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Tag: defect

  • Jonathan begs aggrieved PDP members not to defect

    Jonathan begs aggrieved PDP members not to defect

    •PDP fund raising collects N21.27b

    President Goodluck Jonathan has pleaded with the aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the primary elections not to decamp to other parties.

    According to him, the aggrieved members should stay in the party, if they believed in true democracy.

    He spoke at the PDP Fund-Raising Dinner at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

    He said any flaw in the party’s primaries would be overcome before the next dispensation in 2019.

    Jonathan said: “We all appreciate that throughout the congresses, where primary elections were conducted; there have been some outstanding issues.

    “The party is working to resolve these issues. Definitely, in such situations, all may not be resolved to the satisfaction of everybody. But my plea to party members is to remain committed to the party; stay with the party.

    “I know other parties are wooing some of you to contest elections on their platforms, but if you believe in democracy, then you will contribute to strengthen it. The only way you can strengthen democracy is for you to stay in your party.

    “If there are some issues you feel are not too correct, it behooves on us to stay together and correct them. That is the only way we can grow democracy.

    “If out of anger or frustration, you leave the party because you didn’t get what you wanted, then you are not contributing to the growth of democracy,” he stated.

    Recalling the donations of the business community to support victims of the 2012 flood and to the Victim Support Fund in September, he said the money would be used judiciously.

    He assured the business community of more policies and programmes that would promote enterprise and industry and expansion of the economy.

    Referring to a beneficiary of YouWin programme, who donated N1 million at the dinner, he said the party has made a number of millionaires and billionaires.

    According to him, his administration is working harder to make more young millionaires through YouWin and Youth Employment through Agriculture Programme (YEAP).

    He assured that the PDP would do everything possible to keep the country united.

    The total donations announced by the master of ceremony was N21.27 billion.

    Those, who donated included Oil and Gas sector (N5 billion), Jerry Gana’s friends (N5 billion), Real Estate (N4 billion), Tunde Ayeni (N1 billion), Tunde Ayeni’s friends (N2 billion), Transport and Aviation (N1 billion).

    Also, the 21 PDP governor donated N50 million each totalling N1.5 billion, food and agriculture (N500 million), construction (N310 million) and road sector (N250 million).

    The power sector donated N500 million, shelter development (N250 million), Labaran Maku (N 1 million), Volkswagen and others (N450 million).

    Vice President Namadi Sambo thanked those who donated to the party.

    Chairman of the fund-raising committee, Prof. Jerry Gana, warned party members not to be complacent in next year’s general elections.

    According to him, the elections would be very competitive.

    He pointed out that even though the party had done well under President Goodluck Jonathan, members must campaign and communicate the achievements well to the electorate.

    He said: “The 2015 elections will be very competitive. Do not take it for granted. We must never underestimate the opponent. PDP has advantage because it has done very well in its 15 years in power at the centre.

    “Besides, our presidential candidate is very good and is one of the best in the world in terms of delivery of democracy dividends. But doing well or having good candidates is not enough, we need to tell the electorate what we’ve done as a party.

    “We must endeavour to effectively communicate our achievements and candidates to the people; the elections must be issue-based, of course PDP is noted for that,” he said.

    He also warned leaders of the PDP at all levels against imposition of candidates on Nigerians.

    The PDP National Chairman, Adamu Muazu, congratulated the candidates that won primaries for the general election.

    He urged them not to let the party down, just as he urged those that did not win not to lose hope, as there would be another time.

    The chairman also noted that the PDP is faced with many challenges for which the fund will be utilised.

  • ‘Withdraw Jatau or we’ll defect to APC’

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth pressure group with membership strength of 18,000 in Bauchi State, the Bauchi Youth Foundation (BAYOF), has urged Governor Isa Yuguda to review the emergence of Auwal Mohammed Jatau as the party’s governorship candidate for the February 2015 election.

    BAYOF, in a statement at the weekend, appealed to the governor to listen to the seven PDP governorship aspirants’ grievances and resolove the pending doom of the party in the state.

  • ‘Ekiti APC lawmakers ‘ll not defect to PDP’

    ‘Ekiti APC lawmakers ‘ll not defect to PDP’

    Hon. Segun Erinle represents Ilejemeje Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly. The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, who reflects on the governorship election, contends that the party will bounce back. EMMANUEL OLADESU met him.

    Why was the APC defeated by the PDP during the recent governorship election?

    We may have  lost because the majority of voters were not ready for the revolution  introduced into governance. We believed as a government  that Ekitis needed transformation and, as a result, we needed to put the necessary infrastructure in place, including good roads, renovation of schools, hospitals, tourist centres. But, our people saw governance from a different angle. Despite applauding those policies,  they believed the lies  told by the opposition  party that we were going to sack teachers, civil servants, stop Okada riders from plying the roads. Some were of the opinion that money did not flow, unlike during the previous regimes. Other issues were the militisation of the election process, whereby military personnel deployed were beating and picking up  members of our party on the eve of the election. l was harassed and intimidated while my driver and my  aides were thoroughly beaten for doing nothing. A leader of my party in my constituency was nearly killed harassed and detained. Is that democracy? Do we practice democracy by allowing military men to pick up anybody? You can see that a lot of factors contributed to our loss.

    Are you worried by the development?

    I am worried for two major reasons. If we can work like that  to make Ekiti  State great, to prepare Ekiti  people for a better future, and our people can still vote against us, it is  worrisome. It shows that Ekiti is no longer what it   used to be.  Secondly, l am worried because we fought hard to achieve and sustain  democracy in the last 15 years. l continue to pray that we sustain it.

    Some analysts have said that it was rigging by technology…

    Yes, there may be some elements of truth in such statements, despite my analysis above. l cannot imagine a performing governor losing  in all the 16  local government  areas of the state, despite the general thinking of stomach infrastructure. That type of technology was used in Zimbabwe, which resulted in the re-election of President Robert Mugabe. If  it is true, it means we are yet to hear the last of Ekiti election because we would dig to the root of the problem.  The people’s votes must be respected and counted. We are not just going to sleep and expect things to lie fallow like that.

    What are the lessons you have learned from the episode?

    There are lot of lessons to be learnt from the election . One should value the power of the electorate and secondly, one should not underrate the power of the Federal Government to  use all forces at his disposal to upstage the electoral process. You should not forget the statement made by the Vice President that they would take Ekiti at all cost.

    The APC commands the majority in the House. How are members going to work with the governor?

    We are all Ekitis and the interest ofEkiti is paramount in our mind. If the in-coming government comes with a populist agenda that would benefit our people, we would not hesitate to support the agenda in the interest of our people. Don’t forget, we are the representative of our people and the interest of the people is very paramount in our minds.

    Is it true that some legislators are planning to defect to the PDP?

    I am not aware of  any plan to defect.  l am one of the allies of the Speaker. Hence, it is my belief as a staunch member of the APC and a leader in my own right that the status quo must remain. The party must be united.

    If you compare Ekiti and Osun elections, what would you say?

    APC is popular in Ekiti and Osun. The people love our party. In Ekiti, many complained that their votes did not count.  We knew we will win in Osun. We were not surprised by the outcome of the Osun election, despite the militarisation of the state and the harassment of many APC leaders and supporters.

    What is the difference between Fayemi and Aregbesola?

    Governor Aregbesola, having served in the Tinubu Government in Lagos State, has a lot of experience in grassroots politicking .

    How do you react to the controversy generated by the creation of additional councils?

    The constitution is very clear on the   procedure for creating local governments. Those procedures were followed, hence, the approval by the House of Assembly. We have given the legal backing as mandated by the constitution. We have followed the due process in doing our job with total respect to the constitution and the mandate of the people. Don’t forget, the current government will still exist till October 15.

    Many communities   in the state  did not   support the  location of the headquarters… 

    We want to eat  our cake and have it. Government cannot be perfect. But, we would continue to do our best to serve the interest of people better. I believe and l know that between 80 and 90 per cent of the people are very happy with the government’s position.  l am happy to say we have been able to resolve all issues.

    Some people are saying that the House may threaten Fayose with impeachment… becomes the governor?

    Can that be true? On what ground? Without an impeachable offence? All these are mere rumours. If truly Ekitis have elected him, can we impeach him without  uproar  from the  people? We are all Ekiti. If the governor-lect wants the best for Ekiti, we would support him to move Ekiti forward. l believe the governor-elect should look back and give thanks to God. He should now be able to correct past mistakes.

    What is the way forward for Ekiti?

    We should have a genuine autonomy for the three arms of government. The police and the army should be free from political control. The Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff should not be under the control and influence of politicians. People at the helms of governmens of the people and not as masters. A machinery should be put in place to genuinely act as the watchdog. Our government should allow the will of the electorate to prevail in elections.

    Nigeria is our country. We have no other place we can call our home. So, let’s unite to make it great. We should guide against the prediction of Americans that, by 2015, Nigeria as a country would no more exist.  I continue to pray that the PDP does not destroy the country because they have benefitted a lot from the country. We cannot have a one-party state. They should allow the opposition to operate freely to move the country forward.

  • Abia APC crisis: faction threatens to defect

    ABIA State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) leadership crisis heightens yesterday as a group opposed to the inaugurated state executives renewed its call for a fresh congress, starting from ward to state level.

    The group’s leader and former interim party chairman, Donatus

    Nwankpa, who spoke in Umuahia on the crisis, said the “Fabian Okonkwo-led executive has no democratic basis to operate.”

    He called on the party’s national leadership to come out with its position on the issue in order to enthrone peace.

    Nwankpa said anything to the contrary would lead to a breakup of the party into factions or mass exodus of members to other parties.

    The politician decried the inauguration of the APC executives along with other state executives by the party’s former national interim leadership under Chief Bisi Akande in Abuja.

    He insisted that the state executive body was never inaugurated, adding that his interim leadership was still intact.

    He added that the state’s APC members loyal to his leadership represent over 85 per cent of the party’s membership and have waited long enough for the national leadership “to correct the aberration” watch them join another party in droves.

    Nwankpa said: “We have decided to call on the substantive national chairman of the party to make a pronouncement on the correct status of the executive in Abia State. Anything short of that, we will have no other option than to take our destiny in our own hands.

    “We don’t want to lead our teeming supporters into political oblivion unless pushed to the extreme.”

  • Senator, others defect to APC in Kogi

    Scores of supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi Central District, led by Senator Muhammed Salami Ohiare, have defected to the newly formed opposition parties’ coalition, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ohiare told reporters after his defection with his supporters that they had waited in vain for the people to enjoy better life.

    The senator said it was the reason he and his supporters defected from the PDP to the new party.

    He said: “We have waited too long for better life to be ushered into this country in general and Kogi State in particular. But, like an abracadabra, the more we expected it, the further it was made to elude us.”

    Ohiare noted that the Kogi situation was really pathetic in the area of infrastructure.

    He said: “It is most disheartening that a party – the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) – which ruled this state for four years, can still point to greater achievements than the one that has been in power for almost triple the same period.”

    Ohiare, who was the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress (AC) in 2007, regretted that states created with Kogi or those created years after, were enjoying better infrastructure.

  • ‘5,000 didn’t defect from Ogun PDP’

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has denied the claim that 5,000 people, including some of its members, have defected to the Labour Party (LP) in Remo Federal Constituency.

    According to media reports, Mr. Ladi Adebutu claimed that he and 5,000 people from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and PDP defected to the LP.

    In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Waliu Oladipupo, PDP said: “The figure either existed in the imagination of those behind the claim or they counted fishes, pigs, chicken and other poultry products in their farms..

    “The question that comes to mind is: if he had so many followers, how come he did not win the House of Representatives election in 2011?

    “Modern day politics has gone beyond some featherweight politicians looking for a marriage of convenience by jumping from one platform to the other.

    “Adebutu must have mistaken politics for the gigs he throws over pork and drinks. It is far more sophisticated than such frivolities.”

    The party said it was glad that notable PDP leaders in Remo Division, who Adebutu claimed went to LP with him, have denied the claim.

    PDP said: “We are glad that prominent leaders, including Mr. Dave Salako, Chief Duro Otesanya and Ladi’s father, Chief Kessington Adebutu, who is a staunch supporter of the PDP, do not approve of his political prostitution.”

     

     

    It appealed to its members to remain strong and focused, saying “the Adebayo Dayo-led Exco is committed to peace and reconciliation. It is an ongoing process; and sooner than later, all grey areas will be sorted out.”

  • 3,000 LP members defect to ACN in Owo

    3,000 LP members defect to ACN in Owo

    A former Labour Party (LP) House of Assembly aspirant in Owo Constituency 1, Kehinde Bello (aka H.K. Bello), has led over 3,000 members of the Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership (MGGEL) in the community to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    Bello, who is the state coordinator of the group, said they defected to the ACN to support its governorship candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), following his achievements during his reign as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

    He also led LP executives in Owo to the ACN fold.

    They are former Ehinogbe Ward I Chairman, Mr. Bowale Obatooto (aka Omo-Emi), Idasen Ward Secretary, Mr. Adetoyese Adewunmi, Igboroko Ward Treasurer, Mrs. Enuogbope Oyekorode, Ijebu Ward Secretary, Ruth Ebemebo, leaders of LP Elders Council in Igboroko I and II, Mr. M.I. Balogun, Ex-officio, Uso/Emure Ward, Mr. Babatunde Olupitan, among others.

    They were welcomed into ACN by the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Akeredolu and Chairman, Mr. F.O. Osedimibola, at a rally in Owo Local Government.

    Speaking at the event, Bello described LP as a one man business whose sole proprietorship lacks the ethics of leadership.

    He added that it is a party where ignorance reigns supreme over experience.

    Bello said LP was a party run by a clique of self-seekers, bourgeois and mudslinging leaders whose pedigree was to subvert the will of the people.

    He said: “Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is the sole proprietor of the LP, believes that the only way he can succeed in his criminal act is by giving power to thugs, mediocrity, naivety and those who cannot challenge his authority.

    “For instance, in Owo, go and check the past records of the political appointees of Governor Mimiko, including those elected to represent the local government. You cannot see one without a criminal record. We are being ruled by thugs. Owo must be liberated. We believe the only party that can bring rapid development to the community is ACN.

    “Ondo State cannot continue not to be in mainstream politics. We must join Southwest progressive states. The defection of our team from the LP to ACN brings an end to the reign of LP in our community.”

    Receiving the defectors, Akeredolu eulogised the leader of the group for his political sagacity and praised his wise decision to join ACN at a time leadership change in the state is imminent.

    He described Bello as a man of honour who was progressive minded. He said he is a political asset to the Owo community.

    “You have taken a wise decision. I want to assure you that when I’m elected into office, your group will be recognised,” Akeredolu said.

    The ACN standard bearer described the large turnout of members of the group as a great asset to ACN’s chances at the polls.

    No fewer than 1,000 members of LP and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to ACN at Ward nine and 10 in Isua-Akoko, as well as Ward I in Epinmi-Akoko, all in Akoko South East Local Government.

    The PDP group was led by Mr. Awolowo, while the following people led various groups from LP: P.K.D. Omoogun, Mr. Agbaje Ehinola, Mr. Dahunsi and Mr. Apata.

    The leaders are of the opinion that anybody still working for Mimiko for a second term is not only living in a fool’s paradise, he is an enemy of the generation unborn.

    They said if Mimiko is given the second term mandate, the state will not recover from the wounds in the next 10 years, adding that generations unborn would not forgive those responsible for this.

    They were received by Dr. K. B. Shaba, Hon. Oguntoyinbo and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Aderogboye.

  • LP members defect to ACN

    LP members defect to ACN

    Some members of the Labour Party (LP) at the weekend defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    The leaders of the three groups that defected at Ipesi-Akoko in Akoko South East Local Government are Kunle Olowo, Rotimi Olanrewaju and Aminu Isiaka.

    Isiaka led the Ebira group. He said the Mimiko administration is a failure.

    He urged people to support ACN for good governance.

    The defectors were received by an ACN chieftain and a former commissioner, Solagbade Amodeni.

    They assured the new members of equal opportunities. About 1,000 LP members defected from the party to ACN in Ifira community with leaders such as Chief Festus Idowu and Mrs. Emily Ominowa Sanni.

    The new ACN members slammed an LP leader in the area who they said was appointed as the chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) but could not influence the appointment of one person.

    Amodeni and Kunle Oyegoke received the defectors in Ifira.

     

  • PDP members defect to ACN

    Hundreds of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area(LCDA) in Lagos state have joined the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN).

    The decampees were led by Mr. Idowu Ogundare at a rally which coincided with ACN meeting in Agbowa.

    Ogundare said they left the PDP because of the developmental efforts of the Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA, Prince Segun Adetola, and Governor Raji Fashola.

    Adetola, he said, has initiated several progressive moves such as distribution of 100 free GCE forms, construction of a block of six classrooms with head teacher’s office and provision of benches, tables and chairs in schools across the LCDA.