By: Zurkallaini Muhammad Inuwa

There is growing confusion in Gombe State following conflicting statements from government agencies regarding the closure of public schools.

On Monday, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Esrom Jocthan Toro, revealed during a meeting with education secretaries that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya had ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the state.

Hours later, the State Ministry of Education in a statement through the Special Assistant on Media to the Commissioner of Education, Saidu Bappa Malala, refuting the claim and insisting that no such directive had been issued by the government.

The ministry clarified that students across public schools are currently writing their end-of-term lexaminations and urged the public to disregard the closure rumours.

The contradictory statements have triggered uncertainty and concern among parents, guardians, and school administrators, with many expressing frustration over the lack of coordination between key government bodies.

Some Education stakeholders and concerned citizens Dr Abba Abubakar Modibbo and Mrs Mary Abraham called on the state government to harmonize its communication channels and provide a unified, clear position to avoid further confusion and ensure public trust.

As of the time of filing this report, schools across the state remain open, and examinations are ongoing.

By Our Political Reporter

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned what it described as a violent and unlawful invasion of the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja by expelled members allegedly backed by compromised security operatives and armed thugs.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the BoT expressed deep concern over the events of Tuesday, November 18, when the intruders forcefully attempted to take control of the party headquarters in a move aimed at destabilising the newly constituted party leadership.

According to the statement, the expelled elements mobilized armed thugs who attempted to block members of the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC), led by National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, from accessing the secretariat. The delegation also included the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and other top party leaders.

The situation escalated when tear gas was fired at the governors and senior party officials, as the thugs reportedly carried out acts of violence within the premises of the PDP National Secretariat.

The BoT further pointed to the presence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike—himself expelled from the PDP—who arrived at the scene with heavy security personnel, in what the party described as a show of solidarity with the invaders.

Despite the chaos, the Board lauded the “courage and resilience” of the governors, NWC members, BoT members, and other loyal party supporters who stood firm against the attempted takeover.

Reaffirming its unwavering support for the new NWC, the BoT stated that the leadership elected at the Ibadan Elective National Convention held on November 15–16, 2025, remains legitimate and fully recognized. It stressed that the convention was convened in full compliance with the PDP Constitution, party guidelines, the Electoral Act, and all relevant regulations.

The Board dismissed the media statements and actions of the expelled members as mischievous attempts to undermine the convention’s outcome and sow confusion within the party, describing such conduct as a direct assault on internal democracy.

Calling on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice, the BoT emphasized that democratic institutions must remain impartial and free from political interference if Nigeria’s democracy is to thrive.

As the moral backbone of the party, the BoT pledged its commitment to preserving unity within the PDP and protecting the mandate freely given by delegates at the Ibadan Convention. It urged the new NWC to remain focused on repositioning the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The press release was signed by H.E. Senator Adolphus Wabara, Ph.D, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees.

By Our Political Reporter

Amid heated political debates and a flurry of online arguments, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved to clarify what it describes as “deliberate misinformation” surrounding its recent National Convention and the disciplinary actions taken against some of its prominent members.

Party loyalists and officials have cited specific sections of the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Act to counter claims that the convention was illegal or that the suspension and expulsion of certain members — including a former minister from Rivers State — were unconstitutional.

PDP Constitution Places Supreme Authority on the National Convention

According to the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), the National Convention remains the party’s highest decision-making body. The clarification references Article 33(1), which states that “the National Convention shall be the supreme authority of the Party.”

Further, Article 31(2)(e) empowers the party to “formulate and implement policies on the organisation, finance, administration and activities of the Party,” while Article 12.87 gives party organs the authority to handle internal matters without outside interference.

The takeaway, according to party insiders: once the National Convention takes a decision, no lower organ or external force can override it.

INEC Presence Not Mandatory — Electoral Act Explains Why

Public arguments have also focused on whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the convention. Critics claimed that the absence of INEC delegitimized the gathering.

But Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022 tells a different story.

The law requires political parties to give 21 days’ notice before holding any convention, congress, or meeting. But INEC attendance is optional — not compulsory. The provision uses the word “may,” giving INEC the choice to attend, not the obligation.

This legal interpretation was further strengthened by a Federal High Court judgment concerning the Labour Party’s 2024 National Convention, which was not monitored by INEC but was still upheld as valid by the court once due notification was proven.

According to party officials, the PDP fulfilled the statutory notice requirement, making the convention legally compliant irrespective of INEC’s physical presence.

Convention Has Full Power to Discipline Any Member

The party also addressed concerns surrounding the suspension or expulsion of certain high-profile members accused of anti-party activities.

The constitution gives the National Convention sweeping powers under Article 59(1)–(4) to discipline, suspend, or expel any member — regardless of status — who violates party rules or acts in a manner deemed injurious to the PDP.

Insiders emphasized that the Convention’s decisions on such matters are final within the party hierarchy.

“We Acted Within the Law” — PDP Supporters Fire Back

Supporters say the opposition is attempting to “weaponize misinformation,” insisting that the party acted strictly within its legal and constitutional boundaries.

One party stalwart, Osoniyii from Ibadan North, whose post has now gone viral, remarked that critics are only helping the party gain more publicity, while “we continue to give them free civic education.”

Political Temperature Rises Ahead of Elections

The developments come at a time when political tensions are already high, with major parties recalibrating ahead of upcoming national and state-level contests. Analysts believe the PDP’s firm stance signals a new drive to enforce discipline and reclaim organizational cohesion.

While reactions remain mixed, the party’s clarifications have triggered fresh conversations on internal democracy, party discipline, and the legal framework guiding political parties in Nigeria.

One thing is certain: the PDP is making it clear that it intends to wield its constitutional powers decisively — and critics will have to read the fine print.