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  • APC, PDP duel over alleged assassination bid on Kaduna senator

    APC, PDP duel over alleged assassination bid on Kaduna senator

    Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to desist from tarnishing its reputation with unverified claims and unfounded propaganda.

     This was coming as the opposition PDP fingered members of the APC in the alleged assassination  attempt on PDP Senator Representing Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone, Lawal Adamu Usman.

     The APC in a statement issued by the State Secretary, Alhaji Yahaya Baba Pate, advised the PDP to ‘’strive to fulfill its role as a constructive opposition party.’’

     The PDP had earlier accused APC of complicity in the alleged murder attempt, which the ruling party  has condemned, describing it as an unfounded accusation which is “both false and absurd.”

    According to APC,  the Kaduna Police Command had “revealed that Senator Lawal Adamu Usman has neither filed a formal complaint nor cooperated with ongoing investigations.

     “Despite repeated attempts by the police to reach him, he remains unresponsive. It is, therefore, baffling how the PDP arrived at its baseless conclusion implicating the APC in this alleged incident,’’ the party stated.

    The statement further called  on Senator Usman and the PDP to cooperate fully with the Police investigation.

    Read Also; Tinubu pledges completion of Eastern rail line

     ‘’Failure to do so would lend credence to suspicions that the alleged assassination attempt is nothing more than a fabrication aimed at maligning the APC, creating unnecessary tension, and derailing the peace and progress currently enjoyed in Kaduna State.

     ‘’The APC strongly suspects that certain conflict entrepreneurs are using the PDP to disrupt the remarkable strides achieved under the peace initiatives of Senator Uba Sani’s people-focused and inclusive administration,’’ the statement added.

     The ruling party noted that ‘’the PDP in Kaduna State has developed a troubling reputation for issuing ill-conceived and patently false statements, undermining the seriousness of public discourse.

    ‘’This reckless behavior highlights the party’s deteriorating standards, with critical matters being handled without due diligence or proper scrutiny,’’ the party maintained.

     While noting that efforts to disrupt  the Government will not succeed, the statement added that ‘’Kaduna State remains on a path of growth and stability, and no amount of false narratives or orchestrated incidents will derail this progress.’’

     However, the PDP in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Maria Dogo said, the party will not stand idly by while the lives of its elected representatives are threatened or taken, allegedly by the APC and its members.

    According to the statement, “the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State strongly condemns the unfortunate assassination attempt on the life of Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, representing Kaduna Central senatorial district. This disturbing incident occurred on January 1, 2025, while Senator Usman was inspecting ongoing constituency projects in Kaduna North LGA.

     “The Kaduna State government’s inability to prevent killings, maimings, and kidnappings across the state has been alarming. The recent assassination attempt on Senator Usman highlights the government’s ineptitude in managing security and sets a worrisome tone for 2025.

     “The PDP demands an immediate investigation into this matter, as well as the arrest and prosecution of the assailants and their sponsors. We also urge reinforced security measures for our elected representatives and their families.

     “We emphasize that the PDP will not stand idly by while the lives of our elected representatives are threatened or taken, allegedly by the APC and its members. The ballot, not violence, is the only accepted means of transferring power.

     “Instead of resorting to violence, the APC-led government and its members should focus on implementing meaningful initiatives and programs in the senatorial zone, earning the party goodwill among the people.

     “We call on our party members and all well-meaning citizens of the Kaduna Central senatorial zone to remain calm and peaceful while we pursue all legal means to bring those responsible for the attempt on Senator Usman’s life to justice.

     “As our state chairman noted in his New Year Message, the PDP is committed to defending democracy in Kaduna State, ensuring the people’s voices are heard,” the statement read.

     Though, spokesman of the Kaduna Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan could not be reached to confirm the status of investigation on the alleged assassination attempt, a credible security source said, the Senator was not assisting the Police in the investigation, as he was yet to report the case to the Police.

     The Police Command had on Thursday stated that it was not aware of the alleged assassination attempt on Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, stating that it did not receive any formal complaint regarding the incident, which was reportedly carried out by thugs in an unidentified location in Kaduna North on January 2, 2025.

  • Obi disowns merger talks with PDP, Kwankwaso

    Obi disowns merger talks with PDP, Kwankwaso

    • APC faults LP leader’s knock for economy

    Four days after New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso repudiated the proposed opposition alliance talks, his Labour Party (LP) counterpart,  Peter Obi, has disowned the plan.

    Obi, former Anambra State governor, said there is no merger deal yet with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the NNPP or any other party.

    He told reporters in Abuja that no agreement had been established with other parties on collaboration ahead of 2027.

    However, Obi urged Nigerians to come together in 2027 and defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of mismanaging the country’s resources.

    Obi described the security situation as unfortunate, saying that many Nigerians are losing their lives to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping-for-ransom.

    He said corruption and the cost of governance are high, leading to an astronomical increase in public debt under the Tinubu Administration.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin hails Tinubu’s New Year speech

    Obi alleged that government officials mismanaged public funds in 2024 through incessant foreign travels.

    However, the APC rejected the allegations, saying that they were unfounded.

    The ruling party said the former LP presidential candidate is still nursing bitterness over his defeat in the 2023 poll.

    Obi also said the country’s electoral processes are visibly flawed, lacking transparency and credibility.

    He said the electoral processes fell below acceptable standards, adding that people’s votes no longer count.

    Obi said the single most challenging test for the President is ensuring that future elections are credible and truly reflect the will of the people.

    Obi said: “We hold periodic elections that are no longer genuine. Our electoral processes are visibly flawed, lacking transparency and credibility.

    “Although Nigeria is a democratic country, the electoral processes fall far below acceptable standards, with the people’s votes often not counting.”

    Calling for efficient resource management, Obi continued: “The focus should be on eliminating current and future official malfeasance through increased transparency and accountability in public procurement and contract award processes, as well as thorough monitoring of execution to ensure that limited resources are efficiently utilised and applied productively.

    “All future borrowing must be tied to regenerative investments and visible, productive assets that benefit the nation.

    “This will ensure both productivity and the ability to service and amortise such loans, rather than continuing the current practice of accumulating massive debt with no tangible returns, which places undue strain on future development revenue.

    “Furthermore, it is time for you to visit our national hospitals. Consider, for example, that your next medical examination be conducted at one of our national hospitals or regional federal medical centres, such as the FMC in Sokoto or Birnin Kebbi or Calabar or Umuahia or Akure, among others.

    “This will allow you to assess the state of healthcare facilities available to Nigerians. It will also help you understand the condition of our hospitals and clinics, enabling you to make informed decisions on how to upgrade and make them efficient. Endeavour to travel by road to observe the condition of most highways.

    “You can take short trips, for example, from Calabar in Cross River State to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State – a distance of less than 100 km, or from Benin in Edo State to Warri in Delta State.

    “I recall taking President Olusegun Obasanjo on a trip from Awka to Onitsha on a federal highway when I was the governor of Anambra State.

    “That journey prompted him to immediately approve the reconstruction of parts of the road by the Anambra State government, with subsequent reimbursement by the Federal Government. Such actions are immensely valuable.

    “Make both impromptu and planned visits to our tertiary institutions, where our children and future leaders are being trained. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the available infrastructure, facilities, and amenities.

    “These visits will provide valuable insight into whether the resources of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) are being utilised optimally and what is needed to sustain the education system.

    “Mr. President, many Nigerians are ‘refugees’ and ‘exiles’ in their own country.

    “Visit various IDP camps and assure these Nigerians that they will soon return to their communities and that you are working hard to restore peace and normalcy to the country. Nigeria is not a war-torn nation.”

    To motivate the soldiers fighting terror, Obi said: “As Commander-in-Chief, visit our military formations and security agencies, especially during their field operations, and provide them with morale-boosting assurances and support for operational efficiency.

    “Reiterate that they and their families will always be taken care of.”

  • Who is PDP National Secretary?

    Who is PDP National Secretary?

    Former National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sunday Ude-Okoye yesterday said that he would soon resume as national secretary.

    He said Senator Samuel Anyanwu has ceased to be national secretary, following the judgment of the Court of Appeal that displaced him.

    Ude-Okoye had approached the court seeking the nullification of Anyanwu’s return to the position after his failed governorship bid in Imo State.

    However, a member of the House of Representatives, who spoke on the condition of anonymity,  said nobody can be recognised as the authentic national secretary until the judgment of the Supreme Court on the matter.

    Anyanwu and the acting national chairman,  Ambassador Umar Damagum,  enjoys the backing of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

    However,  last week, the Appeal Court sitting in Enugu upheld a High Court ruling that invalidated Anyanwu’s position as secretary and reaffirmed Ude Okoye’s claim to the position.

    Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, who delivered the judgment,  said Anyanwu’s return to the position of national secretary after emerging as the PDP governorship candidate in Imo State in last year’s elections violated the party’s constitution.

    The judge said Anyanwu’s appeal lacked merit.

    Although the judge ordered the implementation of the judgement within 24 hours, Anyanwu has held on to the position while his supporters claimed that only the Supreme Court can invalidate the claim.

     Ude-Okoye rejected the claim, saying that PDP may run into turbulence because Anyanwu’s authority to organize activities, sign documents and conduct the official activities lacks legal backing.

    He told reporters in Abuja that Anyanwu’s continued stay in office may jeopardise the party’s preparation for national convention next year.

    Read Also: PDP crisis deepens as Udeh-Okoye declares self party’s national secretary

    Ude-Okoye said: “If Anyanwu continues in this role and oversees the convention, all decisions, including the potential selection of a presidential candidate, could be nullified if challenged in court.”

    He warned about the consequences of harbouring an interloper as party secretary.

    Ude-Okoye added: “This is not just about me. It’s about the survival of the party; we are all bound by the Appeal Court’s judgment.

     “This is a defining moment for the PDP; we must respect the rule of law and prioritize the party’s collective interests over personal ambitions. How the PDP navigates this internal crisis will determine its ability to maintain its role as Nigeria’s leading opposition party.”

  • PDP crisis deepens as Udeh-Okoye declares self party’s national secretary

    PDP crisis deepens as Udeh-Okoye declares self party’s national secretary

    The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new turn on Monday as Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye declared himself the National Secretary of the party, citing a recent Court of Appeal judgment.

    Arriving at the PDP national headquarters in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, Udeh-Okoye announced his takeover of the office, even as Senator Sam Anyanwu retained physical control of the space, with his personal belongings still in the office.

    Addressing reporters, Udeh-Okoye, a former National Youth Leader of the PDP, stated that his actions were in compliance with the appellate court ruling that affirmed him as the rightful replacement for Anyanwu. 

    He further noted that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Alhaji Kamaldeen Ajibade, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had both acknowledged the judgment.

    Meanwhile, sources revealed that Senator Anyanwu has not sought an order to stay the execution of the court’s judgment. 

    Although Anyanwu has remained silent, his loyalists described Udeh-Okoye’s claim as a “pipe dream.”

    Last Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba confirmed the party had received the judgment and would comply with the court order. 

    This followed an earlier failed attempt by some party leaders, including Ajibade, to suspend the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ikyas Damagum, and Anyanwu.

    Responding to inquiries on Monday, Udeh-Okoye reiterated that his presence at the party headquarters was in line with the court’s ruling, which had been officially recognized by both the PDP and INEC.

    Udeh-Okoye said: “The main reason why I am here is to resume office. I am resuming today, the 30th of December in obedience to the Appeal Court in Enugu that sacked the former National secretary and made me the national secretary of PDP.

    Read Also: 2025: PDP prepares for fresh crises over position of National Secretary

    “I came today to resume office and to also supervise the whole environment and make sure that things are in order. Yes, the staff have gone for x-mas holiday to resume on 13th of January, where this place will be filled with our workers.

    “I also appreciate the PDP Governors Forum that is giving me support, the Former ((PDP) Ministers’ Forum, the PDP BoT,  members of the party, the leaders of the party from my zone (South East), who nominated and stood by me.

    “Even though there are many challenges before, but the court has fixed it and made a pronouncement on  December 20,” said Udehwho also disclosed that he was on his way to join an unscheduled meeting with other members of the PDP National Working Committee.”

  • For PDP, it doesn’t just rain…

    For PDP, it doesn’t just rain…

    Few Nigerians hold out any hope that the minor opposition party, Labour Party (LP), would survive the tectonic moves triggered by its apparatchiks after they lost the presidential election. Increasingly, however, more Nigerians fear that even the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ageing and dystrophic party which held power for 16 years since 1999, may face irreversible decline if its leaders do not show imagination in rearranging their party. They were yet to resolve the controversy over who their chairman should be: Umar Iliya Damagum, who is in office in acting capacity and appears in league with the intransigent spoilsport Nyesom Wike, or another unnamed candidate from the North Central geopolitical zone who would be expected to throw out Mr Wike and his crowd. While they hesitated, the Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu threw a spanner in the works as they upheld a High Court ruling invalidating Samuel Anyanwu’s position as the party’s national secretary. The appellate court declared Ude Okoye Ude as the genuine national secretary. But Mr Anyanwu stays resolutely in office, resisting deposition.

    Read Also: Nigeria, China $2bn currency swap renewal deal to strengthen bilateral trade – DG Tegbe

    The acting chairman, Amabassador Damagum, stands indomitably pat; and now Mr Anyanwu joins the league of intransigents. They occupy two of the most sensitive, if not the most sensitive, positions in the PDP. For the party, it does not just rain, it pours. This year was fraught with tales of apocalypse for the party; next year could prove gloomier if reason does not prevail. How to make reason prevail will preoccupy party leaders all through next year. Should they try to cut the Gordian knot, hoping the mere act of wielding the knife would prove therapeutic, they might discover too late how surgical quackery kills patients effortlessly. Unfortunately for them, the only decisive man in the party’s leadership, Mr Wike, is not in lockstep with them. He sneers at them. The other leaders in the party are not only mediocre; they seldom put their money where their mouths are. This is a self-made tragedy whose seed was planted in the President Olusegun Obasanjo era, leaving the party with little choice but to contend with the leadership malady for much of next year.

  • 2025: PDP prepares for fresh crises over position of National Secretary

    2025: PDP prepares for fresh crises over position of National Secretary

    Crisis deepens in PDP over national secretary

    Former National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sunday Ude-Okoye yesterday said that he would soon resume as national secretary.

    He said Senator Samuel Anyanwu has ceased to be national secretary, following the judgment of the Court of Appeal that displaced him.

    Ude-Okoye had approached the court seeking the nullification of Anyanwu’s return to the position after his failed governorship bid in Imo State.

    However, a member of the House of Representatives, who spoke on the condition of anonymity,  said nobody can be recognised as the authentic national secretary until the judgment of the Supreme Court on the matter.

    Anyanwu and the acting national chairman,  Ambassador Umar Damagum,  enjoys the backing of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

    However,  last week, the Appeal Court sitting in Enugu upheld a High Court ruling that invalidated Anyanwu’s position as secretary and reaffirmed Ude Okoye’s claim to the position.

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

    Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, who delivered the judgment,  said Anyanwu’s return to the position of national secretary after emerging as the PDP governorship candidate in Imo State in last year’s elections violated the party’s constitution.

    The judge said Anyanwu’s appeal lacked merit.

    Although the judge ordered the implementation of the judgement within 24 hours, Anyanwu has held on to the position while his supporters claimed that only the Supreme Court can invalidate the claim.

     Ude-Okoye rejected the claim, saying that PDP may run into turbulence because Anyanwu’s authority to organize activities, sign documents and conduct the official activities lacks legal backing.

  • Christmas: Former Kaduna PDP guber candidate felicitates with Christians

    Christmas: Former Kaduna PDP guber candidate felicitates with Christians

    The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Kaduna State, Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has extended warm Christmas greetings to Christians across the state, urging reflection on the values of kindness, unity, and peace during the festive season.

    In a statement commemorating the celebration, Ashiru acknowledged the economic challenges faced by many Nigerians but underscored the enduring message of hope and compassion that Christmas represents.

    “Christmas is not just a time for festivities but an opportunity to reflect on the virtues of forgiveness, kindness, and unconditional love, as exemplified by the life of Jesus Christ,” Ashiru said.

    He encouraged Christians to mark the season by supporting those in need, fostering peace within their communities, and striving for a more just and harmonious society.

    Read Also: Kaduna PDP vows to challenge validity of LG polls in court 

    Ashiru also offered prayers for God’s blessings on every family, urging citizens to travel safely and celebrate responsibly with their loved ones.

    “May the spirit of Christmas inspire us to work together to build a state grounded in justice and shared values. I pray the coming year brings prosperity, good health, and spiritual growth to all,” he concluded.

  • Why we will present consensus candidates, by Southwest PDP

    Why we will present consensus candidates, by Southwest PDP

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Southwest zone, has unanimously agreed to select its leaders through consensus, to foster peace and unity.

    The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party, and a former deputy governor of Oyo State, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, said this yesterday while briefing reporters on the outcome of the Southwest PDP zonal executive meeting held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

    He noted that leaders of the party in the Southwest, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his counterpart from Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke, have discussed and resolved to retain the positions held by states, hoping that Lagos and Ogun states would agree to the terms.

    Read Also: Saraki’s loyalist Bolaji Abdullahi quits PDP

    He said the decision is a strategic move to promote unity and cohesion within the party and avoid the divisions and conflicts that often accompany competitive elections.

    He further said the agreement was not imposed on the party members, as they all pledged their support so as to play a positive role at the national level.

    Arapaja said: “We felt they should still retain the positions they are holding currently. People gladly accepted the arrangement, except only two states, but we are still talking to them.

    “Our governors and leaders in the party have also said they should settle the rift in their states because we don’t want crisis. We want unity.

  • Tribunal: APC seeks dismissal of PDP’s petition against Okpebholo’s victory

    Tribunal: APC seeks dismissal of PDP’s petition against Okpebholo’s victory

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to dismiss the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the victory of Gov. Monday Okpebholo.

    The APC, in a motion, argued by its counsel, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, on Wednesday, described the PDP petition as incompetent.

    Orbih told the three man panel, sitting in Benin that the PDP’s petition was not filed in accordance with the extant law.

    Besides, he said the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

    According to Orbih, further grounds for seeking the dismissal of the petition are contained in the motion paper dated Nov. 30, and supported by a seven paragraph affidavit.

    In its counter-argument, the PDP through its counsel, Ken Mozia, SAN, urged the tribunal to discountenance the submission of the APC.

    Mozia explained that the PDP had filed a reply and counter-affidavit to challenge the APC’s motion.

    The tribunal’s chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, however, reserved ruling on the motion until the final day of the case.

    In another motion, APC asked the tribunal to strike out some paragraphs in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate in the election, Dr Asue Ighodalo.

    While arguing the application, Orbih urged the tribunal to deliver its ruling on the motion before it commenced hearing into the petition.

    The PDP’s counsel, however, countered the application, urging the tribunal to dismiss the APC’s motion for lack of merit.

    Read Also: We won’t rely on consultants to run Edo, says Okpebholo

    Justice Kpochi, however, discountenanced the argument of the APC, saying rulings on all preliminary motions would be delivered on the final judgement day.

    Earlier, the PDP had also moved four different motions, calling on the tribunal to expunge various paragraphs in the replies of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC and Okpebholo to its petition.

    At the end, the tribunal adjourned to Dec. 21 for the parties in the case to file a common proposal that would guide the tribunal during the hearing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP is challenging the declaration of Okpebholo as winner of the Sept. 21 election by the INEC.

    INEC said Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat PDP’s Ighodalo, who recorded 247,274 votes.

    (NAN)

  • Why PDP lost Ondo governorship election – Ex-senator

    Why PDP lost Ondo governorship election – Ex-senator

    A PDP Chieftain in Ondo State, Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, says the party lost the Nov. 16 governorship election to lack of preparedness, a divided house and complacency by party leaders and supporters.

    Tofowomo, a former senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Okitipupa.

    NAN reports that Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of All Progressives Congress (APC) had polled 366,781 votes to defeat Agboola Ajayi of PDP who scored 117,845 votes.

    Tofowomo claimed that he was one of the party leaders whom Ajayi under-played their relevance and influence with their teeming supporters.

    He said that he was not carried along in the formation of the PDP campaign council in his senatorial district, in spite of his readiness to work for him and the party.

    The former senator said that the mass exodus of leaders and supporters from the party, including former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko and his 29 associates from PDP, also contributed majorly to the party’s loss at the poll.

    He said that the PDP governorship candidate did nothing to reconcile all the warring factions, adding that the result was the party’s poor showing in the election.

    According to him, there is nothing to contest in the just-concluded governorship election, as Aiyedatiwa won ‘convincingly’ in all the 18 local government areas in the state, with Ajayi losing, even in his Ese-Odo council area.

    “I cannot speak for Edo governorship election because it was marred with irregularities. But for Ondo State, the outcome of the election represented the wishes of the masses, because of APC’s readiness and the strategies it adopted.

    “How can you go to an election with a divided house, unpreparedness and lack of regard for influential party leaders and supporters and expect to win? That’s where Ajayi got it wrong,” he said.

    Tofowomo said that he was the only Mimiko’s associate who refused to join the mass defection to APC ahead of the governorship poll because he was a staunch party member and for some reasons best known to him.

    Read Also: PDP to review Ondo governorship election

    He added that he, his supporters and other party leaders were sidelined throughout the campaign period, stressing that he complained to another party chieftain, Dr Eddy Olafeso, about the situation but that nothing was done till the election day.

    “Mimiko and his associates’ defection also contributed significantly to Ajayi’s loss.

    “Mimiko is my leader for life, but I am one of his associates who decided not to defect for reasons best known to me and because I am a staunch member of the party.

    “I bear no grudge against Ajayi and I sympathise with him over the loss of the governorship election because it’s not his loss but that of PDP,” he said.

    The former senator, however, said that he was not engaging in any anti-party activity, urging anyone with such information to come out to challenge him.

    (NAN)