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Tag: PDP

  • JUST IN: PDP faction suspends national chair Damagum, secretary Anyanwu

    JUST IN: PDP faction suspends national chair Damagum, secretary Anyanwu

    A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.

    The development gollowed the earlier suspension of National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, who had called on Damagum to strictly follow the party’s constitution.

    PDP national director of publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, announced the suspensions of Ologunagba and Ajibade after a meeting of the NWC on Thursday, citing pending investigations into allegations against them. 

    A committee, led by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, was set up to probe the accusations.

    In a surprising turn of events, Ologunagba responded by announcing the suspension of Damagum and Anyanwu on Friday. 

    He cited violations of the PDP constitution, particularly their handling of an appeal involving 27 former Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The NWC condemned their actions as anti-party activities and suspended them from all party functions, pending an investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.

    The statement read in part: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has extensively considered the series of complaints raised against the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Illiya Damagum and National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu particularly with regard to the letter addressed by them to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024 against the party’s position in the case involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who vacated their seats upon decamping from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “The NWC condemned this anti-party activity of the Acting National Chairman and the National Secretary which is in gross violation of the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) and their Oath of Office.

    Read Also: PDP calls for reduction in price of petrol

    “Consequently, the NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party, respectively, and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action.

    “In the meantime, the two officials are suspended from all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of an investigation by the National Disciplinary Committee.”

  • Next NEC meeting will make or mar our future – PDP BoT

    Next NEC meeting will make or mar our future – PDP BoT

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for October 24, 2024 will significantly make or mar the party’s resolve to address various internal crises and begin preparations towards the 2027 general elections, the PDP Board of trustees has said.

    A communiqué by Chairman of the PDP BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara after the 78th BoT meeting at the national· secretariat on Thursday emphasised the conviction that all stakeholders in the party urgently needed to address· pressing issues  and strategize for the future.

    “The strength of our party lies in our ability to resolve internal conflicts; as we know, a house divided cannot stand, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that any issues or disputes within the party are addressed with diplomacy, sacrifice, patience and an unwavering commitment to unity,” he stated.

    Aside from contentious issues such as the call for replacement of PDP’s acting national chairman, Ambassador Ilyas Damagum, the power tussle in Rivers State and frictions between proxy interests within the party, Senator Wabara noted that the recent ward, local government and state congresses which were envisaged to resolve leadership issues have also become a source for deep concerns due to alleged manipulations.

    “The  Board of Trustees has also received reports that in some states, these congresses were not conducted in full accordance with the guidelines of our great party; in some instances, the congresses did not even hold as scheduled.

    “These discrepancies are of serious concern and it is essential that we address them immediately and therefore, we are calling on the National Working Committee to ensure that these issues are swiftly resolved; it is crucial that any deviations from PDP guidelines are corrected, and where congresses did not hold, new dates should be scheduled to ensure all party members have a fair and transparent opportunity to participate in the democratic process,” he stated.

    Emphasising the BoT’s determination to resolve serious intra-party frictions, Wabara noted the board met FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the chairman of PDP’s Board of Governors, Governor Bala Mohammed for serious discussions that were aimed at addressing concerns within the party and fostering unity among leadership.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Appeal Court affirms removal of Enugu PDP Rep member

    Blaming the ruling APC for various woes and alleging plots to rig the forthcoming Ondo gubernatorial election, highlights of the 16-point PDP BoT communiqué presented by Senator Wabara include:

    ·       The BoT commendation for PDP’s Reconciliation Committee for the efforts so far in resolving disputes within the Party;

    ·       A cautions for all party stakeholders against increasing resort to avoidable litigations and when they can explore the Party’s internal mechanisms on issues.;

    ·       The BoT charge for the PDP Disciplinary Committee and charges the Committee to continue to be guided by the Principles of Constitutionality and the Rule of Law in the discharge of its assignment;

    ·       An expression of deep concern over the state of affairs of the Party in Rivers State and urgent need to intensify efforts towards finding lasting solution to the issues, especially through an urgent meeting of the PDP National Working Committee with the PDP Governors’ Forum, leadership of PDP National Assembly Caucus and the BoT’s Special Committee;. 

    ·       The BoT has received the report of the Conduct of Congresses in various States of the federation and urge that all areas of concerns should be addressed.

    ·       The BoT charges all Organs, leaders, critical stakeholders and members of the PDP across board to remain united and committed especially recognizing that the PDP is the only beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians. The PDP must therefore remain strong, united and true to the principles upon which it was founded.

    ·       The BoT highlighted on the convening of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting as already scheduled for October 24, 2024 to allow the Party address pressing matters and strategize on the way forward 

    ·       The BoT urges Nigerians not to allow the suffering they are facing under the APC make them lose faith in the country, but continue to work with the PDP in the quest to rescue Nigeria from the stranglehold of the APC.

  • 2027: PDP support group calls for strong leadership

    2027: PDP support group calls for strong leadership

    The acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Iliya Damagum, is facing criticism over alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

    In a statement signed by Comrade Ogwu Abel, the Middle Belt PDP Youth Support Group said there was a plot to disrupt and create crises within the PDP.

    The group claimed: “We are aware of the plot to destabilise the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, and unfortunately, our acting national chairman has been seen repeatedly acting against the party’s interests and aligning with its adversaries.”

    The group further alleged that Damagum refused to take action on key national issues, especially as Nigerians face economic issues.

    “At a time when Nigerians are struggling, he remains silent and fails to take a stand for the people, which is contrary to what the PDP stands for.”

    The group also criticised Damagum’s failure to sanction party members who have engaged in anti-party activities.

    Read Also: Conflicting personal interests cause of PDP crises, says Oyinlola

    “We are calling for the immediate removal of the acting chairman, as we have lost confidence in his leadership,” the statement read.

    The group urged party stakeholders to take swift action, warning that with Damagum at the helm, the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections are in jeopardy.

    It added: “Nigeria needs a saviour, and under his leadership, the PDP stands no chance.”

  • Stay off Rivers, group tells Mohammed, other PDP Govs

    Stay off Rivers, group tells Mohammed, other PDP Govs

    The Niger Delta Reform Agenda (NDRA) has raised concerns about the involvement of Governor Bala Mohammed and other northern PDP Governors in Rivers politics.

    In a statement by its President, Sergeant Danielson, the group alleged that their sudden interest is driven by ulterior motives, primarily their 2027 political ambitions.

    Danielson claimed Governor Mohammed’s actions are a calculated move to exploit Rivers resources rather than a genuine concern for the people.

    The Niger Delta Reform Agenda condemned this development and called for immediate action to protect the state’s interests.

    The group also slammed Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara for allowing these external forces to interfere in the State’s affairs.

    It described Fubara’s actions as a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people and a grave injustice to the state.

    “Governor Bala Mohammed, who has recently taken on the mantle of an activist among his peers, has shown an unusual and unsettling interest in the affairs of Rivers State while abdicating his role as Bauchi State governor,” Danielson said.

    “This unhealthy interest is not born out of genuine concern for the people of Rivers State but rather a calculated move to exploit the state’s resources for his political gain.

    “Unfortunately, Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, is the one who opened the floodgates, allowing political opportunists to feast on the state’s resources. It is disheartening to see how the resources meant for the development and welfare of the people of Rivers State are being squandered by individuals who have no stake in the state’s future.

    Read Also: Oba of Benin asks Okpebholo to fulfill campaign promises

    “The people of Rivers State deserve leaders who are committed to their welfare, not those who will sell the people of the state out for their political ambitions. Governor Bala Mohammed’s actions confirm his desperation to secure a foothold in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “His attempts to ingratiate himself with the people of Rivers State are nothing but a facade, designed to mask his true intentions. The Niger Delta Reform Agenda urges the people of Rivers State to see through this charade and reject any attempts to manipulate them for political gain.”

    The Niger Delta Reform Agenda demands accountability and transparency in the management of the State’s resources and urged the people of Rivers to remain vigilant and resist any efforts to undermine their sovereignty.

    Danielson added: “We urge the people of Rivers State to remain vigilant and resist any efforts to undermine their sovereignty. The state’s resources are meant for the development and prosperity of its people, not for the enrichment of a select few. The Niger Delta Reform Agenda calls on all well-meaning citizens to join us in this fight to protect our state’s resources.

    “Governor Fubara’s willingness to allow northern politicians to exploit Rivers State is a betrayal of the highest order. His actions have not only compromised the state’s resources but also its dignity.

    “The Niger Delta Reform Agenda demands accountability and transparency in the management of the state’s resources. We will not stand idly by while our state’s wealth is siphoned off by those without regard for our future.”

  • ‘PDP’s Ighodalo suffering from Sept 21 knockout’

    ‘PDP’s Ighodalo suffering from Sept 21 knockout’

    The Director of Publicity of the Governorship Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo, has accused the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, of suffering from September 21 knockout.

    He condemned Edo PDP leaders’ attack on the Police and APC, while describing as ridiculous and mischievous misrepresentation of the true situation at the Edo headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Aduwawa, Benin.

    Omo-Ojo insisted that the presence of Edo Deputy Governor-Elect, Dennis Idahosa and APC’s youths at Edo headquarters of INEC was to safeguard the hard-earned victory.

    Read Also: State House records 99% overhead expenditure implementation – Perm Sec

    He said: “We call on Nigerians to disregard the baseless statement credited to The Asue Media Organisation (TAMO), through one Erhabor Emokpae, accusing the police and other law enforcement agencies of planning to manipulate the electoral process to favour our party.

    “TAMO’s statement is an open demonstration of poor understanding of what electoral process is. Edo PDP, Ighodalo and TAMO must be reminded that the 2024 Edo State governorship election has been conducted and won by distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo.

    “We will excuse the confusion of Edo leaders of PDP, caused by the knockout they suffered on September 21, 2024. The legal process has now become their albatross.”

    Omo-Ojo also stated that Edo APC had no blame in PDP’s judicial mishap.

  • JUST IN: PDP wins 30 LGAs in Akwa Ibom council poll

    JUST IN: PDP wins 30 LGAs in Akwa Ibom council poll

    …as APC wins in Akpabio’s LG, rejects result

    The Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) has released the results of the local government election held on Saturday, October 5.

    Aniedi Ikoiwak, the Chairman of AKISIEC, announced the results at the commission’s office on Udo Udoma Avenue.

    According to the announcement, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious in 30 out of the 31 local government areas in the state.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Essien Udim, the local government area of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in line with the predictions of political analysts.

    Additionally, the PDP secured the majority of the councillorship seats across the state, solidifying its position as the ruling party.

    However, the APC has contested the election results, claiming that the process was marred by widespread rigging, violence, and theft of materials by the PDP.

    In a press release signed by the state publicity secretary of APC, OtoAbasi Udo, the party said that AKISIEC compromised the integrity and credibility of the election in favour of the PDP.

    The press release reads in parts: “Yesterday, 5 October 2024, Local Government Elections to usher in new elected executive chairmen and councilors were conducted by AKISIEC (Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission), the tenure of the exiting chairmen and councillors having since come to an end by effluxion of time.

    “AKISIEC just like any other SIEC in Nigeria is controlled and managed by the State Government. To that extent, there is a perceived and real influence of the electoral umpire by the State Government.

    Read Also: INEC chairman dismisses calls for division, affirms Nigeria’s unity

    “And to that extent, the obvious result would be tilted in favour of the ruling party in the State. Therefore, what we saw and experienced yesterday was a manifestation of such influence beginning with acute shortages of election materials which disenfranchised quite a number of accredited voters, and actions of financial inducements on voters by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the State.

    “In spite of the above and more, the teeming supporters of our great Party, the All Progressives Congress, and APC in the State, all came out to support our candidates on the ballot.

    “The Party, ably led by Obong Stephen Leo Ntukekpo, uses this opportunity to express her sincere thanks and appreciation to you all for your tireless, steadfast,  unalloyed support and commitment to the Party and assure you that with the Supreme Court judgment that returned full autonomy to the third tier of government, the local government, enshrined in our constitution and the steps taken by the National Assembly to give full effect to the judgment, from the next local government election, all SIECs in charge of local government elections now, would have been dismantled, incapacitated and laid to rest and a bright prospect for future local government elections firmly put in place.”

  • Ward exco suspends southeast PDP’s vice chairman Odefa

    Ward exco suspends southeast PDP’s vice chairman Odefa

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has suspended the party’s National Vice Chairman for the Southeast zone, Chief Ali Odefa for alleged anti-party activities.

    The suspension, effective immediately, was announced on Friday in Abuja following a meeting of the Ward Executive Committee.

    Briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Acting Chairman of the PDP Oguduokwor Ward, Herbert Onyedikachi with other executives, explained that Odefa was suspended for alleged anti-party activities and other offenses considered detrimental to the party’s image and interests in the zine. 

    He stated in accordance with Section 57(3) of the PDP Constitution, the Ward Executive Committee exercised its authority to suspend Chief Odefa.

    He said the Committee has referred Chief Odefa to the Ward Disciplinary Committee for further action.

    He emphasised that the suspension and disciplinary referral are intended to maintain party discipline and uphold the values and principles of the PDP.

    Onyedikachi urged party members to remain committed to the PDP’s objectives and goals.

  • PDP to Fubara: obey court order restricting conduct of LG poll

    PDP to Fubara: obey court order restricting conduct of LG poll

    …says announcing results invitation to violence

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers state on Friday, October 4, warned the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, of the consequences of disobeying the Federal High Court judgement outlawing the conduct of October 5, local government elections.

    The PDP said that nobody should participate in or allow the conduct of any local government elections that deviated from the court’s judgment.

    The PDP state chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron, emphasised that participating in or conducting elections contrary to the court’s judgment would be unlawful.

    He urged citizens to disregard any announcements calling for local government elections on October 5, citing a Federal High Court judgment that halted the poll.

    Aaron reiterated the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, adding that the RSIEC and the State government could not choose which court orders to obey or ignore.

    He called on Rivers state governor, a PDP member, to comply fully with the court’s judgment.

    He said: “The PDP, having reviewed all the cases relating to the local government elections, concludes as follows: we cannot support or promote lawlessness, or impunity in any form whatsoever even though we are the ruling party in Rivers state.

    “The proper court judgment must be obeyed as we cannot choose which order of the court to obey and not to obey.

    “We, therefore call on the Rivers State Governor who incidentally is a member of our great party the PDP to obey and comply wholly and strictly with the judgment of the Federal High Court in line with our character and ethics of our party, the PDP and suspend the planned October 5 Local Government elections in Rivers State.”

    Read Also: Furious Fubara attacks IGP over contentious Rivers council poll

    Aaron commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for standing by the truth and complying with the court’s judgment.

    He said INEC had clarified that it did not release the Voters Register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), a critical requirement for the elections.

    While commending the Nigerian Police for standing by the Federal High Court judgment, Aaron, however, cautioned that announcing election results despite the suspension would be considered an invitation to violence.

    He added: “We also call on our members and indeed the law-abiding residents of Rivers State to defend the rule of law ensuring full compliance with the judgment from the Federal High Court.

    “Nobody should participate in or allow the conduct of any local government elections in deviance from the judgement of the Federal High Court.

    “We want to thank the INEC for standing on the part of the truth, clearing the air on the non-release of Voters Register to RSIEC, and for complying with the Federal High Court judgment.

    “We also commend the Nigerian Police for standing up to the Federal High judgment being the latest on the Rivers State Local government elections.

    “We want to caution that any attempt to announce any results whatsoever will be an invitation to violence and will be properly revisited as no election will be held in Rivers State on the 5th of October as ordered by the court.

    “We enjoin the general public to disregard any announcements calling for the October 5 local government elections, for the same is a call for crisis and which will not be in the interest of Rivers people.”

  • Olowoyo appointed PDP caretaker committee chair in Ekiti

    Olowoyo appointed PDP caretaker committee chair in Ekiti

    Following the expiration of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structures across Ekiti State in August, Pastor Sunday Olowoyo has been appointed as the caretaker committee chairman in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government.

    His appointment is part of a broader decision by the PDP National Working Committee to establish a Caretaker Committee, headed by Chief Dare Adeleke, to manage party affairs in Ekiti State. Olowoyo was selected alongside 15 other local government chairmen, with their appointments formalised on September 24, at the state party secretariat in Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti.

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    A seasoned politician and skilled manager of people, Olowoyo began his career as a councillor representing Afao Ward in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government from 1999 to 2002. He was later elected deputy leader of the legislative arm. In 2004, after leaving the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Olowoyo joined the PDP, marking a turning point in his political career. Two years later, he was elected chairman of Petroleum Products Consumer and Protection Agency (PPCPA), a position he held until the Olurin-led emergency administration dissolved the state’s leadership.

  • Ondo 2024: PDP receives APC defectors in Odigbo Council

    Ondo 2024: PDP receives APC defectors in Odigbo Council

    Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Odigbo Local Government of Ondo State have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The defectors, led by Alhaji Yusuf Abdulateef, popularly called Sheu Agba, said they wanted to be free from bad governance of APC.

    They defected at Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government.

    Abdulateef said he and other APC leaders left the APC despite being offered money not to defect.

    He said he led the campaign drive that led to the electoral victory of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim in Ondo South Senatorial District.

    Read Also: Delayed benefits  

    He said: “They tried to bend us to stay in their party, offering millions of naira in the last few days, but I resisted them because I am for the masses and the masses are suffering the effect of bad governance in Ondo State.

    “What is the essence of me taking their money and all my supporters, thousands of them, continue to live in poverty and hunger? I won’t go in such direction. We believe Agboola Ajayi has the experience and credentials to redirect the ship of Ondo State to prosperity. That was why we decided to join him in PDP so that together we can liberate Ondo State.”

    Also Iya Ikale, a support group of Ondo APC, defected to PDP.

    The group said they joined PDP because APC reward system was bad.

    Receiving the defectors, Chairman of Ondo PDP Campaign Council, Olorogun Eddy Olafeso, assured them that PDP would not disappoint them or cut short their expectations.

    Olafeso appointed Abdulateef as chairman, Mobilisation, Ondo South Senatorial District of the campaign council.