The Nation Newspaper

Tag: PDM

  • PDM, Accord Party, eight others reject elections’ delay

    PDM, Accord Party, eight others reject elections’ delay

    A COALITION of 10 political parties have rejected calls for the postponement of the February 14 and 28 general elections, saying such undemocratic tactic can  plunge the country into anarchy.

    At a news conference in Abuja yesterday, the leaders of the parties expressed shock at the decision of some of the political parties to join what they described as the infamous campaign to scuttle the country’s democracy.

    The parties are the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Accord Party, KOWA Party, African Peoples Alliance (APA); Mega Progressive Peoples Party (MPPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and United Progressives Party  (UPP).

    The National Chairman of the PDM, Alhaji Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, who addressed reporters at the conference, said the call for the postponement of the election was dubious and evil.

    According to him, the call had nothing to do with the preparedness or otherwise of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election or the pace of distribution and collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    “We condemn in the strongest terms possible, this underhand and undemocratic tactic meant to plunge our country into anarchy, on top of the debilitating state of insecurity, which has become pervasive in the land,” Ibrahim stated.

    The parties stated that there was no reason for the postponement, since INEC had maintained its preparedness to conduct the polls.

    The parties also cited the assurances by the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief Air Marshall Alexander Badeh guaranteeing adequate security for the elections in the three Northeast states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe that are under the Boko Haram siege.

    A statement read by Ibrahim on behalf of the other parties stated: “The military, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, had guaranteed adequate security on land and air for a successful and safe conduct of the 2015 general election. This ought to have settled the fears about the security of lives and property as well as of the electorate and INEC officials.

    “The governors and citizens of the three states have not complained either to the INEC or the Executive and Legislative arms of government that their citizens would be disenfranchised if elections were held in their states.

    “The call for the postponement of the general election is, therefore, a call orchestrated by one of the political parties, which has continued to invest huge sums of money to ensure the elections do not hold as scheduled, out of fear of losing power for the first time since 1999.

    “Our democracy has come of age and Nigerians are ready for change, we will not allow desperation and power-mongering to scuttle it and will do whatever is necessary to defend it and ensure that the general election holds as scheduled.

    “We call on the INEC not to be intimidated by desperate elements and to proceed with its preparations for the general election as scheduled. We assure INEC we shall stand by it, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure our democracy is not undermined.”

    The parties added: “We urge all major stakeholders, especially well meaning political parties and their presidential candidates, the INEC and the National Assembly as well as all the security agencies in the country to stand together to ensure that the 2015 general election is conducted as scheduled and guarantee that Nigeria survives to face another general election in 2019.

    “We call on friends of Nigeria and the international community at large to stand with Nigeria in these very trying times and put pressure on the authorities to comply with the timetable of democratic elections as released by INEC.

    “We call on Nigerians to be vigilant and protect their hard-earned democracy and their freedom to choose those who will govern them. Nigerians must know freedom is not given on a platter of gold.

    “It is earned and, like all truly democratic nations, the time has come for us to earn our freedom from those whose agenda is to subjugate us for 60 uninterrupted years, whether we like it or not. The alternative to this is to allow ourselves and our children to be enslaved by those who do not wish us and our country well.

    “These are trying times. This is not the first time desperate and undesirable elements come together to scuttle our democracy for their selfish ends. We remember June 12, 1993 and the role played by these elements to scuttle Nigeria’s democracy and the chain of events which ensued.

    “It is not surprising that the same characters are again at work. If Nigerians would look closely, they will realise these characters are still around and have coalesced in the same political party, which is now leading this charge to postpone the elections without credible and acceptable explanation other than the fear of losing power for the first time.

    “What is our democracy worth if some shadowy and anti-democratic interests can come together and change the rule in the middle of the game?

    “As Nigerians, we can seize the opportunity of this moment to settle the question of “To Who Does Power Belong?” once and for all or allow the opportunity to slip through the cracks and continue to live as victims of our own indifference. The choice is ours to make and the time to make that choice is now. On February 14 we stand”.

  • PDM, Accord Party, eight others reject poll shift

    A coalition of 10 political parties have rejected the call for the postponement of the April 14 and 28 general election, saying such underhand and undemocratic tactic could plunge the country into anarchy.

    At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the leaders of the parties expressed shock over the decision of some of the political parties to join what they described as the infamous campaign to scuttle the country’s democracy.

    The parties that formed the coalition are – the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Accord Party, KOWA Party, APA, MPPP, SDP, ADC, HDP, DPP and UPP.

    The National Chairman of the PDM, Alhaji Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, who addressed journalists at the conference, said the call for the postponement of the election was dubious and evil.

    According to him, the call had nothing to do with the preparedness or otherwise of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election or the pace of distribution and collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

    “We condemn in the strongest terms possible, this underhand and undemocratic tactic meant to plunge our country into anarchy, on top of the debilitating state of insecurity which has become pervasive in the land,” Ibrahim stated.

    The parties stated that there was no reason for the postponement, since INEC had maintained its preparedness to conduct the poll.

    The parties also cited the assurances by the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief Air Marshall Alexander Badeh, guaranteeing adequate security for the elections in the three Northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe that are under the Boko Haram siege.

    The parties said, “The military, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, had guaranteed adequate security on land and air for a successful and safe conduct of the 2015 general election. This ought to have settled the fears about the security of lives and property as well as of the electorate and INEC officials.

    “The governors and citizens of the three states have not complained either to the INEC or the Executive and Legislative arms of government that their citizens would be disenfranchised if elections were held in their states.

    “The call for the postponement of the general election is, therefore, a call orchestrated by one of the political parties which has continued to invest huge sums of money to ensure the elections do not hold as scheduled, out of fear of losing power for the first time since 1999.

    “Our democracy has come of age and Nigerians are ready for change, we will not allow desperation and power-mongering to scuttle it and will do whatever is necessary to defend it and ensure that the general election holds as scheduled.

    “We call on the INEC not to be intimidated by desperate elements and to proceed with its preparations for the general election as scheduled. We assure INEC we shall stand by it, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure our democracy is not undermined.

    “We urge all major stakeholders, especially well meaning political parties and their presidential candidates, the INEC and the National Assembly as well as all the security agencies in the country to stand together to ensure that the 2015 general election is conducted as scheduled and guarantee that Nigeria survives to face another general election in 2019.

    “We call on friends of Nigeria and the international community at large to stand with Nigeria in these very trying times and put pressure on the authorities to comply with the timetable of democratic elections as released by INEC.

  • Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara PDM adopt Buhari, guber candidates

    The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States on Thursday unanimously adopted the candidacy of All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and APC governorship candidates in the states.

    In a joint statement issued by PDM chairmen in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, Abubakar Ainu, Ibrahim Master and Umar Gummi, respectively and issued to journalists, the party alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party under the leadership of President Jonathan had failed Nigerians.

    “It is clear that the PDP government has totally failed in the areas of security, corruption, youth empowerment and job creation, equitable distribution of oil proceeds as well as the naira value,” the party said.

    According to the party, it was necessary for Nigerians to join hands together “to ensure that our hard-earned democracy is not totally destroyed.”

  • The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States on Thursday unanimously adopted the candidacy of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and the APC governorship candidates in the states.

    In a joint statement issued by PDM chairmen in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, Abubakar Ainu, Ibrahim Master and Umar Gummi, respectively and issued to journalists, the party alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party under the leadership of President Jonathan had failed Nigerians.

    “It is clear that the PDP government has totally failed in the areas of security, corruption, youth empowerment and job creation, equitable distribution of oil proceeds as well as the naira value,” the party said.

    According to the party, it was necessary for Nigerians to join hands together “to ensure that our hard-earned democracy is not totally destroyed.”

     

  • PDM endorse Buhari

    PDM endorse Buhari

    National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Dr Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim(left) presenting the resolution of the party to All progressive Congress Presidential Candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (right) to endorse his candidature in Abuja Tuesday, Jan 27. With them is PDM Deputy National Chairman, Chief Mrs Titilayo Ajanaku. Photo Abayomi Fayese
    National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Dr Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim(left) presenting the resolution of the party to All progressive Congress Presidential Candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (right) to endorse his candidature in Abuja Tuesday, Jan 27. With them is PDM Deputy National Chairman, Chief Mrs Titilayo Ajanaku. Photo Abayomi Fayese
  • Polls: PDM endorses Buhari

    Polls: PDM endorses Buhari

    The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari in next month’s elections.

    The party’s national executive committee in a communiqué at the end of a meeting in Abuja last week ,described General Buhari as one  candidate equipped to  save Nigeria “from imminent collapse and give it a new lease of life.”

    It asked Nigerians to “reject desperate politicians who have been given a chance to prove their worth but failed,” pointing out that “Nigeria’s democracy has come to stay and would not be undermined by the desperation of those who are afraid to lose election in February 2015.”

    It said: “NEC observed that of the available presidential candidates, two clearly stand out and the two represent a clear contrast and reference point for making a clear and informed choice.

    “Of the five critical issues which NEC believes constitute the nation’s top and urgent priority at this material time, namely, unity, security, job creation, fight against corruption and the economy, it is the opinion of NEC that the incumbent who has been at the helm of affairs of the nation in the past six years had failed.

    “In contrast, his opponent had a track record of achievement in these areas as a former Head of State and Executive Chairman of Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund. NEC believes it is time for Nigerians to give him a chance.

    “In view of the foregoing, NEC unanimously resolved to support the candidature of General Muhammadu Buhari for President of Nigeria and called on all members and supporters of PDM across Nigeria to vote for him in the presidential election of February 14, 2015.”

    It condemned the call by Governor Bala Ngilari of Adamawa State  for the postponement of the forthcoming elections in his State and “wondered why it is the Governor of Adamawa, not Borno State, who is making such a call.”

    The communiqué was signed by the PDM National Chairman,Alhaji Bashir Ibrahim and the Secretary,Mr.Ifeanyi Igwe.

  • ‘No going back on withdrawal of PDM candidate’

    ‘No going back on withdrawal of PDM candidate’

    The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM)  yesterday dissociated itself from the continued reference to Mr. Oludare Tomothy Akinola as its candidate in next weekend’s  governorship election in Osun State.

    National Secretary of the party, Dr. Oluwole Akinwunmi,said the party withdrew Mr.Akinola as its candidate as far back as June and “has not changed its position in this regard.”

    “The decision of the party and its reasons for withdrawing Mr Akinola as its flagbearer was communicated to the Chairman INEC, the Chairman of PDM in Osun State and Mr. Akinola himself,” Akinwunmi said.

  • Governorship poll: Oyegun, APC leaders relocate to Osun Monday

    …PDM drops candidate

    As part of the final leg of the preparations for the governorship poll in Osun State, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and top leaders of the party will from Monday relocate to Osogbo, the state capital

    Also, the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) on Friday said it has withdrawn Mr. Oludare Timothy Akinola as its governorship candidate for the poll.

    The relocation of APC leaders was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the APC National Chairman, Odigie-Oyegun.

    The statement said: “This is to inform the general public and millions of our dear members, and supporters that as from 4th August 2014, the National Secretariat of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) – the Change Agent – will relocate to Osogbo, Osun State, until after the 9th August, 2014 gubernatorial election.

    “The relocation to Osogbo is in deference to an ancient African proverb which states that rats cannot eat the fish of the man who is awake and watchful. Hence APC leadership wishes to reassure our millions of members, supporters and compatriots, that we shall keep awake to guide and protect our mandate.

    “This also serves as notice to all state chairmen of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to attend the final public rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osogbo on Tuesday, 5th and the subsequent meeting with the National Working Committee on Wednesday, 6thAugust 2014, after the grand rally on the 5th.

    “I use this opportunity to salute the courage of the good people of Osun State for their courage and steadfastness in the face of intimidation and militarization of the state.

    “I appeal to our dear compatriots in Osun State to ignore all manner of provocation and turn out massively to vote for Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to continue his good works, and clean government, in his second term.

    On its part, the PDM in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Oluwole Akinwumi, said it had dropped Akinola as its candidate for the governorship poll.

    The statement said: “The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) took the decision in June to withdraw Mr. Oludare Timothy Akinola as its candidate in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Osun State and the party has not changed its position in this regard.

    “The decision of the party and its reasons for withdrawing Mr. Akinola as its flag bearer was communicated to the Chairman INEC, the Chairman of PDM in Osun State and Mr. Akinola himself.

    “The party is therefore surprised to find listed in a newspaper publication, the name of Akinola as one of the 20 gubernatorial candidates participating in the August 9 governorship election in Osun State on the platform of PDM.

    “This press statement is issued to draw attention to the earlier decision of the party to withdraw Mr. Akinola from contesting the election on its platform and to dissociate the party and its members in Osun State from the newspaper report.

    “Our party members in Osun State and the general public are to take note.”

  • PDM withdraws candidate from poll

    PDM withdraws candidate from poll

    The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has withdrawn its Osun State standard-bearer, Mr. Timothy Oludare Akinola, from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) list of candidates for the poll.

    Akinola’s name was withdrawn for alleged anti-party activities in a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

    The letter by the PDM’s National Chairman, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim and dated June 23, 2014, said: “The PDM has taken the decision to withdraw Mr. Oludare Timothy Akinola as its candidate in the August 9 Osun State governorship election.”

    In the letter, PDM  accused Akinola of “holding meetings with opposition political parties’ candidates without its consent, insisting that this amounts to anti-party activities.

    “Other reasons for his withdrawal had to do with his continuous failure to honour invitation to meetings by the National Secretariat and his lack of preparedness and inability to present a concrete plan for campaign few weeks before the election.”

    Also, the party’s state Chairman, Alhaji Lasisi Bakare, in a separate letter to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, intimated the commission on the development.

    “In the light of the above, our party will not be fielding any candidate to participate in the forthcoming election,” it said.

  • Tonye Princewill’s dilemma

    Tonye Princewill’s dilemma

    One man whose political ambition in 2015 may have come under severe threat is Rivers State-born self-styled ‘Digital Politician’, Tonye Princewill. Several months ago, the candidacy of the Kalabari prince, who wants to be the governor of oil-rich Rivers State, was a strong contender for the PDP ticket.

    But things don’t appear to be looking rosy for the politician at the moment. The crisis that has pitted President Goodluck Jonathan against Governor Rotimi Amaechi in the state appears to have changed the political equation. Amaechi has left the PDP, the platform through which he actualised his governorship ambition, for the APC. Tonye, on the other hand, remains in PDP and insists that he would not leave the party for any other; even when his benefactor and mentor, Atiku Abubakar, defected, he said on his social media pages that he would remain in PDP.

    Again, indications in Rivers State at the moment are that the PDP may not looking in his direction for its flag bearer. Besides the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, there are other aspirants on the party’s platform in the state who seem to be pulling their weights more than Princewill. However, while he pledges unflinching loyalty to the PDP, he is reported to have been a major financier of the recently registered Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM). Many believe he is positioning PDM as an alternative platform should the PDP look elsewhere for its flag bearer.