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  • Oruruo assumes duty as new Enugu PDP chairman

    Oruruo assumes duty as new Enugu PDP chairman

    Hon. Steve Oruruo has assumed duty as the new acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State with a pledge to rebuild, reposition and reenergise the party following the recent defections of Governor Peter Mbah and other top members.

    Speaking during a briefing at the party’s secretariat in Enugu, Oruruo assured members and supporters that the PDP remains strong and united despite the political shake-up.

    “The intent of this gathering is to assure the people of Enugu, nay Nigeria, that PDP is still very much alive in Enugu State,” he declared. “We’re willing at the moment to rebuild the party in the face of the current defections of Governor Peter Mbah and other elected officials of the Enugu State Government.”

    Oruruo said his leadership would focus on galvanizing the party’s faithful to remain steadfast and committed to its ideals, noting that the party had faced similar challenges in other states and still stood firm.

    He promised to ensure credible conventions and primaries that would produce quality candidates capable of earning the trust and support of the electorate, emphasizing that the PDP is entering a new phase of renewal and renaissance.

    Read Also: ‘Enugu PDP will prove a point with Mbah’s exit’

    “We’re creating a sense of reawakening. Even in the face of persons leaving the party, it does not amount to the capitulation of the PDP,” he said. “If credible candidates emerge from our ranks, the public will rally behind them.”

    While acknowledging that the governor’s departure might have financial implications, Oruruo maintained that the will of the people would continue to drive the party’s strength and direction.

    He assured that under his watch, the PDP in Enugu would uphold fairness, equity, and a level playing field for all members, stressing that the party would remain independent and people-oriented.

    “We want to stand and create a party that will win elections. We’re building a PDP that is highly independent. We can’t win elections if we’re not independent,” Oruruo stated.

    On the relationship between the state and national leadership of the PDP, Oruruo called for greater inclusivity of the Southeast in the party’s national structure and decision-making process.

    “The Southeast must be encapsulated fully in everything that the PDP is doing at the national level,” he said. “Going forward, the Southeast must be included in all political calculations and permutations so that our people can remain resolute behind the party.”

    Oruruo, a former Commissioner for Information, vowed to lead with transparency, sincerity, and justice, adding that his goal is to build a stronger and more cohesive PDP capable of winning future elections.

    He concluded by reaffirming that the PDP in Enugu is “in pole position to accommodate the yearnings of our people”, as the party embarks on a fresh journey to restore its dominance in the state’s political landscape.

  • PDP screens national office aspirants Tuesday

    PDP screens national office aspirants Tuesday

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will screen all members contesting the various offices at the forthcoming National Convention of the party on Tuesday, October 28 at the Legacy House in Abuja. 

    Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee Governor Ahmadu Fintiri announced this in a statement on Thursday. 

    The statement reads: “The screening of all aspirants for various National Offices in the 2025 PDP Elective National Convention has been scheduled for Tuesday, 28th October, 2025.

    READ ALSO: EFCC vows to prosecute corrupt politicians without bias

    “The Screening is to hold at the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) Secretariat Conference Hall, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja at 2pm while the Screening Appeal has been slated for Thursday, 30th October, 2025

    “To this effect, Monday, 27th October, 2025 has been approved as the last date for the submission of already completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms by all aspirants to the NCOC Secretariat.

    “All aspirants, critical stakeholders and Party members should note the dates and be guided accordingly.”

  • Northern PDP leaders endorse Turaki as consensus National Chairman

    Northern PDP leaders endorse Turaki as consensus National Chairman

    Ahead of the elective National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, the northern leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Barrister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as iconsensus candidate for the position of the National Chairman of the party. 

    The party’s zoning committee had resolved that all positions remain in their current zones, while directing that leader micro zone the positions. 

    Turaki who is one of the Deputy Chairmen of the convention organising committee, will be presented to the delegates at the Ibadan convention as the National Chairman of the party to take over from Amb. Umar Damagun. 

    The endorsement of Turaki occurred at a meeting of PDP Northern Stakeholders which took place at the Adamawa Governor’s Lodge in Abuja  on Wednesday night. 

     The decision was announced by Adamawa  Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri at the end of the meeting which was attended by PDP  from the North, including Senator Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Caled Matfwang of Plateau, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Kigbu Kefas of Taraba. 

    Fintiri said all the ten positions of the National Working Working of the party zoned to the North will be resolved through consensus. 

    He was however quick to add that the consensus arrangement ftoes not preclude any member of the party who wish to contest any of the positions, including those zoned outside the geographical area from contesting the elections during the convention. 

    The endorsement follows a weekend gathering of Northern PDP leaders, where the chairmanship slot was zoned to the North-West geopolitical zone to promote regional balance and party cohesion.

    Announcing the decision, Fintiri said “As northern leaders of our great party, the PDP and representatives of the states in the North, we have met this evening to deliberate and take a decision on the office of the National Chairman of our party which was zoned to the north. 

    Fintiri said “we have met this evening to deliberate  and take decision on the office of the chairman of our great party, the PDP, which was zoned to the north.

    “In our meeting, we have reflected deeply and widely through consultation and going to Ibadan for our  national convention, we have adopted a consensus candidate to represent the North, and by extension, Nigeria, as the chairman of the PDP.

    “That gentleman is KT Turaki, SAN. This is our decision this evening, and he is the person we are  presenting at that convention as our chairman to represent our party on the 15 and 16 of November in Ibadan”.

    Responding to questions, he said: “I will not want to preclude what others are speculating outside, but we are gentlemen, and you can see all of us, we are leaders. We represent each of the states in the north, the 19 states, including the FCT. And this is our decision, and we expect this is the lineup of our delegates in Ibadan.

    “PDP is an institution, and we have mechanism to handle all these issues. We will reach out and talk to each other. We have been talking to ourselves, not today, not yesterday. This is a build-up of consensus in the last two weeks, and we have just a consultation, and this is just the result. I am assuring you that the convention will be a rancour  free convention. 

    “We are still united and focused, and our primary responsibility at the moment is the convention. And this is what we’re discussing primarily”. 

    Speaking on other positions of the party, Gov. Fintiri assured that all positions of the party “will be resolved at the regional level, and they will present their candidates along with others for us to present at the convention.

    “Altogether, we have ten positions in the north, as far as the convention is concerned. But, nevertheless, anybody who still feels he will want to contest in any position is free, and this is what our position has allowed. We are not excluding anybody. But then, we have just announced to you our consensus candidate, as far as these leaders are concerned.

    “But if anybody still feels he wants to contest, I have said it, time will without  number That the door is open. Even you, if you want to contest, the positions that have been zoned to the north, you are free. We will sell form to you. If you are not from the north, we will allow you to contest.”

  • PDP chieftain arraigned for alleged rape of minor

    PDP chieftain arraigned for alleged rape of minor

    Ex-Kwara State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) local government chairmanship candidate in the 2024 council election, Musbau Esinrogunjo, yesterday appeared before an Ilorin state High Court for alleged rape of a minor.

    An online publication had last month accused the PDP chieftain of alleged sexual molestation of 15-year-old Aishat Kamardeen.

    But, the alleged victim and parents had stoutly denied the allegations.

    Kwara State Government had dragged the politician before the court for allegedly having unlawful sexual intercourse with one Aishat.

    Defence Counsel, Joseph Bamgboye (SAN) initially opposed his arraignment before the intervention of the court.

    Consequently, his plea was not taken after all.

    Leading the prosecution, Kwara State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ayoola Akande, prayed for proper arraignment of the accused, but the senior advocate of Nigeria challenged the competency of the arraignment.

    Akande told the court that “the matter is for arraignment. We humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant.”

    The one-count charge of allegation of rape and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor was read to him.

    DPP argued that the accused “is already before the court and he has not been granted bail.”

    Read Also: Olawepo-Hashim meets Saraki, Sango, rallies North Central PDP

    But the defence counsel informed the court that the Department of State Service (DSS) has granted him bail since July 2025.

    “He has not breached the terms of the bail. He is not at large. There is still a bail on his neck,” he said.

    Reacting, Ayoola said that “you cannot consider the issue of bail either written or oral until after proper arraignment”.

    Presiding Judge Funso Dada Lawal allowed the arraignment of the defendant but deferred the plea taking to the next adjourned date.

    Justice Lawal subsequently adjourned the case to November 13 for hearing of the defendant application and plea taking, in line with section 228 of the Kwara state Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

  • Judgment set for Oct 31 in suit against PDP’s national convention

    Judgment set for Oct 31 in suit against PDP’s national convention

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled judgment for October 31 in a suit seeking to stop the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) planned for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Justice James Omotosho set the date yesterday after lawyers for the parties made their final submissions in the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, filed by three aggrieved PDP members.

    The plaintiffs—Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP Chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South)—expressed dissatisfaction with how the national chairman has managed the affairs of the crisis-ridden party.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC), and the National Executive Committee (NEC) are the defendants.

    By a court order on September 14, following applications by PDP National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and officials Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi, Justice Omotosho joined these three as defendants.

    The judge held that Damagum, Odefa, and Ogidi, as party leaders, are necessary parties affected by the suit’s outcome.

    READ ALSO: A new leaf?

    Yesterday, Justice Omotosho reminded parties that his earlier order maintaining the status quo regarding the dispute remains in force and must not be violated.

    He warned that he would nullify any actions taken in breach of this order while the case is ongoing.

    Representing the plaintiffs, Joseph Daudu (SAN) urged the court not to treat the plaintiffs’ complaints as internal party matters.

    He argued the suit seeks to enforce compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the PDP constitution.

    Daudu contended that the Constitution mandates INEC to monitor political parties’ congresses before they can be deemed valid and noted that no valid congresses were conducted in 14 states before the PDP NWC and NEC issued the notice for the November convention.

    Counsel to Damagum, Paul Erokoro (SAN), challenged the suit’s competence and urged the court to decline jurisdiction, arguing that convention and congress matters are internal to political parties.

    Lawyer to the PDP’s NWC and NEC, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), supported Erokoro’s submission, adding that courts cannot adjudicate on internal affairs of political parties.

  • Supreme Court reserves judgment in PDP Governors’ suit over Rivers’ emergency rule

    Supreme Court reserves judgment in PDP Governors’ suit over Rivers’ emergency rule

    The Supreme Court has reserved judgment till a date to be communicated to the parties in a suit challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. 

    A seven-member panel, presided over by Justice John Okoro made the announcement on Tuesday after lawyers to the parties made their final submissions and adopted what they filed.

    The suit was originally filed by the 10 states controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through their Attorneys General, with the Federal Government and the National Assembly listed as defendants.

    At the commencement of proceedings on Tuesday, Delta State announced its withdrawal from the case having filed a notice of discountinuance to that effect.

    Lawyers to other parties did not object, following which the court struck out Delta State’s name from the suit.

    In his submission, plaintiffs’ lawyer, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), said his clients’ case is not denying the President’s power to proclaim a state of emergency.

    Jegede added that the suit is questioning the extent to which the proclamation of an emergency rule could be made to affect the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and the House of Assembly.

    He prayed the court to uphold the plaintiffs’ case and grant all the reliefs sought.

    On his part, lawyer to the Federal Government, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) argued against the competence of the case and urged the court to dismiss it

    Fagbemi, who is the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, said: “The more I look at the plaintiffs’ action, the more I am convinced it is speculative and lacks merit.” 

    The AGF argued that Rivers State was engulfed in a political crisis involving the governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers when the President acted, adding that no responsible government would sit back and allow part of the country to burn without taking any action.

    He further argued that the President did not act out of discretion, but discharged a constitutional obligation to safeguard democracy, life, and property. 

    As against the claim by the plaintiffs, Fagbemi said elected officials in Rivers State were not removed, but merely suspended, adding that the suspension was an extraordinary measure adopted in response to an extraordinary situation. 

    Fagbemi added: “The President therefore had to act and act fast to safeguard the state.

    “My lords, the starting point is the judgement of the Supreme Court, wherein your lordships held that as things were at that time, there was no government and governance in Rivers State.

    “Therefore, the President had no choice, but a duty to act in the best interest of the state. What he did was to suspend the protagonists, not remove them. Rivers was in an extraordinary situation, and that required taking extraordinary measures to restore peace and protect democracy,” Fagbemi said.

    He argued that those, directly affected by the proclamation were not before the court, adding that the plaintiffs were trying to be more Catholic than the Pope.

    Also seeking the dismissal of the suit, lawyer to the National Assembly, Charles Yohila adopted the arguments by the AGF.

    In his reply, Jegede argued that while extraordinary circumstances could be deployed to justify firm executive action, such measures must no exceed constitutional boundary. 

    Jegede added: “Extraordinary measures will not contain illegal and unconstitutional measures, sir.”

  • PDP Gov aspirant promises to transform Ekiti economy

    PDP Gov aspirant promises to transform Ekiti economy

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi, has pledged to reposition the State for accelerated development, economic growth and regional collaboration if elected governor in the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

    Speaking during an engagement with key stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, Obafemi said the future of Ekiti lies in pragmatic leadership, strategic partnerships, and people-centered governance. 

    The PDP chieftain promised to deploy his vast experience as a successful businessman and aviation expert to transform the state from a dependent economy to a self-sustaining and productive one.

    According to him, Ekiti is naturally endowed with rich agricultural potential that has remained untapped. He said his administration would maximize this advantage to banish hunger, reduce poverty, and create wealth for the people.

    “Development cannot thrive in isolation. Ekiti must work hand in hand with neighboring states to create economic corridors that will expand trade, improve infrastructure, and strengthen our shared prosperity,” Obafemi stated.

    He assured his government would work closely with other Southwest governors through the DAWN Commission and the newly established Southwest Development Commission to harness regional opportunities. 

    He added that Ekiti state would  also build partnerships through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to accelerate progress and shared growth, adding that he would leverage his wide connections to attract investors as well as stimulate industrialization. 

    Read Also: PDP convention: Anyanwu protests forgery in letter to INEC

    “The priority of my administration will be to create an enabling environment for private investments to thrive. We will focus on establishing small and medium-scale industries that will drive employment and empower our people,” he said.

    Obafemi also pledged to transform the Ekiti Knowledge Zone into a fully functional innovation hub that attracts global investment and nurtures homegrown talent. 

    According to him, the Knowledge Zone will no longer remain a concept on paper but will become a living reality that redefines Ekiti’s economy through research, technology, and industrial development.

    Highlighting his vision for tourism, the governorship hopeful said that his administration would harness the state’s natural beauty, culture, and heritage sites to position Ekiti as a major tourism destination in Nigeria. 

    He noted that tourism has the potential to boost internally generated revenue and open up new opportunities for local communities.

    “Our goal is to make Ekiti not just a land of honor but a land of enterprise and opportunity — a place where ideas meet action and people truly thrive,” he emphasized.

    Describing himself as a man of integrity, discipline, and vision, Obafemi said he is prepared to serve with transparency and accountability for collective the progress of the state

    “I am a responsible, hardworking, and reliable administrator with no blemish. I will ensure that every kobo of Ekiti’s resources is used for the good of our people,” he affirmed.

    The PDP chieftain further assured that his administration would promote peace, unity, and security, noting that meaningful development is only possible in an atmosphere of stability. 

    “I am a man of peace and a lover of peace. I will be a governor and father to all, irrespective of political affiliation. My administration will place high premium on security to ensure that our people live and work in peace,” he said.

  • PDP crisis deepens as Anyanwu alleges signature forged

    PDP crisis deepens as Anyanwu alleges signature forged

    The crisis rocking the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) appeared not to be abating with the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu accusing the party leadership of forgery. 

    The Nation also gathered that about 14 members of the National Working Committee(NWC) has signed a letter removing the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade. 

    Anyanwu, it was gathered, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alleging that his signature on the August 25, 2025 letter to INEC on the November 15 and 16 elective national Convention in Ibadan was forged. 

    The letter to the Commission received on 29th of August was signed by Amb. Umar Damagun as Acting National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary. 

    The Nation gathered that former Senate President, Bukola Saraki led a delegation that pleaded with Anyanwu to sign the letter after the last National Executive Committee meeting of the party. 

    But Anyanwu denied signing the letter accusing some officials of the party of forging his signature, an action he described as criminal

    His petition to the three agencies of government is dated October 15 alleging that he never signed the August 25 letter to INEC notifying the commission of the party’s upcoming National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025.

    The Nation gathered that Anyanwu’s petition titled “Petition Against Forgery and Cloning of My Signature,” described the discovery as “shocking and criminal,” insisting that the signed document was fabricated without his consent

    Read Also:Court opens trial in Senator Anyanwu’s N550m defamation suit against Ohakim

    The letter reads in part: “My attention has been drawn to an official letter to INEC, dated August 25, 2025, purportedly signed by me. Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorised, or known to me. It is shocking to have a forged or cloned version of my signature on such a document”.

    The PDP scribe, who is said to be out of the country at the moment, asked the agencies to immediately “commence immediate investigation and prosecute those involved”.

    He alleged that some PDP officials were working “in collaboration with elements within INEC,” to carry out the act and that such behaviour, if allowed will undermines the integrity of the electoral process and the party’s internal democracy.

    The allegations is coming as concerns mount over whether or not the Ibadan National Convention will go ahead as some members work to truncate the convention while PDP Governors and other members are working round the clock to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise. 

    Some Members of the party are in court seeking to halt the convention while accusing the National Working Committee (NWC) of violating the party’s constitution and internal guidelines.

    Justice James Omotosho has however asked, parties in the suit not to do anything that will undermine the case before, while adjourning the case to Monday, October 20 for substantive hearing after a heated disagreement between two Senior Advocates; Chief Chris Uche and Kamaldeen Ajibade both claiming to represent the PDP in court.

    The Nation also gathered while justice Omotosho has asked the two lawyers to provide documentary evidence of their authorisation and directed all parties to exchange court documents, 14 members of the NWC signed letter authorising Chief Uche as a replacement for Ajibade. 

    The Nation was informed by those privy to the workings of the party that the decision has further exposed the widening gulf within the top hierarchy.

     Ajibade however dismissed his purported removal, maintaining that only a national convention has the power to sack him from office.

    “I remain the authentic National Legal Adviser of the PDP,” he said, adding that the move as “an illegal and politically motivated attempt to hijack the party’s legal machinery.”

    National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report. 

  • Court fixes Mon to hear suit on PDP convention

    Court fixes Mon to hear suit on PDP convention

    • Bayelsa council chairmen quit party as senator joins APC

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed a definite hearing for Monday on the case challenging the proposed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention, billed for November 15 and 16.

    Justice James Omotosho assured the parties that he would do all within his powers to determine the suit before the end of this month, for them to know their fate.

    The judge spoke following a complaint by a lawyer to the PDP, Chris Uche (SAN), that the party was being held back by the status order earlier made by the court.

    Justice Omotosho restated its order for parties in the suit seeking to stop the November convention of the PDP to maintain the status quo.

    He cautioned that no party should take any step that could render the decision of his court nugatory.

    Omotosho warned that he would not hesitate to make consequential orders against any party that resorts to self-help.

    Following an application by Uche that the suit be promptly heard and determined, the judge said no party would be allowed to deploy dilatory tactics to derail his determination to hear the case expeditiously.

    He said: “You and I, as lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, know that once a suit is filed in respect of any matter and parties have been served with processes, it is the law that no party should take any step in respect of such suit.

    “The court must not be overreached, and where such is done, the court has power to issue a consequential order, nullifying such an act. We all know the law, and please, let us respect the law. It is in our collective interest.

    “In the instant case, I can assure you that the court decision will be made between now and the end of October.

    “On the day of the judgment, parties will be given copies of the judgment.

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    “I type my own judgments by myself, so there will be no issue of any delay,” Justice Omotosho said.

    The judge subsequently adjourned till Monday for a definite hearing in the suit, upon confirmation by lawyers to the parties that all necessary documents have been filed.

    He directed that the documents so filed must be exchanged by all parties at most by today to enable him to hear the suit on the scheduled date.

    At yesterday’s proceedings, PDP’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), insisted that he was the lawyer for the PDP, while Uche said he was yet to be debriefed by the party.

    In view of the development, Justice Omotosho ordered both lawyers to file the necessary documents to enable him to determine the proper lawyer for the PDP.

    The plaintiffs in the suit are  Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia chairman) and Turnah  George (PDP Secretary, South-South).

    Listed as defendants are the  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its National Chairman, Umar Damagum; Secretary Samuel Anyanwu; National  Working Committee(NWC), National Executive Committee(NEC), National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi.

    Fintiri:  PDP bigger than every individual 

    Chairman of the PDP  Convention Organising Committee and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said in Ibadan yesterday that the PDP remains unmoved by the gale of defections rocking it.

    Fintiri boasted that as an institution, the PDP was stronger than any individual.

     He spoke shortly after leading top party leaders to inspect the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba,  venue of the convention and the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport in Ibadan.

    The officials included host Governor Seyi Makinde; Deputy Chairman of  the party Taminu Turaki (SAN), and Convention Secretary Ben Obi

    Fintiri, who said the party is fully prepared for the convention, added that the  PDP is more than determined to reclaim power in 2027.

    He thanked Governor  Makinde for his support.   ‎

    The convention committee chairman said: “We are fully ready and prepared for the convention coming on the 15th and 16th of November.

    “We are here to have an on-the-spot assessment of the venue for the convention in Ibadan. And the stadium is where we are going to use as the convention ground.

    “What I have seen is quite impressive and excellent. What is remaining is for us to dot the i’s and cross the T’s. And I think we are good to go.”

    On the gale of defections hitting the PDP, he said, “I think we are still very strong. PDP is an institution. It is not about individuals. So, individuals leave. The PDP remains. And we are still a very formidable party. Fully prepared and ready for 2027.

    “The PDP is not built around individuals. It is an institution with deep roots and strong values. People may leave, but the party remains. We’re still very formidable, and our eyes are on the bigger goal — 2027. “What we’re doing here is beyond 2025. We’re setting the tone for a renewed PDP, one that Nigerians can trust again.”

    The governor assured that the upcoming convention would consolidate internal reforms and usher in a leadership capable of repositioning the PDP for national relevance.

    Bayelsa Senator defects to APC, LG chairmen  dump PDP 

    The Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Kombenwei Benson and all the eight  Local Government Chairmen in the state yesterday announced their formal resignation from the PDP.

    Benson conveyed his decision in a letter to Senate President  Godwill Akpabio, while the council chairmen announced their decision at a news conference in Yenagoa.

    Unlike the Senator who would move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the council chiefs stated that they were awaiting  Governor Douye Diri’s next move..

    Diri exited the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) on Wednesday but did not make public the party he would pitch his tent with. But speculations are rife that he would toe the path of his  Enugu State counter, Peter Mbah, who moved to the ruling APC on Tuesday. 

    In his letter to Senate President     Akpabio, Benson said his loss of ‘’ hope in the capacity of the PDP to play the role of a political party,’’ informed his decision to abandon the opposition party.

    He said: ‘In coming to this decision, I have taken a deep look at the protracted leadership crisis and the division that has resulted from the competition for power within the PDP, especially at the national level.

    I have lost hope in the capacity of the PDP to play the role of a political party.

    “I am, therefore, left with no option but to resign my membership of the PDP and move to the All Progressive Congress.’’

    The Senator said he was happy with  the  ‘’uncommon transformer and President of the Senate, who has provided uncommon love, kindness and leadership in the Senate.”

    Also yesterday, the eight council chairmen in Bayelsa, who backed   Diri’s resignation from the  PDP,   thanked Bayelsa residents for their support for the ‘’prosperity government’’ of the governor.

    “We are indeed grateful for the opportunity to serve you for the past one and a half years,’’ they said at the news conference addressed by Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area,   Lelei  Isaac.

    Isaac said: ‘’We were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, and today, we are aware that our leader, the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party.

    ”As chairmen  we support the decision of our governor, we stand with him and consequently, we hereby resign our membership of the PDP.”

    Other chairmen  at the news conference were David Alagoa(Nembe),  Target  Segibo(Southern Ijaw), Bulodisiye Ndiwari  (Yenagoa),  Isaac Onniye (Ekeremor) and  Golden Jeremiah(Ogbia).  

    Alice Tangi, chairman of Sagbama Local Government Area and   Lucky Febo  of Brass LGA were   absent.

    State PDP accepts Diri’s resignation

    The    PDP in  the  state  said   it had formally accepted the resignation of   Diri.

    It expressed   gratitude to  him  for his  leadership and prayed for his success in ‘’future pursuits.”

    The party, according to a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ebiye  Ogoli,  said Diri’s resignation letter was accepted at an emergency meeting in Yenagoa. The letter was addressed to the Kolga Ward 6 chairman of the PDP  and copied to the State Working Committee (SWC).

      Ogoli’s statement reads: “While recognising the governor’s decision, the PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the party’s vision, goals, and objectives, assuring members of continued loyalty and dedication. They emphasised that all party structures within the Bayelsa State chapter remain solid and unified.

    “The party also extended their best wishes to Governor Diri, praying for success in his future pursuits.”

    The letter listed the state chairman,  Solomon Agwana; Deputy Chairman    Ben  Odon; Secretary,  Gesiye Isowo; Treasurer  Luke Demeoru; Vice Chairman (Central)   Wisdom Nathan; and  Organising Secretary   Indutimi Opurubelebo as those who attended the emergency meeting. 

  • Defections: Nigerians won’t buy one-party in 2027 – Lagos PDP

    Defections: Nigerians won’t buy one-party in 2027 – Lagos PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State says Nigeria cannot become a one-party state, even with recent gale of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a number of  governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and state houses of assembly elected on the platform of PDP and other parties  have  dumped their parties for APC

    NAN recalls that PDP’s Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa recently joined the growing number with federal and state lawmakers in their respective states.

    The Akwa Ibom Gov. Umo Eno formally left the PDP and joined the APC in early June while Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and many  members of the PDP in Delta defected to the APC.

    Reacting, the State PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, told NAN that that party would never be broken by the wave of  defections, saying PDP remained in the hearts of Nigerians.

    According to him, the defectors dumped PDP for selfish reasons and that the gale will not determine the outcome of the 2027 elections.

    “I can tell anyone that cares to hear that PDP will still stand  strong after our convention in November.

    “I am very confident that Nigerians are not ready for a one-party state because it will bring authoritarianism and dictatorship. Nigerians want a multi-party democratic system.

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    “The good people of Nigeria will not buy that (one party) from them. APC government has not impressed the people in the country. Nigerians will demonstrate this at that polls,” Olalemi said.

    The PDP chieftain, however, said that people moving from one party to another  was not a new thing.

    He added: “People move from one party to another,but what are their reasons for moving from PDP to APC?

    “Is it the crisis is PDP? If that is true, it means they (defectors) are not men enough to stay and fix the crisis in the interest of Nigerians, who are looking up to the opposition party for rescue.

    “If there are crises in  the family or home where we  were born ,should we then leave for another person’s house?

    “What is expected is to wait and resolve the crises. If by running away from PDP is what makes them men, we shall see what happens in 2027 ”

    (NAN)