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Tag: PDP

  • PDP: Last kick of a dying horse

    PDP: Last kick of a dying horse

    For the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the once self-styled largest party in Africa, it does not rain, it pours. In the past few months, it has been swinging from one crisis to the other. What is more? These crises are self inflicted. The party has lost direction. It has leaders, but they are not in control.The National Working Committee (NWC) is only so in name.The National Executive Committee (NEC) is worse. It is suffering from a bent NEC(k)!

    So, it cannot turn its nec(k) and see the magnitude of the crisis which is about to consume the party. PDP has lost steam.It is no longer a party, but a collective of people struggling to keep the boat from capsizing. As its few remaining governors are straining to keep the party going, the more headwinds it runs into. Do not be fooled. The PDP governor you see talking and thumping his chest today about dying in and for the ‘great PDP’ may well be on his way out the next day.

    Things are that bad for the party. Its much-vaunted structures from the ward to local government and state levels which were its pride in many parts of the country between 2003 and 2015 have slipped off its hands. It is left with the shells of those structures. Its governors who controlled those structures have left in droves and more may still leave for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Hardly a day passes that the party does not lose a member or two in the National Assembly to the APC.

    Yet, it keeps deceiving itself that all is well. Its three governors – Bala Muhammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa) – whose lot it has become to rebuild the party which from all intent and purpose is in tatters are papering the crack with sweet talks. These are sweet nothings in the face of what is happening to their beloved PDP. How can all be well with a party which lost three governors in quick succession to another party?

    And these are not governors of just any state. They are the governors of Delta, Akwa Ibom and Enugu, Sheriff Oborevwori, Umo Eno and Peter Mbah. Mbah left PDP for APC on Tuesday, with all his commissioners, members of the House of Assembly, councillors and their chairmen. Thus, APC now has a  strong foothold in the Southeast with three of the five states there in its kitty. APC is not in charge only in Abia and Anambra. At the rate it is going, it is a matter of time before those two also fall. Besides, it is the dominant party in Southsouth where it is in charge of four of the six states there except Rivers and Bayelsa,

    Read Also: Lokpobiri, Wike, others okay Diri’s exit from PDP

    Unofficially, some say Rivers is APC because of recent developments. The governor, Siminalayi Fubara, just returned from a six-month suspension following the state of emergency imposed on Rivers. His counterpart in Bayelsa, Douye Diri, is said to be warming up to join APC. In the Northeast, a governor in a state there is also said to be on his way to the ruling party. So, what is Muhammed and Makinde blabbing about the party being intact when in fact its umbrella, the PDP symbol, is already torn?

    What is the use of a torn umbrella when it is raining? Even then, it is more than raining with what is happening in PDP. It is pouring. How can a torn umbrella contain such a downpour? To Muhammed and Makinde, PDP temains the party to beat in 2027! I laugh in Fulfude and Yoruba!! How delusional can one be? Can they not see the handwriting on the wall? The party should consider itself lucky if its convention billed for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, next month holds. The issue is in court as some members are alleging that the NWC did not follow due process before fixing.the convention.

    Then, there are the problems in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kebbi and Plateau where the national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, are squabbling. They issued conflicting statements on the status of the state working committees (SWCs). Ologunagba said the SWCs had been dissolved, Anyanwu countered that NWC never took such a decision. He added that if it did, he must know as the party scribe. His statement makes sense. Muhammed and Makinde can  say whatever they like to make it look as if there is nothing, but the truth is that PDP is on its way to extinction.

    As this paper reported on Saturday, its fall in Enugu, following the defection of Mbah to APC, is a clear indication that PDP is gone for good, at least for now, and there seems to be no hope for it in 2027, no matter what Muhammed and Makinde say to the contrary. Indeed, to paraphrase Makinde, the electorate and not politicians would determine the outcome of the 2027 elections. We all know that. PDP will be shocked by the outcome. Mark my words. Look at the party that wanted to rule for 60 years!

  • PDP state chairmen endorse Ibadan convention

    PDP state chairmen endorse Ibadan convention

    • ‘We are not part of litigation’

    State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday dissociated themselves from the lawsuit currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to halt the proposed convention.

    The Chairman of Edo State chapter and Co-ordinator of the Forum of PDP Chairmen, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, chided his colleagues – Austine Nwachukwu (Imo) and Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia) – for dragging the party to the court.

    Aziegbemi said the Forum has decided to suspend the two chairmen and urged the NWC to take disciplinary action against those found to be directly or indirectly connected to the court case.

       “We distance ourselves completely from the suit and the plan to use it to stop the PDP from holding its national convention. This is not right. We want to state clearly that we are solidly behind the Damagum-led NWC, and we will give our full support to ensure a hitch-free convention,’’ he said in a statement..

    Aziegbemi, who also accused the All Progressives Congress(APC) of trying to turn the country into a one-party state, vowed that the forum would work with the national leadership to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The statement reads in part: “The meeting deliberated extensively on issues affecting the unity and stability of the party, reviewed preparations for the forthcoming National Elective Convention slated for November 15–16, 2025, and assessed the state of the opposition across the federation.

    “The Forum strongly condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its undemocratic, desperate, and systematic efforts to intimidate, harass, and coerce PDP leaders—including governors, senators, and members of the National and State Assemblies—into defecting.

    “The Forum described these acts as an assault on democracy, warning that the ruling party’s conduct is a dangerous step toward establishing a de facto one-party state, which Nigerians must collectively resist.

    “The Forum expressed grave concern over the activities of certain individuals within the PDP who, allegedly acting in concert with external interests linked to the APC, have been working to derail the party’s National Convention.

    “Specifically, the Forum condemned the actions of Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State), who recently sought a court injunction to halt the convention. Their actions were unanimously described as a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve.

    “Consequently, the forum resolved to suspend both members from the body and appointed Dr Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP, as the new Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum.

    “The forum passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party. It reaffirmed its commitment to work harmoniously with these organs in rebuilding, revitalising, and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative and leading political force.

    Read Also: PDP replaces Mbah with Senator Ben Obi as convention committee secretary

    “The forum called on all party members, supporters, and stakeholders across the country to remain calm, united, and steadfast.

    It pledged continued cooperation with the party’s national leadership as it undertakes deliberate, strategic steps to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections”.

    No fewer than 25 of 36 state chairmen and the FCT attended the meeting.

    They included Mohammed Bello Aliyu Goronyo (Sokoto), Yusuf Ado Kibiya (Kano), Mohammed Nura Amadi (Katsina), Ismaila Mohd Dogara (FCT), Victor  Modupe Aisido (Ondo), Tony Aziegbemi (Edo), Abubakar Bawa (Taraba), Abayomi Tella Ogun), Sen Umar El-Gash (Yobe) and Zanna Gaddama Mustapha (Borno).

    Others are Alhaji Adamu Bako (Nasarawa), Pharm Samaila Adam Burga (Bauchi), Ememona Anyebe (Kogi), Comrade Chidi Chidebe (Anambra), Aliyu Mohd Halidu (Niger), Ezekiel  A Adaji (Benue), Isa Bawa Adamu (Kwara), Edward Percy Masha (Kaduna).

    State chairmen who joined the meeting virtually were Babandi Ibrahim Gumel (Jigawa), Dr Jamilu Jabo (Zamfara), Hassan  A  Chris (Plateau), Usman Bello Suru (Kebbi),

     Major Gen Amin Kwaskebe (Gombe) and  Shehu Gash (Adamawa).

    Ben  Obi replaces Mbah as Convention Secretary

    The PDP National Working Committee (NWC) replaced Mbah with Ben Obi as the secretary of the Convention  Committee.

    Before he defected to the APC, Mbah was the secretary of the Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri-led Convention Committee.

    Obi, who represented Anambra Central in the Senate, was running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2007 presidential election on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement after the NWC meeting that the party will conduct a peaceful convention.

    The statement reads: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), has approved the appointment of Senator Ben Ndi Obi as Secretary of the National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) for the conduct of the 2025 PDP Elective National Convention scheduled to hold on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.”

    “The NWC commends the NCOC under the Chairmanship of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State for its tireless efforts towards the success of the 2025 National Convention.

    “The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of the PDP to remain united, steadfast and focused on the successful conduct of the National Convention and the overall progress of our great party”.

  • PDP state chairmen distance forum from suit seeking to stop national convention

    PDP state chairmen distance forum from suit seeking to stop national convention

    The forum of state chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday dissociated itself from the lawsuit currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to halt the planned elective national Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

    Speaking with newsmen, chairman of the forum and chairman of the party in Edo state, Tony Aziegbemi, took a swipe at some of their colleagues, Austine Nwachukwu (Imo) and Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia), for dragging the party to court seeking to halt the PDP convention.

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    He said as a result of this, the Forum has decided to suspend the two Chairmen, while calling on the National Working Committee to take disciplinary action against any NWC member found to be directly or indirectly connected to the court case.

    Aziegbemi said, “We distance ourselves completely from the suit and the plan to use it to stop the PDP from holding its National Convention. This is not right. We want to state clearly that we are solidly behind the Damagum-led NWC, and we will give our full support to ensure a hitch-free convention.

    “The evil plot of the APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party state will never succeed. We hope other organs of the party will draw inspiration from our decision. We must all stand firm and make the right choices.”

    Details shortly…

  • PDP chairmen pass vote of confidence on leaders

    PDP chairmen pass vote of confidence on leaders

    The Forum of State Chairmen of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has pledged working with key organs to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general election. 

    The Forum reaffirmed commitment to work harmoniously with these organs in rebuilding, revitalising, and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative and leading political force, while passing a vote of confidence on all organs of the party. 

    In a statement at the end of its meeting, the Forum accused some members of the party of working with external forces to truncate the forth coming elective National Convention and undermine the party. 

    In a statement signed by the Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi and Secretary, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the Forum accused the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC)  of embarking on some undemocratic and systematic efforts, coercing PDP members and leaders to defect. 

    The statement reads in part: “The meeting deliberated extensively on issues affecting the unity and stability of the party, reviewed preparations for the forthcoming National Elective Convention slated for November 15–16, 2025, and assessed the state of the opposition across the federation.

    “The Forum strongly condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its undemocratic, desperate, and systematic efforts to intimidate, harass, and coerce PDP leaders—including governors, senators, and members of the National and State Assemblies—into defecting.

    “The Forum described these acts as an assault on democracy, warning that the ruling party’s conduct is a dangerous step toward establishing a de facto one-party state, which Nigerians must collectively resist.

    “The Forum expressed grave concern over the activities of certain individuals within the PDP who, allegedly acting in concert with external interests linked to the APC, have been working to derail the party’s National Convention.

    “Specifically, the Forum condemned the actions of Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State), who recently sought a court injunction to halt the convention. Their actions were unanimously described as a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve.

    “Consequently, the forum resolved to suspend both members from the body and appointed Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP, as the new Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum.

    “The forum passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party. It reaffirmed its commitment to work harmoniously with these organs in rebuilding, revitalizing, and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative and leading political force.

    “The forum called on all party members, supporters, and stakeholders across the country to remain calm, united, and steadfast.

    It pledged continued cooperation with the party’s national leadership as it undertakes deliberate, strategic steps to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections”.

    Read Also: PDP chair, legal adviser clash in court

    The meeting had in attendance 25 chairmen of out of its 36 State chapters & FCT, highlighting the growing influence of the forum in the party’s and national discourse 

    Those who attended the meeting include 

    Mohammed Bello Aliyu Goronyo (Sokoto), Yusuf Ado Kibiya (Kano), Mohammed Nura Amadi (Katsina), Ismaila Mohd Dogara (FCT)  Victor  Modupe Aisido (Ondo), Tony Aziegbemi (Edo), Abubakar Bawa (Taraba), Abayomi Tella Ogun), Sen Umar El-Gash (Yobe) and Zanna Gaddama Mustapha (Borno). 

    Others are Alh Adamu Bako (Nasarawa), Pharm Samaila Adam Burga (Bauchi), Ememona Anyebe (Kogi), Comrade Chidi Chidebe (Anambra), Aliyu Mohd Halidu (Niger), Ezekiel  A Adaji (Benue), Isa Bawa Adamu (Kwara), Edward Percy Masha (Kaduna). 

    Some state Chairmen who attended the meeting online are Babandi Ibrahim Gumel (Jigawa), Dr Jamilu Jabo (Zamfara), Hassan  A  Chris (Plateau), Usman Bello Suru (Kebbi), 

     Major Gen Amin Kwaskebe (Gombe) and  Shehu I- Gash (Adamawa). 

  • ‘Ondo PDP congress reflected unity’

    ‘Ondo PDP congress reflected unity’

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has dismissed allegations of irregularities in its recently-concluded state congress, describing such claims as false, mischievous and aimed at discrediting a transparent process.

    An opposing group within the party, Kick Against Deceit, had alleged that the congress was manipulated to favour certain leaders, branding the entire exercise a “charade.”

    The congress, held last month, produced Victor Aisida as the state chairman, succeeding Bakitta Bello, who completed the tenure of the late Fatai Adams.

    Other newly-elected executives include Akin Oyewole (deputy chairman), Oluseye Olujimi (secretary), Jolade Aladetan (publicity secretary) and Woke Akindiose (legal adviser).

    Although the exercise was largely peaceful, the party’s 2024 governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, was absent.

    In a statement, the party’s Director of Media and Public Communication, Wande Ajayi, said the congress was conducted in compliance with the PDP constitution and guidelines approved by the National Working Committee (NWC), with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observing the process.

    Ajayi noted that some individuals listed as signatories to the critical statement – including Charles Adeduro, Caroline Olupitan, Pat Ojo and Dagbatan Anjorin Peter – had since denied involvement, exposing what he described as the deceitful intent behind the publication.

    READ ALSO: Why we left PDP for APC — Mbah

    “Contrary to the falsehoods peddled by the group, the state congress was conducted in full compliance with the constitution of our party and the guidelines approved by the National Working Committee (NWC), as observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Delegates were duly accredited, the process was peaceful and the outcomes reflected the collective will of genuine party stakeholders across local governments and senatorial districts,” he said.

    Ajayi added that Ondo PDP, for the first time in years, had demonstrated unity of purpose and readiness to reclaim power through democratic engagement and transparent leadership recruitment.

    He described those behind the false claims as individuals opposed to ongoing reforms to reposition the party, saying their frustration stemmed from the end of imposition and manipulation within the party structure.

    Reaffirming PDP’s commitment to rebuilding trust and strengthening grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election, Ajayi urged members to disregard “baseless and divisive claims” and remain focused on the renewed vision of the newly-elected state executive committee.

  • PDP chair, legal adviser clash in court

    PDP chair, legal adviser clash in court

    The division in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) resurfaced yesterday in the court as party officers fought over legal representation.

    It was at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, adjourned to October 16 the suit seeking to block the proposed national convention scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on November 15 and 16.

    Justice Omotosho chose the date during the proceedings in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 filed by three aggrieved members of the party.

    Amid the escalation of crisis, the party postponed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting indefinitely.

    Shortly after hearing began in the case, there was drama as the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, disagreed with the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) disagreed over the status of lawyers simultaneously claiming to be hired by the party.

    Damagun and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who were present in the court, were embarrased by the scene.

    The plaintiffs – Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP Chairman), Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman) and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) – said they are unhappy with the manner the national chairman has ran the affairs of the crisis-ridden party.

    Listed as defendants in the case are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, its National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; the NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC).

    Read Also: Why we left PDP for APC — Mbah

    At the mention of the case Joseph Daudu (SAN) announced appearance for the plaintiffs, following which Chris Uche (SAN) stood up to announce himself as counsel to the PDP.

    However, before he could resume his seat, the  Ajibade rose and announced appearance for the PDP.

    Uche, who expressed surprise at Ajibade’s claim, told the court that he was issued a letter by Damagum, directing him to represent the PDP in the suit.

    But Ajibade faulted Uche, arguing that he is the sole authority vested with power, under the constitution of the PDP, to appoint legal representative for the party.

    He referred to earlier court’s decisions that support his position.

    Owing to the confusing situation, Justice Omotosho suspended proceedings in the case for about 10 minutes to enable Damagum and Ajibade agree on the lawyer to represent the  party.

    When proceedings resumed in the case, the party leaders could not agree on the legal representation, following which Uche prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable both men resolve the issue.

    However, Daudu urged the court to proceed with the hearing of the case on the next adjourned date, even if the PDP is unable to get a single lawyer to represent it.

    During the proceedings, Justice Omotosho granted the applications by Damagum, Ali Odefa and Emmanuel Ogidi to be made parties in the case.

    The judge agreed with their lawyers – Paul’s Erokoro (SAN) and Audu Anuga (SAN) – that as party leaders, Damagum, Odefa and Ogidi are necessary parties in the case, who would be affected, one way or the other, by its outcome.

    He joined the three as the 7th to 9th defendants and ordered the plaintiffs to amend their originating processes (the documents with which they commenced the suit) to reflect the new defendants.

    PDP postpones NEC meeting indefinitely

    The PDP postponed it’s 103 National Executive Committee meeting earlier scheduled for today indefinitely.

    The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Olugunagba, said the postponement was necessitated by “recent developments in the party.”

    The postponement has fuelled the insinuations that the party may also postpone its proposed convention.

    Ologunagba did not elaborate on the developments within the party that led to the postponement.

    The statement reads: “Distinguished members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) may recall that the 103rd NEC meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 15th October, 2025.

    “However, in view of recent developments in the Party, the National Working Committee (NWC) in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 29 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) has at its emergency meeting on Monday, 13th October, 2025 approved the postponement of the 103rd NEC meeting to a new date that will be communicated to members in due course.

    “All NEC members should please, note the postponement and be guided accordingly”.

    As PDP intensifies preparation for the elective National Convention, its prominent leaders are dumping the platform for the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    The NEC meeting was expected to review preparation for the elective convention and the ongoing efforts at reconciliation among members.

    At the end of its 102 NEC meeting in August, the party had resolved the zoning of party positions, while asking the zones to micro zone the positions.

    The 103 NEC meeting is expected to receive the report on the micro zoning, with a view to ensuring a seamless convention, and approve a draft copy of the amended party constitution for final adoption by the convention.

    Senator Samaila Kila (PDP, Bauchi North) defected yesterday on the floor of the Senate to the APC.

    In his letter red by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Bauchi North Senator gave the reason for his defection as the ability of the party to sought out members’ differences.

    He said: “It has become evident that the prolonged internal divisions, recurring factionalisation, and crisis, loss of strategic direction within the People Democratic  Party, have gravely constrained my ability to discharge my constitutional responsibilities effectively and in good conscience.

    “As one deeply committed to the service of our nation and the welfare of my people, I have found it necessary to realign my political engagements with a more progressive platform that embodies good governance, unity, progress, growth, and discipline in the governance of our country.

    “Consequently, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to lend my full commitment to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinibu, GCFR,” he said.

    The senator commended President Tinubu for initiating a bold and transformative economic reforms.

    He said: “I hold in high regard the bold and transformative reforms initiated by the President, aimed at restoring economic stability, strengthening governance, and repositioning our nation for sustainable growth.

    “These efforts reflect the decisive leadership of our country, and that’s what Nigeria needs. I’m confident that these reform efforts align with my legislative ideals and my enduring conviction to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and democratic advancement.

    Senator Ali Ahmed Wadada elected on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) also defected to the APC.

  • PDP postpone NEC meeting indefinitely

    PDP postpone NEC meeting indefinitely

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its 103 National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for. Wednesday, October 15 indefinitely. 

    In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Olugunagba, the party said the postponement was necessitated by “recent developments in the party”.

    The statement did not elaborate on the developments within the party that led to the postponement. 

    The statement reads: “Distinguished members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) may recall that the 103rd NEC meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 15th October, 2025.

    “However, in view of recent developments in the Party, the National Working Committee (NWC) in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 29 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) has at its emergency meeting on Monday, 13th October, 2025 approved the postponement of the 103rd NEC meeting to a new date that will be communicated to members in due course.

    “All NEC members should please note the postponement and be guided accordingly”.

    While the party intensify preparation for its elective National Convention scheduled for Ibadan from November 15 to 16, there has been a new wave of defections from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).  

    While Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah is scheduled to join the APC on Tuesday, there are speculations of the possibility of Bayelsa and Taraba state Governors, Douye Diri and Kigbu Kefas also joining the defection train. 

  • PDP Reps caucus to NJC: caution judges against meddling in party affairs

    PDP Reps caucus to NJC: caution judges against meddling in party affairs

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the House of Representatives yesterday urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to warn judges against being used to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic process.

    In a statement in Abuja by the Leader of the Caucus, Fred Agbedi, the PDP lawmakers expressed concern over what they called a growing trend of judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties.

    They expressed concern that such a development poses a grave threat to the country’s democratic stability.

    The caucus was reacting to the ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declined to grant an interim injunction seeking to stop the PDP convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, while also making orders they perceived to negate the benefits of his ruling refusing the interim injunction.

    The suit was filed by Austine Nwachukwu, the PDP Chairman in Imo State; Amah Abraham Nnanna, Chairman of the party in Abia State, and Turnah George, the Southsouth Secretary of the party, asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent the PDP from holding any meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the determination of their substantive suit.

    Read Also: NLC asks FG to set aside ‘No work, no pay’ threat against striking union

    The statement said that while Justice James Omotosho declined to grant the ex parte order, he ordered that any steps taken by the party during the pendency of the suit would be null and void.

    The lawmakers noted that the judgment could be interpreted as indirectly enabling those seeking to disrupt the party’s activities.

    The PDP Caucus said: “We are deeply concerned that despite repeated Supreme Court pronouncements against judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, some judges continue to make themselves available as instruments in the hands of desperate politicians seeking to subvert democracy and impose a one-party on Africa’s largest democracy.

    “We are worried that while Justice James Omotosho refused the grant of the restraining order asked by the plaintiffs in this case, he still went ahead to declare that any action taken by party in preparation for its National convention during the pendency of the suit shall be null and void, might embolden anti-democratic elements determined to truncate the democratic process in Nigeria.

    “These pronouncements clearly provide an enabler for those who do not want the PDP National convention to hold so that the main opposition political party in Nigeria will not be able to present candidates in the presidential and other elections in 2027.

    “It is worrisome that while the court refused to grant the restraining order requested by the plaintiffs, it still made pronouncements that could be interpreted as providing legal cover for those intent on halting the PDP’s democratic processes. This, in our view, amounts to judicial overreach,” the lawmakers said.

    The lawmakers said the principal actors in the desperate move wanted to manipulate the judicial process.

    They said such people were known to have done similar things in the past, which the NJC frowned at, while the damage had already been done.

    The lawmakers urged the National Judicial Council to act decisively to prevent any abuse of the judicial process that could undermine multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

    “The survival of our democracy depends on the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary. The NJC must ensure that no court becomes a willing tool for the subversion of the will of the people or the destabilization of political institutions,” the statement said.

  • Ondo PDP dismisses allegations of irregularities in state congress

    Ondo PDP dismisses allegations of irregularities in state congress

    … affirms transparency

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has rejected claims of irregularities in its recently concluded state congress, describing the allegations as false, mischievous, and intended to tarnish a transparent process.

    The accusations came from an internal faction, Kick Against Deceit, which alleged that the congress was manipulated to favour certain leaders, calling the exercise a “charade.”

    The congress, held last month, elected Barrister Victor Modupe Aisida as the new state chairman, succeeding Rt. Hon. Bakitta Bello, who completed the tenure of the late Hon. Fatai Adams. Other executives elected include Akin Oyewole (Deputy Chairman), Oluseye Olujimi (Secretary), Jolade Aladetan (Publicity Secretary), and Woke Akindiose (Legal Adviser).

    Although largely peaceful, the party’s 2024 governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, was notably absent from the event.

    Read Also: Cardoso leads Nigeria’s delegation to World Bank/IMF annual meetings in Washington

    In a statement on Sunday, the party’s Director of Media and Public Communication, Comrade Wande Ajayi, said the congress adhered fully to the PDP constitution and the guidelines approved by the National Working Committee (NWC), with officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observing the process.

    Ajayi also revealed that some individuals listed as signatories to the critical statement—Charles Adeduro, Caroline Olupitan, Pat Ojo, and Dagbatan Anjorin Peter—had denied involvement, highlighting what he described as the deceitful intent behind the allegations.

    “Contrary to the falsehoods peddled by the group, the State Congress was conducted in full compliance with the Constitution of our Party and the guidelines approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) as observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Delegates were duly accredited, the process was peaceful, and the outcomes reflected the collective will of genuine party stakeholders across all local governments and senatorial districts,” Ajayi said.

    He added that the Ondo PDP had, for the first time in years, demonstrated unity of purpose and readiness to reclaim power through democratic engagement and transparent leadership recruitment.

    Ajayi described those behind the allegations as frustrated by reforms aimed at ending imposition and manipulation within the party.

    He urged members to disregard “baseless and divisive claims” and remain focused on the renewed vision of the newly elected state executive committee as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

  • PDP candidate in Zamfara by-election defects to APC

    PDP candidate in Zamfara by-election defects to APC

    Muhammad-Lawal Kurya,the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the recently concluded by-election for the Kaura Namoda South Constituency by-election has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Kurya announced his defection in Gusau on Saturday at the stakeholders consultation meeting for Zamfara Central organised by a popular APC group, ‘Yazeed Project’.

    Kurya, a former PDP candidate who contested in the recently concluded State House of Assembly by-election was defeated by the APC candidate, Kamilu Sa’idu.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised to woo Hon. Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the Zamfara Central Senatorial District in the 2027 General Elections.

    The meeting was attended by 550 members comprising youths, women, social media handlers, elders and community leaders, among others, all of them from Zamfara central senatorial district.

    Kurya said he defected from PDP to APC because of negligence from the PDP leadership in the state.

    “I have so many personal and political reasons that necessitated me to defect from to PDP to APC.

    “Since when I lost the by-election, the party leadership and top government officials of Zamfara neglected me, in fact, most of them blocked my access to them.

    “I think as a politician with a large number of followers, I have to change my political movement to a party that is ready to carry me,” he said

    According to him, another major reason was that he had suffered from PDP over the years.

    Kurya said, ” I have been working for the party since during the 2023 general elections but there was no any reward.

    “Today, I decided to join the APC considering the popularity of the party in the just-concluded by-election that I contested under the PDP.

    “The APC has massive supporters from my constituency, all the records and results of the APC during the by-election were true.

    Read Also: PDP crashes in Enugu as Mbah, others join APC Tuesday

    “Our election was free as well as fair and honestly, I was defeated by the APC candidate, Kamilu Sa’idu.

    “Therefore, I decided to join the APC considering its popularity, good leadership and it is a party with grassroots structure across the state.”

    According to him, with the leadership of the party under the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari and the state APC Chairman, Hon Tukur Danfulani, the party would continue to grow from strength to strength.

    “I have the confidence that the APC will not neglect me the way PDP did to me after I have spent a lot from my pocket for the party’s victory in the 2023 governorship election in the state”, Kurya added.

    Receiving the former PDP candidate to the APC, the State APC Chairman, Tukur Danfulani, represented by the State Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris, described the development as a great achievement for the APC.

    “On behalf of the APC leadership in the state particularly the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari, we are happy today to receive Muhammad-Lawal Kurya to the APC.

    “We welcome you to a progressive party, we are ready to go ahead with you, your defection today indicated the soaring popularity of the APC in the state.

    “I believe, more are coming to the APC, very soon many serving lawmakers and serving Commissioners would join the party,” Idris assured.

    Speaking earlier, Abubakar Sadiq, the State Coordinator, Yazeed Project, said the meeting for Hon Yazeed Danfulani was to throw their weight behind Danfulani for the Zamfara central senatorial district in the 2027 general elections.

    “We have 550 participants of this epochal event comprising representatives and Coordinators from political wards across the four local government areas of Zamfara Central,” Sadiq explained.

    (NAN)