Paul Ibeh, an aide of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, says the administration of President Bola Tnubu is a civilian dictatorship.

Ibeh made this statement on Wednesday when he appeared as a guest on ‘The Morning Brief’, a programme on Channels Television.

He said that major opposition leaders, including Abubakar, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, were being urged to redeem the country from its current state.

“Atiku Abubakar and other leaders are also once again being called upon to redeem Nigeria because what we are having right now is a civilian dictatorship.

“What we had then in 1996 and the rest of them, you know, was a military dictatorship, and these people are probably wearing ‘agbada’ and suit and all of that, but they are no different. They are even worse than the military dictatorship,” Ibeh said.

He said there was no reason why members of the coalition could not remain in the PDP, since the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, could work with the government of President Tinubu while being a member of the opposition PDP.

On whether Atiku could emerge as the sole candidate of the coalition, amid the issue of zoning, he said, “This coalition will stand to benefit from all of the experiences that he has had over the years. So, they are not focused on who will be the presidential candidate and all of that.”

Ibeh further dismisses claims that Atiku ran the PDP into a crisis, following the party’s primary for the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, Wike lost in an open presidential primary to Atiku, but rather than work for the PDP, worked against the party in the presidential election.

He also accused the minister of scuttling efforts aimed at fixing the crisis in the PDP.

A group of concerned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, have asked Nigerians to join in helping to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

They made the call in Abuja on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting to discuss the state of the PDP and the country.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, they called on all PDP members and Nigerians to come together in a broad coalition committed to national unity, democratic principles, security, economic recovery, and a strong fight against corruption.

They emphasised the need for coalition and partnership to develop strategies that reflect both national and local political realities, in preparation for future elections.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, led by Ezekiel Awulu Adaji, has publicly dissociated itself from the new political alliance championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, cautioning members against aligning with the group.

In a statement released Wednesday and signed by the State Secretary, Comrade Dan Nyikwagh, the party dismissed the coalition as a ploy by “opportunistic politicians” attempting to mislead PDP supporters by falsely linking the movement to the party.

“The PDP in Benue State has no affiliation with this coalition. We urge our members to remain loyal and not be misled by individuals who abandoned the party but are now seeking relevance by using the party’s name,” the statement read.

The party further criticized the key actors behind the coalition, accusing them of political absenteeism during previous elections and party activities, only to now reappear seeking support by exploiting the PDP’s established influence.

“If they are truly popular, let them campaign based on their own records, not by hiding behind the legacy of our party,” the statement stressed.

Reiterating its confidence in the leadership of Chief Samuel Ortom, the Benue PDP stated that the former governor remains fully committed to the party and is actively working to reposition it for success in the 2027 elections.

The party urged members to disregard invitations to join the Atiku-led coalition and remain steadfast under the PDP banner.

Kano Pillars have constituted a new management team for the Junior Pillars as well as its U-19, U-15 and U-13 teams.

Ibrahim Musa has been appointed as the technical adviser of Junior Pillars, while Saleh Garzali will take charge as head coach.

The U-19 side will be managed by Usman Ikramatu and Ahmed Mustapha, while Habu Kamara assumes the role of team manager.

Suleiman Ibrahim Yakasai (Lajin) has been tasked with overseeing the U-15 team, bringing his wealth of experience to guide the young talents.

At the U-13 level, Coach Nura Platini and Tasiu Pele will lead the technical team, ensuring the earliest stages of player development receive the highest standard of coaching and mentorship.

The restructuring is aimed at aligning the club’s youth development philosophy with global best practices.

OSUNDAILY NG recalls that Kano Pillars U-19 team took part in the inaugural edition of the National Youth League Super Cup tournament in Lagos.