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Tag: PDP

  • PDP asks court to sack four Osun lawmakers over defection

    PDP asks court to sack four Osun lawmakers over defection

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the removal of four lawmakers representing Osun State in the National Assembly for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The PDP made the application in four separate suits, dated August 20 and filed by its counsel, Rapheal Oyewole.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmakers include two senators and two members of the House of Representatives.

    They are: Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District; Senator Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi (Osun Central); Omirin Olusanya, representing Atakumosa East/West and Ilesa East/West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Taofeek Ajilesoro, representing Ife Central/East/North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

    The plaintiff had, in the originating summons, sued Fadahunsi, Fadeyi, Olusanya, and Ajilesoro as the first defendants in each of the cases.

    While the Senate President is sued as the second defendant in the suit against the senators, the House of Representatives Speaker is named the second defendant in the matter against the two House members.

    The National Assembly, its Clerk, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are listed as third to fifth defendants in the suits.

    The PDP, which sought six questions for determination, asked if by virtue of Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution 1999 (as amended), a senator or House member, like the lawmakers, are not liable to forfeit their legislative seats after resigning the membership of the plaintiff political party on whose platform they were elected, before the end of the term for which they were elected, devoid of any division, merger and/or faction in the plaintiff political party.

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    The party prayed the court to declare that the continued occupation of the legislative seats by the four lawmakers, after defecting from the party on whose platform they were elected, without satisfying the express provision under Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, constitutes a breach of the constitution and renders their seats vacant by operation of law.

    It also prayed the court to make an order of mandamus compelling Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to, forthwith, declare their seats vacant accordingly.

    The PDP urged the court to direct Akpabio, Abbas, and the INEC to discharge their constitutional duties, as provided by the law, by declaring the seats vacant and initiating processes for the conduct of by-elections into the vacant seats in the senatorial districts and constituencies.

    The party sought an order directing the Clerk of the National Assembly (NASS) to withdraw all entitlements and stop payments of salaries, allowances, including benefits to Fadahunsi, Fadeyi, Olusanya, and Ajilesoro.

    It equally sought an order directing the embattled lawmakers to refund all salaries, emoluments, benefits and allowances received from the date of their resignation from PDP to the date of judgment, having unlawfully retained a legislative seat in violation of Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The PDP said the court decision would be in strict compliance with Section 68(1)(g) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, the suits are yet to be assigned to a judge.

    It would be recalled that the Osun State PDP chapter had, recently, dragged Rep Oluwole Oke, the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of the state, before Justice Emeka Nwite over his defection to the APC.

    The state’s party had continued to activate the provisions of the constitution as contained in Section 68(1)(g), which borders on defection of legislators during the term for which they were elected.  

  • PDP declares readiness for Ibadan convention

    PDP declares readiness for Ibadan convention

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday confirmed that preparations are in full gear for its national convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Speaking at Wadata Plaza, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, announced that the National Convention Organising Committee, chaired by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, had been inaugurated and was already engaging in consultations, with several subcommittees commencing work.

    Ologunagba explained that the subcommittees, drawn from every state chapter and organ of the party, were being set up to ensure inclusiveness and a “bottom-up approach” to strengthen PDP’s nationwide success.

    “The PDP is very ready for Ibadan, as this will showcase our capacity to defend democracy and prove once again that we are truly the people’s party,” he stated.

    He also dismissed speculations of a parallel convention as “baseless” and “hallucinatory,” stressing that the party was strictly following its constitution in constant consultation with INEC.

    “This train has moved on… we’re already in Ibadan as I speak,” he quipped, noting that the Local Organising and Venue Committees were already at work even before the formal subcommittees were named.

    He insisted that the convention would unify the party and make a strong national statement of resilience.

    The PDP spokesman also used the briefing to aim the ruling APC over recent bye-elections, accusing the party of weaponising security agencies against PDP members in Kaduna and Taraba states.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Anenih’s son resigns from PDP

    He argued that APC’s manipulation of electoral processes was unsustainable ahead of the 2027 general elections.

     “Nigerians are wiser now; what will be on the ballot is hunger, insecurity, and uncertainty – things no money can buy,” he said.

    Citing rising kidnappings, including that of a PDP chairman in his home village, Ologunagba contrasted what he called the APC’s “pyramid of lies” under Buhari’s agriculture programme with the PDP’s record of prosperity and innovation.

     “When PDP was in government, farmers used mobile phones to access fertilizer; under APC, Nigerians are forced to buy hunger; in 2027, the people will speak with one voice,” he added.

  • JUST IN: Anenih’s son resigns from PDP

    JUST IN: Anenih’s son resigns from PDP

    Ose Anenih, son of the late Chief Anthony Anenih, one of the founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has formally resigned his membership of the party.

    In a letter dated August 18, 2025, and addressed to the Ward Chairman of the PDP in Arue Ward 3, Uromi, Edo State, Anenih explained that his decision followed a period of reflection and was driven by a need to step back from partisan politics.

    “This decision was not made lightly,” he wrote. “From the very beginning, I have stood with the PDP through its triumphs and its trials, bound by a belief in the promise of Nigerian democracy and in the ideals that first drew me to the Umbrella.”

    Read Also: Ibadan North Bye-Election: Aborisade hails PDP’s victory, congratulates Oyekunle

    He described his time in the PDP as one of enduring friendships, valuable lessons, and service that shaped both his politics and his person. However, he said the time had come to prioritize family and other responsibilities.

    “At this point in my life, I must step back from the arena of partisan politics. My duty now lies first with my family and with other responsibilities that demand my full attention,” Anenih stated.

    Although leaving the party, Anenih reaffirmed his continued commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development. “My commitment to Nigeria’s progress remains unshaken. I will continue to contribute to intellectual and civic conversations that seek to improve governance and, above all, the lives of the governed.”

    The late Chief Tony Anenih, often referred to as “Mr. Fix It,” was a towering figure in Nigerian politics and one of the architects of the PDP’s rise to national dominance in 1999. 

    His son’s resignation comes at a time when the PDP is experiencing a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and, more recently, to the newly formed coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC). 

    By choosing to step away from partisan politics altogether, Anenih’s exit adds to the pressure on the PDP as it struggles to retain its relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Fintiri to head 110-man PDP National Convention Planning Committee

    Fintiri to head 110-man PDP National Convention Planning Committee

    Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is to  lead a 110-man   National Convention Organizing Comiittee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party announced yesterday.

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke is the Deputy Chairman.

    The announcement is coming after  former Vice President  Atiku Abubakar forces broke awa y  from the party to pitch its tent with the  African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    At its last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the party announced the timetable for the convention.

    In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated that the committee is mandated to coordinate the  event.

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    The committee, which comprises  prominent PDP personalities also has a former Minister, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki  as Deputy Chairman.

     Enugu State Governor  Peter Mbah is its Secretary.

    Other members of the committee include the Chairman of PDP’s Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Acting PDP national  chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyawu.

    Others include former Vice President  Namadi Sambo,  Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde  and Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri .

    The list also includes the Secretary of PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Governors  Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara,  Governors  Kefas Agbu (Taraba) ; Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); former Senate President,  Bukola Saraki and  former Governor of Niger State, Aliyu Babangida.

    “Sequel to the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to hold the 2025 elective national convention of our party on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the following party members have been appointed as members of the 2025 National Convention Organizing Committee (Main Committee)”  Ologunagba stated in the statement in Abuja .

    Last week, the party inaugurated a zoning committee to allocate  National Working Committee (NWC) positions to various geopolitical zones, and present its report for the approval of the  National Executive Committee.

  • PDP demands cancellation of by-election for Okura constituency in Kogi

    PDP demands cancellation of by-election for Okura constituency in Kogi

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State Chapter has rejected the result of Saturday’s by-election for Okura constituency into Kogi State.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission declared the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Hassan Shado, winner of the election.

    Announcing the results at the Egume Collation Centre on Saturday, the Returning Officer, Professor Emmanuel Onome, disclosed that the APC candidate polled a total of 55,073 votes, while the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement scored 1,038 and 445 votes respectively.

    However, Chairman, PDP Kogi State, Enemona Anyebe in a statement on Monday in Abuja, called for the immediate “cancellation of this fraudulent exercise.”

    The party urged INEC to conduct a fresh, credible, free, and fair election in strict compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

    The Kogi PDP said that no election took place in over 98% of the polling units across Okura Constituency.

    It alleged that in the early hours of Election Day, “the All Progressives Congress (APC) government officials, aided by security personnel and armed thugs, hijacked electoral materials in the company of INEC officials and moved them to unknown destinations.”

    According to the party, “this criminal act completely disenfranchised the good people of Okura Constituency.”

    It noted that its candidate, Hon. Meliga Godwin, confronted INEC officials in the field and was told that the Commission “had no security of its own” to address the situation.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Edo PDP pioneer chairman dies

    The statement reads, “In addition, when our candidate personally called the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), the REC admitted that he was aware of the incident, stated that he had contacted the Commissioner of Police, and assured that the matter would be resolved. Shockingly, despite this open admission of irregularities, INEC still went ahead to announce fraudulent results.

    “As a responsible political party, we deliberately exercised restraint in the face of provocation, not out of weakness or lack of capacity, but because we believe that no citizen’s blood should be shed for the sake of an election. However, democracy cannot survive where the people are denied their right to vote and electoral robbery is endorsed by the very institution entrusted to safeguard the process.

    “We therefore call on the INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the entire Commission to urgently intervene, cancel this charade, and restore the confidence of the people in our electoral system.

    “The PDP and the people of Okura Constituency will continue to pursue this matter peacefully and lawfully until justice is served.”

  • 2026: Osun PDP urges residents to draw inspiration from Oyo by-election victory

    2026: Osun PDP urges residents to draw inspiration from Oyo by-election victory

    The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on residents of the state to take inspiration from the party’s recent victory in Oyo State as preparations for the 2026 governorship election gather momentum.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Osun PDP chairman, Sunday Bisi, congratulated the Oyo State chapter for its success in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, where the PDP candidate, Folajimi Oyekunle, secured 18,404 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Adewale Olatunji, who polled 8,312 votes.

    Bisi praised the electorate in Ibadan North for once again affirming that true power resides with the people in a constitutional democracy. He urged Osun residents to emulate the spirit of participation and commitment to democratic values demonstrated in Oyo State.

    Read Also: PDP wins Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye election

    He said, “The victory is a further indication of the deep-seated resentment against the APC, whose only hope has consistently been the deployment of a pyrrhic federal might, plotting to unleash violence on the same people they seek to represent.

    Bisi urged Oyekunle to justify the trust reposed in him by standing firmly with the people, especially in a constituency that was hitherto not considered a stronghold of the PDP.

    “The party equally saluted the leader of the PDP in Oyo State, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for his exemplary leadership and outstanding performance which have cemented the strong bond between the people of Oyo State and our great party, the PDP.

    “I urge the people of Osun to draw inspiration from the victory of their next-door neighbours, that no rigging machinations of few failed politicians can prevail over the collective resolve of the electorate to stand with a Governor who has kept faith with his promises to the people.

    “The party reaffirmed its assurance to the people of Osun State that Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke will continue to pursue people-oriented policies, as to him, governance is about honouring the trust and mandate freely given by the people.”

  • PDP wins Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye election

    PDP wins Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye election

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election, Folajinmi Oyekunle popularly called the Don has won the election.

    He was declared the winner  by the Returning Officer,  Prof Abiodun Oluwadare of the Department of Renewable and Natural Resources, University of Ibadan, after polling a total of 18,404 votes

    His closest rival, Olawale Olatunji also known as Murphy of the All Progressive Congress (APC) scored 8,312 votes

    Thr Returning Officer (R.O) was accompanied at the announcement by the Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr Adeniran Rahmon Tella. 

    The Collation Officer (CO) for the bye-election was Dr Olusegun Peter Oke, of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan. 

    Read Also: APC, PDP call for cancellation of Kano by-elections

    The made the declaration at about 12:30AM in the presence of party agents, security operatives among other stakeholders.

    The bye-election took place in 12 Wards and 521 polling units.

    Oyekunle won majority of the Wards.

    The Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government, Hon Oluwaseun Olufade who was the PDP agent received the copy of the result on behalf of the party.

    Other contestants including Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu of the ADC scored 256 votes while candidates of the APGA, SDP and ZLP scored 40, 88 and 18 votes respectively. 

    Low voters turnout and heavy security presence trailed the conduct of the bye-election. It was necessitated by the sudden dealth of Prince Olaide Aderemi popularly known as Jagaban who died on July 10, 2024, and made the seat vacant.

    The late APC lawmaker was 51 years old at the time of his death, which occurred after a brief illness. 

    Although, seven political parties conducted primaries which was mo stored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oyo state, only five candidates were cleared to contest the seat which was made vacant by the sudden demise of Prince Olaide Aderemi (popularly called Jagaban) on July 10, 2024.

    The contestants for the Bye-election were Akin-Alamu Dexter Femi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olatunji Haastrup Adewale of the All Progressive Congress (APC), popularly called Murphy, Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Oyekunle Folajimi of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also known as the Don and Hammed Badmus of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

  • APC, PDP call for cancellation of Kano by-elections

    APC, PDP call for cancellation of Kano by-elections

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have asked the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to cancel the by-election for Bagwai/Shanono Constituency and the rerun for Ghari/Tsanyawa Constituency in Kano State held on Saturday.

    The APC and PDP, who are the strongest opposition parties in the state, in separate statements, gave “widespread violence and disruption of the process” as reasons the polls should be canceled.

    Kano Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, on Saturday confirmed the arrest of 288 thugs with dangerous weapons for various electoral offenses, including violence.

    APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the elections were marred by “extreme violence and disruption by armed thugs across several polling units” in the affected areas.

    “Verifiable reports from Shanono and Bagwai Local Government Areas and Ghari constituency have voters fleeing polling areas, with deployed security personnel overwhelmed by the violence, making the prospects of a credible election impossible,” he said.

    Read Also: By-elections: Police warn against violence in Kaduna

    Kano PDP Chairman, Yusuf Ado Kibiya, said the umbrella party was alarmed by reports of intimidation, thuggery and other actions that undermine the democratic process.

    “The use of violence or threat of violence to influence voters and candidates, and the outcome of the election are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

    “Such conducts, not only endangers lives, but destroys public trust in our democratic institutions.

    “Let it be known that a free and fair election is the foundation of representative democracy. We urge all authorities to act decisively to safeguard that principle and to ensure the will of the people is reflected, without fear or favour,” Kibiya said.

    The APC argued that allowing the exercise to continue would amount to endorsing electoral violence and undermining the integrity of the democratic process.

    “Proceeding with the Shanono/Bagwai Kano State Constituency bye-election and Ghari rerun election in the atmosphere of utter brigandage and outright violent voter intimidation will be against democratic dictates of free, fair and peaceful election, and set a dangerous precedent for undesirable and unacceptable electoral heist,” Morka said stated.

    He urged the electoral body to “immediately cancel” the bye-election and rerun “to protect the sanctity of the ballot” and safeguard the country’s democracy.

    In his statement, Kibiya said: “We, the PDP in Kano State, express deep concern over the conduct surrounding the bye-election for the Shanono/Bagwai State Assembly Seat.

    “The death of the former representative last year has already placed a heavy burden on our constituents, who deserve a transparent, peaceful, and credible process.

    “We reject the behavior observed from some quarters, which we believe is aimed at bending the electoral process to the advantage of particular interests.

    “We call on the Independence National Electoral Commission to ensure a level playing field for all 10 party candidates, including the PDP, with strict enforcement of the electoral rules and timely provision of necessary materials and security for voters.

    “Law Enforcement and Security Agencies should uphold the right to peaceful assembly, protect voters, and decisively deter any form of intimidation, violence, or vote- buying.

    “The Kano State Government and national leaders should refrain from inflammatory statements and actions that escalate tensions and to demonstrate commitment to a transparent, credible and peaceful electoral process.

    “The authorities should investigate reported violation of electoral laws and sanction offenders in accordance with the law.

    “Civil society, media and election observers should continue to monitor the process, report anomalies, and provide independent assessments to reinforce accountability.”

  • Tension as Adamawa PDP, APC battle for Ganye Assembly by-election victory

    Tension as Adamawa PDP, APC battle for Ganye Assembly by-election victory

    Uneasy calm reigned in Ganye, Adamawa State Saturday morning through afternoon as people of the Ganye constituency voted to elect a new representative for the state House of Assembly.

    The Ganye constituency seat became vacant in May last year upon the death of the state lawmaker representing the constituency, Abdulmalik Jauro.

    The late lawmaker was a member of the APC and the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Assembly.

    The APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which are the only two parties presenting candidates for the by-election and are strong in the constituency and desperate to win the election and prove their superiority.

    While the PDP is claiming that Ganye is its stronghold, the APC is countering the claim with assertion that they proved their superiority in 2023 when they got the late Abdulmalik Jauro elected into the state House of Assembly.

    Adamawa PDP Chairman, Ahmed Shehu, asserted to newsmen at a polling centre in Ganye Saturday, that Ganye is a PDP stronghold.

    Read Also: By-election: PDP’s Kallamu wins Mayo-Belwa constituency in Adamawa

    According to Ahmed Shehu, APC, realising the superiority of the PDP in Ganye, has been distributing commodities and cash to the electorate in a desperate vote buying spree.

    “We have told our people to accept whatever APC is giving them but to make the right choice,” the PDP chairman said. 

    A stalwart of the APC and ardent supporter of President Ahmed Tinubu, Dahiru Hammandikko who is in Ganye as a member of a national APC committee monitoring the Ganye by-election, said allegation of vote buying is baseless.

    “We hear of such thing all the time but in this by-election it is certainly baseless,” Hammandikko said, asserting that the APC will win the Ganye by-election in a free and fair manner.

  • Remo by-election: Police nab PDP chieftains, INEC officials with huge cash

    Remo by-election: Police nab PDP chieftains, INEC officials with huge cash

    Police operatives arrested two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two staffers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Iperu Remo, with huge sums of cash allegedly meant for rigging the by-election into the Remo Federal Constituency House of Representatives.

    The suspects, arrested  in the early hours of Saturday, were reported to have provided very useful information to the police regarding their respective roles in the grand plan to bribe election officials and rig the House of Representatives by-election.

    Read Also: By-elections: All eyes on Okpebholo, Soludo, Uba Sani, Makinde

    In a video recording, police could be seen interrogating the suspects comprising four males and a female.

    The INEC staffers, a man who identified himself simply as Constance and a woman who identified herself as Amina, claimed to have been sent by their supervisor to collect the money from a certain PDP politician in the area.