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Tag: PDP

  • Babatope predicts PDP’s victory in Osun governorship election

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ebenezer Babatope, on Sunday said the party would win the Sept. 22 governorship election in Osun.

    Babatope, a former Minister of Transportation, spoke in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said that people of Osun were fed up with the All Progressives Congress (APC) – led administration under Gov. Rauf Aregbesola in the state and were earnestly yearning for PDP.

    NAN reports that Sen. Ademola Adeleke, representing Osun West at the Senate, emerged the PDP’s candidate in the party’s primary held on Saturday.

    He polled 1, 569 to defeat his closest rival, Chief Akin Ogunbiyi, Chairman, Mutual Benefit Trust Assurance Plc, who scored 1,562.

    NAN reports that Mr Gboyega Oyetola, the Chief of Staff to Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, had clinched the APC’s governorship ticket at the party’s primary on Friday.

    Babatope said: “Our great party will win the governorship election in Osun on Sept 22. I am confident.

    “I am optimistic of the PDP’s victory, because our people are fed up and tired of APC-led government.

    “People are tired of APC and are yearning for our party. With the renewed belief of our party in us, I have no doubt that PDP will win,” he said.

    The former minister, however, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credible conduct of the election for the will of the people to prevail.

    When asked if the exit of Omisore would not affect the fortunes of the party at the polls, the PDP chieftain answered in the negative.

    He said though, Omisore was a prominent member of the party before his defection, people would still vote for the PDP.

    On the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti, Babatope said that he was still surprised by the outcome as announced by INEC.

    He said he knew Ekiti people were for PDP, saying Gov. Ayodele Fayose had done well to warm the party into the hearts of the people.

    “I am surprised at the outcome. I know Ekiti people very well, I know they love PDP because they appreciate our party.

    “Honestly, I am surprised. I am bewildered,” Babatope said.

  • Police arrest five PDP chieftains over killing of LG chairman

    The Lagos State Police Command, on Sunday said it has detained five PDP chieftains in the state for interrogation over the killing of one Mr Borishade Adeniyi, Chairman , PDP Apapa Chapter.

    The arrest was confirmed by the command’s spokesman, CSP Chike Oti in a statement, stressing that what was supposed to be a peaceful political meeting of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members ended in unnecessary bloodletting.

    “In a swift reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Imohimi Edgal, directed the Area Commander in-charge of Area ‘J’ Elemoro, to ensure the arrests of all those involved in the crime.

    “ Pursuant to the directive, five of the principal suspects were arrested; viz: Engr Kehinde Fasasi, chapter chairman, Eti-Osa LG, Mr Rotimi Kujore, PDP chapter chairman, Lagos Island LG, Alhaji Fatai Adele, PDP chapter chairman, Mushin LG, Mr Ismail Abiola, PDP chapter chairman, Amuwo Odofin LG and Dr Amos Alabi Fawole, PDP chapter chairman, Surulere LG,” he said.

    Oti said that the five suspects have been transferred to SCIID, Panti, for further investigation.

    He stated that the incident took place on Saturday, at about 6 p.m. during Lagos State PDP Visitation meeting at Igbosuku Village, Eti-Osa LGA, attended by Lagos State and Local Government PDP Chairmen.

    The image maker noted, however, that towards the end of the meeting, fracas broke out between contending factions of the party; one faction for the State Chairman, Mr Moshood Sabadon and the other for the Eti-Osa LG Chapter Chairman, Engr Kehinde Fasasi.

    Oti said during the fracas, the deceased, recognised also as the doyen of PDP LG Chapter Chairmen in Lagos State, was allegedly shot and injured on the leg.

    “He was rushed to First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Lagos, where he was treated but eventually died. Corpse of the deceased is deposited in the hospital mortuary.

    “ Two other persons allegedly injured during the clash, are also receiving treatment in a hospital in Ajah,” he said

    The spokesman said CP Edgal was worried about the use of firearms and the frequency of violence involving the PDP in the state, warning that no political party will be allowed to truncate the peace in the state.

    “He, therefore, calls on all political parties in Lagos to disarm their members as nobody without necessary authorisation is permitted to bear firearms. He said that henceforth, political party leaders will be liable,”Oti quoted the CP as saying.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalled that on July 12, 2018, two suspected party thugs, Wale Oye, 37 and Ganiyu Ajiboluwa, 47, were arrested at Festac Extension by Apple Junction, Amuwo Odofin.

    They were arrested with two pump action rifles they claimed were given to them by one Mr Dipo Olorunrinu, a member of PDP in Lagos State House of Assembly, to escort him to a political rally.

    He said the state lawmaker was arrested and the two suspects, are all helping the police in the investigation of the case.

  • Defection: PDP gives Saraki, Dogara, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso, others two-week deadline

    •Senate President summons meeting of loyalists, strategists for final decision
    •No timeline for defection, says Ologbondiyan

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be in a hurry to get its deal with members of the Reformed -All Progressives Congress (R-APC) done and sealed.

    The two sides have been locked in intense talks and negotiations over the last few weeks for the aggrieved members of the APC to switch camps ahead of next year’s elections.

    But President Muhammadu Buhari and the new national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, have also launched peace talks of their own to persuade such APC members to reconsider their plan to dump the party.

    With no defection of note happening as expected by the PDP, the party has   given Senate  President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and others a two-week deadline to make up their minds and rejoin it.

    Also being wooed by the PDP are : Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto); Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Governor Samuel Ortom (Benue); ex-Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, many Senators and members of the House of Representatives mostly in the Reformed-All Progressives Congress(R-APC) and other willing defectors.

    The Nation gathered that the Senate President who met with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, has summoned an emergency meeting of his associates, loyalists and strategists to take a final decision on whether or not to defect.

    The meeting, which may hold anytime this week with tomorrow said to be the target date, if all those concerned could make it to Abuja.

    It was learnt that Saraki has been in Lagos and Ilorin on whistle stops over the last few days for last minute consultations with his allies.

    Sources told The Nation that a committee empanelled by Saraki has recommended that defection is “appropriate and popular” among his loyalists.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the two week deadline was conveyed to Saraki in Ilorin by Governor Nyesom Wike on Wednesday during a closed door session that took place after the Fidau for Hajiya Aishat Baraje, mother of a former National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje.

    Baraje, who was also chairman of the New PDP (nPDP), is one of the key promoters of R-APC.

    A top source familiar with the development said: “there is no doubt that the PDP delegation came for the Fidau and to mount pressure on Saraki to hasten action on the proposal to accommodate likely defectors from APC to PDP.

    “Wike, who led the team, asked Saraki to wrap up decision on the defection within the next one week or two weeks in order to enable PDP adjust its structures ahead of primaries for various elective posts in 2019.

    “Do not forget that the defection might alter the party structure at the state level and the power sharing formula. The PDP has clearly stated that it will give equal rights and a sense of belonging to all defectors.

    “This deadline applies to Saraki, Dogara, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso, other governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, Speakers and members of the State Houses of Assembly; and other party chieftains.

    “The conduct of primaries by all parties is expected to begin on August 18. Any serious defector, technically, has less than three weeks to do so in order to be able to integrate with the structure of the party.

    “And the National Assembly will soon go on break to enable the lawmakers participate in the primaries.”

    Responding to a question, the source said: “I think Wike, who is a key facilitator in strengthening PDP ahead of 2019 poll, is working on a deadline to prevent undue pressure on the APC bigwigs which might make them change their decision.”

    No timeframe for defection, says Ologbondiyan

    However, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan said last night that there is no timeframe for defection.

    “There is no timeframe for defection. Our constitution says those who are coming to our party can contest election within one month to the conduct of any elective post. And even that one month can still be waived,” he said when contacted by The Nation.

    Continuing, the PDP spokesman said: “I am not aware of the two-week deadline given to those who are defecting and it could not have been true.

    “It is natural for those defecting, who want to contest for elective offices in 2019, to join PDP before the primaries.”

    What INEC time table stipulates

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in January released the guidelines and schedule of activities for the 2019 poll.

    According to the guidelines, all political parties are expected to collect forms for all elections latest by August 24, 2018.

    The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the notice of election would be communicated on August 17, 2018 in line with Section 30(1) of the Electoral 2010 which provides that the notice of election be made not later than 90 days before the election.

    He said the conduct of party primaries and resolution of disputes from the exercise will hold between August 18 and October 7, 2018.

    Saraki summons meeting with associates

    Sources said Saraki is currently on the last lap of his consultations with his associates on whether to defect or not.

    A final decision is expected to be taken at the meeting which will take place anytime this week.

    Although it was reliably learnt that the session might take place on Monday, it could not be officially confirmed as at the time of going to the press.

    “There is pressure from the two main parties on the President of the Senate. I can tell you that Saraki is on the last lap of consultation on whether to remain in APC or defect to PDP,” a well placed source said last night.

    “You can see that even the President, Vice President and some governors met with him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

    “A committee, set up to consult widely in all the zones and local government areas in Kwara State, has strongly recommended that he should defect. Left to members of the immediate family of Saraki, they do not want him to stay a day longer in APC because of his ordeal in the last three years.

    “As a leader, the president of the Senate will hold a session with his associates, loyalists and strategists on whether to defect or not.  The meeting will hold this week with Monday tentatively in mind. It is a moment he did not expect will come so soon after joining others to form a coalition which led to the birth of APC.”

    The source added: “The greatest concern of Saraki and his loyalists borders on whether President Buhari and APC leaders will keep faith if he remains in APC. No one has trust in the presidency and the APC leaders.

    “If APC returns to power in 2018, the Buhari administration will be going through its constitutionally acceptable second term in which there will not be anything at stake. Are you sure Saraki will be safe enough?”

     

  • ‘I’m back to reclaim what belongs to PDP’, Atiku vows as he launches presidential bid

    •Says party will give economy, unity, security new lease of life
    •Secondus: PDP’ll end cycle of bloodletting

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said yesterday that he is back in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reclaim what belongs to the party.

    Atiku who was formally launching his bid for the party’s presidential ticket for next year’s election said the PDP would revamp the economy, re-unite the country and secure the lives and properties of Nigerians.

    The  former vice president delivered a 17-line speech in which he aimed barbs at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and  appealed   to “all of you wherever you may be that it is time to now re-embrace the party that has given us unity, prosperity and security in this country.”

    He said the APC government has failed, “to unite Nigerians. Today we are more divided than in any time in the history of this country.”

    Economic growth, according to him has gone down to less than 2% from 7%, adding: “Today we are witnessing the most insecure situation in Nigeria ever since APC took over.

    “More people have died in Nigeria under the APC than in Iran and Afghanistan. Is that what you want?

    “Today we have the highest unemployment rate in this country. More than 10 million of our people have been made unemployed under the watch of the APC administration. Is that what you want?

    “Now what the PDP is going to do is to restore our economy, to unite our country, to ensure we have security of lives and property.

    “My fellow brothers and sisters of Adamawa State, it’s time we take back our state PDP! Power!”

    National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, was among party stalwarts at the Ribadu Square, Yola, Adamawa State to witness the declaration.

    He said at the event that a rebranded and repositioned PDP is clearly the party of choice determined and ready to rescue Nigeria from the hands of APC.

    “PDP is determined to end the circle of continued bloodletting in the country,” he said.

    “A sign of a drowning party, the APC administration is threatening everybody, the lives of Reformed-APC leaders are now in danger but we are not afraid, they can’t kill everybody.”

     

  • Reconciliatory moves won’t stop APC defectors – PDP

    The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Friday the ongoing reconciliatory moves initiated by the Presidency and the leadership of the All Progress Congress (APC) would not stop the disgruntled members of the APC from defecting to the PDP.

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of the APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, are spearheading fresh reconciliation moves to dissuade members of the Reformed All Progressives Congress (RAPC) from going ahead with their defection plan.

    The President had on Thursday met the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the Presidential Villa in what many perceived as a new lease in the frosty relationship between members of the RAPC and the mainstream APC.

    Similarly, Oshiomhole had met with Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Thursday at the APC National Secretariat, following announcement by the governor that he was on his way out of the party.

    Ortom had declared that he was being pushed out of the APC by some forces he declined to name.

    The PDP, however, has dismissed the reconciliation efforts by President Buhari and Oshiomhole as belated, saying it’s a complete waste of time.

    The PDP said discussions with the intending defectors from APC have already crossed the rubicon, stressing that there is nothing Buhari, Oshiomhole or anybody in the APC can do to stop a “moving train.”

    The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in response to a text message from our correspondent on Friday, said arrangements with the intending defectors had reached a final stage.

    Ologbondiyan said: “PDP is confident that our discussion with compatriots who are determined to rescue our nation from the shackles of deception, lies, bloodletting, starvation and hunger of the APC-led federal government is boldly ongoing.

    “As a party, we are very certain that these discussions are near their end and we are just dotting the i(s) and crossing the t(s).”

    And as if to buttress Ologbondiyan’s position, Governor Ortom had on Friday declared that his decision to quit the APC was intact.

     

    Addressing members of a Tiv group in Abuja on Friday, the governor said nothing would make him change his mind and that the APC in Benue State is a “one man show.”

     

  • ‘PDP considering 2019 polls boycott’

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday in Abuja said it was consulting on whether to boycott the 2019 general election.

    PDP National Chairman  Uche Secondus, stated this when he received a delegation of a Joint International Election Observation Mission fielded by two main American international civil agencies, the National Democratic Institute, (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI).

    Secondus said the party had been calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and transparent election in accordance with the constitution of the country.

    He, however, said with Ekiti experience, PDP believed that some INEC staff had been compromised while the commission and security agents were directly involved in the alleged manipulation.

    The national chairman stressed the need to restore the citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.

    “As a matter of fact, we did not contest against the All Progressives Congress (APC), we contested against the security agencies and INEC.

    “Moving forward, if nothing is done to restore the confidence of ordinary Nigerians and other political parties, then it may be difficult to accept the results of 2019 general election, no matter what the outcome may be.

    “Unless it is transparent, free and fair and it is a recipe for crises.

    “We believe that if we are not sure that both INEC and security agencies will be transparent and that they will not take side, we are consulting as to whether we shall participate or not.

    Secondus said that prior to the Ekiti State election, PDP protested to the National Assembly and INEC office to demand for free and fair election.

    He said that PDP thought that the election could be better because Ekiti was one of the smallest states in the country.

    “However, Ekiti was militarised by the presence of army, the presence of police, of course over 30, 000.

    “Our members were harassed, arrested and detained over the night. All of these things happened in the suburbs,” Secondus alleged.

    Leader of the delegation and President emeritus of the Fund for Peace (USA), Dr Pauline Baker, said the delegation was at the PDP to hear of its opportunity and challenges ahead of future elections.

    “We are here to hear from you the challenges and opportunities on the upcoming elections and most importantly what challenges you encountered so that we can discuss with INEC.

     

     

  • Osun APC, PDP, SDP set for primaries

    With the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the submission of the list of candidates and their running mates, political parties in Osun State are set for their shadow contests. ADESOJI ADENIYI reports that the race is more intense within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with 29 contenders and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has 20 aspirants.

    THE race to succeed Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who will be stepping down in November after two terms as the Osun State helmsman, has gathered momentum. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set a July 22 deadline for conclusion of primary election for all political parties which intend to participate in the September 22 governorship election.

    By next week, all political parties are expected to have elected their candidates and sorted out all complaints and petitions against successful candidates. In line with the INEC deadline, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which had shifted its primary thrice, is set for the exercise today. The leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have both picked July 20 (Saturday) to elect their flag bearers.

    In all, no fewer than 50 aspirants from about six political parties wish to contest. In the APC, 29 aspirants are vying for the exalted position. In the PDP, 20 aspirants are in the race. The SDP has four aspirants. Six are using the Accord Party (AP) platform to realise their ambition.

    APC

    Though there are 29 contenders in the race, only five of them have been campaigning to get the party’s nod for the race. They are the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola; a retired Permanent Secretary, Engr. Adelere Oriolowo; House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Najeem Salaam; the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; and business man, Ayoade Lawal.

    The contest for the APC ticket has witnessed a lot of intrigues. This makes today’s primary very highly competitive. One of the most dominant factors in the contest is zoning. Stakeholders from Osun West senatorial district are insisting that it is their turn to produce the next governor after the expiration of Governor Aregbesola’s tenure. The other dominant factor is continuity agenda.

    Those insisting that it is the turn of Osun West have continued to appeal to emotions of the people, arguing that only the West is yet to occupy the seat of the governor. They say the zone has not had the opportunity to govern the state, except for a period of two years during the aborted Third Republic, when the first elected governor of the state, the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, occupied the seat briefly. They say Osun Central has spent 11 and a half years on the seat during the tenures of Chief Bisi Akande and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and that contestants from the zone should not be allowed to participate in the primary.

    Aregbesola, from Osun East, is on the verge of completing his two four-year terms in November. These, they added, makes Osun West the only zone that is yet to govern the state for a considerable period of time. Therefore, they believe it would amount to injustice, if the governorship is not zoned to Osun West.

    However, those rooting for a continuity of “the laudable projects, policies and programmes” of the Aregbesola administration argue that in the interest of democracy the race must be open to all aspirants.

    In the wisdom of the party leadership, there is nothing like zoning in the APC constitution and, therefore, it should not be a decisive factor in choosing its flag bearer. Osun APC Chairman, Gboyega Famodun has been reminding aspirants rooting for zoning that “the contest is open to aspirants from three senatorial districts”. Going by the chairman’s declaration, all aspirants are eligible to participate in the process.

    In bid to make the contest more open and transparent, the party leadership has decided to adopt a direct primary approach; rather than the use of delegates to elect the party’s standard bearer. Since the announcement was made, some stakeholders have mounted pressure on the party leaders to shift position on the matter.

    Not surprisingly, the largest number of aspirants within the APC is from Osun West. They are 19 in all. The aspirants are: Alao Olabisi (Iwo Local Government), Oyebisi Alamu (Iwo) Dr. Isiaka Owoade (Irewole) Tunde Adediji (Aiyedaade), Hon. Akintayo Amere (Iwo) Alhaji Adeyemo Fatai (Aiyedaade), Babatunde Taiwo (Isokan), Ayoade Lawal (Iwo), Dr. Taofeek Olayinka (Iwo) and Mr. Oludayo Oyebanji (Irewole). Others are: Dr. Salam Folasayo (Ejigbo), Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi (Ayedade), Benedict Olugboyega (Irewole), Mr. Adelere Oriolowo (Iwo), Mr. Peter Babalola (Irewole), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (Iwo), Dr. Ismail Layonu (Ede North) and Mr. Mumini Raifu (Iwo). Mr. Bola Oyebamiji (Irewole) has already withdrawn from the race.

    From Osun Central: Jolayemi Kamoru (Ila), Sunday Akere (Boluwaduro), Hon. Sulaimon Lasun Yusuff (Irepodun), Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola (Boripe), Hon. Yinka Ajayi (Boripe) and Mr. Kunle Adegoke (Olorunda).

    The contestants from Osun East are: Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi (Ife West), and Senator Jide Omoworare (Ife Central).

    Of the above aspirants, only four or five  have contacts with the grassroots. Leading the pack is Oyetola. He ran a well-structured and organised campaign to sell himself to the people in the three senatorial districts. His campaign tours were thorough and his message was direct. He was stressing the need for continuity of good policies and programmes of the present administration. This, he said, would further position the state for greater tasks and prospects, if left in the hands of someone with competence and capacity.

    Oyetola has described himself as the best man for the job, because he has been actively involved in formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of the government in the last eight years as Chief of Staff. He also flaunts his over 30 years experience and accomplishment in the “highly competitive private sector”. He promises an all-inclusive government for all strata of the society, including artisans, civil servants and pensioners, children, youths, women and the aged.

    In his words: “As part of this government (the Aregbesola administration) for almost eight years as Chief of Staff, I will hit the ground running on assumption of office as governor. I need no briefing about where the work is and where we are going. Everything is in my brain. So, I am Mr. Continuity. I have a successful career in the very competitive private sector for over 30 years’ experience.

    “So, I have the competence. I have integrity and more importantly I have a very cordial relationship with my Creator, whose fear of Him motivates and drives me to work conscientiously to impact positively on people’s lives, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, economic and social status. As someone born, brought up and who attended schools in Osun up till my adult age, before venturing outside the state for exposure and further education, I will use my God-given talents to provide ample opportunities for all residents to exhibit their potential so that they can flourish in an atmosphere of love and peace. I know the importance of interconnection and interdependence of all sectors on one another.

    “Therefore, I will not leave any sector unattended to, so that wealth can spread to the advantage of everyone and our state. My administration will consolidate on our present gains and do a lot more through an unprecedented sense of mission and visionary leadership devoid of narrow and sectional considerations that has no place in modern day democracy.”

    Adeoti’s campaign tours have taken him all parts of the state. As former chairman of Iwo Local Government, chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), on which Aregbesola rode to power in the face of a hostile administration at the centre, he is a familiar face and a household name in the politics of Osun State. No doubt, Adeoti has paid his dues politically and, therefore, he believes that he should succeed Aregbesola as governor. He promises to touch education, agriculture, tourism, health sectors, among other areas, if he becomes the governor.

    Similarly, Salam is banking on his legislative experience as Speaker for two terms. He has gone round parts of the state, canvassing for support. He also wants to leverage on leading the 26-member parliament to work harmoniously with the executive, if he gets the chance to govern the state. He has been calling on the party leadership to provide  a level-playing field for all aspirants.

    Oriolowo is another aspirant that has been campaigning vigorously. The Coordinator of the Osun State Rural Access Mobility Projects (RAMP) believes he is the right candidate party. He said: “I am a retired civil servant, as former Permanent Secretary, a pensioner and someone, who had handled many projects in rural and urban communities across the state.” As one of the aspirants from Osun West, like Adeoti, Oriolowo believes that the clamour for zoning will boost his chances.

    Also, Yussuf, who is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has been campaigning. He promised to provide intervention in education, health, agricultural sectors, if he gets the chance to become governor. During his campaign tours around the state, he assured the people that he would engage the youths in the development of the state. He also promised to industrialise the state, saying his contacts around the globe will help him attract investments to the state.

    PDP

    The PDP has also provided a platform for many aspirants to seek opportunities to actualise their aspirations. What makes it easy for many of the aspirants to come on board is because the governorship slot has been zoned to Osun West. Its Chairman, Hon. Soji Adagunodo, said what was important was giving all zones equal participation. Like the APC, the PDP also has a large number of aspirants in the race. It originally stood at 20. They include: Hon. Adejare Bello, Senator Felix Ogunwale, Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, Senator Bamgbetan, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Dr. Lere Oyewumi, Mr. Nathaniel Oke, Mr. Kayode Oduoye, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, Dr. Ayoade Adewopo, Alhaji Waliyu Adebayo Oladosu, and Prof. Adeolu Durotoye.

    Others are: Chief Gbenga Owolabi, Hon. Albert Adeogun, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Mr. Jide Adeniji, Mr. Tunde Adewinbi, Prof. Remi Aworemi, Mr. Tunde Esho, Mr. Samuel Jeje, Mr. Rasheed  Olawale, Dr. Amidu Tadese and Mr. Lere Akande. But recently the screening committee for the party’s primary, headed by Austin Opara, pruned down the number to eleven. Aspirants that have cleared to contest are: Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi (Ayedaade Local Government in Osun West), Dr. Olalere Oyewumi from (Irewole in Osun West), Mr. Nathaniel Oke (Ayedaade, Osun West), Senator Felix Ogunwale (Boripe, Osun Central), Alhaji Fatai Akinbade (Ola-Oluwa, Osun West), Mr. Jide Adeniji (Ila, Osun Central), Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi (Ayedire, Osun West), Dr. Ayoade Adewepo (Ife Central, Osun East), Hon. Rafiu Bello (Ede, Osun West), Senator Ademola Adeleke (Ede North, Osun West), and Prof. Adeolu Durotoye (Osogbo, Osun Central).

    The PDP is seriously making efforts to stage a comeback to the political scene in Osun State, after shaking off its many challenges, particularly factionalisation that had bedeviled the party. But the exit of Senator Iyiola Omisore from the fold was a relief to many chieftains of the party.

    However, political analysts believe the party will face another round of crisis in picking a candidate to fly its flag at the governorship election. Nevertheless, in the thinking of some party chieftains, including Hon. Adejare Bello, who was former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, the PDP in Osun State may pick its governorship candidate through a consensus arrangement. To avoid massive defection of members likely to be aggrieved after the primary poll, if their choice was not picked, it was gathered that the opposition party may consider a consensus candidate with inputs from all sections of the party. Though to get a consensus might be difficult because many of the aspirants hold the strong views that they are better qualified than the rest. So, harmonising diverse interests within the party, no doubt will be an herculean task for the party leadership.

    SDP

    Senator Iyiola Omisore and Otunba Oluyemisi Oladeji are the two leading governorship aspirants of the SDP. Since Omisore defected to the party, from the PDP, it has been one crisis or the other. It started with the statement credited to the party chairman, Ademola Isola, that Omisore was not recognised yet as member of the SDP, let alone to be addressed as an aspirant on the party’s platform. His declaration caused a stir among party loyalists. This led to a counter claim by a faction of the party that Omisore is a member. Few weeks after, the Omisore group held ward and state congresses, where his ally, Dr. Bayo Faforiji, emerged the chairman, despite a court injunction against it.

    For the Accord Party, there are no fewer than three aspirants: Bunmi Ibiloye, Babatunde Olaniyiloye and Pade Okunola. The aspirants have been busy mobilising supporters for their aspirations. For the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Kowa Party, an architect Olugbenga Akintola and a university don, Prof. Oluseyi Fabiyi, have been picked as candidates.

    For most of the parties, the real race for the September 222 governorship race would start after their primaries on July 22.

  • Buhari’s N242bn request capable of scuttling 2019 elections – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised fears of possible hiccups in the 2019 election financing with the budgetary option adopted by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The President had in a letter to the National Assembly on Tuesday, asked the lawmakers to approve N242 billion for the 2019 general elections.

    The President urged the lawmakers to make the N242 billion available to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conduct of the elections.

    However, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said President Buhari’s request was capable of scuttling the 2019 general election.

    The party described the President’s request as a booby trap ahead of the 2019 general election, saying it was deliberately set to drag the elections into a financial controversy and ultimately subvert the entire process.

    “The PDP invites Nigerians and the international community to note that this request is a deliberate plot to inject disagreements in the polity, cause confusion in the electoral system and set the stage for a political crisis capable of frustrating the conduct of the elections,” the PDP said.

    The party said President Buhari himself ought to know that his request was at variance with constitutional provisions and extant rules guiding legislative virement of funds already meant for constituency developmental projects but sent same to the National Assembly.

    The statement said: “If Mr. President meant well for the nation and had no ulterior motives, he should have sent a fresh supplementary budget to the National Assembly for whatever amount he seeks for INEC, instead of seeking for a controversial virement.

    “Nigerians will recall that the PDP had always pointed to series of signposts towards circumventing of our laws and extant regulations to achieve certain unpatriotic agenda, including a possible self-succession plot.

    “President Buhari must come to terms with the fact that Nigerians are eager for the 2019 general election and are not ready to be taken for a ride by any person whatsoever, in their quest for a new President come May 29, 2019.

    “We therefore charge Mr. President to follow the rules and immediately submit a fresh supplementary budget or seek other legitimate ways and means, devoid of bottlenecks, to finance the election.

    “Nothing must stop the 2019 general elections and the process must be credible, free and fair.

    “Finally, the PDP counsels Mr. President and his advisers, in their ambition, to seek other political survival strategy and desist from actions that are capable of dragging our nation into an unnecessary electoral crisis, as such will be firmly resisted by Nigerians.”

  • Umahi denies dumping PDP for APC

    Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has dispelled rumours making the rounds that he has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Ebonyi State.

    Governor Umahi, made the announcement at Government House, Abakaliki while speaking to journalists.

    He made the declaration barley 24 hours, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State declared his intention to quit his party, All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Umahi said he cannot join APC which he noted is filled with failed leaders in Ebonyi State.

    According to him, he had benefited immensely from the PDP as chairman, deputy governor, and ultimately state governor.

    “The clarification is that my relationship with Mr. President is because he is Mr. President, and he is my boss and the relationship is personal.

    “Mr. President or any APC person has never asked me to come to APC, and they will never ask me, and there is no reason for me to leave my party PDP of which I was the state party chairman,deputy governor and now governor.

    “I have always insisted in character.

    People that jump from one party to the other should examine their characters, except if there is any problem within your party.

    “As for today ,till tomorrow until Christ comes, there is no crisis in PDP. Even if there is a need for me to leave PDP, I can never leave PDP to the kind of APC in Ebonyi State.

    “Because with the kind of leaders in Ebonyi APC, leaders that have failed Ebonyi State. I can never be on the same political platform with them.

    “I am focused to do my job. I am focused in governance. I have always insisted that we should leave party politics to our party men and women, while as soon as you are elected, you should focus on your job.

    “The fever that has been griping me since the day I was elected was for me to do my job, the dividends of democracy and the plight of our people.

    He said he was focused on how to attract democratic dividends to the people of the state and not dirty politics.

    “So they should leave me alone with this their dirty politics. I am focused; I am PDP. As a member of PDP, I have benefited on the platform to be a party chairman, to be a deputy governor, and now a governor. I am a man of character”, he insisted.

  • We’ll never buy votes – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Tuesday it would never resort to vote buying in any election, no matter the circumstances.

    Denying allegations of vote buying in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, the PDP said its leadership would never allow such practice under any guise.

    A statement issued by the spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said it was fraudulent for some political parties to claim they resorted to vote buying because other parties also bought votes.

    The statement said: “Consequently, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are going about media houses and claiming that their party bought votes in response to some parties that engaged in such practice are certainly not responding to the PDP.

    “The PDP spent its resources and energy on a democratic campaign that preceded the Ekiti election and never set up kiosks for the ‘see and buy” of votes as the APC unabashedly did.

    “The PDP however vowed that it will never allow the APC to get away with its crass abuse of democratic norms through which it suppressed the will of the Ekiti people and appropriated victory to itself in the governorship election.

    “Moreover, the PDP restates its position that the Ekiti election marks the last time anybody or party will use any means whatsoever to manipulate it out at the polls, particularly in the forthcoming Osun governorship election and the 2019 general elections.”

    In a separate statement, the PDP commiserated with the government and people of Katsina State over the devastating rainstorm that ravaged some communities in the state.