Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

During his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Chidoka disclosed that he submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Anambra.

He stated that his decision to leave PDP is motivated by his intention to concentrate on his non-profit organization, Athena Centre.

Chidoka expressed his commitment to collaborating with like-minded Nigerians to reform the country’s political system and advocate for evidence-based governance.

He said: “Earlier today, I sent a letter to my ward in Anambra State resigning officially from the PDP. I am leaving the PDP, I am leaving politics for some time, I am focusing on the Athena Centre.”

Chidoka served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed concern over the growing lack of confidence Nigerians have in their lawmakers, attributing it to poor performance.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume highlighted that, in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, only 25 out of the 109 senators from the previous Assembly returned to the upper chamber.

“This means we have lost the confidence of the people,” he said.

“Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to return, except for a few who sought governorship positions,” Ndume emphasised the need to protect the integrity of the legislature, stressing that when lawmakers fail to meet public expectations, it amounts to a breach of trust.

Ndume also commented on a recent uproar in the Senate concerning President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.

Vladimir Putin has hinted at plans to eliminate Volodymyr Zelenskyy by mentioning his intent to strike strategic targets in Kyiv.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Crawford, Western leaders are no longer particularly concerned about the Russian president’s repeated threats to target the Ukrainian head of state.

On Thursday, Vladimir Putin stated that he was now prepared to strike decision-making infrastructures, which could include the Ukrainian parliament or even the Ukrainian president himself.

He told Express.co.uk: “I would read it that way. I think there’s nothing he’d rather do than eliminate Zelensky and that was his plan when he launched his three day special military operation way back in February 2022. Plus ‘decision centres’ would include parliament, government buildings, senior military headquarters and possible centres of local government too.”

However, the military expert believes this latest threat is likely just a bluff, noting that Vladimir Putin often makes such declarations without following through.