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Tag: PDP

  • JUST IN: PDP sacks Diri-backed Bayelsa SWC

    JUST IN: PDP sacks Diri-backed Bayelsa SWC

    The crisis rocking the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has led to the sacking of the Solomon Agwanana-led State Working Committee by the Southsouth Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) of the party.

    The Southsouth ZWC immediately appointed the zonal Secretary, George Turnah, as a caretaker committee chairman to oversee the affairs of the party in Bayelsa.

    The decision was taken by the zonal leadership after its meeting held in PDP Zonal Secretary in Port Harcourt Rivers State on Tuesday.

    A statement signed by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Prince Etim Isong, shortly after the gathering, said that the Solomon Agwanana SWC was dissolved for gross misconduct and inability to contain the internal crisis rocking the party in Bayelsa.

    The ZWC also replaced Mr Tony Aziegbemi, the erstwhile caretaker chairman of Edo State PDP with Nosa Ogieva.   

     Isong said that the appointments of the caretaker committee for Bayelsa and Edo States were in the best interest of the party.

    He said: ‘’The decision to set up Caretaker Committees for both States follows the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Bayelsa State and the Caretaker Committee in Edo State on account of various acts of gross misconduct by the dissolved Executives which are in clear breach of the party’s constitution, the poor performance and woeful outing by the party in Edo State at the last governorship elections, and the poor handling of internal crisis rocking the party in both states. 

    ‘’The Zonal Working Committee took these decisions in the best interest of the Party after a careful review of the activities of the party in both states in line with the Constitution of the Party as amended in 2017, particularly Articles 10(1),(f),(g),(k), and (4) as well as Articles 26(2),(a), 27(2)(a&b), 58(1),(a),(c),(i),(j), and 59(1)(f)’’ he said.  

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     Isong expressed optimism that the bold move by the ZWC would strengthen the party’s foundation and ensure effective leadership in Bayelsa and Edo states.

     Those appointed into the caretaker committee in Bayelsa are Tony Gabriel, Deputy Chairman; former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Spokesman, Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary, and Didi Ebiekake Werilaghebofa, Vice-Chairman- Central.

    Others are Andy Majors, Vice-Chairman, East; Evelyn Bolouebi Odi, Vice-Chairman, West and Biobelemoye Ogoniwari, Treasurer.

     In Edo State, the caretaker committee, the deputy-Chairman is Chief Sunny Okomayin, while Hilary Otsu is the Secretary, and Nose Iseleomon,.Vice-Chairman South.

     Others are Ehisota Oriakhi as Vice-Chairman Central, Richard Ehimigbai as Vice-Chairman North, and Benjamin Ehinlebodiaye as Treasurer.

  • It’s stunted parties, stupid!

    It’s stunted parties, stupid!

    Many felt it was reasonable compromise.  Others slammed it as reckless overreach — that April 14 decision, by the PDP Governors Forum, to sideline previous claimants to the PDP national secretaryship and impose a fresh one, even in an acting capacity.

    But again, this storm is only the symptom.  The real disease is 26 years on — on May 29 — since the return of democracy, the government could have bloomed.  But the party system is the reverse: it has wilted.

    Politics on frail parties is not unlike erecting a mansion on a very weak foundation.  It bodes ill: a doughty political party system is the bastion of participatory democracy.

    It’s looking even more dreary now — even if that may be the hard crash before the bounce — that the courts are throwing the issue back to our infantile party players: go sort out your internal troubles, you’re adults!  Leave the courts out of it!

    But instead of getting chaste and wise, at least two parties have descended into even more chaos.

    The Labour Party (LP) — opportunistic footstool of ace cynical populist Peter Obi — is effectively carved into three:

    The Julius Abure pack, which like Samuel Ladoke Akintola of 1st Republic Action Group (AG) has just “taku” — going nowhere; 

    The patrician wing that set up Esther Nenadi Usman as caretaker chair, hoping the majesty of its sole governor, Abia’s Alex Otti, with the promise of his office’s likely funnel of endless cash, would wow the other belligerents;

    And the Lamidi Apapa plebeian wing, giving the other claimants a ferocious push for their money, to claim LP’s troubled soul!

    But wait a minute: it could well be four! 

    The paternalistic Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), under the chaos-hugging Joe Ajaero, whose standard reflex is to unleash his Aluta army, even if they boast no winning tactics, talk less of enduring strategies! 

    There’s more to battles than running into them like headless chickens!  Hell is loosed upon the Labour paradise!

    You want a gripping study in buzzing chaos?  Take a ringside seat in LP’s current unravelling!  Perhaps that would teach the party — if it survives this present meltdown — not ever again to sell its platform (and ideological soul) for dirty election-eve lucre!

    Now, to the PDP.  Not a few have wagered that current PDP troubles are fitting karmic comeuppance for its past flagrant party abuses.  That’s dead-on-the-money correct — and no tears from here!

    PDP’s trouble started when empire-minded President Olusegun Obasanjo felt the late Solomon Lar might just have had too much gravitas for his comfort.  He would rather appoint fawning viceroys — what the Yoruba call ajele — to do his bidding as all-mighty elected president, that just towered above the platform that hoisted him for office.

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    Otherwise, he would not have inspired Ahmadu Ali to order elected Governor Rashidi Ladoja to bow before the late Lamidi Adedibu, illicit security vote gravy craving and all! The Alaafin Molete, unfazed emperor of amala-and-abula politics was Obasanjo’s Oyo PDP garrison commander!  It all ended in tears!

    So, from one weakened viceroy to another, PDP crawled into power wilderness!

    Now, with Atiku Abubakar and his Samson’s complex — ready to crash everything on everyone, with his diseased obsession to be president despite chilling realities — PDP is in for a long, long night. 

    As the 1st Republic federal ruling coalition — the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Convention of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) — put their worst foot forward after Nigeria’s independence, so did PDP, at the advent of this 4th Republic in 1999.

    And this uncanny parallel, too: as those least upbeat about independence corralled the cream of state from 1 October 1960, arch-plotters against the June 12 mandate of Basorun MKO Abiola grabbed the prime plum of state from 29 May 1999.

    Obasanjo himself, first 4th Republic elected president, counted among this wild breed.

    But back to PDP’s present troubles.  The PDP Governors meeting at Ibadan, Oyo State, of April 14, was probably well-intentioned. 

    The Supreme Court just created a further puzzle: embattled Samuel Anyanwu claimed it just validated his case.  Wannabe Sunday Ude-Okoye couldn’t swear he hadn’t run into a storm.  Neither could he crow he had a clear path to the cherished cake.

    What to do?  The PDP governors, in their wisdom — or arch-folly? — decided to shove both aside, as newly self-imposed Atlases, whose combined, rippling muscles should pacify everyone else — good try!

    But not so fast, Anyanwu balked. Beyond illicit self-projection, where did the governors derive their powers ? 

    Did they even remember that without the party secretary — the Leviathan that signed  signed their forms — they wouldn’t even become candidates, talk less of governors?

    So, why this newfound muscle-flexing, to decree the PDP national secretary, knowing they had earlier backed Ude-Okoye but fell flat on their faces?  Intrigue without end!

    Now, Anyanwu vs Ude-Okoye is done and dusted.  Looming is Anyanwu vs Setonji Koshoedo, the legit deputy national secretary and the governors’ new beloved.

    Post-Easter confusion looms on the PDP front!

    But where would it all end?  If you “checked out the real situation” as the immortal Bob Marley did, in one of his global hits, would it be as he predicted: “total destruction is the only solution”?  It’s Easter!  Let the PDP carry its own cross!

    Still, let no one think the ruling APC is sitting pretty.  Well, national chair, Abdullahi Adamu, even flush with hard-won victory in 2023, knew his goose was cooked.

    He was caught up in the ugly intra-APC sweepstakes, that nevertheless produced Bola Tinubu as candidate, not his preferred Ahmad Lawan, falsely rumoured as President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice, before PMB quelled the rumour.  It was payback time.

    Now, should Adamu have voluntarily fallen on own sworn?  Or was there a bit of Obasanjo in new President Tinubu who wasted no time to get rid of him?

    But replacing a national chair from North Central with one from North West has caused — and is still causing — some ripples in the party.  The logic — balancing.

    The likes of Salihu Lookman and Nasir el-Rufai have used that as excuse to storm out of the party, baying for some anti-APC coalition or another for 2027.

    But even el-Rufai’s body language — his presumption that he would join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and pronto, re-make it in his own image, to fight his own battles — speaks volume about politicians’ general contempt for the party, even if it’s their only viable vehicle to power.

    For Nigerian democracy to thrive, there must be conscious and deliberate efforts to build the party system.  There are no two ways about it.

  • And APC Sokoto “bombs” PDP state chapter

    And APC Sokoto “bombs” PDP state chapter

    By Emmanuel Ado

    “Sometimes it is entirely appropriate to kill a fly with a sledgehammer!” Maj. Holdredge

    When Isa Sadiq Acida, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC), decided  to kill a fly, in this case the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sokoto State Chapter, with a sledge hammer,  it was deliberate and was targeted at not just the PDP, but at other flies – opposition elements – that might be tempted to thread the dangerous path of the PDP that has made making wild allegations a way of life.

    Acida, in his world press conference entitled “Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto: A Worthy Ambassador of the APC”, achieved a three – in- one strategic objective. First, he proudly showcased the achievements of its worthy ambassador, Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto. He also succeeded in putting the opposition on notice that the APC would no longer tolerate unwarranted and unsubstantiated accusations against the administration of Governor Sokoto. And lastly, Acida flaunted the readiness of the APC in Sokoto state for the 2027 general elections.

    Going by the swift reaction of the APC to his latest campaign of misinformation, and outright lies against Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, his administration and family, the  State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sokoto State Chapter, Alhaji Bello Aliyu Goronyo would definitely be full of regrets because he definitely got more than he had bargained for: a strong rebuttal through showcasing the achievements of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto who, in less than two years, has achieved what the PDP administration under former Governor Aminu Tambuwal couldn’t achieve in eight years.

    Since Governor Ahmad Sokoto defeated Saidu Umar, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, the party had declared a full scale  war without boundaries on him. And the politically smart governor, seeing through their devilish plot to distract him and for him to end up  in their ignoble boat, refused all entreaties by his supporters to return fire for fire. But, with the 2027 elections already in top gear, the APC has rightly decided to counter the PDP strategy of continuous campaign of misinformation with facts.

    Thankfully, unlike PDP’s Aminu Tambuwal, the APC ambassador- Governor Sokoto- has numerous projects in every sector to showcase. In the words of Isa Sadiq Acida: “We advise our political opponents to borrow a leaf from us and tell  the people how they spent our Commonwealth while they were in office, otherwise they should stop rushing to press to ridicule themselves with unsubstantiated claims that cannot stand a litmus test”.

    What are the facts? Contrary to the warped narrative of the opposition PDP,  Governor Aliyu Sokoto has transparently managed the resources of Sokoto State, the reason he has been able pay salaries,pensions, complete over 250 impactful projects and counting, and liquidate the loans obtained by Tambuwal in less than two years!

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    It’s a fact that Governor Sokoto has completed all projects that Aminu Tambuwal inherited or started but later abandoned. They include the housing estates,the Independent Power project,the 40 million per day water project, and several roads,including the Rijiya flyover bridge, the only major project that Tambuwal initiated in his eight wasted years as governor and which in his typical nature he also abandoned.

    The national newspapers have a duty to institute an award for the likes of Aminu Tambuwal whose notoriety for abandoned projects is legendary.

    In the Housing Sector, the stark difference between Governor  Sokoto and his predecessor is crystal clear. While the Aminu Tambuwal sold off all Government houses, proceeds of which he couldn’t account for, Governor Sokoto has built a total of 1136 houses, made up of 500 at Gidan Salanke, 500 at Wajake, Wamakko Local Government Areas, and purchased 136 housing units  from the Federal Housing Authority.

    It is a fact that the Ahmad Aliyu administration has constructed a network of roads in Sahara Area,  at Gawon-Nama area, Ramen-Kura around the Abattoir, at Koko Road area, around Saint Paul Primary School, and the J Allen Area. While another Network of roads is being constructed at New Arkilla, Mabera as well as the Tudunwada Area. Others are the Zamfara, Zungeru and Shinkafi roads near the Government House. On the whole, about 48 roads are currently under construction.

    If only the PDP isn’t shameless, it wouldn’t have stirred the hornets nest, because there is so much difference between Governor Sokoto and their own failed governor, Aminu Tambuwal. Aminu Tambuwal was no doubt a colossal failure. And it ought to have known that the difference between Governor Sokoto and the former governor goes beyond Tambuwal seeing the governorship position only as a stepping stone to the presidency, which he attempted unsuccessfully in 2019 and 2023. It is widely believed that Tambuwal had no resources to run the state because of his presidential ambition. In aviation circles, Tambuwal was a considered a “gold customer” due to his penchant for hiring private jets in search for delegates.

    So, if the governor or the local government chairmen are allegedly squandering resources, how have they been able to fund the  myriads of projects they have so far executed without ever borrowing a penny from the banks?

    It’s a fact that long  before May 29, 2023, residents of Sokoto metropolis had no access to pipe borne water because the Sokoto State Water Corporation, heavily indebted to Kaduna Power Company, was disconnected and had no electricity to pump water. Mountains of refuse defaced the landscape, oozing out putrefying odour.  Salaries were paid well into the next month, which demoralized the public servants. Not even the pensioners that gave their youth to the state were spared the agony of governance failure. It’s a fact that Governor Sokoto resolved all these  problems within his first 100 days.

    It’s a fact that by 2023, Aminu Tambuwal  left a liability of over N14 billion in pensions and questionable bank loans, with many assets of the state at risk of being confiscated by the banks. Again, Governor Sokoto changed the narrative within a few months in office. He has not only drastically reduced all liabilities, especially pensions, and made provisions for new retirees, again, without borrowing from the banks.

    The question for the PDP is, how did the government fund the construction of these roads if it had, indeed, squandered the resources of the state? Some of the roads that have been constructed in the 23 local government areas include the Gudun – Tandamare – Rijiya road (6.3 km), Romo – Kaya – Barga road (4.25 km), both in Tambuwal LGA; Dandin Mahe – Mabera road in Shagari LGA (2.9 km), the Ehra – Ruggar Mallam road (6 km) and Ginga Junction – Horo Birni road (3.1 km) both in Shagari  LGA; Kilgori – Kwaidaza road (2.2 km) and Magacci Main Road – Ruggar Kiju (3.1 km) and  Bingaje – Dono road in Yabo LGA (2.6 km) all in Yabo Local Government; Yar Jakuru – Kafar Sanyi road in Bodinga LGA, Wababe Junction – Fajaldu – Illela – Gusau Main Road in Dange Shuni LGA (3.15 km), Shuni Main Road – Gidan Danga – Makere – Dabagi – Tudun Salaru – Girgiri – Sanda Kuwana – Kulalu – Milgoma road, Wamakko Main Road – Wajeke road (1.3 km),Giniga – Yarkanta – Gidan Kawuri – Yarlabe road in Wamakko local Government; Western Bypass Main Road – Makabarta – Kurfi road (2.3 km) in Kware local Government; Telande – Hamma Ali Town (6.2 km) in Kware local, More Main Road – Jumu’at Mosque – Buddau Town in Kware LGA (2.35 km), Gadar Maruda – Galadanchi – Gidan Gero Town in Kware LGA (3.3 km), Lambar Gwaddodi – Gwaddodi Town in Rabah LGA (1.5 km),Lambar Kundus – Kundus Town in Rabah LGA (1.95 km),Lambar Gidan Buwai – Gidan Buwai Town in Rabah LGA (1.8 km),Tangaza – Ruggar Ruwa Town in Tangaza LGA (1.5 km), Tangaza – Zabarmawar Yahaya Town in Tangaza LGA (3.6 km),Gidan Maidebe – Kabawa town in Binji LGA (2.6 km),Binji – Inname road in Binji LGA (5.9 km)and the Dingyadi Main Road – Rumbuki town in Bod.

    A government that’s squandering resources won’t also be constructing the following roads:- The Tangaza- Balle road, the Illela- Gada Road, the Romon Sarki-Romon Liman Road, the Margai-Kebbe segment of Tambuwal-Kebbe Road, the Wurno-Huchi road and the road from Silame Police Station to Silame Bridge, and the Sokoto State segment of the Sokoto -Gummi Road, which is a federal highway.

    Another area that Governor Sokoto has written his name in gold is in the security sector. It must be noted that though security is exclusively that of the federal government,this has not stopped the governor from strengthening the security agencies towards tackling the  security challenges affecting some local government areas, particularly in the Eastern Senatorial District.

    To date, the governor has procured and distributed over 140 patrol vehicles to security agencies to boost their mobility and response capabilities. He has also  established  the Community Guards Corps, and equipped them with essential operational tools and logistics to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies. The 2,600 Guards Corps members have been equipped with 30 units of Hilux Vehicles 2022 model, with full insurance cover and 800 Motorcycles  to ease mobility of the Community Guards Corps personnel.

    The state Government also built, equipped and furnished operational offices for the Community Guards Corps in all the 13 local governments seriously affected by insecurity in the State. The Community Guards are fully armed for the execution of their assigned duties. Without doubt, these efforts have yielded significant results, with security personnel recording major successes in tackling all sorts of criminal activities.

    The achievements of the governor in education,agriculture and health are too numerous to mention. In education the governor continues to make huge investment. In the last two years he has surpassed the UNESCO recommendations.  In the 2025 budget, education got the lion’s share of the N526.88 billion allocation, a clear statement of Governor Sokoto’s commitment beyond intentions because he fully understands the importance of education as the bedrock of development. Schools have been renovated and new classes constructed which has led to a significant increase in enrollment of pupils and drastic reduction in the number of out-of-school children. His scholarship scheme has also enabled students to pursue higher education, both within and outside the country.

    Governor Aliyu Sokoto’s agricultural policy thrust is the massive production of food which would improve the living standard of the people and supply raw materials for the agro-allied industries. The governor has provided farmers with fertilizers, improved seedlings, and modern farming equipment. If Governor Ahmad Sokoto succeeds in his agricultural development initiative, not only will Sokoto State farmers earn better income, but they will ultimately save  Nigeria huge foreign exchange spent importing food.

    The problem with the opposition PDP relics is that they have yet to recover from  the political punches clinically delivered by Governor Sokoto, culminating in their total defeat. In their flip-flop and confused effort to stage a comeback in 2027, they have chosen the shameful path of demonizing an administration that is hugely popular. So if the PDP is not accusing the government of concentrating development in Sokoto metropolis, it would be accusing it of squandering resources. The allegations just don’t add up and the APC deserves commendation for refuting the allegations with facts.

    Though the PDP allegations are frivolous, they have continued to shoot blank,  and beyond generating headlines the PDP hasn’t landed a punch where it matters- with the people- the attacks if left unchallenged, the possibility of their dirt sticking cannot be dismissed, hence the need for the APC to frontally and continuously refute these lies from the pit of hell.

  • Adegoke begins consultations with Oyo PDP leaders for 2027

    Adegoke begins consultations with Oyo PDP leaders for 2027

    The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solutions FM, Ibadan, Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke has met with some leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the residence of the Co-Chairman of PDP Elders’ Council, Chief Wole Oyelese at Ikolaba Area of Ibadan. 

    The meeting attracted Chairman of the Elders’ Council, who is a member of the PDP Board of Trustees and former Chief of Staff to Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Dr Saka Balogun from Ogbomoso, Chief Hamid Gbadamosi from Oke-Ogun, Chief Jacob Adetoro from Oke-Ogun, Prince Sunday Ogunlade from Oyo and Chief Nureni Akanbi among others.

    While the outcome of the meeting remains unknown as all the parties maintained sealed lips, political observers believe it is not unconnected with the ambition of Olooye Adegoke to contest the governorship in  of 2027.

  • 2027: Atiku’s candidacy won’t destroy PDP but anti-party activities – Segun Adewale

    2027: Atiku’s candidacy won’t destroy PDP but anti-party activities – Segun Adewale

    Former Lagos State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Adewale, has dismissed concerns that the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could harm the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

    Adewale, popularly known as Aeroland, made this assertion during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    He was reacting to a recent statement by Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, who claimed that Atiku’s ambition would be detrimental to the party’s future.

    Atiku was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, where he emerged second behind President Bola Tinubu.

    Adewale countered George’s remarks, saying, “No one should claim that Atiku’s 2027 candidacy will destroy the PDP. What truly threatens the party are the anti-party activities of some of its leaders during elections.”

    He said: “Atiku has been contributing to the party for years. 

    “Atiku would have won in the 2023 presidential election if not because of the anti party activities of some people.  

    “Anti-party activities are what led the PDP to where it is today, where people are suffering. PDP would have been in power after 2023 election.

    “They (some party leaders) made sure that the PDP votes were divided in Lagos and other states. That’s why PDP lost that election.”

    He said that the party leadership should rather focus on curbing anti-party activities among leaders instead of attacking Abubakar’s candidacy.

    The chieftain said that the party should take a firm stand against those destroying the party through their actions and inactions.

    “Some PDP leaders should be ashamed of themselves, especially those working for the opposition openly and without looking backward in every election.

    “These are activities that slim down our chances and destroyed the party in Lagos State and at the national level in all electoral cycles since 2015.

    “If Atiku’s candidacy will destroy the PDP, what do we say of party leaders who openly tell PDP members to vote opposition? Will that build or brighten the our chances?

    “We must address the substance and stop chasing shadow, ” the chieftain said.

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    According to him, some leaders are always fighting PDP candidates, coming out forcibly against them in every election.

    “We should rather concentrate on those in the party but working for the opposition. This anti-party is our problem not Atiku’s candidacy,” he said.

    Adewale said that George should stop speaking as if he was the voice of Lagos PDP.

    “Bode George’s comment that Atiku, a PDP chieftain getting the party’s ticket in 2027 will be a downfall of the party, is not true,” Adewale said.

    NAN recalls that George has on Monday, on Channels Television’s Politics Today said that PDP would meet its end if Abubakar secured the party’s 2027 presidential ticket. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Ajisafe returns as southwest PDP chairman as delegates elect new excos

    Ajisafe returns as southwest PDP chairman as delegates elect new excos

    Kamorudeen Ajisafe has been returned unopposed as the zonal chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the southwest during the party’s elective zonal congress held at the Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, opposite UCH, Ibadan.

    The congress, which saw the return of most incumbent office holders with only a few changes, was conducted peacefully under the supervision of former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, who served as chairman of the Electoral Committee and Chief Electoral Officer. 

    Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the exercise, which was conducted amid tight security.

    Delegates from all six Southwest states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti—were present at the congress, which was widely described as peaceful, well-organized, and a demonstration of party unity.

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and his Osun counterpart commended the party for its resilience and commitment to unity despite ongoing internal challenges. 

    They praised the spirit of cooperation that led to Ajisafe’s uncontested re-election.

    PDP leaders including Chief Olabode George, Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and other key stakeholders were also in attendance.

  • You’re destroying democratic institutions, Coalition slams PDP governors

    You’re destroying democratic institutions, Coalition slams PDP governors

    The coalition of opposition leaders has taken a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, accusing the body of destroying democratic institutions in the country.

    A statement by a leader of the coalition, Salihu Moh Lukman, in Abuja on Wednesday criticised the PDP Governors’ Forum for opposing the broad-based coalition.

    Slamming the governors, Lukman said their action was a “clear demonstration that if left alone, the PDP governors will only continue the path of destroying democratic institutions in the country.”

    He alleged that the PDP is mismanaging itself, arguing that the opposition party is “practically putting itself on the path of self-destruction and political irrelevance.”

    Lukman berated the party for not holding its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in the last two years, saying that no Nigerian can confidently tell who is really in charge of the party.

    The former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) said, “The mere fact that the NEC meeting of the party has of the party has not held for two years and no Nigerian can confidently tell who is really in charge of the party is evidence of this collapse.

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    “This should be the concern of leaders of the party, including its Governors. Unfortunately, all we have seen of the PDP Governors is the flagrant usurpation of the powers assigned to the organs of the party. This is wrong. It is also a clear demonstration that if left alone, the PDP Governors will only continue the path of destroying democratic institutions in the country.

    “For more than ten years that the PDP had been out of power, Nigerians had waited for the party to dust itself up and provide the viable opposition that Nigeria needs.”

    Lukman added, “The governors know that the virus that afflicts the PDP has no cure. They are only grandstanding. They know that Nigerians cannot accept this PDP as the alternative because it is clear to all discerning Nigerians that the ruling party has hijacked its soul.”

  • PDP southwest zonal congress begins in Ibadan

    PDP southwest zonal congress begins in Ibadan

    Hundreds of delegates from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) across the six Southwest states—Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos—have gathered at the Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall in Ibadan for the 2025 Southwest elective zonal congress.

    The congress, holding in the Oyo State capital, aims to elect new zonal executives to steer the party’s affairs in the region ahead of future political engagements.

    The event is attracting a high-profile presence, including party leaders, elders, political office holders from all three arms of government, and key PDP stakeholders from across the zone.

    Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a strong contingent of security personnel are also present to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

    Among the dignitaries in attendance are Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Chief Bode George, Oyo Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Chief Bisi Ilaka, Chief Saka Balogun, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, and Dare Adeleke, among others.

    Chairman of the Electoral Committee and Chief Electoral Officer, former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel, while addressing the delegates, urged for unity and cooperation to ensure a peaceful and successful congress.

    He also paid tribute to the founding fathers, elders, and loyal party members whose dedication has sustained the PDP through the years.

    “I want to thank the founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party who are still holding on with the fire belief in the party, which has made the party stand out and remain what it is today.

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    “I want to thank our women and youths, particularly at the state level, which forms the bedrock of the party.

    “We welcome INEC officials, and we want to appreciate their presence and effort.”

    While welcoming the delegates earlier, the host Governor, Seyi Makinde, recounted that the last Zonal elective Congress was filled with strife and struggle, but that the party has come a long way, four years down the line.

    He said, today, the party in the zone is one united and happy family and would, by the rancour-free elective Congress, lay a foundation for how democracy should be practised in the country.

    Makinde said, “We have come a long way as a party. Four years ago, it was like a war, full of strife, rancour, and animosity. But today, we are one united Southwest PDP family.

    “This elective Congress is a funfare for us. It is for us to show the way democracy should be practised in Nigeria.

    “So, the Southwest is leading the way. We are about to witness a rancour-free elective Congress.

    “All the stakeholders that should be here are here. INEC is here, observing what we are doing. The security is here. This is democracy at its peak.  I can only wish us well.

    “This is a foundation that we are about to lay, and this will show what PDP will do at its National Convention.”

    At the time of this report, the delegates have commenced voting for the various vacant positions

  • PDP governors’ attempt to undermine national secretary unconstitutional – Anyanwu

    PDP governors’ attempt to undermine national secretary unconstitutional – Anyanwu

    …says he remains national secretary of PDP

    The decision by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum to attempt replacing an elected national officer of the party is a blatant violation of both the nation’s laws and the PDP’s constitution, according to PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    “I remain the National Secretary of the PDP; this is not the first time that some people are attempting a shortcut that violates the PDP constitution and contradicts court orders,” Anyanwu stated, emphasising that those pushing the PDP Governors’ Forum in this direction are harming the party.

    Anyanwu referred to the Supreme Court judgment of March, which explicitly nullified two previous rulings that some party members had relied on in their attempts to undermine him. 

    He also highlighted a subsisting Federal High Court order from January, which prohibits the PDP, its leaders, and its Deputy National Secretary from acting as the party’s National Secretary.

    “I will resume at my office at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza immediately after the Easter holidays. There is no vacancy for anyone to claim my position,” Anyanwu declared.

    He further criticised the actions of some party members, suggesting they were deliberately attempting to destabilize the PDP while shifting the blame to others. 

    He mentioned that during a meeting of the governors, the party’s National Legal Adviser had informed them that their decision regarding the National Secretary position was wrong and that the Supreme Court had already ruled on the matter.

    Anyanwu pointed out that the PDP constitution does not permit a few individuals to override national decisions or invalidate the outcome of a convention that had elected him as National Secretary for a four-year term in 2021. 

    He noted that prior to the recent action by ten PDP governors, a group of twenty-five self-appointed South East PDP members had tried to replace him, but their efforts were invalidated by the Supreme Court ruling of March 21.

    He also emphasised that his lawyer had submitted the Supreme Court judgment to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that no valid correspondence between INEC and the PDP could occur without his signature and that of the party’s national chairman. 

    He cautioned that any illegitimate signing of documents by someone other than him could jeopardize the party’s candidate.

    In response, several groups within the PDP, particularly from the South-South region, have begun mobilising to challenge the second attempt by the PDP Governors’ Forum to replace Anyanwu. 

    According to members of the PDP Youth Group in the South-South, at least five of the governors are believed to be loyal to President Bola Tinubu and his 2027 re-election agenda. 

    They argued that the tension between some PDP governors and members of the PDP National Working Committee, including Anyanwu, is fueled by a mix of personal loyalties and party politics.

    Read Also: PDP crisis: I’m victim of proxy war against Wike, says Anyanwu

     “Sen. Samuel Anyanwu’s reinstatement by the Supreme Court in March 2025 confirms his position as the authentic National Secretary of the party but some governors who are reportedly upset over his ties or friendship with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, are pushing for his ouster, even in ways contrary to the party’s constitution. 

     “They have even suggested the appointment of an acting Secretary in place of a popularly elected one, and youths of the party may react to such draconian recommendation with vehement actions to forestall attempts to override the authority of the PDP constitution.

     “As party faithfuls, we must all understand that the PDP Governors’ Forum is a pressure group within the party and not a constitutionally recognized organ of the PDP,” they added.

     Also, a pressure group, the PDP Frontliners, in a statement by its President, Abdulraheem Ilyasu Garba and its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Gabriel Segun Adekoya in Abuja on Tuesday warned that the PDP Governors’ move against Anyanwu may only deepen intrigues and wreck all possibilities of rescuing the party before the 2027 elections.

     “Trying to force Anyanwu out risks deepening the PDP’s internal crisis; the party is already struggling,-look at Anambra state, where PDP members were scared of buying gubernatorial nomination forms due to the chaos; our governors try to make a point about needing unity, but targeting Anyanwu seems more like a proxy war or witch hunt against FCT Minister, Wike rather than a principled stand.

     “Sen. Anyanwu has been clear about his unshaken commitment to the PDP above all sentiments and being friends with the FCT minister should not be considered as a crime, especially when Anyanwu has a subsisting legal mandate as a constitutionally- elected National Secretary of the party whose tenure only elapses in December of 2025,” the PDP Frontliners argued.

  • Insecurity: Be alive to your duties, PDP tells Aiyedatiwa

    Insecurity: Be alive to your duties, PDP tells Aiyedatiwa

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has urged Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to be alive to his duties of safeguarding the lives and property of residents of the state.

    The party’s Director of Media and Publicity in the state, Mr Leye Igbabo, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure.

    Igbabo said that the party was alarmed by the alleged ceaseless killings of hapless residents of the state by gunmen.

    He said that victims of such killings were lawfully engaging in their daily activities needed to bring food to their tables.

    “The party cannot, in all honesty, find reasons why such assailants could operate without any form of resistance for months running, in a state where there is said to be a valid government in place.

    “Gov. Aiyedatiwa has indeed failed in his constitutional duty as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in that he can no longer secure and protect lives and property of citizens of Ondo State.

    Read Also: Declare security emergency in Ondo, Aiyedatiwa urged

    “It is heart-wrenching to note that in less than one month, about 50 persons have been gruesomely massacred in various settlements within the state,” he said.

    Igbabo expressed concerned that no arrest or prosecution had been made in the wake of these incidents.

    He said that the party had been wondering if a government still exists in the state in the face of what he described as unprovoked and unrestrained killings.

    “These killings are one too many and indicative of helplessness, hopelessness and huge compromise of those in the corridor of power in Ondo State,” he stated.

    Igbabo urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the situation, as it appeared that the state government was incapacitated in tackling the menace.

    (NAN)