The Nation Newspaper

Tag: PDP

  • Seized N30m for party agents, not vote buying, says Kaduna PDP

    Seized N30m for party agents, not vote buying, says Kaduna PDP

    The Kaduna chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defended its member, Shehu Aliyu Pantagi, arrested by security operatives with N30 million cash, insisting the money was meant strictly for election logistics and party agents, and not vote buying.

    Addressing reporters in Kaduna on Saturday, Kaduna PDP chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the allegation of vote buying as “false, malicious, and politically motivated.,” maintaining that the seized funds were intended to facilitate the work of PDP agents and officials during the by-elections across the state.

    According to him, every party mobilises agents, supervisors and collation officers during elections, and such structures require funding. 

    He noted that with over 5,000 PDP agents deployed across the constituencies, the seized N30m amounted to little more than stipends for their welfare.

    According to him: “Let me make it clear: that money was for election logistics. We have 169 wards, and if you multiply the number of agents, supervisors, and collation officers by their allowances, you will arrive at well over N30m. That is the reality. To now turn around and say it was for vote buying is mischievous and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians.”

    Masha lamented the party has been the target of harassment by security agencies working, in his words, “at the behest of the Kaduna State government.” 

    He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of weaponising state institutions to intimidate the opposition.

    He recalled that only a day earlier, security operatives raided the campaign council office of the PDP candidate for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and whisked away several party officials, including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and over 18 others.

    The PDP boss said the spate of arrests and seizures showed desperation on the part of the APC, which, according to him, is jittery about losing the by-elections. He stressed that no amount of intimidation would deter the PDP from participating fully in the polls.

    “If the APC is confident of its performance, it should go to the field and let the people decide. Resorting to Gestapo tactics and propaganda only shows they are scared of defeat,” he declared.

    Read Also: Christmas: Former Kaduna PDP guber candidate felicitates with Christians

    Masha urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional, warning that compromising their role could endanger the integrity of the electoral process and peace in Kaduna State.

    He also appealed to PDP supporters to remain calm and resolute, assuring them that the party will pursue justice through all legal and constitutional means.

    “We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. Our responsibility is to ensure that democracy thrives in Kaduna State. We call on our members and supporters to stay strong, vote their conscience, and reject every attempt to manipulate the process,” he added.

    The PDP chairman further called on civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to beam their searchlight on Kaduna’s by-elections, warning that democracy in the state was “under serious threat.”

  • JUST IN: Voters beat PDP agent in Edo

    JUST IN: Voters beat PDP agent in Edo

    An agent of the Peoples Democratic Party was beaten and manhandled at Ozolua Model Primary School, Iguobazuwa East Ward, headquarters of Ovia South West local government area.

    The name of the agent was yet to be ascertained.

    The voters said the agent refused to release their Permanent Voter Cards.

    It was intervention of the police that saved the agent.

    Voters turned out to vote at various Wards in Iguobazuwa.

    Materials arrived as early as 7am.

  • PDP alleges abduction of House of Reps candidate, 25 supporters in Kaduna

    PDP alleges abduction of House of Reps candidate, 25 supporters in Kaduna

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has accused security operatives of abducting its House of Representatives candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki,  with 25 supporters.

    In a statement on Saturday by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP alleged that the operation was carried out by “Operation Fushin Kada” — a joint security network under the Kaduna State Government.

    The opposition party claimed the operatives stormed City Den Hotel in Malali, broke into a room in search of the PDP Campaign Council Chairman, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero, and, when they could not find him, whisked away Dawaki and others.

    The party described the alleged action as “a brazen act of harassment, intimidation and insanity” purportedly orchestrated by Governor Uba Sani and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its candidate and supporters.

    The PDP further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the DSS, the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff to intervene, accusing security forces of being used to suppress the opposition ahead of the polls.

    It urged civil society groups and “all lovers of democracy” to rise against what it termed an assault on democracy and the constitution in Kaduna State. “For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP will not be intimidated or silenced,” the party said, vowing to resist any attempt to tamper with the electoral process.

    According to the statement, the ruling APC’s alleged resort to show of force “signals desperation and fear of defeat.” 

    The PDP assured its members and supporters that it would continue to provide updates on the situation, while restating its commitment to stand firm in defence of democratic rights and freedoms in the state.

  • BREAKING: DSS arrests PDP agent with N30m cash for alleged vote-buying in Kaduna

    BREAKING: DSS arrests PDP agent with N30m cash for alleged vote-buying in Kaduna

    The Department of State Services (DSS) and Police have arrested a suspected People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Shehu Fantagi, with about N30 million allegedly earmarked for vote-buying ahead of today’s by-elections in Kaduna State.

    Fatangi was picked up on Friday evening at a hotel in the Kaduna metropolis, where he was said to be coordinating the distribution of the funds meant to influence voters in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election.

    Reliable security sources confirmed that the suspect was caught in possession of cash running into tens of millions, allegedly intended to compromise the integrity of the polls.

    The Kaduna State Police Command also confirmed the arrest. 

    Its spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement on Saturday said: “In a sustained and collaborative effort by security agencies to ensure that the forthcoming by-elections in Kaduna State are conducted peacefully and without interference from criminal elements, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully apprehended vote buyer in Kaduna.”

    Read Also: PDP former national secretary, Onyeabo dies at 80

    According to him: “At about 0330hrs of today, arrested one Shehu Aliyu Patangi at a popular hotel located along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis and recovered a total cash sum of Twenty-Five Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Three Thousand Naira (₦25,963,000) from the suspects, believed to be earmarked for the purpose of inducing voters to compromise the electoral process.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had planned to use the said amount to bribe eligible voters. On interrogation the suspect confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP RABIU MUHAMMAD psc, mni, expresses appreciation to the  other sister agencies for the synergy and swift collaborative action. He warns, in the strongest terms, that anyone, regardless of status, found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law.

    “The Kaduna State Police Command reassures residents of its commitment to providing maximum security before, during and after the elections, and calls on the good people of Kaduna State to go out and exercise their franchise peacefully and lawfully without fear or intimidation.”

  • ‘How PDP can bounce back’

    ‘How PDP can bounce back’

    Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, has called on PDP members and Nigerians, to come together, unite and rescue Nigeria from what he described as, the maladministration of the current APC-led federal government.

    The governor made the statement, when he received the PDP Founding Mothers and women at the Government House, Bauchi State, Northeast Nigeria.

    “It is a fact that women contribute significantly to the Nigerian electoral process, but their contributions are often not well recognised, particularly in the areas of political appointment and elective positions.

    “This is one of the reasons the Peoples Democratic Party Founding Mothers and women, led by former Minister of Women Affairs, Maryam Inna Chiroma, visited Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, to discuss and formally submit their request, for the actualisation of 35% affirmative action for women, as stated in the party’s constitution,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘PDP has nothing to offer in Ibadan North’

     Mohammed stated that the PDP Governors’ Forum is committed to ensuring the proper implementation of 35% affirmative action, for women’s inclusion, in politics and governance.

    He emphasised that women are trusted, reliable, and dependable partners in politics; hence, their contributions would not be forgotten.

    The governor called on party leaders, including those who left the party, to come together, close ranks, and work towards bringing the PDP back to power in 2027, to deliver good governance to the people.

    While assuring the delegation of his continued commitment, to ensuring the success of the PDP, and urged for collective support, the governor alleged that the federal government is not working because the people are complaining, saying that Nigeria now has three budgets on ground in the National Assembly: the 2024 and 2025 budgets, and 2026 is around the corner.

  • 2027: PDP confirms talks with Peter Obi

    2027: PDP confirms talks with Peter Obi

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed it is in active discussions with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while maintaining a strong lineup of potential 2027 presidential contenders from among its governors.

    Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, reaffirmed PDP’s determination to reclaim legislative seats lost through defections and stressed the need for “absolute, 100% loyalty” from members.

    “This party has many very qualified, exceedingly qualified, performing governors that can become president of this country,” Ologunagba said. “So, when you ask me whether Jonathan is contesting, go and ask him, I don’t speak for President Jonathan. We are talking to Obi — ask Obi who is talking to him.”

    He further noted that the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) had mandated the party’s Legal Adviser to take constitutional steps to recover mandates from lawmakers who defected without justification, adding that the party would deal decisively with members campaigning for other political platforms.

    “Membership of the party is voluntary. What we will not take is disloyalty,” Ologunagba stressed, warning that PDP constitution would be invoked against members found to be working for rival political parties.

    On internal disputes and reconciliation, Ologunagba said politics was not a “zero-sum game” and that bitter pills sometimes had to be swallowed for the greater good.

    He noted that the party had adopted a multi-level approach to reconciliation—talking to members through formal party channels, religious spaces, and community platform – while avoiding confrontation.

    Giving a hint that another round of conflict between some party leaders and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike may soon become inevitable, Ologunagba asserted that the party cannot embrace the condition given by Wike that the re-election of Chief Dan Orbih as Chairman of the PDP for the South-South zone must be upheld, adding that instead, party leaders will continue to support the Chief Emmanuel Ogidi-led Caretaker Committee picked for the zone.

    He dismissed suggestions that the PDP would take instructions from any individual or entertain conditions being given by any political figure ahead of its national convention, maintaining that all processes were guided strictly by the party’s constitution.

    “PDP has not, and will not even take condition from anybody and we will follow that constitution anyway; we have a South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee and they’ve been functioning as such.

    “This party is People’s Democratic Party, based on rules and processes that every member is subjected to; with regards to the South-South, in March this year, the tenure of the South-South Zonal Committee expired by effluxion of time and in line with the practices and its constitution, the party’s National Working Committee decided to set up a Zonal Caretaker Committee for the South-South, headed by Elder Emma Ogidi.

    “In line with the processes of the party, we decided to formally inaugurate that committee and that committee has since started work, they’ve been working seamlessly; so there can only be one way to have that process and that process has been followed,” he explained.

    He further maintained that the PDP was “stable, strong, and pushing towards the national convention,” and welcoming back aggrieved members while making it clear that loyalty would be demanded and enforced.

    Explaining further, Ologunagba stated that PDP will not be extreme or dogmatic about following the recommendations of the Tom Ikimi Disciplinary Committee, poiting out that the party is also working on reconciliation and making efforts to fully welcome all those who wish to retrace their steps by returning to the PDP.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Former LP deputy gov candidate Awude dumps Peter Obi, leads scores to join APC in Ondo

    “Look, in politics there’s no zero-sum game, sometimes you swallow bitter pills and then move ahead; we, as a party have resolved in line with our capacity, to take care of challenges because it’s not a zero-sum game; you win some, you lose some and that’s what we’re good at reconciliation.

    “There are multiple conversations going on, there are people you can talk to in PDP, there are people you can talk to in churches, there are people you can talk to in the marketplace; what we have done is to do a multiple approach to reconciliation and we have discussed at different levels and we are determined.

    “That is what the PDP National Executive Committee has demonstrated; we have a process, we have constitution, we are going to obey it, we are going to follow through.

    “We are not confrontational, we are not fighting, we will respect our processes, we will respect our institutions, we will respect our organs, we will follow through, work together in the interest of the party one, in the interest of democracy and in the interest of Nigerians,” Ologunagba stated.

    “If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life, sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”

  • No regional warlord can deliver PDP in 2027, says group

    No regional warlord can deliver PDP in 2027, says group

    The Coordinator of Gbenga Hashim Vanguard North West,  Aminu  Bala Wudilawa, has called on the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to reject blackmail and pressures to hand over the party’s presidential ticket to any regional political warlord under the pretext of zoning or power rotation.

    Aminu said that zoning has done enough damage to Nigeria’s national psychology, noting that democracy is about popular choice, not turn by turn.

     In a firm message to the leadership of the party, in a statement by Mallam Bala Aminu, he emphasised that only a candidate with genuine national appeal and orientation, capable of winning significant votes in both the North and South can deliver victory to the PDP in 2027.

     “Any candidate that cannot win an open, competitive primary by building national consensus has no chance of winning the general election,” he said.

    Read Also: EFCC holds ex-Governor Tambuwal over suspicious N189b cash withdrawals

    Aminu described Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the ideal candidate who embodies the values, competence, and character required to lead Nigeria at this critical juncture.

    “Liberal and patriotic forces in the North are rallying around Gbenga Hashim not because of political sentiment, but because of his broad national appeal, integrity, and long standing commitment to democracy and unity,” he said. “He is a candidate both the North and South can trust.”

    Highlighting Gbenga Hashim’s track record, Aminu noted that in the past eight years, no aspirant across PDP or APC has demonstrated deeper insight into national security and economic reform than Dr. Hashim.

    He also dismissed the often repeated claim that the PDP presidential ticket in 1999 was zoned to the South, clarifying that General Olusegun Obasanjo emerged not by zoning, but by his strong reputation for national unity following military rule.

    “Opportunistic politicians often distort history, but the truth is that Obasanjo was chosen in 1999 because of his commitment to the unity of Nigeria. Today, we see that same spirit in Gbenga Hashim.”

    As the political terrain shifts toward 2027, the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard has reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing support nationwide for a pan-Nigerian presidential agenda, one that prioritizes unity, development, and democratic values above ethnic or regional calculation.

  • Edo APC dismisses PDP’s ₦3.5bn travel spending allegation against Okpebholo

    Edo APC dismisses PDP’s ₦3.5bn travel spending allegation against Okpebholo

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has called on residents to disregard claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Monday Okpebholo spent ₦3.5 billion on travels in the last eight months.

    State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, in a statement issued in Benin City, described the allegation as baseless and a reflection of the PDP’s lack of understanding of key economic realities. 

    He accused the party of making desperate attempts to defend what he termed an “unprecedented raid” on the state by former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Tenebe said Governor Okpebholo has shown financial discipline since assuming office on November 12, 2024, stressing that it was “pure hallucination” for the PDP to allege wasteful travel expenses when the governor has not embarked on any foreign trip since taking office.

    Read Also: Okpebholo to restructure Edo APC

    “Our party, the APC, wishes to place on recored that Senator Okpebholo is a grassroots leader who is interested in finding home grown solutions to reposition the various sectors for measurable growth in the shortest possible time. 

    “We therefore call on Edo State people and friends of the state to ignore the PDP and their fugitive leader that is presently on the run. 

    “The APC government in Edo State is only interested in all round development of the 18 local government areas in line with global best practices. Governor Okpebholo will not continue in the habit of siphoning the state’s resources through fictitious globe trotting as was witnessed in the last PDP administration.”

  • ‘PDP has nothing to offer in Ibadan North’

    ‘PDP has nothing to offer in Ibadan North’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in Saturday’s by-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency have nothing to offer the electorate.

    It urged people to vote for the APC candidate, Adewale Olatunji.

    The party said there was need for people in the federal constituency to vote for the APC candidate to consolidate the good work President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was doing across the country.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the launch of campaign for the party’s candidate, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, described the by-election as strategic and important, urging the electorate across the federal constituency to come out en masse and vote for APC candidate.

    He said people should look beyond the by-election and vote for APC to appreciate the good work President Tinubu was doing across the country.

    Read Also: Ibadan North Bye-Election: PDP has nothing to offer, says APC

    He said: “This election is not just about Olatunji, it is about Tinubu and the Yoruba. Let us all vote for continuity of the good work the late Akinremi has started. Let’s vote for the APC candidate to uphold Akinremi’s unprecedented strides. APC owns Ibadan North, APC owns Oyo State and Nigeria at large. Don’t fight PDP, speak with your votes.”

    Adelabu said APC in Oyo State is now more united than before, urging the electorate across the federal constituency to show PDP that Oyo State belongs to the progressives.

    APC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Olayide Abass, said the party’s candidate would win in the forthcoming election with support of the electorate across the federal constituency.

    The Director General of the Campaign Council, Akin Alabi, urged voters across the federal constituency not to allow PDP to deceive them. He said they should vote for the APC candidate in Saturday’s by-election.

  • Ibadan North Bye-Election: PDP has nothing to offer, says APC

    Ibadan North Bye-Election: PDP has nothing to offer, says APC

    Ahead of the August 16 Bye-Election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State has flagged-off campaign for its candidate, Adewale Olatunji, popularly known as ‘Murphy’, alleging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nothing to offer them.

    The party said voting for its candidate will consolidate what it described as the good works of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    The event, held at the popular Bodija International Market, attracted Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; a lawmaker, who is also son of late Alaafin of Oyo, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi; brother to late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Wasiu Ajimobi and former ALGON chairman in Oyo state, Hon. Abass Aleshinloye among others.

    The seat became vacant following the death of Hon. Olaide Akinremi ‘Jagaban’, a member of the party. 

    Adelabu described the Bye-Election as strategic and important, urging electorates across the federal constituency to come out en mass and vote for APC candidate in the Saturday’s election.

    Read Also: ADC is a rootless split, no threat to APC in 2027 — Gov Sule

    He said: “This election is not just about Murphy, it is about Tinubu and the Yoruba’s, let us all vote for continuity of the good work late Akinremi has done, let vote for APC candidate to uphold Akinremi’s unprecedented strides.

    “APC owned Ibadan North, APC owned Oyo State and Nigeria at large, don’t fight PDP, speak with your votes.”

    Adelabu said APC in the state is more united ever than before, urging all the electorates across the federal constituency to show PDP that Oyo State belong to the progressives.

    Oyo APC chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass said candidate of the party will win with support of electorates across the federal constituency.

    Exif_JPEG_420