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  • We have not elected new chairman in Ondo, says PDP

    We have not elected new chairman in Ondo, says PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state said that it is yet to elect a chairman to replace its late former chairman, Alhaji Fatai Adams.

    It said a purported congratulatory message to a new chairman was fake, baseless, unconstitutional, and crafted to create problems where there were none.

    The spokesman for the Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei, in a statement, said the amended PDP Constitution of 2017 spelt out provisions for the replacement of officers who died or were replaced.

    Read Also: Ogundele: Why PDP is bouncing back in Ogun State

    He stated: “For all intent and purposes, the fake congratulatory message is mutinous and a calculated attempt to undermine efforts at rallying support for the PDP Governorship Candidate, H.E Agboola Ajayi at the November election.

    “The tenure of the present State Executive Committee of the party expires on 3rd August 2024, those who are desirous of assuming responsibilities for party positions are advised to wait accordingly.”

  • Ogundele: Why PDP is bouncing back in Ogun State

    Ogundele: Why PDP is bouncing back in Ogun State

    The chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Sikirullai Ogundele, bares his mind with Assistant Editor EMMANUEL BADEJO on the disagreement among political gladiators in the state, the party’s proposed congress later this month, its current membership drive among other things.

    You recently began a membership drive for your party ahead of the state congress. How far have you gone with the exercise?
    Yes, the exercise is going well. I can tell you that with this, we’ve successfully got some of the disenfranchised members registered into the fold. These members have done the necessary things to validate their membership in the party.
    How many new members have you been able to bring to the party?
    I cannot give you a precise number, but we’ve registered millions of members. We have succeeded in attracting some disgruntled members of other political parties. These include former members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples’ Party of Nigeria (PPN), the African Democratic Party (ADC) and others who have joined our party. These people saw the need to join us, and I want to tell you that with all sense of responsibility, we’re solidly together. It is also interesting to note that this exercise has attracted some of the PDP members who broke out due to wrong management and are now coming back. We are currently wooing some of the gladiators, too. Why we’ve gone this far is because we have been able to convince some of these people to join us. With the success level, to God be the glory, by 2027 we’re taking over the mantle of the state from the ruling party.
    There are reports that some of your key stakeholders, such as Ladi Adebutu and Segun Sowunmi are not on the same page with you. Will that not thwart your goal and claim?

    Read Also: Edo 2024: PDP primary intact, Ighodalo not disqualified, says TAMO


    While Mr Sowunmi has seen the truth and the light and has staged a comeback to the mainstream, Mr Adebutu would also align at the end of the day. One thing you must know is that there’s no permanent enemy and there’s no permanent friend in politics. We would resolve and align.
    What makes you optimistic that you’re going to form a common front this time around?
    When I was elected as the party chairman, I promised to run an all-inclusive administration. That means I pledged to bring all members on board and that is what I’m doing. Our members are now allowed to realise their ambition in the party. This is different from what was obtainable in the party when a few pocketed it. We are successfully getting the PDP to be independent and be seen as a political party, and not to be seen as a personal business of one person.
    Many political parties have faced similar challenges of individuals trying to illegally take advantage of their fold. So, what are you doing to correct this anomaly in Ogun PDP?
    I’m happy you said illegally, and we cannot continue to do things that way. When you notice something illegal, what you need to do is to wake up and correct that illegality; that’s what we’ve achieved in Ogun State PDP. We’re now in the majority. That’s why we have been able to win members of the ADC, the APC, the APM, and the APP. We’re even talking to some of the APC members and I believe they would respond positively. This is because the APC is not a political party where true democracy is practised. With the level of my exposure and pedigree, I won’t be involved in any illegality.
    Since Governor Gbenga Daniel left office, the PDP has been struggling to return to Oke Mosan House. What are the chances of the party under your leadership springing a surprise in 2027?
    Since 2007, we have been losing elections to the Ogun House. After our poor performance last year, we went to a drawing board to check the reasons why we lost. During the exercise, we successfully identified some of the reasons why we’ve been losing at the polls. So, all mercenaries are now in place to get it back.
    The PDP won the first election in 2003, with almost 800,000 votes. In 2007, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) won with almost 700,000 votes. But when all these shenanigans crept into the party, we tried to manage our membership with the leaders, but those efforts failed. Then, we saw fictionalization within the party. Eventually, some party leaders/members, who felt cheated, broke into different political parties. That was why Ibikunle Amosun, the immediate past governor, won during his first term with just 300,000 votes. The votes the PDP would have had were broken into different political parties.
    When you consider election results in 2015, 2019 and 2023, you’ll observe that if we had been together, the ruling party wouldn’t have won. That is why we decided to begin closing the ranks within us. I am happy to inform you that many of the members we have talked to have agreed to stop the NGO political parties. By this, I mean running or contesting under political parties that cannot win elections.
    At the moment, these groups of people have been convinced and are now on board to join the mainstream. That is why we are confident that come 2027, we will be taking back the state coupled with the fact that APC have not done well though they’re trying their best. It has been the case of Nigeria and Nigerians jumping from the frying pan to the fire. So, the APC is doing more ills than PDP in terms of their poor performance and the hardship that are subjecting Nigerians to. With their government, they’re doing so many campaigns for the PDP. So, no fear, or doubt come 2027, Nigerians will vote right.
    There are indications that Sowunmi is not in your camp yet…
    I said Sowunmi is back to the mainstream, which is no other place than the Sikirillah-led administration of the PDP in Ogun State.
    What about Adebutu? There are reports that he has been castigating your position about the party’s chances…
    I don’t think so. I have spoken fact, not fiction. When the presidential candidate of the PDP came to Ogun State two times to beg him to allow some party members to run for him to be able to get 25 per cent as required by the electoral law, our governorship candidate blatantly refused. It’s on record that delegates from the national headquarters of the party came to Ogun State to appeal to him to allow some of these juggernauts in Ogun State to run under the platform of the party. Again, our governorship candidate refused. If he had agreed, we would have had five House of Reps members today.
    How prepared are you for the congress?
    We’re very prepared; politicians are always well prepared.
    Are you saying there would be no repeat of parallel congresses as witnessed in the past?
    I don’t think so.
    What makes you so sure?
    Let me tell you, the national organ in Abuja owns the party. I’m just a representative of the party in Ogun State. So, they know who will run the affairs of that election, they know who will direct and the people that will conduct the congress. So, let’s just leave that one to people from Abuja.
    How has the party been fairing outside power since the exit of Otunba Gbenga Daniel?
    Well, we’re coordinating our members and they’re staunchly on the ground. We believe and are working towards returning to the seat of power in the state and we are so confident that by 2027, the people will vote us in. This is one of the reasons we are working towards resolving our intra-party skirmishes. I’m confirming to you that even Adebutu will be part of restructuring the party that’s going on now.

  • Court voids Edo PDP’s governorship primary

    Court voids Edo PDP’s governorship primary

    • ‘Ighodalo’s candidature intact’
    • Petitioner lacked locus, says campaign director

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has held that the February 22 governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, which produced Asue Ighodalo, is invalid.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the PDP’s decision to exclude 378 elected ward delegates from participating in the election was a violation of Article 50(3) of the party’s constitution.

    The suit was filed on February 8 by Kelvin Mohammed, Gabriel Oscy Okoduwa and Ederaho Osagie (for themselves and on behalf of the 378 ad hoc delegates whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L).

    Listed as defendants in the suit were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, the National Secretary and Vice Chairman (South-South).

    Justice Ekwo held that by virtue of the provisions of Article 53(3) of the PDP constitution 2017 (as amended), the 378 delegates, whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L, having been duly elected as ad hoc ward delegates in the February 4 congress organised by the panel sent by the second defendant (PDP), are legally entitled to be participants at the primary election of the second defendant to elect the governorship candidate.

    He said: “There is no doubt that the second defendant (the PDP) neither complied with the relevant provision of its constitution nor the electoral guidelines for its February 22 primary. It is the law that political parties must obey their constitution, guidelines and regulations.

    “Failure to comply with the electoral guidelines is not different from the effect of non-compliance with the constitution or non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    “The decision of the second defendant not to include the plaintiffs in the governorship primaries for which they were elected at the ward congress, was arbitrarily done.

    “Ward congresses are to be held in accordance with the law, the party’s constitution and Electoral Guidelines. After being held, they cannot be cancelled save in the manner provided in the Electoral Act 2022, party’s constitution and Electoral Guidelines.

    “Consequently, the case of the plaintiffs succeeds on the merit upon preponderance of evidence as required by law.”

    But the party said the judgment does not affect its Asue Ighodalo as he remains its governorships candidate for the September election.

    PDP Chairman Dr Tony Aziegbemi said: “The PDP is aware that certain elements who are scared of the soaring popularity of our candidate are going about peddling rumours that Ighodalo’s candidature has been nullified.

    “Let it be on record that Ighodalo is the PDP flagbearer for the 2024 governorship election in Edo State.”

    The state’s position also got the backing of the party’s national body.

    Read Also: Court okays EFCC’s prosecution of £2.6b refinery fraud case

    A statement by the spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, affirmed that Ighodalo remains PDP’s governorship candidate in Edo State.

    Director-General of the Governorship Campaign Management Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, described the judgment as a rumour, saying the suit was filed by disgruntled persons.

    Iduoriyekemwen, who addressed a news conference yesterday, insisted that the judgment did not invalidate or challenge the outcome of the primaries which produced Ighodalo.

    He said: “…we are confident that this new decision will not survive the test of appeal and all necessary steps in that regard are already being actively pursued.

    “Members and supporters of the PDP, and the good people of Edo State, are enjoined to remain calm and ignore the antics of mischief makers, as the falsity of their assertion will be made clear in the fullness of time and upon release of the actual judgment for public consumption.”

  • PDP’s Shaibu, Orbih, Ogbeide-Ihama, Ojezua, others celebrate Ighodalo’s sack

    PDP’s Shaibu, Orbih, Ogbeide-Ihama, Ojezua, others celebrate Ighodalo’s sack

    Some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State have celebrated the annulment of the party’s governorship primary that produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the standard bearer by a Federal High Court in Abuja

    The court presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo. cited the failure of PDP to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022; the guidelines for the conduct of the shadow poll, and the party’s constitution, invalidating the party’s  February 22 primary election in Benin.

    In a viral video on Wednesday, the Edo PDP chieftains, consisting mostly of leaders of the anti-Governor Godwin Obaseki Legacy Coalition in the chapter, popped champagne to celebrate the judgment.

    The excited PDP chieftains include impeached Edo Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu; the party’s National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, Chief Dan Orbih; a former Edo Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Anselm Ojezua and an ex-representative of Oredo constituency in the House of Representatives, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: Court voids Edo PDP Governorship Primary

    They danced and sang “ofone” (it is finished) in the video. 

    Shaibu, who was impeached on April 14 at the behest of Obaseki, over his governorship ambition, jumped and pranced to the admiration of others members of legacy coalition.

    Orbih, who hailed the judgment admitted that he felt good, stating that it would help to deepen the nation’s democracy, 

    He admonished party leaders to always adhere to their guidelines and constitutions, so that people would accept the outcome of the elections.

    The zonal chairman said: “It is only when you go about as if people do not have the right to decide who to represent them that you have a crisis of this nature. It is quite unfortunate that this is happening at a time when Governor Obaseki and a handful of his supporters said they have expelled me from the PDP.

    “I led the PDP for twelve years as Edo Chairman and people never had any cause to go to court to challenge the outcome of our primaries. This is the first time that primaries are conducted and people went to court. This was totally avoidable.”

    But Edo PDP chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, blamed certain unnamed elements, who he said were  scared of the soaring popularity of Ighodalo, of peddling rumours over nullification of his candidacy. 

    Aziegbemi said: “Let it be on record that the candidature of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the flagbearer of the PDP in Edo State for the 2024 election remains intact. The judgment of the Federal High court in Abuja did not in any way affect the candidature of Dr. Asue Ighodalo.”

  • Edo 2024: PDP, APC clash over alleged fraud, underdevelopment

    Edo 2024: PDP, APC clash over alleged fraud, underdevelopment

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 election in the state, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; his running mate, Osarodion Ogie; and Edo Chairman of the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe; have clashed over alleged monumental fraud and underdevelopment of the state.

    Tenebe, yesterday at a news conference in Benin, accused Obaseki, a chieftain of the PDP, of strings of corrupt schemes deployed to siphon Edo state of its resources, in connivance with Ighodalo and Ogie, while urging the anti-graft agencies to thoroughly investigate them, thereby prosecuting the governorship candidate and his running mate without immunity.

    He said: “The state is happy with steps taken in relation to the investigation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) interventions that were squandered by Obaseki. We are in receipt of an invitation letter No. CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/SOT/VOL. 2/2024, dated 19th April, 2024 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to Edo State Commissioner of Finance, and the response by the Secretary to State Government (Ogie), via his letter of May 7, 2024 with Ref. SGA.440/T3/82.

    “We urge the EFCC to follow up their investigation to prosecute and recover the agriculture and other sundry loans diverted by this present administration in Edo State.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: PDP, APC, LP, 14 others set for Sept 21 governorship poll

    “We wish to draw the attention of the general public to two projects that were designed by Obaseki, and supervised by his political godson, Asue Ighodalo, through his law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo, and Obaseki’s Afrinvest. A systematic pattern of contract splitting and variation was deployed by the Edo Ministry of Finance to drain off the state’s resources.”

    Edo chairman of APC also accused Obaseki’s government of lack of transparency, thereby allegedly mortgaging the future of unborn generations of Edo

    He said: “Obaseki’s company, Afrinvest, raises capital for projects at a Management Fee and Commission, in the name of Edo State, and the loans on Edo State. Afrinvest also provides Business Advisory and Project Finance at inflated fees.

    “Greenfield Consultancy, owned by a close associate of Obaseki, has been the one handling all civil service reforms in Edo State at outrageous fees. The civil servants are privately grumbling, and are volunteering information on this unholy scheme.

    “The latest plan by Obaseki to make the activities of his administration paperless is a criminal plan that has been designed by one ‘Ugo,’ who is in charge of e-governance, and has concluded with Edo governor to destroy all documents relating to fraudulent contracts, with the excuse that Edo Government has gone paperless. ‘Ugo’ has been instructed to delete the server containing sensitive documents, when the PDP loses the election on September 21, 2024. We hereby warn Obaseki and the head of e-governance, ‘Ugo’ not to delete the approvals of contracts on e-gov.

    “We are calling on the EFCC to immediately begin the investigation of the law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo, as it connects to the treasury of Edo State government, relating to many legal advisory services the PDP candidate received huge sums of money for services not provided.”

    Tenebe also accused Edo governor of inflating the contract of the ongoing construction of Radisson Hotel in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin, from N15.3 billion on August 23, 2023, when the contract was awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji Nigeria Limited to N23 billion now, and with further sub-contracts of N2.1 billion, for supply of, installation and commission of MEP/HVAC mechanical works equipment), as well as N1.6 billion for supply and installation of kitchen and laundry equipment, and N703 million for installation of aluminium glazing works and alucobond cladding awarded to All Facave Limited, with over N28 billion being wasted.

    He stated that the Lagos-based law firm of Banwo and Ighodalo was awarded the contract for legal advisory services at N1.5 billion by Obaseki, in addition to Ighodalo’s legal contract drafting, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) writing  in the last eight years, at ridiculous and bogus fees.

    Edo chairman of APC insisted that residents of the state deserved to know the real owner of Edo Refinery (ERPC), located in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo, which he said Obaseki claimed it belonged to Edo government, but he expressed surprise that it was now the property of a private company, with 100 per cent ownership by Michael Osime AIPCC Energy.

    Edo Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in his reaction, asked the leaders of APC in the state to tell Edo people what the party’s standard bearer, Senator Monday Okpebholo, would do differently for residents of the state.

    Nehikhare said: “I have just read a statement from the chairman of the APC in Edo State. It is unfortunate that we still have someone heading a political party, without idea of how the government is run, but believes in sensationalism.

  • PDP candidate Dagidi receives flag in Bomadi

    PDP candidate Dagidi receives flag in Bomadi

    There was a significant turnout of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and an unprecedented wave of defections in Bomadi Local Government Area when Hon. Andaye Rawlings Dagidi, the PDP candidate for the upcoming July 13 Local Government Council elections, with his running mate, Mrs. Powei Bekes, received the party’s flag.

    The flag presentation ceremony, attended by the immediate past Senator of Delta South James Manager, Deputy Delta Speaker Hon. Arthur Akpowowo and all political gladiators in Bomadi Local Government Area, was adjudged the campaign event with the highest number of attendees in the history of the Local Government Area.

    The event also marked the defection of Mr. Ebi Barber, the APC candidate for the July 13 council election in the State, to the PDP with his followers.

    Upon welcoming Barber and his supporters to the PDP, the state chairman of the party, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso Esq., commended the decision and remarked that Bomadi was a PDP stronghold. He expressed that the occasion was a mere celebration of an impending victory.

    Esiso expressed gratitude to the campaign council for their tireless efforts in rallying support and making the day vibrant and colorful.

    He criticised the APC-led administration for inflicting hardship on Nigerians. Esiso firmly rejected the APC in Delta and their proponents of darkness, urging the electorate to vote for the PDP to uphold good governance, as exemplified by the MORE AGENDA programmes of Sheriff Oborevwori.

    While presenting the party’s flag to Hon. Dagidi, Esiso reassured the people of Bomadi of the PDP’s unwavering commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the council area.

    “We are gathered here to celebrate the PDP because we recognize that Bomadi is PDP and PDP is Bomadi. This occasion is simply a joyful celebration.”

    In his defection speech, Barber expressed frustration with the poor leadership of the APC at the Federal level. 

    He mentioned that upon learning that the PDP had elected Hon. Andaye Rawlings Dagidi as its candidate, he decided not to expend his time and resources. Being a well-known grassroots figure in Bomadi Local Government Area, he felt confident in his decision.

    In his speech during the ceremony, former senator and gubernatorial aspirant of the 2023 general elections, Sen. James Manager, emphasised the unity of the PDP as a large family. 

    Manager said: “PDP is a close-knit family, and today we celebrate the success of Andaye Dagidi, his vice, and the ward councillors. 

    “For those who were not selected this time, patience is key as opportunities rotate. Let us avoid any form of unrest and come together to honor the PDP.”

    Akpowowo expressed confidence that July 13 will be a decisive victory for the PDP in Bomadi local government area.

    He stated: “There will be no election in Bomadi local government area on July 13 as it is expected to be a clear victory for the PDP. Our party’s candidate is deeply rooted in the community, a dependable and dedicated party member who understands the challenges facing his constituents.

    “The people of Bomadi should rally behind him to empower him to bring the benefits of democracy to every corner of the council area. We, the people of Delta Central, will continue to offer him unwavering support because of his steadfast commitment to the party.”

    Dagidi expressed unwavering passion and determination to serve his constituents at the grassroots level, ensuring improved service delivery.

    “I empathise with the challenges faced by my fellow citizens at the grassroots level. I have personally taken temporary measures to address the poor conditions of the Bomadi-Ohoror road, aiming to alleviate their immediate suffering.

    “With the guidance of the people I am elected to serve, my primary focus will be on understanding their needs and desires. I am committed to collaborative leadership and will prioritize fulfilling the fundamental requirements of my constituents.

    “My administration will be in alignment with the M.O.R.E. Agenda established by our esteemed leader and Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. This agenda aims to bring democratic benefits to all communities within the council area, ensuring inclusivity in governance.

    “The tangible progress under the M.O.R.E. Agenda, including the re-engagement of construction giant Julius Berger Nig. Ltd. in the state, signifies our commitment to meaningful development initiatives.

    “I want to reassure my constituents that the necessary steps are being taken by Governor Oborevwori to provide a lasting solution for the Bomadi-Ohoror road. Governance is an ongoing process, and in the near future, significant improvements will be made to this vital infrastructure,” he said. 

  • Congress: Reject chairmanship position, PDP elders tell Ekiti South politicians

    Congress: Reject chairmanship position, PDP elders tell Ekiti South politicians

    Ahead of the forthcoming congresses of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, some prominent leaders of the party have called on members from Ekiti South Senatorial District to reject the chairmanship position.

    The PDP leaders under the auspices of Concerned Ekiti PDP Elders Forum said the politicians in the zone should rather press the party for the governorship ticket and not a lesser position.

    The Forum, in a statement on Friday by its Chairman, Elder Julius Akindele said the time has come for Ekiti South to produce the next governor, urging politicians from the zone to put the interest of the district above personal ambition by rejecting the chairmanship position.

    Akindele said that nothing short of the governorship position was good enough for Ekiti South, saying the forthcoming Congress presents an opportunity for the region to address the aged-long injustice and marginalization of the zone.

    Read Also: ‘My people stopped producing rice because they thought witches were turning into birds to eat up their farms’

    He lamented that the zone in the political history of the state had never produced a democratically elected governor, adding that as a result, Ekiti South PDP leaders should reject the chairmanship position and join forces with other zones to clinch the governorship.

    Akindele called on them to support the PDP senatorial candidate for Ekiti North in the 2023 general election, Funsho Ayeni, saying he is the stepping stone in Ekiti South’s quest to secure a governorship ticket.

     The statement reads, “It is a sobering fact that since the creation of Ekiti State in 1999, the region has never produced a governor. This historical oversight has deprived the people of Ekiti South of the opportunity to have their unique needs and aspirations reflected in the state’s highest office, and it is a wrong that must be righted.

    “In light of this, the people should be highly cautious of any individuals from Ekiti South who may be vying for the position of state party chairman. While these individuals may possess personal ambitions, their focus should be on securing the governorship for the region, rather than settling for a lesser position. The people of Ekiti South deserve a governor who will be a tireless advocate for their interests and ensure that their voice is heard at the state level.”

  • How we will defeat APC in Edo, Ondo, by PDP leaders

    How we will defeat APC in Edo, Ondo, by PDP leaders

    National leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are in an upbeat mood about the prospects of winning the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, by focusing political campaign messages on the prevalent economic hardships and sufferings.

    Speaking in turns yesterday during the inauguration of 148-member National Campaign Council for the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election and a similar 177-member council for the November 16, 2024 Ondo State governorship election at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, the PDP leaders stressed that citizens’ complaints and anger against the APC would make it easier for PDP to win.

    PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Ilya Damagum, said even after nine years of being in the opposition, “our party is growing stronger by winning governorship and senatorial elections and it is bound to do very well in Edo and Ondo states where the electoral umpire will not find room to manipulate anything under the cover of darkness.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: PDP has failed us, says Fubara

     He added: “I’ve just been watching the (televised) remarks on Edo State where the President said he’s taking Ondo for his party, but like we’ve always said, he has tried it before, and we have a slogan that ‘Edo no be Legos’. So, I want to take this opportunity to stress that we are in a democratic dispensation and there are rules that have to be adhered to.

     “We will not sit down and allow anybody to snipe, grab and steal. We will be battle ready for any thief that rears his head to steal our fortune; we have done so well in Edo State, we thank the governor, we are very proud of him and our records in that state speak volumes and it will be one we will use to continue giving them that dividend that they have enjoyed under Godwin Obaseki.

     “So Edo is there for us because we have done very well and we will take it back to the PDP; Edo State has always been PDP, we know what happened during the time the other guy held sway, even though at that time Governor Obaseki, before he saw the light, he was also lost in that, but to the glory of God, when the light shone on him, he was back and he is doing absolutely very well and we are proud of him.”

  • PDP to inaugurate national campaign  committees for Edo, Ondo polls today

    PDP to inaugurate national campaign  committees for Edo, Ondo polls today

    • Adeleke, other governors to lead 160-man Ondo governorship campaign

    As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue mobilisation towards the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, PDP is set to inaugurate national campaign committees for the two states today.

    “The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the exercise of its powers, and pursuant to its commitment of ensuring victory for our party at the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, has approved the inauguration of Edo and Ondo State Governorship Election National Campaign Councils on June 27,” PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologinagba, said this in a statement yesterday.

    Read Also: Tinubu means well for north, says Shettima

    A list of 160 PDP leaders that will constitute the National Campaign Council for Edo State, made available to The Nation, yesterday, indicates that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is the council’s chairman, while  Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and his Zamfara counterpart, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare, are to be co-chairman and deputy chairman.

    Other members of the PDP National Campaign Council for Ondo State include Chairman of PDP’s Board of Trustees, Chief Adolphus Wabara, the party’s Acting National Chairman,  Amb Umar Iliya Damagum,  Bauchi State Governor Bala AbdulKadir Mohammed, Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri,  Oyo State Governor Oluseyi Makinde, Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, Bayelsa Governor Sen. Diri Douye, Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Bassey, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

  • Edo 2024: Court refuses to hear suit seeking Ighodalo’s disqualification as PDP candidate

    Edo 2024: Court refuses to hear suit seeking Ighodalo’s disqualification as PDP candidate

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined jurisdiction to hear a suit seeking to among others, prohibit Asue Ighodalo from being presented as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo state.

    In a judgment on Wednesday, June 26, Justice Obiora Egwuatu the court declined jurisdiction because the suit was premature having been filed without the plaintiff first exhausting the PDP’s internal mechanism for dispute resolution.

    The judgment was on a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/304/2024 filed by a PDP governorship aspirant in Edo State, Anselm Ojezua.

    Listed as defendants in the suit are Ighodalo, the PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

     Justice Egwuatu upheld the objection raised by Ighodalo’s lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) that the suit was incompetent, the plaintiff having failed to comply with the mandatory internal procedure for dispute resolution as provided in the constitution of the PDP.

    The judge however did not go into the substance of their case having upheld the preliminary objection raised by Ighodalo’s lawyer.

    Justice Egwuatu said: “In the final analysis, having held that the institution of this suit was premature, the preliminary objections succeed in part.

    “I therefore decline jurisdiction to entertain this suit. In effect, I resolve the sole issue for determination in favour of the defendants and against the plaintiff.

    “Where a court finds that it lacks jurisdiction to entertain a suit, the court has a duty to terminate the proceedings before it.

    “On the basis of the above principle of law, I abstain from proceeding further to resolve the merits of the case and the challenge to the affidavit of facts of the third defendant raised by the plaintiff.

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    “Accordingly, this suit is struck out for want of jurisdiction,” the judge said.

    Ojezua had sued to challenge the outcome of the February 22 primary election that produced Ighodalo as the PDP governorship candidate.

    He had contended that the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the guidelines of PDP were grossly violated in the conduct of the primary election held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

    The plaintiff alleged that a fake and adulterated delegates list was used in the conduct of the indirect primary election.

    He then prayed to the court to void the primary election.