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Tag: dump PDP

  • 500 Fayose’s loyalists dump PDP for APC

    The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday welcomed to its fold about 500 political appointees and elected officials who served under the first and second terms of former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    The defectors were received on behalf of Governor Kayode Fayemi and the leadership of the party by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adeniran Alagbada.

    They declare their loyalty to APC and promised to ensure the triumph of President Muhammadu Buhari in next year’s presidential poll as well as the successes of other APC candidates for the state and Federal assemblies.

    Speaking at the Fajuyi Hall in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Alagbada, who defected to APC prior to the July 14 governorship election, assured the new defectors that they would be treated with respect in the new party.

    He said the APC is a party that preaches equality in ranks and opportunities between the old and new members.

    The Speaker added that all their outstanding severance allowances since 2003 would be paid, in line with the promise by Governor Fayemi.

    He said this was among the reasons for the defections.

    “I have spoken with Governor Fayemi; he assured me that he will put smiles on your faces. You struggled hard under the PDP-led government of Governor Fayose but nothing was done.

    “But we have a governor who is responsive and responsible. He listened to your plight and he was ready to fight for you. He was ready to pay your allowances, despite the fact that you were members of the opposition.

    “When I met the governor, he told me that whether you defect or not, he would pay, and that he had instructed the council chairmen to begin the processes that would fast-track the payment.

    “Your defecting to APC only means that you believe in what Governor Fayemi has been doing. Within two weeks he assumed office, the governor abrogated the compulsory taxes being paid in the state’s public and private primary and secondary schools and declared free education up to secondary level.

    “This is the kind of governor we must be electing in Ekiti, a governor who knows how to empower his people, not the one who would pauperise and enslave them the way Fayose did.”

    Kehinde Aduloju, from Ado Local Government Area, said they were fascinated by Fayemi’s sterling leadership qualities to defect to the ruling party.

    He regretted that during their stay in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they did not really gain any political dividend from the party.

    He alleged that the promises the former ruling party made to him and his colleagues were not fulfilled.

    Aduloju said: “Today, bigwigs, like Senator Raji Rasaki, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Adeniran Alagbada, Gboyega Aribisogan, Sunday Akinniyi and many others are in APC.

    “We have resolved that wherever Governor Fayemi goes, we shall follow him. He is one governor who has listening ears: he is receptive to corrections and even criticisms.

    “We have nothing to fear in APC because the way Prince Adeyeye was given the APC senatorial ticket few days after defection shows that APC remains a good party.”

    He added that the PDP had become a deserted house whose structures would soon collapse.

  • Bayelsa aspirants dump PDP, lament imposition, impunity

    Two prominent Ijaw youth leaders from Bayelsa State yesterday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the fallout of the party’s primary elections in the state.

    A former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri and Bayelsa Youth Council ex-President Elvis Donkemezuo, who were aspirants in the elections, complained bitterly that the process was marred by irregularities and violence.

    Donkemezuo, immediately defected to the Young Democratic Party (YDP), to actualise his aspirations of representing Kolokuma-Opokuma Constituency 2 in the State House of Assembly.

    But Eradiri, who aspired to fly a PDP flag for the Yenagoa-Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency, in a press briefing in Yenagoa said he was still consulting with his supporters and family members to decide his political future.

    He described the Wednesday primary election in which a former Secretary of State Government (SSG), Steve Azaiki, was declared the winner, as a sham adding that thugs mobilized by state forces attacked delegates and shot at him.

    Eradiri lamented that delegates from 12 wards in his constituency were not allowed to vote saying he witnessed the highest level of intimidation despite promises of a free and fair election by the party.

    He said with his experience as an aspirant, the PDP leaders had learnt nothing from the lack of internal democracy and imposition of candidates that made them lose the 2015 general elections.

    He said: “I am dissatisfied with the way the primaries went, right from when ward congresses were conducted. The ward congress election did not hold. Names were wriiten, we protested but nothing was done about it.

    “At the primaries,  I saw the height of an undemocratic process. In fact 12 wards from my Federal Constituency were excluded. It was marred by violence. People were mobilized to violently attack our supporters and I was shot at.

    “Above all the principles of the true free and fair democratic process was not adhered to. It is not as if I wasn’t expecting this but I thought that as a party which came out of 2015 wounded as a result of lack of internal democracy and inposition of candidates probably leaders would have learnt some lessons.

    “The PDP is going into an election with an opposition and ruling party that has everything that it takes to win an election. We saw what happened in Ekiti and Osun states so the only way the PDP can make progress is by ensuring internal democratic process.

    “So, having considered all the factors surrounding it I have come to the conclusion that the PDP is not where I would be able to express myself. I am a young man with a lot of energy and drive to add value to the society.

    “I think that the agitation for justice in the Niger Delta must migrate from the streets to the table of political discus and that is when people who are knowledgeable find themselves in the law-making part of governance”.

    Eradiri said it was unfortunate PDP chose to treat him like an outcast despite his loyalty and contributions to the party.

    He said: “I have learnt the hard way. I want to formerly thank the leadership of the PDP and the leadership of the state for giving me the opportunity to learn the ropes of politics.

    “I want to formerly inform the world that today the 4th October 2018, l formerly exit the PDP. My letters will be ready and I will forward it to my ward through which it will be forwarded to the leadership of the council.

    “Going forward I am engaging in conversation with my supporters and I will communicate again to the world the next line of action”.

    On his part, Donkemezuo, who was received by the leaders of the YDP described the PDP as a wilderness and expressed happiness that the YDP had given him the light.

    “It was unfortunate what happened in the PDP. We have seen imposition of candidates. We have seen lack of internal democracy, violence, intimidation and impunity in the highest order.

    “My constituency was not allowed to vote in the National Assembly primaries. My ward chairman was beaten and stripped naked. Monies and phones were stolen and that is not the kind of ideals l have for politics.

    “Violence and intimidation does not conform to my principles in politics. It is part of these reasons l chose to pursue my ambition in other platform where there is decency”.

  • Gemade may dump PDP for SDP

    INDICATIONS have emerged former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Barnabas Gemade, who recently defected from the All Progressive Party (APC) and joined PDP may jump ship again.

    Gemade is the senator representing Benue – North east senatorial zone otherwise known as zone A.

    He defeated former Governor Gabriel Suswam in the 2015 PDP senatorial primary election.

    Before his defection, Gemade had declared intention to seek re-election to the senate for the third time.

    He and Suswam have purchased and returned their nomination forms on PDP platform.

    Efforts by the Uche secondus- led PDP leadership to broker a peace deal between Gemade and Suswam failed, leaving both of them to go into the contest.

    Our correspondent gathered Gemade may lose out of the power equation as Governor Samuel Ortom began his re-election campaign tour around the three senatorial zones and political blocs.

    Ortom was in Jechira federal constituency comprising Vandeikya and Konshisha Local Government areas where elders of the zone unanimously endorsed him for second term.

    Gemade, who hails from Konshisha, was conspicuously absent alongside his supporters.

    The absence of Gemade, who defected alongside Ortom, is seen as a signal the PDP primary may not favour him.

    But from all indications, Suswam is favoured to beat Gemade in the PDP race.

    This is because before Gemade returned, PDP had already put in place a new EXCO of the party in Benue and the senatorial zone.

    Even though the party was able to accommodate Ortom’s interest by partially dissolving the state EXCO to allow his men take some positions, Gemade met a brick wall.

    There are indications the former PDP chairman has already secured the ticket for zone A in Social Democratic Party (SDP) in anticipation Suswam may pick the PDP ticket.

     

  • Rep, others dump PDP for apc

    A House of Representatives member from Ekiti State, Mr. Olamide Oni and other People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    They defected to the APC on Saturday when the campaign train of the party’s governorship flag bearer rolled into communities in Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ekiti West, Ekiti Southwest and Efon Local Government Areas.

    Oni, who represents Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, joined with his Personal Assistant, Mr. Banji Filani and scores of supporters in his hometown, Efon Alaaye.

    Other communities visited by Fayemi and his team include Iwaji, Ipole-Iloro, Ikogosi, Erijiyan, Igbara-Odo, Ilawe, Igede and Iyin.

    Thousands of crowds defied the rain in Ilawe to listen to Fayemi and other APC leaders.

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu joined the rally at Ilawe to the admiration of the crowd urging Ekiti people to vote Fayemi to enjoy good governance and restoration of life-changing policies.

    Others are Afolabi Olasope, a lawyer and former First Bank Secretary in Nigeria and Overseas, who also won Ekiti Central Constituency Two seat in the House of Representatives under UNCP. Aanu Oni, who is former Special Adviser in PDP administration, also defected.

    Others included immediate past State Women Leader of PDP, Busola Oni; Dele Jeje, who is father of Efon Local Government Chairman, Bobby Jeje; and Local Government Woman Leader, Olomi Adeniyi.

    Oni said: “PDP leaders are always fighting for personal benefits while the masses suffer and an example is the administration of Fayose in Ekiti. State.

    “I was always insisting that they should make the general well-being of the people their focus, but they have always argued that they are in politics for personal benefit.

    “After discovering that this is the tradition in PDP, I had to leave for a party that wants to work for the benefit of all as we have seen in all development projects by APC administration of Fayemi.”

    Residents complained of neglect, unemployment, sufferings among the aged and salary payment default by the administration of Fayose, asking Fayemi to restore their hopes again.

    Fayemi promised to continue all his social service programmes, including social security stipends for the elderly people, YCAD, volunteer scheme, entrepreneurship scheme, rural development, road construction and health services while workers and  teachers will enjoy regular pay and promotions.

    He regretted that not a single project was added to all the projects he executed in the communities visited, promising to complete all abandoned projects for the benefit of the people, adding that all his development and empowerment schemes would continue.

    In particular, Fayemi promised to complete work on radio booster station in Efon, while the abandoned water project will also be completed.

    The APC flag bearer promised good times for pensioners, assuring that retired people will receive their entitlements regularly.

    He debunked insinuations by the opposition that he would ban okada operations and sack teachers and local government workers if he wins the election.

    He said: “I am sure that by now Ekiti people would have had enough of Fayose’s lies. He has been going round to deceive Ekiti people that I will sack workers to dissuade them from voting for APC so that he can continue to inflict more pains on the people while he enjoys himself in government.

    “I will never ban okada or sack teachers and local government workers because I am not a promoter of sufferings.

    “I made salary payment my priority, including payment of teachers’ rural posting and core subjects allowances. We shall continue to fulfill this obligation, including looking for new ways to promote the welfare of all categories of workers.”

    At Ikogosi where scores of PDP chiefs and no fewer than 50 other supporters defected to APC, residents lamented the closure of Ikogosi Resort and Gossy Water that resulted in job losses.

    Fayemi assured that the business concerns would be reactivated to provide jobs for the residents.

    He dismissed insinuations that he will sack teachers and local government workers, saying his records had shown that he was never an anti-worker governor.

    Residents assured Fayemi that all the beneficiaries of his policies would work for his success at polls.

    Fayemi assured the people of adequate security before, during and after the election.

    State Chairman of APC, Chief Olajide Awe, urged supporters to mobilise at the unit level and ensure they get their voter cards ready to vote on election day.

     

  • Plateau deputy speaker, minority whip dump PDP

    Plateau deputy speaker, minority whip dump PDP

    Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Yusuf Adamu Gagdi has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Gagdi made his intention known in a letter addressed to the House which was read during plenary yesterday.

    According to Gagdi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been wallowing in internal conflict which had become embarrassing to party members. He also alleged that there had been no peace among members due to the poor leadership style of the state executive.

    “Meanwhile, my local government, Kanam, including my constituency is an APC stronghold. There has been pressure from the people that voted me to join them in the ruling party, and after several consultations, it dawned on me that my remaining in the opposition party will be at my own political risk.

    “Hence, after due consultations, I have decided to take the bold step by announcing my decision to follow the dictates of my constituents. I have, therefore, decamped to join my people in the ruling APC,” Gagdi said.

    The Minority Whip, Daniel Nanlong, who representss Mikang constituency, also announced his defection to the APC.

    Nanlong said he decided to sacrifice his position as the Minority Whip to join the ruling party, adding that: “I prefer to lose my position in the house than losing the people that gave me the mandate.”

    Majority Leader Henry Yunkwap, who received the decampees, said the APC has gained overwhelming majority in the house, noting the possibility of the few PDP members left joining APC in the future.

    Speaker Peter Azi said the new entrants would be treated equally since they were principal officers of the house.

    However, the leadership of the PDP has said the defection will not in affect the party’s popularity.

  • Former PDP chairman, Nwodo, Worgu, others dump PDP for APC

    Former PDP chairman, Nwodo, Worgu, others dump PDP for APC

    •South-East APC resolves to ‘capture’ zone in 2019

    Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo; former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Emeka Worgu and former House of Representatives Speaker, Agunwa Anakwe, were some of the heavyweights that dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Others include:  Senators Emma Agboti, Chris Adighije, Nkechi Nwogu and Ifeanyi Ararume.

    They assembled in Enugu where they pledged to take over governance in the zone come 2019 for the APC.

    Although Nwodo was not present at the meeting, his wife Dorothy, was there to represent him.

    Also at the meeting were Senator Jim Nwobodo, Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu, former Imo State House of Assembly Speaker, Benjamin Uwajumogu, and Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu.

    APC stalwarts from the South-East present at the meeting include the national vice-chairman and convener of the meeting, Emma Eneukwu; National Organising Secretary of the party, Senator Osita Izunaso; National Auditor, George Moghalu; Deputy National Women Leader, Tina Adike and the standard bearer of the party in Enugu State, Okey Ezea.

    While addressing the meeting, Eneukwu noted they are making efforts to reposition the party in the South-East.

    He remarked that most of the juicy positions due for the South-East were “being denied us because of our poor performance in 2015 elections”.

    “With the array of prominent politicians from South-East joining us now, we shall work hard this time and turn things around,” he assured.

    A communiqué issued at the meeting resolved, amongst others: “The South-East APC supports the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari and we urge Mr. President to go ahead and recover all looted public funds.

    “We call on the groups agitating for separation from a united Nigeria, particularly, the IPOB and MASSOB to re-think and abandon the idea and join the other tribes in building a formidable united Nigeria where all Nigerians will be equally treated in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We believe by 2023, the president of a united Nigeria will be a Nigerian of Igbo extraction from the South-East.”