which stakeholders described as peaceful and reflective of unity within the region.

According to a statement by Akinloye Oyeniyi, the zonal publicity secretary, Deji Doherty emerged as chairman, while Oluwole Omotaje was elected secretary. Other officials include Obe Gbolaro (treasurer), David Adedamola (legal adviser), Gbadamosi Babatunde (financial secretary), and Oyeniyi as publicity secretary.

Additional positions were filled by Wale Ogunmodede, Adefemi Clement, Folake Marcus Oluwakayode, and Tolulope Awoniyi, who emerged as youth leader.

The party said the newly elected officers are expected to drive mobilisation efforts and reposition the PDP in the south-west as it prepares for future elections.

The congress also endorsed the party’s forthcoming national convention scheduled to hold in Abuja from March 29 to 30.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that the convention would demonstrate the PDP’s unity and readiness as a leading opposition platform.

Oyeniyi said participants commended the party’s national leadership and South-West stakeholders for sustaining cohesion within the party.

He added that the PDP remains determined to rebuild and position itself for electoral success in 2027.

The South-West zone, a key bloc in Nigeria’s political landscape, is expected to play a significant role in the party’s broader strategy as it seeks to consolidate its base and expand its influence nationwide.

The post South-west PDP elects new zonal leaders, backs Abuja convention first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday evening, Saraki dismissed claims that the opposition party has lost relevance, attributing such perceptions to disagreements among party leaders rather than realities at the grassroots.

According to him, while political tensions may dominate discussions in Abuja, the PDP continues to enjoy strong support across states and communities nationwide.

“When you stay here in Abuja, you might say that because of the noise from leaders having their disagreements. But when you go to the states and the grassroots, you will find that PDP is still very strong,” he said.

Citing Kwara state as an example, Saraki said feedback from stakeholders and party loyalists indicates sustained support for the PDP, describing the party as “very sellable” across the country.

On internal party matters, the former governor disclosed that he initially opposed the Ibadan convention but later allowed delegates from Kwara to participate after assurances that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would attend to legitimise the process.

He, however, noted that INEC was absent, insisting that the exercise should have been halted under such circumstances to uphold due process.

Saraki also dismissed speculation about a possible defection, reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP. He explained that his recent low profile was due to his decision not to contest upcoming elections, rather than any withdrawal from party activities.

The former senate president confirmed he would attend the party’s next national convention and urged members to do the same to strengthen unity within the PDP.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Saraki advocated zoning the party’s presidential ticket to the South while allocating the national chairman position to the North-Central region to ensure balance.

He acknowledged that the party’s crisis has affected its progress but expressed optimism that it could emerge stronger if the issues are properly managed.

Saraki also warned against the risk of a one-party state, stressing that a vibrant opposition is essential for Nigeria’s democracy.

The post Saraki: PDP still strong at grassroots despite leadership crisis first appeared on The Times of Abuja.