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Tag: PDP

  • Four APC lawmakers join Edo PDP

    Four APC lawmakers join Edo PDP

    •We are intact, says Edo APC

    Our lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    With the defection, the PDP has eight members in the Assembly and the APC 16.

    Those who defected are Patrick Osayimwen, Jude Ise-Idehen, Abdulrasaq Momoh and Friday Ogieriakhi.

    Momoh said he left the APC because the party disowned him last year. He said his ‘spirit’ has since left the party.

    The lawmakers defected at a meeting in Benin City where Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his supporters supported a motion that they joined the PDP.

    Pioneer Chairman of defunct ACN, Prince Tony Omoaghe said the APC has been hijacked by a cabal who do not believe in free democratic participation.

    Ize-Iyamu said more lawmakers will soon join the PDP and boasted that the PDP would return to power in 2015.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has said that it was not disturbed by the defection of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his loyalists.

    It said the defectors were heading to the “lion’s den”.

    Interim State Publicity Secretary Godwin Erhahon described the defectors as “seasonal birds” that would come back in the next season.

    Erhahon congratulated Governor Adams Oshiomhole for the major relief and assure the people that they stand to benefit from Ize-Iyamu’s exit.

    A former State chairman of defunct ACN, Thomas Okosun, urged the defectors to retrace their steps, if their actions were not for personal interest.

    Okosun said Ize-Iyamu should not be deceived that the PDP would win any election in the state.

    His words: “We have a responsibility to begin to rebuild our party for the next elections, and not just for elections but begin to work more for the people of Edo state because power is meant to be used for the benefit of the people.

    “If they believe that they are in politics in the interest of the public and not their personal interest, then it is not too late for them to come back.

    “God’s glory has departed from PDP. Yes that we won election 18 over 18 is not the singular effort of a single individual but mostly because of the achievement of this government in terms of providing infrastructural facilities for the people.

     

  • Ilaje/Ese-Odo: PDP motion for June 2

    The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has fixed June 2 for the hearing of a motion filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency by-election, Chief Adewale Kukute.

    Kukute is seeking to join an earlier suit filed by the Labour Party (LP) on the by-election.

    Justice Isiaka Sanni fixed June 12 for the hearing of the suit seeking the declaration of the LP’s candidate, Mr. Kolade Akinjo, as the winner of the inconclusive election and the preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction filed by the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

     

  • Lamido: Jonathan moves to tighten hold on PDP

    Lamido: Jonathan moves to tighten hold on PDP

    The camp of President Goodluck Jonathan is tightening its hold on the machinery of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of its response to   moves by Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State to seek the party’s ticket for next year’s Presidential election.

    After one of the several meetings held to evaluate Lamido’s interest in the race, the President’s men decided to scrutinise the party’s leaderships at local government and state levels across the country to ensure that the President has majority of his supporters in charge.

    A former National Secretary of the party was appointed to head a 10-man committee set-up by the President’s strategists to work closely with the party leadership on the scrutiny, a source said.

    The committee was also mandated to pay particular attention to the North and South West in carrying out its assignment.

    The job is already underway in some states where state Executive Committees are sifting through the political profiles of likely delegates at the grassroots level.

    The Nation also learnt that the stakeholders resolved that the Jonathan camp should work harder at winning the minorities in the North   to neutralise the influence  of the core North.

    A source familiar with the working of the group said:”The stakeholders’ meeting which had in attendance nearly all the members of the Board of Trustees (B.O.T), the National Working Committee (NWC), some Governors and prominent national assembly members, also resolved to have a team that will work hard at selling the Jonathan candidacy in the north, especially to minority northerners.

    “The idea is to polarize the North by infiltrating the political circles in the minority groupings within the zones. To be seriously targeted are the North central states as well as Adamawa, Gombe, Borno, Taraba and Yobe states in the Northeastern part of the country.”

    Supporters of the Jigawa governor  are currently reaching out to party chieftains across the country  to  consult them on Lamido’s renewed presidential ambition. The Nation also learnt that the governor has personally informed some top party members of his resolve to vie for the presidential ticket of the PDP.

     

  • ‘Court will determine Oyinlola’s fate’

    ‘Court will determine Oyinlola’s fate’

    Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Chief Bayo Dayo spoke on former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s   actitivies in the chapter, the rift between Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the national leadership, the postponed  Southwest Congress and preparation for next year’s elections. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN met him.

    Are you reaching out to former President Olusegun Obasanjo  for reconciliation, since he said he had forgiven those that offended him?

    We don’t have personal issues with him. He is the leader of our party and the country. In politics, especially in a large family like Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), we are bound to have differences. No one will ever tell an elderly man that he was wrong. In Yoruba tradition, it is the youth that seek forgiveness from the elders. Whether we are right or wrong, we are begging our father, Chief Obasanjo, to forgive and forget. Any day we meet him, we shall bow for him as a mark of respect.

    As regards opening a line of communication with him, that is beyond our level. We are too junior to him. That is meant for the party’s top hierarchy. Being a former President, it is the party leadership at the national level that will deal with him, not state party officials like me. The gap between us and Baba Obasanjo is very wide. We are too junior to him.

    It was reported that the party leadership is making moves to reinstate Olagunsoye Oyinlola as the national scribe. Is Ogun chapter in support?

    I am not aware of that development. I know that our leaders would always follow due process. The case is still pending at the Supreme Court. Until the apex court gives judgment, we will not make comment. It will amount to subjudice to make comments on a matter pending in the court. I think we should exercise patience.

    Why has Ogun State PDP taken special interest in Oyinlola’s issue?

    Everything about the PDP started in Ogun State. We don’t want imposition in Ogun State. We believe in party discipline. We stand for internal democracy in our party. The new National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, is a man of principle. He has respect for the rule of law. He doesn’t believe in imposition, but due process.

    Are you aware that all actions taken by the incumbent National Secretary would be declared illegal, if your appeal at the Supreme Court fails?

    Let me tell you, Oyinlola doesn’t belong to the PDP anymore. He cannot claim to be a member of our great party. Remember that Oyinlola, along with his cohorts, walked out on the national convention of the party last year. He has been suspended for anti-party activities. You can’t build something on nothing. He was the secretary of what they called the new PDP, which doesn’t exist anymore. All his co-travellers have gone to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Oyinlola has left the PDP. I don’t know where he belongs.

    Concerned members of the PDP in Ogun State have written a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) challenging your leadership. What’s your comment?

    I am not aware of any petition. We don’t have factions in Ogun PDP, but groups. For instance, I’m a member of Jubril Martins Kuye (JMK) group. People are fond of writing meaningless petitions. This executive I’m heading was validated by the court. If they are not satisfied with the judgment, they should appeal. They are crying over something that is not within their reach. I can assure you that no group has challenged the authority of the present executive of the PDP in Ogun State. Only selfish members that are looking for short cut to reach their destination are creating the impression that there is crisis in the party.

    Is it true that there is a working accord between the PDP and the Labour Party, ahead of 2015?

    I am not aware of any working accord. All I know is that members of Labour Party have been crossing over to the PDP in recent times. Ogun State PDP door is wide open to everybody, including Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his Labour Party members. People don’t understand that Gbenga Daniel did a lot for the PDP. He left the party in annoyance. The way out is to appeal to him with a view to bringing him back into the fold. That we have been doing for a very long time now. We are ready to beg others who have defected to return to ensure the PDP remains a strong and a formidable party. I prefer working for my enemy within the party, if I know he will help us win election, rather than a close friend that has no electoral value. The door is open to all groups that want to join the PDP. If Daniel wants to come back, he’s welcome.

    Which of the senatorial zones is likely to produce the party’s governorship candidate for 2015?

    We have tried zoning many times in the PDP, but it has failed us. When it is zoned to a particular area, aspirants from other senatorial zones have always kicked against it. Then, you spend valuable time that should be spent on the field on reconciliation. The governorship ticket is open to the three senatorial districts, even though some people are in favour of a particular zone.

    Will the candidate emerge through primaries or through consensus?

    We shall create a level playing ground for all aspirants. Where the consensus option fails, we shall go for the primaries. Even, if only one aspirant disagrees with the consensus arrangement, we will have no other choice but to hold primaries. The executive does not have a particular person in mind. I want to do something that I can defend before my Creator. I can assure you that we shall conduct free, fair and transparent primaries when the time comes.

    Are you worried that the Southwest Congress of PDP is yet to hold?

    It is most unfortunate that we don’t have the  Southwest executive in place. However, we’ve got an assurance from the National Chairman that the Southwest congress will hold before the party’s mini-convention holding before the end of May.

    What’s your assessment of the on-going National Conference?

    I think we should give the National Conference a chance. The conference has just approved chairmen and members of various committees and has settled down for serious business.  Now that the conference has dissolved into committees, far reaching decisions on issues that have defied solutions over the years are bound to be made. It is a good thing that Nigerians of different ethnic nationalities are coming together to discuss the problems of the country and find solutions to them. I am very optimistic that Nigeria will benefit immensely from the report of the National Conference. President Goodluck Jonathan meant well in constituting the conference.

    What are the chances of the PDP in Ogun State in 2015?

    The PDP is the party to beat in Ogun State. It is the only party that is functional in the state. Members of the opposition parties are decamping to the PDP on weekly basis. While other parties are engrossed in internal crisis and parallel congresses, we are consolidating. I do not have any doubt in my mind that the PDP is progressing, waxing stronger and making gains. I am sure the party will, by the grace of God, win the 2015 general elections.

     

     

     

     

  • Fayose has no electoral value, says youth group

    Fayose has no electoral value, says youth group

    A socio-political organisation in Ekiti State, Ekiti Youth Emancipation Movement (EYEM), has described the PDP standard-bearer, Mr. Ayo Fayose, as a character that is not fit to govern the state again owing to his alleged woeful past.

    The group added that everyone in Ekiti knows that it would be suicidal to give Fayose another chance to unleash terror on the state.

    It said the PDP governorship candidate has lost his electoral value since he was disgracefully chased away from Ekiti State in October, 2006, adding that the decision of the PDP hierarchy to give him its ticket was not based on his electoral, but as a result of his anti-democratic and violence credentials, which the party believes would greatly fester its rigging plot.

    In a statement by its president, Mr. Taiwo Olatunji, and secretary, Mr. Kunle Adewumi, the group said Fayose himself is aware of his lack of electoral value, hence his decision to buy a N750 million worth of house out of the N1 billion allegedly given by the presidency.

    According to EYEM, Fayose was initially deceived by few okada men who used to follow him around, not knowing those motorcyclists were using him as comic relief.

    He was, however, shocked when Ekiti people shunned his campaign rallies in most communities he visited in the state.

     

  • Ikere-Ekiti locked down for Fayemi’s campaign visit

    Ikere-Ekiti locked down for Fayemi’s campaign visit

    •Ex-pdp Majority Leader defects to Apc
    •Hausa community endorses governor

    AN unprecedented crowd of residents and party supporters yesterday welcomed Governor Kayode Fayemi to Ikere-Ekiti as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s campaign train hit the town.

    The Ikere rally was a huge carnival in which indigenes of the town defied the scorching sun and trooped out in their thousands to welcome Fayemi and his entourage amidst singing, dancing, drumming and trumpeting.

    At the carnival-like gathering, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered more decimation as former Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Mr. Kayode Babade, joined the APC.

    The governor also flagged off the dualisation of the Ikere Carriageway, which links the town with the state capital, Ado-Ekiti and Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Live bands stationed at major junctions in Ikere thrilled residents, many of whom carried placards, banners bearing pro-Fayemi messages as well as brooms – the APC party symbol.

    Residents of Ikere, who said they were impressed with Fayemi’s performance in office, affirmed that the governor has done enough to merit a second term in office, promising to give him maximum votes to win re-election.

    Meanwhile, the Hausa Community in Shasha located on the outskirts of Ikere also endorsed Fayemi’s candidature, promising to cast their votes for the APC standard-bearer in the June 21 election.

    The governor also visited residents of Obasanjo Estate at Fagbohun along Ikere-Ado road, where he solicited their votes. However, the residents assured Fayemi of their support at the governorship poll.

    During the visit, residents of the estate led by Mr. Jide Ogunluyi requested the governor to approve the construction of perimeter fencing, pipe-borne water and rehabilitation of the one-kilometre road within the estate. The governor, who advised them to direct the requests to the Office of Chairman, Ikere Local Government Council, said he would execute the projects with dispatch.

    As Fayemi headed for Ikere township shortly after soliciting votes in Shasha, the journey to the Ogooga’s palace which should have taken 10 minutes spanned about two-and-half hours, as party officials, members and party supporters lined the road, a situation that caused gridlock along the dual carriageway.

    On sighting the governor’s convoy, the Hausas chanted various slogans including “Fayemi Tazarce” which means “Fayemi continue in office”, “Ko Duro S’oke (Stay on top), among others.

    At Shasha, Hausa traders at the Fagbohun market led by Alhaji Adamu Imam praised Fayemi for building a primary school and approving the extension of electricity in the community.

    Imam explained that Fayemi has identified with the Hausa community by providing facilities in their community and giving their association a brand new bus, which has become a source of pride to them in their native lands.

    The community leader described the APC as the party they love so dearly, adding that Fayemi is the only candidate they trust as the governor. According to them, the governor has lived up to expectation and fulfilled his promises.

    In his response, Fayemi described the Hausas as important stakeholders and contributors to the Ekiti economy through their payment of taxes and commitment to peace in the state.

    The APC candidate told his hosts that he was in Kano earlier in the week for the APC governors’ meeting, who shared a common dream to make life easier for all Nigerians.

    He disclosed that the APC governors would be in Ekiti next week and are expected to visit the Hausa community during their stay in the state.

    The governor thanked the Hausa community in the state for donating a bus and 10 motorcycles for his campaign, saying he was touched that the community believes in his cause and shares in his dream to transform the state.

    Fayemi added: “This election is not about Fayemi alone. It is the pointer to 2015. So, we must not joke with it. We must do everything within our power to mobilise our people in the markets, mosques, on the streets and I believe that God is on our side.

    “This is a party of truth, integrity and progress and all of us will be beneficiaries of what our party stands for.”

    The Ikere rally, which was held at the Post Office Roundabout, saw Babade who once served as State PDP Secretary, Commissioner and PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary for South-West urging the people to vote for Fayemi withy a view to continue his good works.

    Babade said: “The person we want and whom God wants to return to office is John Kayode Fayemi. We don’t want a violent person as our governor; we don’t want somebody bearing five names; and we don’t want a governor who is a drug addict.

    “We don’t want a governor who will be detaining Obas inside the booth, who disrespects elders, who mismanages resources. We want a cool-headed person as our governor.

    “We don’t want a governor who beats his wife and father. I want you my people to vote JKF, vote APC. Troop out massively on election day and we will ensure that PDP has no vote in Ikere.”

    Addressing the mammoth crowd, Fayemi expressed gratitude to the people of the town for their massive support and solidarity, urging them to come out en masse and vote APC for the good works to continue.

    Describing Ikere as the gateway to Ekitiland, Fayemi said the commencement of work on the dual carriageway underlines the importance attached to the town by his administration.

    He urged the people of the community not to be intimidated by the opposition’s threat that Ekiti election results would be declared from Abuja, saying such a step won’t work in Ekiti.

    “Some people are threatening that they will be declared as governor from Abuja. Tell them that will not happen here. On election day, be vigilant and stand by your votes.

    “Ikere wants somebody that will represent it well and I am a son of Ikere. Not somebody who will lock Obas inside the booth, not somebody who will kill College of Education students again like before, and not somebody who will disrespect elders.

    “You have seen what we have done: payment of stipends to the aged, construction of roads, renovation of schools, and we have not increased fees in our institutions.

  • Ajimobi, Lanlehin: The parting of ways

    Ajimobi, Lanlehin: The parting of ways

    Efforts to reconcile Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Senator Olufemi Lanlehin ( Oyo South District) may have hit the rock, following the alleged defection of the senator to the Accord Party (AP). Correspondent OSEHEYE OKWUOFU examines the implications of the protracted rift for the progressive family in the Pacesetter state.

    BEFORE the 2015 governorship primaries and general elections, the relationship between  Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Senator Olufemi Lanlehin was very cordial. They were always seen together, discussing how to improve the fortunes of their party in the elections .

    They were determined to contribute their quota towards ensuring that the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), now All Progressive Congress (APC) wrestled power from the self-acclaimed largest party in Africa , the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). At that time, the entire state was on its knees due to violence, thuggery, killings and maimings and misrule by the  PDP government.

    But the shadow poll drew nearer when  the existing camps within the party started to manifest. On the surface, the contenders – Ajimobi, Lanlehin, Chief Ismail Adewusi, Barrister Kazeem Adedeji and Chief Soji Akanbi – were full of eagerness, but a deep rancour was gradually developing underneath.

    At the Olubadan Stadium,  Ibadan, the venue of the primary election, close allies were compelled to break into camps, as many party stalwarts openly and overtly identified with the contestants of their choice.

    The bubble later burst when Senator Ajimobi was affirmed as the winner of the election. Other contestants, including Lanlehin, cried blue murder, dismissing the process that led to the emergence of Ajimobi as a hoax.

    Concerned party stalwarts, led by the late party leader and former governor, Lam Adesina,  swung into action, with the hope of pacifying all the aggrieved aspirants.

    In a short while, the efforts to pacify the aggrieved co-contestants paid off relatively, as some accepted party offers and gave peace a chance.

    The rest, is history. The party, after a keenly contested poll, defeated the PDP in the  election. Thus, while Ajimobi emerged as the governor, Lanlehin, came out victorious in the senatorial election.

    Rather than abating, certain contentious and divisive issues within the party, particularly between Ajimobi and Lanlehin, continued to fester.

    Many outside the state have intervened to end crisis between the governor and Lanlehin. Some concerned stakeholders who are still confused about the cause of the rift between the two ‘brothers’ have continued to ask what really went wrong between them. There are other puzzles. why can’t they bury the differences and focus on consolidating on the achievements of the party in the last three years and work on regaining the state in next year’s election?

    Ajimobi has been less inclined to discussing the rift between him and Senator Lanlehin in the public. Even when asked by journalists curious about the sore relationship, he often replied casually that “Lanlehin and others are envious about his seat.“ He added howver that such rivalry is normal in many other political climes .

    Dr Festus Adedayo, the Special Adviser on Media to the governor recently gave clues on the disagreement between his boss and  Lanlehin when he said that many political associates are not concerned about what would uplift the society. He said most elected leaders spend their tenure just giving the people tokens, but squander the resources of the state massaging the  ego of the elite. This leaves the people more impoverished at the end of the ir tenure.

    “Hitherto, the order was government constructing roads that lasted less that six months. Right now, anyone who had stayed two years out of Oyo State would certainly not be able to recognise the state capital any longer and many other towns in the state. An aggressive road dualisation is ongoing , which baffles many.  The number and quality of roads being built in Oyo State is alien and their qualify are alien to the geography of the state. Indeed, the type our people see in the Federal Capital Territory are being replicated in virtually all over the  state.“

    Observers say Ajimobi’s style of governance might be responsible for his inability to carry some key party members along. Adedayo said his  failure to democratise the largesse of government, and the grave fear that comes from the speed at which he (Ajimobi) is transforming the state could possibly wipe off the political career of many governors and politicians before him and bury the political future of many.

    “If you take the time to study the mantra of a few who have either left the ruling APC or declared hostility against the governor , none has faulted the fact that ,in the history of Oyo State, no governor has brought this massive development to the state as Ajimobi is doing, with the potentials that these could quadruple, if he stays in the saddle for another  term in office. The accusations range from the mundane to the selfish, laughable to the uninformed,” he said.

    Feelers from APC top leaders have shown that the party executive committee led by  Chief Akin Oke, did not manage the rift between the governor and Lanlehin well.

    On his part, Lanlehin, an old face in the politics of the Southwest, denied having any break in relations with Ajimobi, but accepted that he has an issue with the governor, who he agreed was his fellow Ibadan man working for the progress of the state.

    Lanlehin who confirmed his decision to declared for the Accord Party anytime  from now, said: “The problem I had with Ajimobi is that he is not carrying stakeholders along in decision- making and formulation of policies for the state, which is at variance with the manifesto of the party. He runs the state with a few cabals , thereby isolating majority of stakeholders, and he dosen’t listen to advise in implementing policies that has to do with the lives of the people of the state.”

    To back his claim, Senator Lanlehin cited the massive demolition of shops in Ibadan and environs by the governor without providing alternatives for the traders.

    “Although, he (Ajimobi) gave urban renewal and beautification as his reason for demolition, but you should know that such anti-people policies cannot stand. The people central to any development, so you cannot destroy their means of livelihood in the name of development. These are the issues I had against him,” he said.

    The senator representing Oyo Central , Senator Ayoade Adeseun, is also believed to have an axe to grind with Governor Ajimobi , especially on the failure to carry along other stakeholders in the running of the affairs of the state.

    The rumour that the senator has concluded plans to dump the party  was still sketchy as at press time yesterday.

    It therefore remains a herculian task for the governor and the party to work harder on membership drive, repairing damaged fences in the party. But perhaps along with the massive infrastructural development he has undertaken in the state, he stands a good chance of being re-elected next year.

     

  • ‘Fayemi’s promises to teachers, a deceit’

    ‘Fayemi’s promises to teachers, a deceit’

    Former Ekiti State governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ayodele Fayose, has described the promises made by Governor Kayode Fayemi to pay teachers in Ekiti State the 27 per cent as “an attempt to hoodwink them and a mere political statement”.

    Fayose, who was reacting to the promises made by Fayemi to the teachers, implored the teachers not to fall for the promise which he alleged was fake, saying that the All Progress Congress (APC), which emerged from Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has no record and reputation of being upright or faithful to promises.

    Speaking through his spokesman, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, in a statement made available to reporters in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Fayose told the teachers and people of Ekiti State that returning “Fayemi and APC to power is another four years of hunger, deceit, retrogression and capital flight”.

    On dualisation of Ikere road, Fayose told Ikere people to ask Fayemi why he had to wait until Fayose had said that he would embark on the work.

    Fayose said: “This is a deceit of the 21st century and only a fool would believe Fayemi, but Ikere people and Ekiti in general are wiser.”

    He urged the people to reject APC totally and vote for him to bring back to the state an era of economic boom and progress.

  • Court reinstates caretaker committee

    Court reinstates caretaker committee

    The Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, reinstated yesterday members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southwest Caretaker Committee.

    The committee members earlier resigned their positions to enable them contest in a zonal congress, which did not hold.

    They are Ishola Filani (Ekiti); Pegba Otemolu (Ogun), Adedeji Doherty (Lagos), Rasak Akanni (Oyo), Bolaji Jeje (Lagos), Orimolade Olanrewaju (Ondo), Olawunmi Yuba (Ogun) and Banji Obasanmi (Ekiti).

    The rest are Shola Oludipe (Ondo), Lawal Olatunde (Oyo), Emmanuel Oladejo (Oyo), Olalekan Abubakar (Lagos), Seun Adesanya (Ogun), Semiu Babatunde (Ogun), Tope Ademiluyi (Ekiti), Tunde Olowofoyeku (Osun) and Omoniyi Alo (Ondo).

    Justice Okon Abang held that the plaintiffs can remain in office until a valid congress is held.

    The committee members earlier urged the court to hold that they remain the valid Caretaker Committee members and cannot be replaced.

    Justice Abang awarded N30,000 to the plaintiffs.

    He said the plaintiffs were tricked into resigning their positions under the guise of conducting a zonal congress.

  • Akure LP members join PDP

    Akure LP members join PDP

    Some Labour Party (LP) members in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State defected yesterday to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The defectors, led by Mr. Kunle Adeloye, said they dumped LP because Governor Olusegun Mimiko “failed to fulfil his electioneering promises to Akure people in 2012”.

    Adeloye said Mimiko allegedly told them before his re-election that the number of votes from each local government would determine how much the council would benefit from his administration.

    He said the governor promised to appoint an Akure indigene as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), if he got maximum votes from Akure, but reneged on the promise.

    Adeloye said: “I am interested in what will benefit Akure people. Ondo people are angry with the government because it has failed them. Those who were not around when we were struggling to retain Mimiko are the ones benefiting from his administration.

    “We invested in the LP. Akure people have always supported Mimiko, but his recent attitude towards us forced us to turn against him. We have an Akure agenda, whether they like it or not. Since Akure is the state capital, we should be given priority.”

    He said he joined the PDP to have a platform where the yearnings of Akure indigenes would be met.