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Tag: PDP

  • Plateau: Thugs disrupt PDP primaries in Kanke, beat up electoral officers

    Plateau: Thugs disrupt PDP primaries in Kanke, beat up electoral officers

    Thugs on Friday disrupted the PDP primary elections organised to decide its chairmanship candidate for Kanke, in the Feb. 18 local government elections in Plateau.

    The thugs, who invaded the Kwall Stadium venue of the election, beat up members of the PDP electoral committee and officials of the party, and destroyed several cars.

    Worst hit in the attack was one Anthony Joro, a member of the electoral committee, whose eared was mutilated.

    Also hit was Mr Dauda Waptu, the PDP Chairman in Kanke Local Government, who sustained various injuries on his face.

    The election, which began peacefully with delegates voting after accreditation, turned violent when it was Waptu’s turn to vote.

    Trouble started when some of the delegates said he should not be allowed to vote because they did not recognise him as the party chairman, a position others vehemently rejected, insisting that he was the leader and must vote.

    The argument later turned violent and the thugs, usually fenced off the voting centre, invaded the arena and attacked their targets.

    Mr Tyopev Terna, Public Relations Officer of the Plateau Police Command, who confirmed the incident, said that the Police were already trailing the political thugs that disrupted the exercise.

    “We have not arrested anyone, but we are investigating the matter; the thugs beat up many people and destroyed several cars. We shall not rest until they are fished out and dealt with,” he told NAN.

    He advised politicians to adhere to the rule of the game, warning that anyone found culpable in the Kanke incident would not be spared.

    Speaking on the incident, Waptu expressed surprise at the attack that disrupted the exercise.

    “The list of delegates for the election was okayed by all members. I still do not see any reason why anyone will want to disrupt the exercise,” he said.

    He accused an unnamed member of the House of Representatives of sponsoring the thugs, and described such attitude as “crude and primitive”.

    Mr Benedict Shignuhul, PDP Vice Chairman in Plateau Central Senatorial District, expressed shock over the incident which he described as “very unfortunate uncalled for.’’

    He blamed the incident on alleged mischief by a member of the House of Representatives “who appears bent on destroying the party that made him”.

    “This same member abandoned the party immediately he won his election in 2015. His eyes are already focused on securing another tenure in 2019, but we have told him to first strengthen the party by uniting its members.

    “He wants to control everything, but is not ready to contribute anything, except violence. We have always told him that politics is a game of give and take. We must protect mutual interests if we want to progress,” he said.

    Contacted, Mr Tim Golu, who represents Kanke/Pankshin/Kanam in the House of Representatives, blamed the incident on alleged mischief by the party officials.

    “The authentic list of delegates, whose election was witnessed and certified, was doctored by Mr Amos Gombi, PDP State Deputy Chairman, who is from Kanke, in a desperate effort to impose his crony,” he alleged.

    Golu said that the party officials were warned of the impending danger, but insisted on conducting the primary election “even when they were told that the environment was not conducive”.

    “Those who insisted that the primary election must hold should be arrested and held responsible for the unfortunate crisis.

    “They changed the list of delegates three times and the people at the wards protested; even after the security operatives and some of us, who sensed danger, warned them, they insisted.

    “This incident wouldn’t have happened if they had listened to us; now look at the level of damage and animosity it has created,” he fumed.

    NAN

  • Anambra: INEC, security agents must be neutral, unbiased – PDP

    Anambra: INEC, security agents must be neutral, unbiased – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to be neutral in the conduct of Anambra State governorship election slated for Saturday.

    PDP, in a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of its National Caretaker Committee, Dayo Adeyeye, said it was fully prepared and ready for the election.

    The party described Saturday’s governorship election as a litmus test for INEC and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “INEC and all security agencies deployed for the election must remain neutral and unbiased before, during and after the election.

    “We insist that this election in Anambra and others henceforth, must be free, fair, credible and transparent. Anything short of these will not be acceptable to us,’’ the party said.

    The PDP also condemned the recent withdrawal of personal security details of Governor of Anambra, Chief Willie Obiano, by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

    It added that notwithstanding that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the reinstatement of Obiano’s   security aides, the action by the police was a clear signal that the “Force is working to favour some individuals’’ or destabilise the election.

    “In view of the above, we are again sounding a note of warning that we will not accept any manipulation of results in Anambra,” the party stated.

    The PDP called on the people of Anambra to protect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and come out enmass to vote for its governorship candidate, Mr. Oseloka Obaze and his running Mate, Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe.

    NAN

     

  • ‘APDA not in merger talks with PDP’

    ‘APDA not in merger talks with PDP’

    The Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) is not in “merger talks” with other political parties, its leadership said yesterday.

    In a statement, the group said: “It is not lost on APDA that some persons with their consorts who continue to nurse hidden but illicit interests in APDA, as bargaining foil for their nothing but egotistical agenda for leadership of the PDP, are crafting masterminds of the purported “merger talks.”

    APDA categorically declares to the world that the craftsmen with their supporting cast of the “merger talks” are engaging themselves in strategic tacit deception, to hoodwink the public against the Party by the alleged “merger talks,” they are declaring to Nigerians they have no credible packages to offer Nigerians.

    We want to urge Nigerians to dicontinuance this fabricated lies because APDA is not aware of and not interested in the purported “merger talks” with the PDP.

  • Row over micro-zoning of posts hits PDP

    Row over micro-zoning of posts hits PDP

    The decision of Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) leadership on micro-zoning has sparked disagreement between the party and some aspirants in the upcoming national convention.

    The latest face-off was sparked by the decision of the Ahmed Makarfi-led leadership to micro zone other elective positions to some states and ruling out micro-zoning of the chairmanship slot.

    One of the aspirants for the position of National Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, has accused the national leadership of double standards.

    The position of National Secretary has been zoned to the seven states in the Northwest. But some forces within the national secretariat are believed to have micro-zoned it to Katsina State.

    However, Mustapha, who hailed from Kaduna State, has challenged the decision, wondering why the party would micro-zone the position of Secretary to Katsina and refusing to do same in respect of the chairmanship.

    Mustapha, who spoke to reporters yesterday after he returned his nomination documents, described the action as impunity and an attempt to impose a particular candidate.

    He said: “We should first and foremost avoid imposition. We must avoid impunity. We must take PDP back to the people. We must allow people to make their choice.

    “We have heard that there is no micro-zoning. The national chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi repeatedly told Nigerians that there would be no micro-zoning.

    “Unfortunately, what we are beginning to understand now is that non micro-zoning is only for the position of the National Chairman. But for other positions, they can do micro-zoning.”

    “So, we don’t understand it. If one position is not allowed to be micro-zoned, why should you then micro-zone other positions, which are even less in terms of protocol than the National Chairman?”

    But Makarfi has consistently maintained that the decision to micro-zone or not to micro-zone some positions was taken by the party’s convention and that the caretaker committee has no powers to reverse the decision.

  • APGA, PDP, APC: Warming up for battle

    APGA, PDP, APC: Warming up for battle

    Who wins the governorship election in Anambra State on Saturday? Correspondent NWANOSIKE ONU examines the preparations of the major political parties for the poll.

    The governorship election in Anambra State is just two days away.

    Already, the atmosphere is charged. There is tension in the Southeast state.

    Fears are rife that violence may mar the exercise. This may be to the warning by the members of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB)’s threat that they will disrupt the poll.

    Many people are migrating to Anambra. The hotels are fully booked. Security personnel from Abuja and other states have started arriving the state.

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has visited the state and challenged electoral officers to prepare for a good job.

    He warned them not to compromise the standard of the commission, reminding them of what befell those who violated the rules in 2015 general elections.

    However, the INEC boss told them that he would throw a party for them, if the standard is maintained during the election.

    The candidates of the leading political parties are becoming jittery. Propaganda is thriving. Spin doctors are re-moulding opinions.

    Five days ago,  the flag bearers were being assessed at a live debate organised by the Channnels Television.

    During the debate the former Minister of Aviation and one-time Corps Marshal of the federal road safety commission (FRSC), Chief Osita Chidoka, wanted to steal the show with his eloquence. Although others did well, the United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate appeared outstanding.

    Others at the debate were the candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr Tony Nwoye, Governor Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA),  Oseloka Obaze of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr Godwin Ezeemo of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA).

    The campaigns will come to an end today.

    The candidates have an axe to grind with Obiano. There was a war of words over the removal of campaign posters.

    While the other parties are accusing the (APGA) led-government of being the mastermind of such action, the party’s defence is that it is all blackmail.

    Nwoye is not relenting in his bid to emerge victorious. But, eyes are also on Obaze. He has been criticising Obiano throughout the campaigns. He is a highly organised technocrat-turned politician. He is full of appeal. The former governor, Peter Obi, has assisted him a great deal. He has tried to create a hollow in the governor’s record.

    Ezeemo is counting on his philanthropic gestures to deliver the seat to his party.

    Despite impressing the public with his oratorical skills during the debate, Chidoka faces predictable hurdles on Saturday. He may take the fifth position.

    The observer groups have arrived the state. Some of them are holding seminars and workshops for the reporters and other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the election.

    The attention of the political parties has shifted to the wards and local government areas. They have set up election committees with a mandate to deliver them to the parties.

    Obi, who has vowed to stop Obiano at all cost, is not leaving any stone unturned to realise his motive. But, the PDP is a divided party. Many PDP chieftains, who are working underground for Obiano, are checkmating Obi and his foot soldiers.

    The anti-Obaze PDP chieftains include Hon. Ben Nwankwo, who represents Orumba North and South Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chief Ifeanyi Ubah of Capital Oil and Gas. Scrores of PDP chieftains have defected to APGA.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has relocated to his native Alor, Idemili South Area. He is committeed to the success of his party.

    He held a rally at Alor on last week, where he spoke about the readiness of  the APC to deliver Nwoye to Ndi- Anambra.

    One of the APC chieftains who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Obi was not keen about the winner of the poll. His only motive is to ensure that Obiano’s second term bid is scuttled.

    However, Obiano has won the hearts of civil servants, following the prompt payment of salaries before the end of every month. He has also promised more welfare packages tor them, if re-elected.

    The populist tendency has made him the toast of the workers, who now refer to him as the “Alert Governor.”

    Obiano is not indifferent to stomach infrastructure. He has been distributing bags of rice to workers and pensioners during the  festive period. Pensioners are singing his praise.

    The fear in some quarters, especially in APGA, is that the election may not be free and fair as promised by the INEC.

    Last week, its national chairman, Ozonkpu Victor Oye, raised the alarm that two truckloads of INEC materials were intercepted in a hotel in Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area.

    But, the electoral umpire denied it, saying that it was a figment of imagination.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, described the allegation as baseless.

    Will the poll be marred by violence? Will voters turn out en masse? Will it be free and fair? Saturday will tell.

     

  • ‘Fayose, forget your presidential ambition’

    ‘Fayose, forget your presidential ambition’

    One of the aspirants for the chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof Tunde Adeniran has called on the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose to let go his presidential ambition.

    Adeniran who made the call in Abuja on shortly after he returned his nomination documents, said the governor’s ambition was responsible for his (Fayose’s) opposition to his chairmanship ambition.

    Saying that opposition from Fayose cannot stop him from winning the race, Adeniran enjoined the governor to respect the party’s decision zoning the 2019 presidential ticket to the North.

    Adeniran said: “my governor is interested in contesting the presidency of this country and I believe that he thought it will be impossible for us to have the President and national chairman from the same place.

    “Now, the more he realizes that the party has taken a decision that our president by the grace of God as for 2019 will come from the North, the more he realizes the reason to stand by the method decided by the party.

    “The more he will realize that the position taken by the party at the convention is a reality and that he will support his brother Adeniran for the chairman. In fact, I expect that he will lead the Ekiti state delegation to support me at the convention.”

    Speaking earlier, the caretaker committee chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi restated the commitment of the leadership to conduct a free, fair and credible convention.

    Makarfi reminded Adeniran and other aspirants of the consequences of breaching the peace pact signed by all the aspirants on Tuesday, stressing that the aspirants must be ready to call their errant supporters to order.

    Makarfi said: “I will assure you that as a caretaker committee, we will do our best no matter what a few might say. We are determined to be transparent and to conduct a free and very fair convention where the views of PDP members will prevail.

    “One of the key elements of the peace accord we discussed on Tuesday was the acknowledgement that the only thing the party has zoned in respect of national issues is the Presidency to the North and chairmanship to the South.

    “And in the peace accord which we have signed, you categorically stated that by the South, you meant all the states in the South and by the North, all the states in the North.”

    Insisting that the party would not impose micro-zoning on the chairmanship position, Makarfi, however, said the party would go along if the aspirants themselves reached an agreement to microzone the position to any part of the South.

    He flayed the actions and utterances of one of the party chieftains from Ogun State who has been attacking the national leadership of the party and urged Adeniran to call the party chief to order.

    “Such individual has done everything possible to make us compromise by going to the media to say that we have compromised with somebody else. Left for such individuals the caretaker committee should not be in place”, Makarfi said.

  • Yobe 2019:  Governor Gaidam’s biggest headache

    Yobe 2019:  Governor Gaidam’s biggest headache

    Frankly speaking, one of the biggest headaches that state governors face is not their re-election bid but who will succeed them in office after they might have served out their constitutional two terms in office. Over time, the crises of succession (shopping for a successor) have turn out to be bigger than being re-elected back to the same office. A new challenge has also popped up as outgoing governors now fight tooth and nail to go back to the senate which is fast becoming a retirement home of many of them.

    This is exactly the dilemma of Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam who is now serving his constitutional two terms as governor of Yobe State having also completed the tenure of his predecessor, Late Mamman Ali who died in office in 2007

    For the records, the battle of succession in Yobe State has never been an easy ride. After  Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim served out his second term in office as governor in 2007, the struggle as  to who succeed him almost cost his party(ANPP) the chances of returning to the government house in the state.

    Submerged   between   two then serving senators, all of blessed memory (Sen. Usman Albishir & Sen. Mamman Ali) both shook the state to her foundation. With none of them ready to blink, Bukar Abba Ibrahim was in a dilemma having failed to explore all internal democratic options to come out with a consensus candidate. The party was then left with no option but to go into primaries thus throwing the two gladiators (lates Usman Albishir and Mamman Ali) into the boxing ring for the primary elections.

    What turned out to be more interesting and intriguing was that, the person who lost the primary elections became the governor after the then All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) was nearly torn into shreds but the party quickly put herself together to avoid losing the state to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who were clearly strategizing to take advantage of the crisis.

    Obviously, Gov. Gaidam did not face any challenge in 2011 and 2015 elections in the bid to be re-elected as governor. Though there were some minor legal tussle, none of them ruffled the governor as they fizzled away like gunpowder spread in the wind from the tribunals through the conventional courts up to the Supreme Court.

    Gaidam is indeed a child of history. He has always gotten more than what he requested from God. A story is told that in 2003, Gaidam  took a shot at the Yobe East  Senatorial seat after the then senator ( Adamu Usman ) ANPP passed away but he was pushed over as a nobody by the then Governor and the man described as the Mobutu Sese Seko of Yobe politics now serving senator representing the same zone , Bukar Abba Ibrahim. During the intrigue, Sen Bukar Abba Ibrahim was quoted as saying that Ibrahim Gaidam does not even have the clout to become a local government councilor talk more of becoming a senator.

    But few years down the line, Gaidam was appointed Deputy Governor by a man that practically succeeded Bukar against his own wishes. Like a destiny child cast in a Hollywood thriller, Gaidam was sworn-in as the second Executive Governor of Yobe State following the demise of Gov. Mamman Ali in Florida, USA in 2009.

    Despite the plague of insurgency that has hit the state over the last six year in  the last tenure of Gaidam as governor in Yobe State, pundits said the man  has made tremendous inroad in his efforts to raising  the standard of living of the people through his extraordinary developmental programs and policies. Infrastructural revolution, healthcare delivery, education, roads, youth empowerment are the key frontline sectors that have been effectively transformed in Yobe State. Recent, the World Medical Relief during his visit to the United State of America donated some medical equipment to the state government worth over N1.4 billion free of charge as a mark of recognition of Gaidam’s giant strides in the state health sector.

    Gaidam has also received commendations and awards of excellence from individuals and cooperate organizations for his good works in the state and the prudent management of resources which has made the state stands out during the recession period in the country without owing workers’ salaries.

    For keen followers of Yobe politics,  Gaidam has raised the bar with high stakes for whoever will be stepping in his shoes having laid a solid developmental foundation for the state.  Suffice to say that the nexus and bond of Gaidam and Yobe State and the people points more of a father who tirelessly toils over the years   to build a strong business empire that he is not sure of which of his children will become the heir or successor.

    Indicatively, one can authoritative conclude that the fear of who takes Yobe forward is one thought that has occupied the mind of Gaidam more than his perceived senatorial ambition. I am not sure what he whispers to his close associates but his public outburst that he will not  hand over Yobe to drunkards and Indian hermp smokers, drug addicts can attest to his burning desire of the quality of  who takes over the state after his exit in 2019.

    Gaidam at different public gatherings has been unambiguous that those planning to succeed him with the intention of siphoning the resources of the state will not have a chance as long as he lives. As a product of God’s divine work, Gaidam said “God gives power to whom He wishes. But, I want to assure you that I will hand over  Yobe to a credible successor that would continue with the good work we have started, not drunkards and Indian hemp smokers that would lead our great party and people of Yobe State astray”, adding that he has severally travelled to the Holy Land to pray and seek God’s direction on the choice of his successor.

    The Nation checks gathered that the recent happenings around the governor of close friends betraying him has  begun to condition his thinking to appraise  critically the degree of loyalty of the people and those that are genuinely on the same page with him. “This has increased the governor’s fear on who succeeds him come 2019 since it looks as if everybody is pretending, waiting to be anointed to reveal his real colors,” a close associate of  the governor disclosed in confidence.

    For many states of the federation, the political atmosphere is not as hazy as it is in Yobe. All credit to Gaidam who is very taciturn on the matter yet firmly in control of the political machinery of the state. Not even his closest political associates can answer the question of his choice as governor nor beat his chest and speak on who the governor has endorsed as his candidate come 2019.

    There are however brewing speculations  that Gaidam may decide to shock everybody to anoint his Deputy Governor Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, the younger brother of his former boss who has been his loyal partner in the last eight years.

    Those pushing for the candidacy of Abubakar Aliyu believe that his loyalty to the governor is unquestionable and that only him  will protect Gov. Gaidam’s interest even outside government as well as consolidate on his development blue print which he has set-up for the state.

    An APC Chieftain in the state who does not want to be mentioned said the party will support whoever Gaidam anoints as their candidate for governor come 2019.

    According to him, the choice of Abubakar Aliyu will stabilize the transition program in the state by carrying forward the good works of Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam.

    Others feel that such a decision will be one two beneficial for the Ali and Gaidam families, asking questions like; “are they the only families in Yobe?” another person ask, is it a game of relay race?, How can the two families be exchanging leadership baton as if there are no other families qualified to occupy that position in the state?

    Undoubtedly, if Gaidam decides to anoint his deputy as the next governor, it will be one big gesture not just to the Ali family but the entire Yobe South geo-political zone of the state whose time was short-lived following the demise of Late Mamman Ali.

    Apart from the compensation,  or call it gesture, another school of thought  holds that the decision will also cement the relationship between the Kanuris and the Ngizim tribe who are believed  have common  Chadian lingual background.

    Investigation has also revealed that apart from Hon. Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, two time Director General of Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam Campaign organization, former Commissioner in the state and Member Representing, Nguru, Yusufari, Karasuwa, Machina Federal Constituency who has informed the governor of his ambition to succeed him come 2019, no other person in the state has got the liver to inform Gaidam of their ambition and desire to succeed him. Most of them have however resorted to recruiting boys to cunningly sell their ambition and gauge their popularity on the social media in the state.

    Among the names also waiting for Gaidam’s nod include, current Commissioner of Works, Lawan Shettima (Yobe East) who occupies the most powerful ministry of Works, Transport and Energy in the state and a close ally of the governor, the current Head of Service and Gaidam’s immediate past  Chief of Staff , Salleh Abubakar (Yobe North), Speaker Yobe State House of Assembly, Adamu Dala Dogo(Yobe North) Senate Leader, Sen. Ahmed Lawan(Yobe North), former Commissioner Arc. Mohammed Saleh (Yobe North)  who just decamped from the PDP, Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim, Minister of States Foreign Affairs (Yobe East), Mohammed Bomoi (Yobe South).

    As the clock ticks closer to 2019, all Yobeans eagerly await the day   Gaidam will break his golden silence and make the all-important announcement.

    At the moment, political activities in the state are stifled largely due to the silence of the governor. The opposition PDP in the state is also in complete disarray with no clear candidate so far declared apart from their lifetime gubernatorial candidate Adamu Maina Waziri being alleged to be vying for the position come 2019.

  • PDP throws race open as consensus talks collapse

    PDP throws race open as consensus talks collapse

    ‘Governors: we’ll work with winner’

    After hours of grilling by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum in Enugu, all  national chairman candidates yesterday opted for an election instead of a consensus choice.

    They also opposed imposition of any candidate by the Governors Forum, opting to allow the delegates determine their fate at the December 9 convention.

    As at last night, five of the candidates were ahead in the permutations by party leaders.

    The top contenders are Prince Uche Secondus; Chief Olabode George; Prof. Tunde Adeniran; Prof. Taoheed Adedoja and Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

    Sources at the Sunday  meeting, which ended about  midnight, said PDP governors interviewed the candidates on their vision and perspectives on the convention.

    A source described it as “a grilling and exhaustive session”.

    The source said: “The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Mr. Ayo Fayose, presided over the session and coordinated the grilling. Each of the candidates was given 10 minutes to address all the PDP governors on their vision for the party and perspectives on the national convention.

    “The candidates were all allowed to be in the hall to listen to each other’s presentation. The process was fair and transparent. Nobody was screened but all candidates were asked to respond to questions from the governors and party leaders, including the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of PDP, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi.

    “But at the end of the day, the candidates rejected proposals for either a consensus candidate or a candidate picked by the governors.”

    Another source at the session said the PDP Governors Forum appreciated the magnitude of the election at the national convention.

    The source added: “What the governors thought was an easy ride to impose a candidate wasn’t the case at all. All the candidates came prepared and were ready for the battle ahead.

    “The governors had no choice but to tread softly and allow the process to run its course. If they are backing any candidate, it was obvious they have to do more work.”

    Asked what the session achieved, a governor, who spoke with our correspondent last night, listed the following:

    • bringing all the candidates together to forge unity and douse tension;
    • knowing the mindset of the candidates who all opted to contest and allow the delegates to determine their fate;
    • no imposition of a candidate;
    • reduced the contest for the chairmanship to Southsouth and Southwest affairs. The Southeast prefers the Vice President’s slot;
    • extraction of commitment from the candidates that the convention will not be tense
    • unwritten agreement by all the candidates that whoever becomes the national chairman will be accepted by all without recourse to litigations; and
    • leaving the race open to all

    The governor added: “It is now left to all candidates to sell their programmes to delegates in order to win votes. We have to choose the next chairman on merit.

    “It is also becoming apparent that PDP governors may eventually go their separate ways. The probability of endorsing a common candidate by the governors is now slimmer.”

    A candidate at the session, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, said: “I am happy with the outcome of the session in Enugu because it gave much confidence to all of us that the process will be fair.

    “But I want the party to put the Southwest into consideration for the office of national chairman. In 2018, Governor Ayo Fayose will complete his tenure and PDP may or may not have a governor in the Southwest. The Southwest will now be porous and open to any party.”

    Adeniran was waxing stronger among Northern candidates.

    A member of the Board of Trustees said:  “Most founding leaders of PDP and BOT members from the North have opted for Adeniran.

    “Some of these governors, who insulted us at the Caucus meeting will know that we founded the party and know its secrets of survival,” the BoT member said, pleading not to be named.

    Governors at the meeting were, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu; Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia; Darius Ishaku, Taraba; Ibrahim Dankwambo, Gombe.

    Others were Emmanuel Udom, Akwa-Ibom; Ben Ayade,Cross River; ifeanyi Okowa, Delta; Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa; Nyesom Wike, River, while Ebonyi was represented by the deputy governor.

    NAN reports that of the eight chairmanship aspirants, South-west had six, while South-South had two.

    They are: Bode George, Jimi Agbaje, Taoheed Adedoja, Tunde Adeniran, Rasheed Ladoja, Gbenga Daniel, Raymond Dokpesi and Uche Secondus.

    NAN also reports that former governors at the meeting were Gabriel Suswam of Benue and Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom.

    The meeting was also attended by former External Affairs Minister, Tom Ikimi, Kema Chikwe, former Senate President Adolpus Wabara, and incumbent Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu

     

  • Gombe citizens tackle Goje for embarrassing Buhari’s family

    Gombe citizens tackle Goje for embarrassing Buhari’s family

    The Concerned Citizen of Gombe have apologised to the wife of the President and her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari over the embarrassment she encountered during her condolence visit to Gombe state.

    The President’s wife, Aisha Buhari had on Wednesday visited Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje over the demise of his wife Yelwa who passed on in the United States on November 9, 2017.

    Senator Goje at the occasion claimed on the contrary that since he was sworn in as Governor in 2011, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has never visited him despite deaths and other calamities that had befallen his family, even though his late wife was instrumental to the governor’s candidature.

    The Concerned Citizens said it was not the first time Goje is embarrassing the president’s family, recalling that while a CPC Presidential candidate in 2006, Goje who was then governing Gombe state on PDP platform prevented Buhari from landing at Gombe Airport by blocking the runway of under the guise of maintenance work.

    “Secondly, he (Goje) ordered the complete sealing of Pantami Stadium and spread the vicinity with latrite to prevent vehicular movements around the stadium on the scheduled day of Buhari’s campaign team arrival.

    “Thirdly, on the day Buhari was to arrive Gombe for his campaign tour, some hired thugs were positioned directly opposite the PDP Presidential campaign office along Bauchi road to stone the office immediately Buhari’s convoy arrived to portray that the office was vandalised by Buhari supporters.

    “This made Buhari believe that the destruction of PDP campaign office was caused by his supporters and he tendered an apology,” the Concerned Citizens recalled through their spokesman, AIG Abdulmumini Abubakar (rtd).

    While speaking of how Goje ended up marrying the wife of his benefactor, late Ibrahim Hassan, the group also recalled how the Senator denied Abubakar Atku the use of Gombe airport during his 2007 presidential campaign tour, despite the former Vice President’s contribution to his becoming the governor of Gombe sate in 2003.

    The Group described the acclaimed late Yelwa Goje’s approval Dankwambo’s candidate during the preparations for 2011 election as distasteful, questioning how and positing that Gombe has some explaining to do.

    The AIG Abdulmumini (rtd) led group commended Governor Dankwambo’s handling of the matter and explained that they found it expedient to react in order not to allow silence give credence to the false claims.

  • PDP chairman: Governors battle ex-governors, others

    PDP chairman: Governors battle ex-governors, others

    PDP chairman: Governors battle ex-governors, others

    Secondus gains more support

    The battle for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman continued at the weekend with governors insisting on their  right to back a candidate.

    They said they might unveil their candidate before the December 9 convention.

    The governors, who have been criticised by some former governors for plotting to impose a candidate on the party, however, said their backing for a candidate would be without prejudice to other aspirants.

    They would like the party to allow the delegates to vote and determine who should lead them.

    They faulted the position of some former governors, members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), members of the National Caucus and ex-ministers who wanted behind-the-scene deals for some candidates.

    But there were indications that a former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, may be the favourite candidate.

    The governors, sources said, joined issues with a former National Chairman of the party, Sen. Ahmadu Ali, a BOT leader, Prof. Jerry Gana, ex-Deputy President of the Senate Ibrahim Mantu and other leaders at the Caucus meeting of the party in Abuja.

    The foundation leaders warned the governors against impunity and taking sides in order to get the best for the party.

    But some of the governors challenged some of the BOT leaders, ex-governors and Caucus members that they brought impunity into the party which made it to lose the 2015 election.

    A source at the session said: “The governors were unhappy that the body language of the elders was tilting towards a consensus for Prof. Tunde Adeniran from the South-West.

    “They warned the leaders against ‘working to the answer’, as the case in the past. They also vowed to resist any plot to impose a candidate.”

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose was said to have been more forthcoming at the session.

    He was quoted as saying: “The governors have the right to support a candidate as party members/ leaders but all candidates should go for the election and the delegates will vote.”

    In a tactical reference to Adeniran’s candidacy, Fayose reportedly said the governors could not stick out their necks for a candidate whose ward did not even know he is contesting for national chairman.

    The source added: “A former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, also advised the session to allow the delegates to elect a new chairman for the party.”

    The governors later asked aggrieved ex-governors, BOT and caucus members to also choose their own candidates for the election at the National Convention.

    A BOT member, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “Our fears border on the fact that we may have a highly monetised national convention. These governors have London-Paris Club refund to throw at delegates to impose a candidate on PDP. We simply advise them to allow a free process instead of being parties to the contest.

    “We also have the choice either to remain in the party or quit if they have their way. The governors are not after a free and fair process, they want to hijack the party ahead of 2019 presidential race.”

    Another source said the PDP governors may back Secondus.

    A governor, who spoke with our correspondent last night, said Secondus enjoyed the support of most of his colleagues from the Southsouth, Southeast and some leaders from the Southwest.

    Secondus and other candidates may battle for the votes of Northern delegates.

    The governor said: “Most of the governors, especially those from the Southsouth and the Southeast, are trying to build consensus around Secondus who is experienced in party management.

    “We do not have time on our side as a party to put in place a national chairman who will learn on the job.

    “But we agreed that we will not impose Secondus, he has to vie for the office with other candidates. We want the delegates from all the 36 states and the FCT to elect our new chairman.

    “If at the end of the day our choice of Secondus is wrong, the delegates will decide.”