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  • PDP disowns Rivers Mainstream Coalition

    PDP disowns Rivers Mainstream Coalition

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has disowned a group called the Rivers Mainstream Coalition.

    The party, in an online statement, said: “A group known as Rivers Mainstream Coalition is not known to the party and is not one of the groups that has been collaborating and supporting the PDP.”

    It said the clarification became necessary following attempts by the group to drag the PDP’s name into “its extremely wicked and malicious activities”.

    PDP condemned the use of its logo by the group in a publication in THISDAY of August 16 on Page 44, without authorisation, describing it as “illegal and criminal”.

    The party said: “We hereby state that the publication under reference was done in bad taste to cause confusion in the PDP and undermine the authority of the party in the state by arrogating the rights to summon and screen PDP governorship aspirants, which is the primary responsibility of the party.

    “Given the seriousness the party attaches to membership cohesion and respect for order, we have commenced investigation to ascertain if Chief Bekinbo Sobrekon and Prof. Israel Owate, who jointly signed the publication, are members of the PDP in Asari Toru Local Government Area and Eleme Local Government Area.

    “If the findings show that they are members of the party, we will invoke relevant provisions of the party’s constitution to address this rascality. By so doing, these busybodies and their ilk will not find comfort in contaminating the genuine efforts of loyal party members towards building a great PDP.”

     

  • PDP chieftain backs COS for Delta governor

    The Chairman of Delta State Waste Management Board, Chief Olori Magege, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to field the Chief of Staff, Dr. Festus Okubor, as its governorship candidate for the next year’s election.

    He said the politician is the most experienced among the aspirants.

    Magege predicted victory for the party, if Okubor is endorsed as the flag bearer, adding that he will defend the legacies of the Uduaghan Administration, if elected as governor.

    He added: “My predictions have never failed. I am telling you that Dr. Festus Okubor is going to be the next governor of Delta State. Make no mistake about it. I have predicted once, twice, thrice, even up to four or five times in the past, and they have all been accurate. So, I don’t see how this one would not be different.”

    Urging Urhobo people to build bridges across ethnic nationalities, Magege, a high chief from Agbarho, said that Okubor will work for the progress of Delta State.

    He urged Deltans to support the Chief of Staff, who he described as an advocate of egalitarian society and principled politician who has served the state in many capacities without blemish.

  • Ribadu picks form as Fintiri insists on ticket

    Ribadu picks form as Fintiri insists on ticket

    Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Nuhu Ribadu obtained yesterday the Adamawa State governorship election nomination form.

    He is seeking to run on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Ribadu is battling for the slot with eight others. They are: Acting Governor Umaru Fintiri;  former Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Executive Secretary  Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Modibbo;  immediate past presidential Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak;  former governorship aspirant Marcus Gundiri;  ex-Lagos Military Administrator Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa; a former presidential aide, Dr. Umaru Ardo; Minister of State for Health Dr. Idi Hong and former PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur’s son, Auwal Tukur.

    But some of the aspirants have protested against the sales of nomination form for N11million.

    It was learnt that the sudden jump in the nomination fee from N6 million to N11 milion was part of the plot to reduce the number of aspirants.

    Ribadu’s nomination form was collected by his bosom friend, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmud (Walin Mubi).

    Ribadu, who spoke through Mahmud, said he was not in the PDP for an automatic ticket.

    A source said: “Some stakeholders in PDP came together on Monday afternoon and raised N11million for Ribadu to buy the nomination form.

    “Ribadu is going into the race as a poor man and he is banking on his integrity to secure the ticket. We only hope that the people of Adamawa will allow a man of impeccable character to lead them.

    “This information is necessary to prove that Ribadu does not want to be the PDP candidate to compromise his integrity.”

    Ribadu’s form is number 0000060.

    Mahmud expressed the confidence that Ribadu would get a waiver to run, saying the PDP constitution did not insert the waiver clause in anticipation that the former EFCC boss would join the race.

    The nomination form collection closes today. The return of the forms is expected to close on August 25. The party has fixed August 28 for the screening of aspirants.

    The ward congress comes up on September 1. Appeals coming from the congress will be heard on September 3. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the by-election for October 11.

    But some aspirants are not happy on the sudden increase in the nomination fee.

    One said: “We learnt the party increased the fee to scale down the number of aspirants because the intrigues of nomination caused crises in some states in the past, leading to the defeat of the party.

    “But our position is that the PDP is more or less saying that a poor man cannot seek its ticket for elective office. This is just unfortunate.

    “Some of us have protested to some members of the National Working Committee to reduce this jumbo nomination fee. We should not allow the rich to hijack the party at any level.”

    Hong urged Fintiri to forego his ambition in the interest of fairness and equity.

    Hong, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “My advice to Fintiri is that he should reflect on his position as an acting governor and serve as an unbiased umpire than being a contestant.

    “It is not fair to approbate and reprobate at the same time. Fintiri should forgo his ambition and return to the House of Assembly after 90 days. This is a path of honour. It is morally and ethically wrong for him to contest.”

    But Fintiri insisted yesterday that he should be given the ticket, saying his performance should fetch him the prize.

    He was received by the chairman, Chief Joel Hammanjoda Madaki, and elders of the party as well as local government chairmen.

    The acting governor was accompanied by all 25 members of the state Assembly. He urged the party to endorse him for the by-election.

    He said: “My performance as acting governor in less than two months has shown to all, especially the people of Adamawa State, that if I continue for another six months, the dividends of democracy will reach all and sundry.”

    Fintiri, who spoke in a firm tone said: “The people have seen what I have done and that is why I’m directing the party to see my coming as important since I worked hard with others in the State Assembly to restore the stolen mandate of the party, which was given to Admiral Murtala Nyako but he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

    “Mr. Chairman, since I assumed office as the acting governor, the people of Adamawa State have been calling on me daily to contest the by-election and even the election next year; that is why I have come with my team, all members of the State Assembly, to inform you that we are involved in this election and I will finish Nyako’s tenure ending May 2015.”

    According to him, the House of Assembly wants him to complete Nyako’s tenure.

    He said: “I want to assure the party that stability is maintained in the Adamawa PDP and also in the state as the good people have always been asking me to continue and therefore I’m here for the endorsement for the 6th September 2014 PDP primaries.”

    Fintiri donated N10 million for the repair of the secretariat.

    Acting Speaker Laori Kwamoti said the entire members of the House are behind Fintiri.

    Madaki thanked the acting governor, saying:  “Let me remind you that PDP is a party for all and the party will not discriminate against anyone. Whoever wishes to contest elections on its platform should go and purchase the form because the party is a liberal one that will not reject anyone. Everyone should be allowed to play a role.”

    He advised the party to be careful as flexing muscles would ruin its chances.

  • Ribadu takes the plunge

    Ribadu takes the plunge

    Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The former presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is now a governorship aspirant in Adamawa State.  Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI examines his chance at the primaries. 

    After several weeks of speculations, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has finally defected to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ribadu, who registered for the PDP last Saturday after a meeting with the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, is not your archetypal Nigerian politician. Though the PDP had been making overtures to him, the former anti-graft czar remained consistent as a member of the opposition since he entered the murky waters of Nigerian politics in 2011. He hardly engages in political diatribe, a practice that has been severely abused in Nigerian politics. A quiet and easy-going fellow, the no-nonsense former EFCC chairman’s watchword has always been how he can utilise his talents to serve his people and his country.

    When President Goodluck Jonathan withdrew the charges against the anti-corruption crusader, which paved the way for his return from exile in 2010, expectations were that he was going to join the ruling party. But, Ribadu chose the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the three major opposition parties that metamorphosed into the All Progressives Congress (APC). He eventually became the flag bearer of the party in the 2011 presidential election. Since the emergence of the APC, Ribadu has acquitted himself very well as a chieftain of the party in his native Adamawa State. Indeed, he was one of the closest allies of former Governor Murtala Nyako, who was impeached recently under questionable circumstances.

     

    Ribadu at crossroads

    Ribadu is today at a crossroads of his political career. He has not only decided to take a shot at the governorship of Adamawa State — rather than the highly exalted presidential seat – but has also dumped the APC for the ruling PDP, to pursue his latest ambition. Following the impeachment of Nyako, which necessitated conducting a by-election within three months, Ribadu has been perceived as a potential candidate by both the APC and the PDP. Consequently, the two major parties have been trying to woo him for the crucial contest, which is expected to be a stepping stone for the rival political platforms ahead of the 2015 general elections.

    The defection of Ribadu, who  picked his governorship nomination form in Yola yesterday, is no doubt a boost for the ruling party. According to our source in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, it was engineered as a strategy by the PDP to weaken the APC support base ahead of the governorship contest.  Ribadu had made up his mind to switch to the ruling party, but was only waiting for the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan.  The President conveyed his approval at two  meetings through aides delegated to herald the former presidential candidate into the fold. The meetings were reportedly held in Abuja and Kaduna, where Ribadu was assured that he would be granted waivers to  pave the way for him to run.

    Observers say there has been overwhelming pressure from some notable individuals from Adamawa and beyond, urging him to jettison his presidential ambition and vie for the Adamawa governorship instead. Such individuals, it is said, have specifically asked Ribadu to utilise the PDP platform, which they believe is more formidable, given the political equation in the state.

     

    Turning point

    However, according to a source, Ribadu had become frustrated by the top-bottom leadership approach of the APC. He added that Ribadu was unhappy with what he saw as the APC’s lack of ability to resolve conflicts within its fold. Before his decision to dump the opposition party, he was still nursing the ambition to contest the presidential election in 2015 on the APC’s platform, but, according to the  source, it was made clear to him indirectly that he does not stand any chance of securing the ticket through an open  primary.

    The turning point, the source said, was the way Nyako was abandoned by the party leadership in the height of the crisis that led to his impeachment. “Ribadu worked so hard and nearly saved the former governor because he was able to convince some members of the Assembly to withdraw their support for the impeachment,” an associate of the former EFCC chairman said.

    He added: “If he had gotten the support of the national leadership of the party, all they needed was one more member and the impeachment would have collapsed.” This reminded Ribadu about the way he himself was also abandoned midway into the 2011 presidential campaign when it became clear to the ACN leadership that there was no way the former EFCC chairman could win the election.

    As a last resort to save his political career, Ribadu has now settled for the Adamawa governorship. He had chances of realising his governorship ambition under the APC, because the party’s national leadership saw him as a good candidate that could help to give the PDP a run for their money. But with his love-hate relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has suddenly emerged as the leader of the party in Adamawa, the possibility is that he may not get the ticket eventually. “As you know, Ribadu once wrote a report indicting Turaki for corruption,” an official of the Adamawa State chapter of the APC was quoted as saying. He added: “Both men have yet to forget that episode and it is unlikely Ribadu will be comfortable working with the former Vice President in the same party.”

    The APC leadership had continued to dissuade the former anti-corruption chief from defecting to the PDP. But Ribadu’s attitude to the whole thing suggested that the matter had already been decided and that the APC leadership’s intervention was coming too late. In response to the speculation that he was leaving the APC for the ruling party, Ribadu said recently that he was not bothered about the pressure being mounted by his former party, the APC, to halt his planned defection to the PDP. Ribadu, who responded through his media aide, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, noted that while he appreciated the gestures, he was entitled to his decision.

    Be that as it may, securing the Adamawa PDP governorship ticket is not going to be a jolly ride for Ribadu. He might be granted waivers from the powers that be in the party, which would come in the form of overlooking certain clauses in the party’s constitution, particularly the one that stipulates that an aspirant for an elective position must have been a member of the party for a given period. But he may not be given an automatic ticket to fly the party’s flag during the election. Thus, now that he has become an aspirant under the PDP platform, he would be obliged to take his chances alongside other members who have indicated interest in the plum job.

    The Secretary, Adamawa State PDP, Mr. A. T. Shehu, acknowledged this. He said the party would appreciate a personality like Ribadu in its fold. Shehu cautions nevertheless that the PDP is a party that respects its constitution and manifesto, and that the former EFCC chairman is not likely to be given preferential treatment. “That Nuhu Ribadu has made name does not give him the automatic ticket to be the party’s flag bearer. Those of us in the party that have shown interest to vie for the governorship ticket are equally very good materials,” he noted.

     

    PDP’s long list of contenders

    Interestingly, the PDP has more than enough contenders. Some of the aspirants include Dr. Umar Ardo, an academician; Aliyu Idi Hong, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and a protégé of Professor Jibril Aminu; Awwal Tukur, son of former national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and a former member of the House of Representatives; and General Buba Marwa, former military administrator of Lagos State.

    The list also includes Marcus Gundiri, a popular politician in the state, Senator Abubakar Gurei, and Mr. Ahmed Gulak, a former Presidential adviser on political affairs.

    A number of the aspirants have been eyeing the governorship of the state for a long time. For instance,  Girei has been in contest since 2003 when he insisted in participating in the primaries against the wish of the then Vice President, Atiku Abubakar after other aspirants stepped down for the incumbent governor, Boni Haruna. He also aspired in 2007 alongside Nyako. Similarly, Dr. Ardo contested in the last gubernatorial primaries with Nyako and challenged the result at the Supreme Court. He has been an active member of the PDP Stakeholders and Elders Forum and he was a key player in the fight to remove Nyako.

    Marwa and Gundiri are equally not new to the Adamawa governorship race, having aspired to govern the state under different political platforms. For instance, Marwa was a former member of the PDP. He had pitched tent with the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), because he was denied the governorship ticket in 2007. He contested the 2011 governorship election in the state under the CPC platform and returned to the PDP in April 2014 when he realized that he might not get a fair deal in the contest for the APC’s ticket when the leadership of the party was handed over to former Governor Nyako.

     

    No automatic ticket

    The long list of contenders vying for the PDP ticket is an indication that that the party faces a tough choice and that there would be crisis if anything goes wrong. According to our source, some political heavyweights in the party are intent on frustrating the former presidential candidate’s lobby to secure waivers to qualify to contest the governorship. The dissenting voices see Ribadu’s bid to contest the poll under the PDP platform as an imposition.

  • How to reduce insecurity, by Omo-Agege

    How to reduce insecurity, by Omo-Agege

    Chief Ovie Omo-Agege is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP chieftain and governorship aspirant in Delta State. In this interview with YOMI ODUNUGA and JOHN OFIKHENUA, he promises to create jobs to halt insecurity, if elected as governor. 

    Will you run for the Delta  State governorship  in 2015?

    The consultation has been going on very well. People are very excited about my message and the responses across the three senatorial districts have been encouraging. I am very happy with the state of the consultation and I can tell you right now with confidence that I will contest and win the primaries of the People’s Democratic Party for governor of Delta state.

    I have put together a formidable team and we are just waiting for PDP NEC to issue the guidelines so the campaigns can kick off. We are ready and I believe Delta State is ready for us.

    You have contested the governorship three times; what is the driving force?

    I contested for the PDP ticket in 2006 and twice for the governorship in the re-run and general elections of 2011. Some people misinterpret this to mean that Omo-Agege is desperate or over ambitious. They are mistaken. I have passion to serve and it is this passion that is the driving force behind my quest to govern Delta State.

    As Executive Assistant to the governor, Commissioner for Special Duties in Government House and Secretary to the State Government, I have seen first-hand what difference government can make in the lives of people. Four or eight years of governance can change a generation and through that generation you can change society as a whole.

    I want to change our society for good. I have ideas that will create a better society for our children and future generations. I am tired of people looking at the past with nostalgia. We must give hope of a better future to our children. We must give a sense of belonging to our youths who feel alienated from the society for lack of opportunities. We must strengthen our families by empowering parents with jobs because a society is only as strong as it’s families. These are the things I am passionate about. I believe I have policy ideas to make these things happen in the next four years.

    Why do you think the outcome will be different this time around?

    There is time for everything. When God says it is your time nobody can stop you. I believe this is our time. It is our moment and I intend to seize it for the good of the people of Delta State.

    You sound very hopeful about winning in 2015. Indeed many consider you as the frontrunner not only in the PDP primaries but also in the general election. Should you become the next governor of Delta state, what are the things you intend do for Deltans?

    The PDP government in the state has done so well in infrastructural development, education, health and sports in the last seven years. We must commend Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the giant strides we have made. But we are not yet where we want to be.

    Our people are still hurting because of lack of opportunities to make a decent living. It is my desire to expand opportunities for people by focusing on job creation. When our youths graduate from university and for years they roam the streets without jobs or are under employed because they do jobs meant for school certificate or ordinary national diploma holders what does it say about our economy? It says the economy is not strong enough to provide the basic means of livelihood for our people. This growing opportunity gap must be closed by creating more jobs in the economy.

    How do you intend to create these jobs?

    Delta state is blessed with all the resources it needs to be what it wants to be, to build the Delta of our dream. We have oil and gas, vast arable lands, water resources, hard working people, just name it.

    My vision is a state where its economy, society, people and environment are properly developed, and where lives and properties are fully secured so that those who want to work can find jobs and those who want to set up businesses can find opportunities.

    To realise this vision of Delta state of our dream I will erect what I call four pillars of consolidation namely; strong and stable economy, strong and secured society, cleaner environment and new politics.

    To create jobs for our people, we need a strong and stable economy that is less dependent on the oil and gas sector that is capital intensive. This does not mean we will abandon the oil and gas sector. What it means is that we will use the resources from the oil sector to develop the agricultural and rural economy, agro-based industries, promote tourism, entertainment industry, and sports. We also need to modernise and expand our infrastructure. This is what Delta Beyond Oil programme of Governor Uduaghan is all about. I subscribe to this vision and I am committed to driving it forward.

    We also need to strengthen our society by increasing access to quality educational and health services and provide security for all and not just the privileged few.  We also need to protect our environment from pollution, flooding, erosion and keep it clean. If we are able to erect these pillars, we would have created the enabling environment to compete and attract domestic and foreign capital to our state to establish businesses that will employ our people in the private sector.

    And to achieve these things we also need to change our politics so we can have open, accountable and ethical government that is responsive to the needs of the people. We also need to strengthen our democracy by engaging our people in participatory democracy promote viable civil society and partner with NGOs including religious bodies, media, trade unions and associations. So too are our local governments and civil service. This is the message I have taken to the people during my consultation and it has been well received.

    Insecurity is a big problem in Delta State. How will you handle this issue, if elected governor?

    Insecurity is still of great concern to the people. But we must also appreciate what Governor Uduaghan has achieved in this regard. In the last seven years security has improved significantly. Communal conflicts, robbery, murders especially ritual killings are down. Even kidnapping has declined. Nevertheless we can do better by improving and expanding the security framework of the Uduaghan administration.

    I am committed to reducing insecurity in Delta state further by adopting a two prong approach. We will be tough on crime as well as the causes of crime. That is why I have said severally during the course of my consultation that unemployment is the greatest security risk will face as a nation. I strongly believe that the high unemployment situation in the country especially among the youths is fuelling insecurity.

    So, if we focus on the creation of jobs and opportunities and get our youths engaged in legitimate productive activities, less of our youths will resort to crime.

    But we also know that there are some people who sees crime as a more lucrative venture and will always choose crime regardless of the legitimate opportunities that are open to them.   That is why we will be tough on crime. We will have a zero tolerance policy on crime. We will strive to ensure that all crimes in the state are investigated and the culprits are held accountable. There will be no safe haven for criminals especially kidnappers in Delta.

    How do you intend to make Delta State crime free?

    Our people who indulge in these criminal activities live in the same community with us. They are known within the various communities. So what I plan to do is to partner with our youths by establishing Community Security Marshals in each community to provide community policing services.

    These marshals will be recruited from within the communities and trained by the police. They will operate in collaboration with the Nigerian Police and the State Security Service (SSS) to provide intelligence that will help to solve criminal cases. Governor Uduaghan has introduced the Waterways Security Committee and Advisory Council to check oil theft in our waterways. I want to extend it to land and engage our youths, the locals who were born and raised there. They understand the terrain better than anyone else.

  • Ogun PDP woos Daniel, others

    The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State is wooing former Governor Gbenga Daniel and other aggrieved members ahead of the 2015 general elections.

    The chairman of the party, Mr. Adebayo Adedayo, spoke in Abeokuta.

    He said the party had learnt its lessons from what happened in Osun State with the defection of its former governors to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Adedayo said the best PDP secretariat complex was built by Daniel.

    “We appeal to the aggrieved leaders, who left for another party, to return to the fold.”

  • Niger East: APC uncovers PDP’s plan ‘to rig’

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State said yesterday that it has uncovered plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government to involve village heads and ward heads to allegedly rig the August 30 Niger East  by-election.

    The party, in a statement in Minna by the Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, advised against involving traditional rulers in politics.

    He said the development contravened the fatherly roles of monarchs, especially at the community level, where they are the custodians of the socio-cultural values of their people, irrespective of their political affiliations.

    “We are surprised in APC that the neutrality of  the village heads is being tampered with because PDP wants to win an election by all means,” the statement reads.

    APC appealed to the traditional rulers not to be partisan.

    Vatsa said if the will of the people was suppressed, it would be difficult for them to be responsive and responsible to their communities.

    He prayed that the monarchs would be blessed with wisdom.

    APC said its members and the electorate have resolved to monitor and protect their votes, adding: “We have resolved not to allow them execute their rigging. This is why we advise our royal fathers to stay clear from politics. We will protect our votes and ensure they count.”

  • Waiver request for Ribadu splits PDP

    Waiver request for Ribadu splits PDP

    There is tension in the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) over a waiver request for  a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, ex-Military Administrator of Lagos State Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa and  former governorship aspirant Mr. Marcus Gundiri.

    The waiver will enable Ribadu, who  obtained his membership of the party on Saturday, and the others to collect the party’s governorship nomination form, which closes tomorrow.

    Ribadu’s waiver request has split the National Working Committee of the party and created a wedge between the Adamawa State chapter and the National Secretariat.

    The Adamawa State chapter is demanding a written request to it by the National Secretariat for waiver for Ribadu.

    The state chapter insists that the waiver should cover Gen. Marwa and Mr. Gundiri to create a level-playing field for all.

    According to sources, PDP National Chairman Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, through an emissary on Saturday, asked the state chapter of the party to request for a waiver for Ribadu.

    But State Chairman Chief Joel Madaki convened an emergency session of the State Executive Committee(SEC) where it was decided that it would not recommend any aspirant for a waiver – in line with Section 8(a and b) of the PDP Constitutiom.

    Although the SEC  acknowledged Ribadu’s letter to join PDP, it insisted on substantial compliance with the PDP Constitution.

    It alleged that it had it on records that someone collected a membership card for Ribadu, contrary to the laid down regulations of the party.

    A source in Adamawa PDP said: “We got a verbal message from the National Secretariat of PDP to make  a formal request for a waiver for Ribadu but we said we cannot recommend. We can only submit list of members seeking waiver.

    “We have written the National Secretariat of PDP to make its request formal instead of verbal in order to put the precedent that they are trying to lay in a good perspective for posterity.

    “There are conditions for waiver which Ribadu is yet to meet. If we are truly a democratic party, we must abide by the party’s constitution. It appears some forces in the Presidency have decided to override due process. Even at that, there must be some elements of justice.

    “We have also maintained that the case for a waiver cannot be limited to Ribadu alone, if we want to be fair to all. The same gesture ought to be extended to Marwa and Gundiri in order to be fair and just to all.”

    Ribadu has written a letter of waiver to the PDP National Chairman.

    In an August 16 letter, Ribadu said his application would enable him to contest for elective office.

    The letter reads: “I wish to humbly write to apply for a clearance/ waiver to enable me aspire  for position on the platform of this great party.

    “As a fresher in the party, I have duly obtained my membership, paid required dues. I hereby tender photocopies, including my voter’s card for your necessary action.”

    In a separate letter of August 1, Ribadu applied to join the PDP.

    The letter reads:” I wish to humbly apply for membership of this great party- Peoples Democratic Party.  I am  from Bako Ward and a registered voter in this Ward.

    “I shall adhere to the party’s constitution, promptly pay my fees and actively participate in party activities. I shall also take all necessary steps to propagate and execute the aims and objectives of the great party, PDP.  I hope my application will be accepted.”

    He was subsequently given registration number 1933795.

    Already, members of the NWC are divided over the waiver requested.

    A source said: “So far, the National Chairman of PDP has not tabled any request before the NWC for waiver for Ribadu or any aspirant in Adamawa State. He has also not informed any member of the committee.

    “Ideally, we ought to grant Ribadu a waiver before he can obtain the party’s governorship nomination form.

    “Therefore, the issue of waiver is still a one-man business which is known to only Mu’azu.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Maybe Muazu may bring his proposal for this waiver on Monday to the NWC.

    “We will consider any request on merit. We are determined to reclaim Adamawa State; we will not fritter away this opportunity at all.

    “I hope we will not be repeating  the same mistake in Osun State where the party’s governorship candidate was already pre-determined.

    “Some of us in the NWC are worried because this waiver syndrome may becloud our commitment to free and fair primaries for the 2015 polls.”

    As at press time, it was learnt that there had been pressure on the presidency by some influential Nigerians and businessmen to concede the ticket to Ribadu.

    Another source added: “The party has a major challenge at hand on this waiver palaver.”

    Speaking with our correspondent at about 9pm yesterday, the State PDP Secretary, Mr. A.T. Shehu said: “We got a directive from the National Secretariat to send a list of aspirants who have applied for waiver. We have forwarded the name of three of the aspirants to the National Secretariat. They are Ribadu, Marwa, and Gundiri.

    “Section 8 subsection (a and b) of the PDP Constitution as amended does not empower a state chapter to grant waiver, it is the prerogative of the National Secretariat. There is even no provision for us to recommend or reject request for waiver.

    On the membership of Ribadu, he added: “In fact, the PDP door is open to all because politics is a game of number. But PDP is governed by law and  constitution which anyone coming in must abide by.”

    Speaking with Premium Times in a telephone interview yesterday, APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said he was not disappointed by Mr. Ribadu’s action, but that it merely confirmed the level to which the Nigerian society had degenerated.

    “It makes me sad because it is a very terrible thing. It is a confirmation of the level to which our society has degenerated.

    “For a man of that calibre to fall into that trap because of governorship position is disappointing. There is no problem; we wish him luck.”

    Asked why it was disappointing, the APC national chairman said: “Don’t you see what this represents – that a man of his calibre will fall for the temptation?

    “I hope you understand the point I am making. I am not sad because of the APC, but because it reflects on the condition of the Nigerian elite and the kind of things they fall for.

    “For the APC, there is no problem. People go, people come, but for this nation, it is a very sad commentary. It makes you unhappy.”

    On whether the APC leadership made any effort to dissuade Ribadu from leaving the party, Oyegun merely said, “People spoke with him,” adding “I don’t want to say more than that.” He however said, “The time has come when we should have politicians of principle. We cannot continue like this.

    “The society is sick. We shouldn’t encourage things like this. It indicates democracy is lacking in that party. “For a man of his calibre to say the things he has said on record and still did this, is disappointing. If he had done this six months ago, that would have been understandable. But just because of nomination, you fell for it, even if it is the main election. (Buba) Marwa is there; the Speaker is there.

    “This is rock bottom. Haba wetin! The disconnection is too direct.”

    The APC Adamawa chapter said Ribadu’s defection would not affect the fortunes of the party.

    The state secretary of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Bakari, said: “The APC in Adamawa is healthy and vibrant; what we are working on now is to have a formidable candidate for the Oct. 11 by-election to recover our mandate.”

  • ‘PDP may not win Sokoto in 2015’

    ‘PDP may not win Sokoto in 2015’

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abdullahi Sarkin Gobir Adiya, has cried out over the manner the party is being run in the state.

    He said: “Unless this is addressed, PDP may find it difficult to win in Sokoto State in next year’s general elections.”

    Speaking to reporters at the weekend in Sokoto, Adiya said former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa is not committed to the ideals of the PDP.

    He said the ex-governor might pilot the party to defeat in the general elections.

    “Bafarawa is steering the party’s leadership in the wrong direction by running it as his private interest,” Adiya added.

    According to him, “the former governor is operating the party for personal gain. Such attitude will not augur well for the PDP, especially now that it is trying to wrest power from the APC.”

    Adiya continued: “Bafarawa must work with other stakeholders to make the party strong. He must respect the traditional institution.”

    He cautioned him against playing politics with the traditional institution.

    Adiya said the traditional institution must not be dragged into partisanship.

    He faulted the composition of the newly-inaugurated executives of the party, saying: “It is a complete representation of the ex-governor’s interest.”

  • Osun: ‘Losing will not stop PDP from winning South West’

    DESPITE its loss in the governorship election in Osun State, the People Democratic Party (PDP) will still win the South West in next year’s general elections.

    Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Hosea Agboola, who made this during an empowerment program he organised in his hometown, Igbaye in Oyo State, said the with the unity prevailing among party members in the zone, the PDP will emerge victorious in all elective positions in 2015.

    He said, “Only God knows why we (PDP) lost in Osun State, but that will not distract us from reclaiming the other Southwest states. PDP in Oyo State is in one accord and we will be victorious come 2015.”

    Speaking on his empowerment program, the lawmaker said poverty alleviation programs must be a constant event in the grassroots, adding that it also serves as a way of reaching out to the people who are most vulnerable to the economic challenges facing the country.

    Some of the projects commissioned by Agboola include blocks of classrooms and health centres in the 12 local governments within his senatorial district.