The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the recent arrest and public parading of its former lawmakers, including a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the move as politically motivated and an abuse of power.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Amande, the PDP alleged that the arrests were orchestrated by prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, using the EFCC as an instrument of political persecution.
“This is nothing short of a political witch-hunt aimed at suppressing opposition voices and destabilizing the PDP-led administration in Plateau State,” the statement read. “We condemn in the strongest terms the parading of our members like common criminals.”
The EFCC had on Tuesday arrested 14 former lawmakers, including former Speaker Moses Thomas Sule, over alleged money laundering and abuse of procurement processes during their brief tenure before being removed from office by a court ruling. The anti-graft agency stated that the lawmakers failed to return official vehicles worth N2.5 billion, prompting further procurement by the state government for the current legislators.
However, the PDP maintains that the timing and manner of the arrests raise serious questions about political bias. It claimed the action was part of a wider strategy to discredit the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Amande, the PDP administration in Plateau has chosen to prioritize governance and development despite inheriting challenges from the previous APC-led government, rather than engaging in political vendettas.
“The continued misuse of federal institutions like the EFCC for partisan interests not only violates the rights of citizens but also threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy,” the party said.
The PDP called on its members to remain calm and undeterred, urging supporters not to be distracted by what it described as “the APC’s antics.” It also reiterated its commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
“The PDP remains resolute and will resist any attempt to undermine democratic governance in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole,” the statement concluded.
Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has received overwhelming support from party faithfuls and residents as he commenced a ward-to-ward tour across the constituency ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
The tour, which is expected to cover wards across Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Local Government Areas in the coming days, began with a massive turnout of supporters in several wards in Pankshin Local Government Area.
Communities visited during the first phase of the tour included Tal, Jiblik, Garram, Chip, Langkang, Belning, Kangshu, Kadung, and Fier, where large crowds gathered to welcome the federal lawmaker.
Addressing supporters during the visits, Gagdi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and overwhelming show of support, pledging to continue delivering democratic dividends to the people.
He urged constituents to avoid politics driven by bitterness, falsehood, religion, or ethnic sentiments, stressing that leadership should be evaluated based on performance and tangible achievements.
According to him, his focus over the past eight years has been on bringing development and progress to the constituency, assuring the people that he would sustain the momentum if re-elected for another term.
The lawmaker stated that electoral choices should be based on proven records and service delivery rather than the number of times a candidate has contested or won elections.
“My appeal is for the people to vote for someone they know has worked for them and has visible evidence of performance,” he said.
Gagdi further assured constituents of his continued commitment to inclusive representation, development projects, and effective service delivery, noting that he remains dedicated to advancing the interests of the people of Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam Federal Constituency.
He also called on APC faithfuls to support candidates with credible records during the party primaries, describing unity and support for performing leaders as critical to the progress of the party and the constituency.
Yusuf Adamu Gagdi is seeking a third term in the House of Representatives under the platform of the APC.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has presented Nigeria as an emerging economic powerhouse, assuring global investors of his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, transparency, and sustained economic growth.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with international investors in Paris, the President highlighted ongoing economic reforms and emphasized the need for policy stability and accountability in driving long-term development.
During the engagement, Taiwo Oyedele, Coordinating Minister of the Economy, disclosed that Nigeria recorded an 11.2 percent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in dollar terms in 2025. He noted that the performance supports the country’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Oyedele added that translating reforms into tangible benefits for citizens remains a key short-term priority, while assuring investors that the government would begin publishing financial data on a quarterly basis to enhance transparency.
Also speaking, Patience Oniha, Director General of the Debt Management Office, reassured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to sustainable debt management and prudent financing strategies.
The meeting brought together major global investment firms, including Amundi led by Valerie Baudson, Citibank, as well as BlueCrest, Prudential Global Investment Management, Mesarete Capital, Kirkoswald Capital, Principal Finisterre, and Ninety One.
President Tinubu explained that his administration’s reform agenda is focused on eliminating economic distortions, stabilising macroeconomic indicators, and fostering inclusive growth. He also pledged to deepen transparency in the oil sector and implement comprehensive security strategies, including police decentralisation and efforts to curb terrorist financing.
“The focus remains on policy stability and diligent execution to ensure these strategic shifts translate into concrete benefits for all Nigerians,” the President stated.
Some investors at the meeting expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic outlook, commending the government’s reform efforts.
Responding to a question on post-2027 plans, Tinubu assured stakeholders of continuity in economic policies, with sustained emphasis on fiscal discipline and transparency.