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  • APC, PDP trade blames on Edo election tribunal shooting

    APC, PDP trade blames on Edo election tribunal shooting

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have traded blames on the shooting incident at the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin, on Wednesday.

    A statement by the APC Chairman in Edo, Jarret Tenebe, described the incident as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable act of violence that undermined the sanctity of the judicial process.”

    Tenebe accused supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of carrying out what he described as the distardly act.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some gunmen suspected to be political thugs disrupted proceeding of the tribunal shouting “give us our mandate” while shooting sporadically.

    The shooting caused panic with lawyers, members of the tribunal and others at the proceedings fleeing for safety.

    Tenebe, in the statement available to the NAN, described the tribunal as a sacred space where justice was meant to be administered impartially.

    “Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved.

    “Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable.

    “We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms.

    “Violence has no place in a civilised society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception,” the chairman said.

    Read Also: EFCC denies involvement in Edo governorship tribunal witness arrest

    However, in a counter-statement, the PDP in the state disassociated itself from the shooting incident.

    The PDP chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, described the incident as yet another in the series of clandestine efforts by the APC to frustrate the legal process and tarnish the image of the opposition party.

    “The APC in Edo, who are clearly scared of justice, have continued their devious ploy to frustrate our party from reclaiming the mandate duly given to us by the good people of Edo in the last governorship election at the tribunal.

    “They have now resorted to deploying thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt the legal process, while pointing accusing fingers at our party,” Aziegbemi said.

    (NAN)

  • Leadership crisis: Ologbondiyan warns against external influence in PDP

    Leadership crisis: Ologbondiyan warns against external influence in PDP

    Kola Ologbondiyan, former National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed deep concerns over the alleged external forces attempting to destabilise the PDP.

    His remarks followed a high-profile leadership dispute within the PDP between Samuel Anyanwu and Ude Okoye for the position of national secretary.

    Appearing on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Ologbondiyan backed the party’s current national publicity secretary, Dipo Ologunagba, emphasizing that Ude Okoye remains the legitimate national secretary of the party.

    He stated: “As a member of the PDP, whatever Barrister Debo Ologunagba comes out to say is the official position of the PDP.

    Read Also: Stella Damasus: How my surname changed from Ojukwu to Damasus 

    “As the substantive national publicity secretary of the party, I cannot detach from whatever Ologunagba has come out to say in respect of the present issues. As Ologunagba has forthrightly said, legitimately and constitutionally, Ude Okoye is the person recognized by the party and until he says otherwise, I think his position is valid.”

    On the alleged external threats to PDP’s stability, he said: “I have always made the position known that there are attempts to reduce the PDP to a branch or an arm of the APC.

    “I would go further to say that the involvement of the former presidential aspirant on the platform of the PDP, who is the current minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, in the governance of the APC, has created a room that can lead to the collapse of the PDP. So, I subscribe to what Ologunagba is saying about external influences on the party.”

    Ologbondiyan also touched on the internal challenges, including regional disputes over leadership roles and the ongoing legal battle between Anyanwu and Okoye. 

    “As at Dec 20, Ude Okoye got a judgement from the court of appeal in Enugu validating him as the National Secretary. He has published his judgement. Senator Anyanwu has also come out to say he has got a stay from the Supreme Court.”

    He critiqued the manner in which these disputes are being handled, pointing out, “A proverb says if there is no split on the wall, the lizard would not come in. So definitely, there would be issues in the party and how much these issues are managed is on one side and how external influences come into them to finally disrupt and reduce the party to nothingness is also there. That is the situation that the party is facing.”

    He highlighted specific grievances like the North-Central’s claim to the National Chairman position, currently held by Damagun from the North-East, whom he described as holding the position “illegally.” 

    “Take for instance, in the case of the national chairman, the north-central believes that the position should return back to their region. Damagun is from the north-east and no matter how long he is staying there, he is there illegally. It is an issue in the party.”

    “On the current issue involving the national secretary, Anyanwu had gone to run for governorship and the people of the South-East replaced him with Ude Okoye.”

  • Court restrains Wike-backed PDP executive committees in Rivers

    Court restrains Wike-backed PDP executive committees in Rivers

    A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has restrained the ward, local government and state executive committees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by the Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, from parading themselves as executive members of the party in the State.

    The presiding judge, Justice Stephen Jumbo, gave the restraining order while ruling on interlocutory injunction filed by two Port Harcourt-based legal practitioners, Edwin Woko, Love Otuonye and two others.

    Justice Jumbo ruled that the ward, local government and state congresses of PDP had no locus standi and were invalid from the onset.

    Read Also: Fed govt confident of achieving N36.35trn revenue target for 2025

    The applicants had sought an order setting aside as a nullity the congresses conducted in 319 wards and 23 local government areas of the state on the 27th of July, 10th of August and 31st of August.

    The applicants had claimed that the congresses were allegedly done in flagrant disobedience to the provision of orders of Rivers State High Court issued on the 16th of July 2024, which stopped the conduct of the congresses pending the hearing and determination of an ol already-filled originating summons.

    They wanted an order restraining Chukwuemeka and others named as second set of defendants in the suit from acting, representing or parading themselves as members of the state executives committee or officers of the PDP.

  • Edo governorship tribunal begins as PDP, APC gear up for legal battle

    Edo governorship tribunal begins as PDP, APC gear up for legal battle

    The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal begins today, Monday, in Benin City, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) set for a decisive legal contest over the outcome of the September 21 gubernatorial election.

    The case has generated mixed reactions across the state, with PDP supporters expressing optimism.

    PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is contesting the election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging collusion between INEC and the APC to manipulate the process. 

    The petition outlines alleged irregularities, including violations of the Electoral Act, inflated APC votes in strongholds, and unlawful cancellation of PDP votes in key local government areas.

    PDP spokesperson Barrister Tony Ehilebo, speaking ahead of the tribunal’s first sitting, expressed confidence in the party’s case.

    “We have presented overwhelming evidence to prove that the election was rigged. We are confident the tribunal will restore the mandate stolen from the people of Edo and reaffirm the integrity of our democracy,” he said.

    Read Also: Edo governorship election tribunal receives seven petitions against Okpebholo’s victory

    However, the APC dismissed the claims as unfounded. Chief Alex Okosun, an APC chieftain, described the challenge as “sacrilegious,” urging Ighodalo to accept the results.

    “Politicians must stop litigating every election. Asue is Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s Esan brother. He should let bygones be bygones and join the Governor to move Edo forward. We have finally gotten an Esan governor; that is the main thing,” Okosun stated, maintaining confidence in the legitimacy of Governor Okpebholo’s mandate.

    As proceedings commence, the tribunal faces intense scrutiny, with many viewing the case as a critical test of Nigeria’s judiciary and its role in protecting democratic integrity.

  • PDP crisis: Uncertainty over mandated February NWC meeting

    PDP crisis: Uncertainty over mandated February NWC meeting

    • No date picked yet for meeting despite request by Govs Forum, BoT
    • Stakeholders’ toughen stances

    Proposal by the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Governors Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT) for a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) next month may have hit the rocks, according to indications yesterday.

    The proposal was tabled last November as part of the strategy to save the party’s fortunes ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The governors, in a communiqué in Jos, had mandated the National Working Committee of the party led by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, to fix the NEC meeting for the first week in February.

    The governors said the period from November to February would be dedicated to addressing the critical challenges facing the party.

    However, the party’s 2025 Time-Table and Schedule of Activities released by the party’s Directorate of Organization and Mobilization in Abuja does not contain any such meeting whether in February or the first quarter of the year.

    But it was gathered that the NWC will meet on Monday, February 10, 2025.

    Party sources said the anti-Damagum forces within and outside the PDP NWC may be getting ready to overwhelm Damagum at the meeting.

    His position is not helped by the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal that gave recognition to Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the party’s national secretary as opposed to Damagum’s ally, Samuel Anyanwu.

    Anyanwu said last week that he remains the PDP national secretary.

    “As we speak today, I’m still the national secretary of PDP,” he said on AIT.

    “The reason is that on the 20th of December, there was a court judgment from the appeal court of Enugu affirming the judgment of the state high court of Enugu.

    “Before then, I had a federal high court judgment which affirmed my position.

    “If you remember, sometime in 2023, before the election, precisely on the 10th of November 2023, there was a state high court judgment which said I should have resigned before vying for the office of the governor.

    “Then I went to the Federal High Court here in Abuja, which confirmed my position that as long as I was elected by convention, my position is sacrosanct until the 9th of December 2025, when my position will officially end.

    “Incidentally, the people that (filed) the case continued the matter at the Appeal Court.

    “On the 20th of December, the court (delivered) a judgment in which N1 million cost was awarded against them.

    “However, on the same 20th, we appealed the matter and then filed for a stay of execution, which is normal because the Appeal Court is not the highest court.

    “So, what does that mean? It means that the status quo should remain.

    “There is no faction in PDP. The PDP is led by the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.”

    Speaking on allegations that he and Damagum were working as proxies of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Anyanwu dismissed such notions as deliberate political misrepresentation.

    “Wike and I have been friends since our days as council chairmen. We cannot stop being friends now just because of partisan politics,” he said.

    Those opposed to Damagum and Anyanwu fear that they may jeopardise the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

     “The National Secretary is the central figure in all these critical arrangements that would determine the direction of the national convention later in the year, and you know that the officials that emerge at the national convention would eventually determine everything about the arrangements for 2027 presidential primaries.

    “So, the fresh heat being generated is understandable,” said a top party source.

    Ahead of the February 10 meeting of the NWC, the party is expected to screen contestants for Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) offices on Saturday, January 25.

    Read Also: PDP may boycott LG polls in Ondo as Aiyedatiwa urges APC leaders to avoid overconfidence

    The screening will take place at the PDP zonal headquarters.

    Election of ZWC members for the North East, South East and South-South will take place during zonal congresses on Saturday, February 22 while the zonal congresses of the North Central and South West are scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025.

    Damagum’s supporters, citing an October 2024 court ruling, strongly believe he will remain in office until December.

    Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had restrained the PDP NEC and BoT from removing Damagum as the party’s acting national chair.

    In a judgment delivered via Zoom on October 11, Justice Lifu ordered that aside Damagum, no other person must be recognised as the PDP acting national chair until the party’s convention scheduled for December 2025.

    Lifu held that PDP members were bound by Articles 42, 47 and 67 of the party’s constitution which stipulate that national officers of the party can only be elected during the party’s national convention.

    The suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/579/2024 was filed by Umar Maina, Yobe State PDP chair.

    The plaintiff prayed the court to invoke article 45, 47 and 67 of the PDP constitution to stop the move to replace Damagum.

    Stakeholders keep taking sides in the crisis, canvassing support for those they support.

  • Diri, exco, PDP leaders visit late commissioner’s family, accident victims

    Diri, exco, PDP leaders visit late commissioner’s family, accident victims

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, alongside members of the state executive council and the leadership of the Bayelsa Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei. 

    Mrs. Bidei passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 67, after a brief illness. 

    Speaking during the visit, Governor Diri, in an emotion-laden voice, fondly remembered Mrs. Bidei and her late husband, Jackson Bidei, a former African wrestling champion, retired Director of Sports, and Permanent Secretary, as his unwavering supporters throughout his political journey. 

    Describing Mrs. Bidei as a woman of valour, Diri lauded her contributions to the growth and development of Bayelsa State through her active involvement in the PDP and the various leadership positions she held. 

    The governor expressed his condolences to the Bidei family and acknowledged the significant legacy left by the late commissioner in public service and state development.

    He said: “Mrs. Bidei and her dear husband stood by me from the beginning of my political journey to this day. They never wavered for one second. It is so sad that we are here for a condolence visit.

    “We cannot query or question God. This brings to the fore the fact that each one of us is merely mortal, and only what we do will speak when we are gone.

    “Today, our compatriot, an active party woman, a member of our state executive council, and a woman of valour, whom we all thought would continue to contribute to the growth and development of our state, is no more. I never imagined that we would be paying tribute to this woman.

    “But in everything, the Bible says we should give thanks to God. On behalf of the government and people of the state, I extend our condolences to the family.”

    Diri, a commissioner who died in active service to the state, said the government would take care of the funeral expenses.

    Read Also: Diri mourns tragic death of Bayelsa paramount ruler in road crash

    Responding, the family spokesman, Mr. Ebikabowei Otobo, and Mr. Bidei expressed their appreciation to the governor for demonstrating exemplary leadership by personally visiting with members of his cabinet.

    The delegation included the lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw Constituency One, Mr. Bonnie Ayah, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Bayelsa PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Agwana, the Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, his deputy, Irorodamie Komonibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Target Segibo, the Head of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, and other top government functionaries.

    The entourage also visited recuperating victims of last Friday’s fatal accident in Sagbama that claimed the life of the paramount ruler of the Ofoni community, HRH Auditor Onakpohor, at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri.

  • Why we accepted Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary, by PDP

    Why we accepted Udeh-Okoye as National Secretary, by PDP

    • Party condemns assault on journalists, promises comprehensive probe

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it was compelled to accept Sunday Udeh-Okoye as its National Secretary.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said Udeh-Okoye is replacing Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who is also laying claim to the position because of the unambiguous affirmations in two court orders from the High Court and the Federal Court of Appeal in favour of Udeh-Okoye.

    Ologunagba said this while addressing reporters at the PDP national secretariat yesterday in Abuja, where he also faulted the assault on The Sun newspaper’s correspondent, Mr. Ndubuisi Orji by the party’s staff member, Mr. Emmanuel Okoronkwo.

    The PDP national publicity secretary noted that contrary to the criminality being inferred from the development, the PDP firmly believed in abiding by the nation’s laws and democratic tenets.

    “There were two court orders. On December 24, 2023, after consultation with the PDP National Legal Adviser, it was confirmed that we had received the judgment on the appeal affirming S. K. Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary of the party. We are a rule of law-compliant party. We believe in this finality of the judicial process.

    Read Also: How suspended Edo LG chairmen remitted N12bn to PDP leaders in 15 months, by Okpebholo

    “We have always respected judicial pronouncements and we will always abide by that culture. The position of the party has not changed to that, in consistence with our position in the past as rule of law-compliant party. We are obeying the order of court. We will follow the processes and ensure full compliance with the pronouncement of the Court of Appeal.

    “We have received the judgment of the Court of Appeal that affirmed Right Honorable S. K. E. Udeokoye as the National Secretary of PDP. As a party, we are bound by that judgment because it’s the judgment from the highest court to date,” he said.

    Commenting on the assault on the journalist, Ologunagba stressed that “there is a criminal dimension” to the matter.

    The PDP national publicity secretary recalled that Orji was at the Wadata Plaza national secretariat to enquire about the party’s activities when he was assaulted.

    He described the attack as unauthorised and inconsistent with the party’s values.

    “We dissociate ourselves from this activity because he (Okoronkwo) acted alone, from our preliminary investigation. We will go through an established procedure within the system to understand and we will come out with our findings.

    “That said, Emmanuel Okoronkwo, who is a staff member of this party, had no business at all with security apparatus of the party. The worst was his being here at that time, particularly since we were on vacation. He had no business being here.

    “If he got instruction from anywhere, whoever he claims it to be, then he would take responsibility for those actions. We are saying that he acted alone. But if he says he was acting on instruction, that would be his own issue to deal with. This party did not give (such) an instruction to him. He had no business being here.

    “If he was here and was found to have committed a crime, then he should bear the consequences, either personally or with whoever might have sent him, if indeed he was sent,” Ologunagba added.

  • Why we accepted Udeh-Okoye as our new national secretary, by PDP

    Why we accepted Udeh-Okoye as our new national secretary, by PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accepted Honourable Sunday Udeh-Okoye as its National Secretary, replacing Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who still lays claim to the position. 

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, explained that the decision was compelled by clear affirmations in two court orders from both the High Court and the Federal Court of Appeal.

    Addressing journalists at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, Ologunagba also commented on the recent assault on The Sun newspaper correspondent, Mr. Ndubuisi Orji, by a PDP staff member, Mr. Emmanuel Okoronkwo. 

    He described the incident as unfortunate but emphasized that it does not reflect the party’s commitment to lawfulness and democratic principles.

    “The PDP firmly believes in abiding by the law and upholding democratic tenets,” Ologunagba stated.

    “There were two court orders and on December 24, 2023, after consultation with the PDP National Legal Adviser, it was confirmed that we have received the judgment on the appeal affirming Hon S. K. Udeh-Okoye, as the National Secretary of the party; we are a rule of law compliant party, we believe in this finality of the judicial process.

    “We have always respected judicial pronouncement and we will always abide by that culture; the position of the party has not changed to that; in consistence with our position in the past as rule of law compliant party, we are obeying the order of court; we will follow the processes and ensure full compliance with the pronouncement of the Court of Appeal.

    “We have received the judgment of the Court of Appeal that affirmed, Right Honorable S. K. E. Udeokoye, as National Secretary of PDP as as a party, we are bound by that judgment because it’s the judgment from the highest court to date,” the PDP national spokesman explained.

    Pointing out that ‘there is a criminal dimension’ to a PDP staff, Mr. Emmanuel Okoronkwo’s physical assault on The Sun newspaper’s reporter, Mr, Ndubuisi Orji who only came into Wadata Plaza to ask whether there was any party activity going on, Ologunagba  described the action as unauthorized and inconsistent with the party’s values.

    “We dissociate ourselves from this activity because he acted alone from our preliminary investigation; we are going to go through an established procedure within the system to understand, and we will come out with our findings.

    Read Also: How suspended Edo LG chairmen remitted N12bn to PDP leaders in 15 months, by Okpebholo

    “That said, Emmanuel Okoronkwo who is a staff of this party had no business at all with security apparatus of the party and the worst was his being here at that time, particularly since we were on vacation; he had no business being here.

    “If he got instruction from anywhere, whoever he claims it to be, then he would take responsibility for those actions; we are saying that he acted alone but if he says he was acting on instruction, that would be his own issue to deal with; this party did not give (such) instruction to him, he had no business being here.

     “If he was here and found to have committed a crime, then he should bear the consequences either personally or with whoever might have sent him, if indeed he was sent,” Ologunagba added.

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

  • Battle rages in PDP NWC

    Battle rages in PDP NWC

    • Damagum excluded as court-ordered secretary, others visit governors
    • Party elders accuse Oborevwori of romancing APC

    The relative peace in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been disrupted.

    The latest setback arose from last month’s judgment of the Court of Appeal which declared Sunday Ude-Okoye as National Secretary in place of Samuel Anyanwu.

    While Anyanwu is at home in Imo State observing the holiday, Ude-Okoye has seized the initiative.

    Although Anyanwu said he would return to the secretariat this week after the break, Ude-Okoye who could not access the secretariat, took along with him some NWC members and visited three governors at the weekend.

    The team was well received by Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Muhammed (Bauchi) and Duoye Diri (Bayelsa).

    It was learnt that the trips did not receive the blessing of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.

    According to a source, the pro-Atiku forces bent on shoving aside Anyanwu, were behind Ude-Okoye’s action.

    Justifying his reception for Ude-Okoye, Makinde said he believes in the rule of law. He referred to the subsisting judgment which declared Ude-Okoye as National Secretary.

    With Ude-Okoye on the trip to Ibadan were: Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman;  Mrs Amina Bryhm, National Women Leader; Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), National Legal Adviser; Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary; Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, National Treasurer; Obi Okechukwu, National Auditor; Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Dr Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary; Dr. Bovoa Emmanuel, National Vice Chairman PDP Northeast and High Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman PDP South-East.

    On rule of law I stand, says Makinde

    Urging party faithful to maintain their fidelity to the platform, Makinde, who reflected on the challenges facing the main opposition party, said only adherence to the rule of law can resolve the lingering leadership tussle.

    He recalled advising the party to always abide by the law, even before the court pronouncement.

    Makinde spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, when he received some national party officers, purportedly led by Okoye.

    The officers were in the state to commiserate with the governor on the death of 35 children during last month’s stampede and to present Okoye to him as national secretary.

    He said Nigerians wanted the PDP to put its house in order and provide an alternative route for good governance.

    Makinde told reporters: “There is a court pronouncement on the issue of the National Secretary.

    “My position was clear from day one and I will always follow the rule of law.

    “This is the new National Secretary by court pronouncement. I said without mincing words that we would stay on the side of the law.

    “We deliberated a little bit on what are the things ahead of us; 2025 is going to be a pivotal year for us as a party.”

    Read Also: PDP crisis: We will stand on side of law – Makinde

    He added: “Nigerians are waiting for the PDP to get its acts together. You can see how united the members of the NWC of our party are. There is no faction and this will give a headache to some people.

    “This is the beginning of a lot of good things to come in terms of party administration and commitment. I heard good things from these leaders; things that I was not even thinking deeply about.

    “One of them said to us that there should not be any sacrifice that would be too big to make in the interest of our party and the interest of Nigerians.

    “Nigerians don’t want a one-party state. They want alternatives. They want to be able to kick people out if they are not delivering on their promises.

    “So, there is commitment to ensure that Nigeria does not slide into a one-party state.”

    Okoye commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State on the unfortunate stampede.

    On the leadership crisis, he said: “We also want to say that we in the PDP are one. And when one cries, the other one also joins.

    “And Oyo State being a PDP state, we are mourning with the state and we commiserate with the affected families and Oyo State at large.

    “As the new Secretary, I am bringing unity and cohesion on board. I am going to make sure that from this year onward, the party will function effectively well as the leading opposition party in Nigeria.

    “By the grace of God, by 2027, we will take over Nigeria and give Nigerians the good governance they desire. I know that Nigerians are waiting for us.

    “Very soon, you will see the majority of them, including members of the ruling party coming back to the PDP.”

    Diri urges leaders to strengthen PDP

    Diri, who boasted that PDP would produce the president and 27 governors in 2027, received Okoye at his country home, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

    Speaking on behalf of NWC, Yayare said the party officers were in Sampou to also commiserate with Diri over the death of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (rtd), Moses Jituboh, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Elizabeth Bidei.

    Okoye said the NWC was poised to reposition the party and demonstrate to Nigerians that they have an alternative that could offer quality leadership.

    He said the NWC would strengthen the party and restore public respect.

    Okoye commended Diri for his exemplary leadership and remarkable strides, saying the party was very proud of him.

    Diri, in a statement by his media aid, Daniel Alabrah, said the party and governors should unite.

    He said: “As governors, we need to work closely together. We need to do what is right without minding whose ox is gored.

    “We can build consensus as an alternative way of resolving issues. It is not always proper to go to court whenever we are aggrieved.

    “We cannot because of political considerations do the wrong thing. If PDP dies in our hands, posterity will not forgive us.”

    Diri assured the party of his support, adding that he was not interested in polarising the PDP.

    He stressed: “If anybody is bigger than the party, the person can leave. It is PDP that has made most of us. We cannot be in PDP in the daytime and at night be in another party. We need to do in-house cleansing.”

    Diri expressed support for the proposed mega party to take over power at the centre.

    Party officers to governor: Stabilise PDP

    Also, during a condolence visit to Governor Mohammed in Bauchi, the NWC members urged the PDP Governors’s Forum, led by Mohammed, to stabilise the party.

    They emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving the party’s goals.

    Yayari highlighted the pivotal role Mohammed plays in the Forum, saying that his leadership is critical to the progress of the party.

  • PDP will produce more govs In 2027 — NWC

    PDP will produce more govs In 2027 — NWC

    • …as Diri urges colleagues to strengthen party, save Nigeria 

    The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the party will produce more state governors in 2027 and take over governance at the centre.

    The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) stated this on Sunday during a visit to the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, at his country home, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

    Speaking on behalf of the NWC, the National Treasurer, Alhaji Ahmed Yayare, said due to the level of disenchantment across the country, occasioned by the high cost of living, PDP would produce more governors in 2027.

    He noted that PDP was the only viable opposition party that could wrest political power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, stressing that “if it (PDP) does not take over the leadership of the country, it could be the end of democracy in Nigeria.”

    “Nothing stops the PDP producing the president and the vice president in 2027.

    “The 36 states of Nigeria are yearning for the return of PDP. The APC cannot go out to campaign because they will be stoned. Nigeria is in your hands. We need your support to salvage Nigeria.”

    He said they were prepared to go round PDP states to canvass support ahead of the 2027 election and urged the governors to close ranks towards actualising their vision.

    Read Also: Obi disowns merger talks with PDP, Kwankwaso

    Yayare said the NWC was in Sampou to also commiserate with Senator Diri over the death of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (rtd), Moses Jituboh, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Elizabeth Bidei.

    The PDP National Secretary, Ude Okoye, also stated that the NWC was poised to reposition the party and demonstrate to Nigerians that they have an alternative that could offer quality leadership.

    He said the NWC would swing into action towards strengthening the party and ensure that that there was respect for it and its  governors.

    Okoye commended Diri for his examplary leadership and remarkable developmental strides in Bayelsa, saying the party was very proud of him.

    Responding, Governor Diri in a statement by his media aide Daniel Alabrah 

    said it was essential for the party and its governors to be united as the only viable party in opposition. 

    Diri said: “As governors we need to work closely together. We need to do what is right without minding whose ox is gored. 

    “We can build consensus as an alternative way of resolving issues. It is not always proper to go to court whenever we are aggrieved. We cannot because of political considerations do the wrong thing. If PDP dies in our hands, posterity will not forgive us.”

    Diri assured the party of his support, adding that he was not interested in polarising the PDP.

    “If anybody is bigger than the party, the person can leave. It is PDP that has made most of us. We cannot be in PDP in the day time and at night be in another party. We need to do in-house cleansing,” he stated.

    Diri expressed support for the idea of forming a mega party with PDP standing out prominently to take over power at the centre.

    He also urged his colleagues to strengthen the party so it can salvage the country from its current slide.