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  • Lagos PDP candidates sue party, Bode George, others over anti-party activities

    Lagos PDP candidates sue party, Bode George, others over anti-party activities

    The crisis rocking Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos State chapter, has deepened, with a suit by some aggrieved candidates of the 2023 general election seeking judicial intervention.

    According to the suit by 24 candidates who vied for elective positions, led by Otunba Segun Adewale, PDP candidate for Lagos West Senatorial District, the aggrieved members are asking the court to hold that Chief Bode George, former PDP Deputy National Chairman and others are guilty of anti-party activities.

    The suit before a Federal High Court, Lagos, has six respondents including George, Sen. Kofoworola Bucknor (BOT members), Mr. Philip Aivoji, Lagos State PDP Chairman, PDP Lagos State Executive, Mr. Adedeji Doherty, former Lagos PDP Chairman and Lagos State LGA PDP Chairmen Forum.

    Read Also: Allow younger people to run in 2027, Bode George tells Atiku

    The suit read: “Our submission is that as a party leader, you cannot be a party leader of two political parties at the same time; hence, you cannot promote candidates of two parties at the same time.

    “The principle of the first defendant’s political party does not allow its members to belong to any other group or groups that are not governed by its constitution.

    “We humbly pray the court holds that considering the evidence exhibited before this court, the activities of the second to seventh defendants constitute party offences that must attract sanctions.

  • PDP to review party leadership at ward, council, 26 states

    PDP to review party leadership at ward, council, 26 states

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed its state chairmen to submit comprehensive reports on their leadership.

    Before a closed-door meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, the acting National Chairman, Ambassador Ilyas Damagun, told the state chairmen, led by a former minister and Chairman of Forum of PDP Chairmen, Mr. Felix Hassan Hyet, that the interactive meeting was called to find solutions to the party’s challenges.

    PDP National Organising Secretary, Captain Umar Bature (retd.), told the meeting about the need to review the party’s leadership positions at the ward, local government, and state levels and also take action against those found to have engaged in anti-party activities.

    “Lots of agitations are coming from party members to suspend this (person), suspend that (person). But you are the ones that are in charge of those states; you are to tell us who did anti-party activities and who did not do such so. Based on that, the PDP NWC will take a decision.

    “Write to us and tell us what transpired, no matter what happened,” Bature said.

    Read Also; Tinubu appoints Garba Laka Counter-terrorism center coordinator

    The national organising secretary stressed the need for the party headquarters to have comprehensive reports on all those who worked against the party’s interest during last year’s general election and the subsequent polls.

    According to him, yesterday’s meeting was also called to review the tenure of those in party executive councils at the ward, local government, and state levels.

    Bature added: “We are here to review the tenure of about 26 states, in terms of wards, local governments, and states. If you recall, most of the current executives in the states were elected four years ago, where congress were conducted on a staggered basis due to COVID-19 issues.

    “Now, we have about four to five states that their tenure has expired from the ward up to the state levels; that is Edo, Bayelsa, Gombe, and Rivers states. There are others which are staggered. So, in order not to create a vacuum or go into a crisis, we have called this meeting.

    “Also, we have issues and crises in various states and we decided to call you for this meeting to interact with you on the way forward, pending when the NEC will sit and decide on all these.

    “Also, if there are vacancies due to deaths and resignations, please, don’t replace any name, don’t fix another person for issues that will come up later.”

    “If this meeting decides that everybody will go as a caretaker, leave the exco the way they are. Submit the list to us as it is. If there are 15 people and five have joined another party, submit the remaining 10; don’t replace them.

    “After the elections, we expected the state chapters to give us their reports. That is the post-2023 election results, but a lot of the states have not submitted their reports, and we need those reports to be compiled for the next NEC meeting.

    “I also want the acting national chairman to call on the chairman of Cross River State to tell us what is happening in the state, because there are so many things happening. We are hearing in the media. We really need to know what is happening.”

  • 2027: PDP to review leadership at ward, LG and state levels in 26 states

    2027: PDP to review leadership at ward, LG and state levels in 26 states

    Concerned about the need to reposition the party and begin early preparations before the 2027 elections, the National Executive Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed state party chairmen to submit comprehensive reports.

    Shortly before they entered a closed-door session at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, March 26, the party’s acting national chairman, Ambassador Ilyas Damagun told state chairmen led by former minister and chairman of the forum of PDP chairmen, Felix Hassan Hyet, that the interactive meeting was called towards finding strategic solutions to the party’s challenges.

    PDP national organizing secretary, Captain Umar Bature (rtd) who addressed the meeting at length emphasised the need to review the party’s leadership positions at ward, local government, and State levels nationwide and also deal with elements doing anti-party activities.

    He said: “Lots of agitations are coming from party members to suspend this (person), suspend that (person) but you are the ones that are in charge of those states; you are to tell us who did anti-party activities and who did not do such so, based on that, PDP NWC will take the decision.

    “Write to us and tell us what transpired, no matter what happened,” said Bature while emphasizing the need for the party headquarters to have comprehensive reports on all those elements that perpetrated anti-party activities in various states during the 2023 general elections and the subsequent ones.

    According to Bature, the Tuesday meeting would kick-start a review of the tenure of those in party executive councils at the ward, local government, and state levels.

    Bature said: “We are here to review the tenure of about 26 states, in terms of the ward, local government, and state; if you recall, most of the current executives in the states were elected four years ago, where congress was conducted on a staggered basis due to COVID-19 issues.

    “Now, we have about four to five states that their tenure has expired from the ward up to the state levels, that is Edo, Bayelsa, Gombe and Rivers State and there are others which are staggered; so, in order not to create a vacuum or go into crisis, that is why we have called this meeting.

    “Also, we have issues and crises in various states and we decided to call you for this meeting so as to interact with you on the way forward, pending when the NEC will sit and decide on all these.

    “Also if there are vacancies due to death and resignation, please don’t replace any name, don’t fix another person for issues that will come up later.

    Read Also: Rivers Rep member, other PDP chieftains declare loyalty to Fubara

    “If this meeting decides that everybody will go as caretaker, leave the exco the way they are; submit the list to us as it is, if there are 15 people and five have joined another party, submit the remaining ten, don’t replace them.

    “After the elections, we expected the state chapters to give us their reports, that is the post-2023 election result but a lot of the states have not submitted their reports and we need those reports to be compiled for the next NEC meeting.

    “I also want the acting Chairman to call on the Chairman of Cross River to tell us what is happening in the state because there are so many things happening and we are hearing in the media, we really need to know what is happening,” the PDP National Organizing Secretary stated.

  • Edo PDP chair kidnapped in Benin, whereabouts unknown

    Edo PDP chair kidnapped in Benin, whereabouts unknown

    • CP talks tough, rallies vigilance groups, hunters
    • PDP demands immediate release

    Ahead of the April 24 date set for the commencement of Edo State governorship election campaigns, the state’s Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, has been kidnapped.

    The election is scheduled for September 21.

    Aziegbemi, a political ally of Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was abducted by gunmen on Osaro Street in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Benin, the state capital, at about 11 pm on Friday.

    He was said to have been abducted at a section of Osaro Street where there were speed breakers

    The Edo PDP chairman had earlier on Friday evening attended a meeting at the Government House in GRA.

    His driver, Joseph Impete, who narrated the events that culminated in the incident, said: “When we left Government House, Benin around 11 pm on Friday, and headed for the private residence of my boss, I observed that two cars were trailing us, so I decided to divert.

    “We never knew that they were kidnappers.

    “Some minutes later, the same cars appeared behind us at a section where there are speed-breakers, and their vehicles were suddenly used to block the SUV of my boss in the front.

    “The men then pointed guns at us, ordered him to enter one of their cars and drove away.

    “The gunmen abandoned my boss’ car on Sapele Road, Benin.”

    The whereabouts of the Edo State PDP chairman remained unknown at press time while no demand for ransom had been made by his abductors.

    CP talks tough, rallies vigilance groups, hunters

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the incident, saying that Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, had given a marching order to the tactical teams of the command to rescue Aziegbemi unhurt while his abductors should also be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other criminals.

    In a press statement he issued yesterday, Nwabuzor quoted Adegboye as having directed the command’s tactical team leaders to conduct a rescue party for Aziegbemi in collaboration with the vigilance groups and hunters in the state.

    Adegboye said: “The command wishes to inform the general public that it is aware of the kidnap of Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the state’s Chairman of PDP on Friday, 15/03/2024, at about 2345hrs. The information of his kidnap was received from his driver, Joseph Impete, who reported the incident at the New Etete Division, Benin City.

    “The driver, who is an eyewitness to the horrible incident, reported that on 15/03/2024, the victim of kidnap, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, attended a meeting at the Edo State Government House, Benin City, and on their way returning home from the meeting, close to his house, six armed men in a convoy of two white Toyota Corolla saloon car, registration number unknown, accosted them along Bishop (Dr.) J.O.E. Edokpolor Boulevard Junction, off Country Home Road, GRA, Benin City, and immediately, Dr. Aziegbemi jumped out of his ash Toyota Prado Jeep for the safety of his dear life while the driver also ran out of the vehicle and lay on the ground, but the hoodlums chased Dr. Aziegbemi and threatened to shoot him if he refused to stop.

    “So, he stopped, and they seized him, threw him inside his Toyota Prado Jeep, and took him away to an unknown destination.”

    Adegboye also said he received the report of the kidnap incident with shock, prompting him to immediately issue a marching order.

    He solicited the cooperation of law-abiding citizens of the state, urging them to give useful and timely information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of Aziegbemi’s kidnap as well as his quick rescue.

    PDP demands Aziegbemi’s release

    The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday urged government to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Aziegbemi.

    In a press statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, the party also demanded the release of all other abducted citizens, blaming the nation’s security challenges on the ruling All Progressives’ Congress (APC).

    The statement reads in part: “The PDP expresses serious concerns over Dr. Aziegbemi’s abduction, which further points to the alarming failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled Federal Government in its primary duty to ensure the security and welfare of Nigerians as provided under Section 14 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “Our Party is distressed by the alarming spate of abduction of helpless Nigerians in various parts of the country, particularly the recent kidnap of about 286 school children in Kaduna State and others in Sokoto State, who are still being held in horrifying and traumatising conditions in their abductors’ den.

    “It is heartrending that the APC administration continues to give false assurances while Nigerians are left at the mercies of kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and marauders without corresponding concrete effort to check the ugly occurrences.

    “Our Party calls on the Federal Government to end its laidback attitude to security by immediately rejigging our national security architecture, especially in the areas of intelligence gathering, security command and control coordination in a manner that not only proactively ensure the safety of citizens, but also guarantees rapid response and effective rescue operations.

    Read Also: NLC, Obi’s supporters demand Abure’s sack over LP’s proposed ‘secret’ convention

    “The PDP commends our gallant security personnel in their patriotic effort to secure our nation and urges them not to relent despite the daunting challenges.

    “While calling on Nigerians to be prayerful, alert and continue to support our security agencies, the PDP charges the Security high command to take urgent steps to secure the release of Dr. Aziegbemi and all other Nigerians trapped in abductors’ camps in various parts of the country.”

    Edo govt on top of incident, says commissioner

    Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, stated yesterday that the Godwin Obaseki administration was on top of the “unfortunate” kidnap of Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi.

    He said the government was working closely with security agencies to ensure his safe release and quick return to his family.

    In an online statement, Nehikhare revealed that the state government had increased surveillance and beefed up security measures across the state in order to ensure that criminal activities were reduced to the barest minimum and the culprits were brought to book.

    He said: “We encourage Edo State’s residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear, and urge them to call the state’s emergency numbers: 112 or 739, to report all suspicious persons or activities in their environs.

    “Edo State Government reassures that it is committed to protecting the lives and property of Edo residents, and will spare no resources in ensuring that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are apprehended, and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

  • APC, PDP clash again over 2024 budget

    APC, PDP clash again over 2024 budget

    • You lack moral right to demand Akpabio’s resignation – Ruling party
    • PDP demands review of Appropriation Act by Presidency
    • Nasarawa APC chief vows to resist plot to remove Senate President

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that its ‘sordid legacy of monumental corruption’ made it inappropriate for the opposition party to demand the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and turn himself to anti-graft agencies for investigation. 

    The PDP had, on Wednesday, asked Akpabio to step aside on the strength of the allegation by Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi  that the 2024 budget was padded by the Senate.

    However, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in a reaction yesterday, took a swipe at PDP, describing it as a “meddlesome interloper”.

    The APC also said the PDP has continued to show itself as an entity bereft of focus and purpose, which is “quick to feast on sham without thought and consideration for facts and institutional due process.”

    “It is rather ridiculous that the PDP that is unable to govern itself would seek to dictate to the Senate how it should conduct its proceedings and handle internal matters of discipline of its members,” Morka said.

    On the allegations that the suspension of Senator Ningi was a cover-up, without first referring the matter to a Senate standing committee, the APC said: “How is a committee of the full Senate conducting an inquiry in the matter, in full public view on national television, less independent and transparent or in violation of the Senate’s standing rules or any other laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? 

    “Contrary to the PDP’s twisted argument, the Senate neither violated its standing rules and orders nor the Constitution by not referring the matter to a relevant committee. Rather, placing the matter before the committee of the whole, under public scrutiny, underscored the premium the Senate placed on transparency in the conduct of its proceedings. It was clear for all to see that the author of the allegation was unable to offer any substantiation or justification.

    “It is eerily comical that the PDP, a party with a sordid legacy of monumental corruption would suggest that the President of the Senate should turn himself to anti-graft agencies for investigation.

    “This is the entity that turned graft and corruption into statecraft, the same entity that cannot account for funds raised for the building of its national headquarters, making such a ridiculous call. The PDP should lead by example and heed its call.”

    Read Also: You lack moral right to ask Akpabio to step down, APC tells PDP

    It said: “The legislative authority of the Senate includes the authority to make its own rules and adopt its procedures for discharging its constitutional mandate. That extends to modifying its rules and standing orders by its rules and procedures, and observance of all applicable legal and constitutional standards. It also has the authority to discipline its members by its institutional and constitutional due process.”

    Exonerating the Senate President of any complexity that would warrant his stepping down, the governing party maintained that “the President of the Senate has done nothing wrong to warrant him stepping aside on account of this or any other disclosed matter.

    “The PDP should quit being a meddlesome interloper, expend its lean energy on revamping its decrepit institution, and leave the Senate to carry on its important role of deepening our democracy and stabilising our dear nation.”

    Presidency should review 2024 budget; Akpabio must go, PDP insists

    But the PDP insisted yesterday that Akpabio must quit while the Presidency must review the 2024 budget.

    The PDP, in a statement entitled “N3.7t, You Can’t Suppress Investigation, PDP Replies Senate Leadership” spoke of the need to “restore the integrity of the 2024 budget” by President Tinubu.

    In the statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said:

    “The Akpabio-led APC leadership in the Senate ought to know that no amount of threats, harassment, suspension of whistleblowers and attempts to blackmail the opposition through diversionary press statements and sponsored articles in a section of the media can suppress the demand for an open investigation into the alleged budget padding which is already in the public domain.

    “The PDP and Nigerians are however not deterred by attacks by the APC leadership in the Senate which is a clear case of corruption fighting back in the face of public scrutiny.

    “More importantly, the failure by the Akpabio-led APC leadership to allow for investigation into the budget padding allegation constitutes a huge smear on the image of the Senate and destroys its rectitude and integrity to perform its Constitutional duty to investigate and oversight other public institutions; a situation that spells doom to our Constitutional democracy if not immediately checked.

    “If Senator Akpabio has nothing to fear, he should immediately recall Senator Abdul Ningi and allow for an open and detailed investigation into the allegation of discrete insertion of N3.7 trillion into the 2024 budget.

    “Our Party, standing shoulder to shoulder with Nigerians, insists that Senator Akpabio should step aside and allow for a credible investigation, as he cannot be a judge in this matter,” the party stated.

    The PDP further stressed its demand that Senator Godswill Akpabio must not only step aside but also undergo a special probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “Furthermore, the PDP stands by its demand that Senator Akpabio should report at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation into the alleged looting of N108 billion belonging to the people of Akwa Ibom State and the N86 billion alleged contract scam under his watch as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs respectively,” the PDP added.

    Nasarawa APC boss, Bello, vows to resist plot to impeach Akpabio

    The Chairman of the APC in Nasarawa State chapter, Hon. Aliyu Bello, vowed to resist any plot to impeach Akpabio, stressing that those attempting to derail his (Akpabio’s) tenure would fail.

    Bello told reporters in Abuja that the allegations against Akpabio lack substance.

    “The North produced the Senate President in the past eight years under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. If there was anything a Northerner could have done as Senate President, that period provided a golden opportunity,” Bello said.

    “What these lawmakers are interested in is only the raw power which they continuously use to their personal advantage.

    “They will not get what they want. Senator Akpabio has been doing his best to support President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration. We won’t allow fifth columnists to derail him.”

    Bello said recent happenings on the floor of the Senate, which led to the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) were  the antics of senators habouring a misguided sense of entitlement, who feel they must either control the senate or they sink it.

  • Rumbles in Lagos PDP over leadership position

    Rumbles in Lagos PDP over leadership position

    All is not well with the Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Its candidate in the last governorship election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, has unilaterally declared himself the leader of the party. Assistant Editor EMMANUEL BADEJO, who has been following the development, reports 

    THE Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) may be heading towards another major crisis, if the recent declaration by Abdul-Azeez Adediran, the party’s governorship candidate in the last general election, is anything to go by.

    Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, declared at the weekend that, having put up a good effort during the election, he has become the party leader in Lagos. Not a few members of the embattled opposition party have questioned his justification for making such a claim.

    Jandor who performed woefully in the 2023 governorship election is believed to have overreached himself. He came a distant third in the race, with only 62,449 votes; behind Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 762,134 votes and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP) who scored 312,329 votes.

    At the time the party at both national and state levels should be taking stock of its performance in the last election, Jandor called some of his loyalists to appreciate them. But, in reality, the meeting, which was mainly attended by members of his campaign council, was aimed at mobilizing his supporters within the party for the 2027 election.

    Speaking to the gathering, Jandor said he remains the apex leader of the party at the moment and that he is ready to provide leadership ahead of the 2027 elections. He said: “I am saying this with due respect to all other faithful leaders that I met in the PDP. They should know this is a constitutional matter; I do not have control over it except I choose to leave tomorrow, and I am not going anywhere. This is my party.

    “For every party member, who is looking for a true leader that is selfless, a leader you can beat your chest over, I am ready to provide leadership for all of you, irrespective of the tendencies you belong to.”

    Jandor said any leader who doesn’t want to be a member of the PDP again should carry his bag and go. He accused some party leaders of anti-party activities in the last general elections.

    He said: “For those who have declared for the LP, they should stay there. Those who have gone to the APC should enjoy it; so that we can those that remain in the fold. In the 2023 election, we worked hard; and went everywhere – places that had never been visited in the history of this state politically – to campaign.

    “We slept in many local government areas and stayed with the people. That was the kind of rigorous campaign we ran in the 2023 election. One cannot put in such investments and some people would decide to play against the party and won’t get hurt.

    “We didn’t lose the 2023 election because we didn’t work, no! That is why I am here to appreciate all of you. You are my heroes, you did very well. We ran a campaign like never before. I brought you together to say thank you. You did well.”

    He said the event was not to grumble about the past but to appreciate all those who spent sleepless nights with him during the campaign. He added: “We have chosen this path; there is no going back. We will stay fitos to give Lagos a breath of fresh air.”

    Adediran urged the national leadership of the party to listen to the voices of patriotic and loyal leaders calling for firm action against unpatriotic leaders. He said no one would take the party seriously if such leaders were still forced on the people.

    Insisting that he had no regret whatsoever participating in the poll, the PDP chieftain said he was rather proud of his achievements in the election. He added that some PDP leaders had been working against the party over the years and that it had become their stock in trade.

    While some close party faithful were jolted by Jandor’s declaration, others said the political parley was a ploy to preempt the outcome of the intra-party review of what transpired that led to the abysmal performance of the party during the last poll.

    Observers do not see the rationale for Jandor to declare himself the party leader, as being its flag bearer in an election does not automatically make him the apex leader.

    Jandor was challenging leaders of the party in Lagos, like Chief Bode George. One of the founding fathers of the party, George rose to the position of Deputy National Chairman (South) at a time. He is generally regarded as the leader of the party in Lagos State.

    But, George and some leaders of the party in Lagos fell out with Jandor during the campaign and withdrew their support for his candidacy. They declared support for the candidate of the LP. 

    Their decision was based on unresolved intra-party disputes. Following an unimpressive performance of the party during the election, Jandor’s loyalists had accused some of the party leaders, of anti-party activities and called for their suspension.

    Countering that move, some party elders warned Jandor to desist from denigrating leaders of the party. The party elders included George, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi and Dr. Charles Akitoye. In a communique signed by 22 of them, they made the following declaration: “We hereby state that henceforth, Mr Olajide Adediran, the PDP’s former governorship candidate in Lagos should desist from further denigrating leaders and elders of the party, contrary to the provision of Section 58 (I) (H)  of the constitution of the PDP as amended in 2017.

    “We recognise the fact that as a new member of the party, Mr Adediran may not be conversant with the cultures, traditions and provisions of the party’s constitution, hence we admonish him to conduct himself in conformity with the cultures and norms of the party, failure which would leave the party with no other choice than to invoke appropriate disciplinary measures against him.”

    They also urged him to disband his political group, “Lagos for Lagos” because the party does not condone grouping within its fold. Subsequently, they passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Chief Bode George, affirming his leadership of the party.

    Part of the communique reads: “That, the PDP does not condone groupings within its fold; hence, the group such as the Lagos for Lagos should be disbanded forthwith, going by the provisions of Section 58 (I) (J) of the constitution of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as amended in 2017.”

    Reacting to Jandor’s claim, Chairman of the party, Philip Aivoji said: “I don’t think it is something to be bothered about. Constitutionally, he cannot be the leader of the party and he’s not the first candidate we’ve picked and he’s not going to be the last.

    “Well, I don’t blame him; he doesn’t know the constitution of the party; I don’t think it’s something to talk about. He is just fooling himself. Even the so-called gathering where he made that declaration, did any notable party member attend?

    “He is not even a member of our party; he just came and grabbed the ticket. I think keeping quiet is the best and they said silence is the best answer for a fool.

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    “I don’t have any concern about him; when did he join the party and what has he done for the party for him to publicize himself as the leader of the party? Everything he has been doing is against the party. Let him give an account of the money given to him for the election.”

    In a statement signed by Aivoji, the party directed Jandor to withdraw his claim and apologise immediately.

    Aivoji said such claim was mere falsehood, divisive and an affront to the constitution of PDP in the state, meant to mislead unsuspecting members of the public.

    The statement that read in parts said: “The attention of the State Executive members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to the  publication in the Vanguard newspaper of  Sunday,  March 10, 2024, where Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adeniran ( Jandor),  the gubernatorial candidate of our party in the last general elections, was quoted to have said he remains the apex leader of Lagos PDP.

    “We will like to put it on record that the PDP is a political party governed by the rule of law and the party constitution remains supreme in the operation of the party where the Lagos state chapter derives its  authority and there is nowhere in the constitution of the party where leadership is conferred on any candidate of the party. 

    “Therefore, the statement ascribed to Jandor is a falsehood, divisive and an attempt to mislead unsuspecting members of the party in the state and the  public at large.

    “The State Chairman of the party remains the leader of the party in Lagos State and section 22 of the party constitution is sacrosanct on the establishment and composition of the party state caucus and there is nowhere the candidate of the party is mentioned as a member of such leadership position.

    “This is important in order to put the record straight and to enlighten loyal members of the party on the leadership composition and operation of the party in Lagos state. Also, no section of the party constitution confers on any individual or group to expel any member of the party as this power resides only in the State Executive Council and the NWC.

    “The Lagos state executive members found the statement as an affront and casting of aspersion on their personalities and the position they hold in the party and will therefore urge Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran to withdraw the statement and apologise for making such.

    “While the Lagos State chapter of our party holds all our present and former members of the BOT, NWC, NEC and national leadership of the party in high esteem, it won’t condone any attempt by any member to cast aspersion on their personalities.

     “We wish to inform our teeming members in the state that the leadership of the party is working assiduously to ensure that all aggrieved members of the party are placated and reconciled to enable the party rebuild the confidence the good people of Lagos state has in us that gave the party elected members into both the State Assembly and the House of Representatives prior to the last general elections when all was lost.

    “It is also important to warn unscrupulous leaders and members of the party, who have continued to  constitute nuisance within the party and causing dis-affection through  misinformation, rumours and casting of aspersion on the leadership of the party in the state, to henceforth desist from such for the benefit and growth of our dear party.”

    Another chieftain of the party who prefers to be anonymous, defended the decision of many party leaders to renounce support for Jandor’s candidacy at the height of the electioneering campaign. He accused Jandor of betrayal. The elder statesman, who said PDP’s loss at the poll last year was due to the candidate’s misdemeanour said: “If he’s sensible and schooled enough, he won’t lose so badly in the election.

    “I blame the person who brought him to us.  This young man is an infra dignitata. This guy doesn’t know anything and he needs to go for a thorough checkup. Please, ask him: can he attend the caucus meeting of the party in Southwest or at the national? Ok then; let him show up at the caucus or NEC meeting if he is the leader of the party.”

    Even Jandor’s Campaign Director General, Dr. Seye Odairo is not in agreement with the former flag bearer of the party in Lagos. Odairo said Jandor’s claim of being the leader of the party is not worth his response. He added that the claim is laughable and that it shows his lack of understanding of the party’s constitution.

    Odairo, who resigned his position a few days before the governorship election, said Jandor acted like a mole, who deliberately did everything to mar the chances of the party winning the election. He added: “Jandor did not intend to win that election. He scuttled all chances to get him to resolve several disputes with the party leaders ahead of the election.

    “Since my loyalty is to the party and not to an individual, I tendered my resignation.”

  • INEC, Diri, Sylva, PDP close case in LP’s petition against Bayelsa guber poll

    INEC, Diri, Sylva, PDP close case in LP’s petition against Bayelsa guber poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva concluded their defence on Wednesday in respect of the petition by the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last governorship election in the state, Udengmobofa Eradiri.

    Eradiri is, by his petition marked: EPT/BY/GOV/02/2023 praying the governorship election tribunal to among others, void the joint ticket of Diri and Ewhrudjakpo, and disqualify Sylva on grounds of non-qualification and declare him the actual winner of the election held on November 11, 2023.

    At Wednesday’s proceedings, the lawyer to INEC, Alhassan Umar (SAN) opened and closed his client’s case after tendering some sets of results sheets comprising Forms EC8C (for the eight Local Government Areas in the state), Forms

    EC8D (for the eight LGAs in the state) and Form EC8E.

    Lawyer to Eradiri, Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN) objected to the admissibility of the documents but reserved his reasons until the final address stage.

    Diri, who is the second respondent, his party, the PDP and Sylva neither tendered any document nor called any witness.

    Read Also: Ningi’s suspension: What I would have done if I was presiding officer – Abaribe

    They elected to rely on the evidence elicited from the petitioner’s sole witness during cross-examination.

    Out of the five respondents to the petition, only Ewhrudjakpo called a witness, who was subpoenaed to produce his service record as a former civil servant.

    The witness, Gowon Toruyouyei said he was the Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development until he retired recently.

    Ewhrudjakpo’s lawyer, Chukwuma Machukwu Umeh (SAN) tendered some documents through Toruyouyei, which he claimed constituted the Deputy Governor’s service record as a civil servant in the Bayelsa civil service.

    Shortly after Tunde Falola, lawyer to Sylva (who is the last respondent) announced the closure of his client’s case, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye announced dates for parties to file their final written addresses.

    Justice Adeleye ordered the five respondents to file and serve their final written addresses on or before March 21; the petitioner is to file and serve not later than March 29, while respondents are to file their replies (if any) not later than March 31.

    He adjourned till 12 noon on March 31 for the adoption of the parties’ final written addresses.

    Eradiri, while testifying on Tuesday as the sole witness of the petitioner, insisted that Diri and Ewhrudjakpo were not qualified to have contested the election because the Deputy Governor lied about his academic qualification in the Form EC9 he submitted to INEC.

    He also stated that Sylva was not qualified to contest the election because he had been elected into the office of the Governor of Bayelsa State twice before the last election.

    The petitioner noted, in the petition, that for the 2nd and 3rd respondents (Diri and Ewhrudjakpo) to qualify for election as Governor and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State “respectively and jointly, they must have met the requirements of Section 177 and must not be in breach of Section 182 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    The petitioner stated that Ewhrudjakpo was at the time of the election breach of Section 182(1)(j) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by allegedly making false claims about his qualifications.

    Eradiri noted that while Ewhrudjakpo claimed to possess only the first school leaving certificate in the Form EC9 he submitted to INEC for the last governorship election, he had in two previous elections claimed to be a Law graduate.

    He alleged that on September 8, 2019, Ewhrudjakpo “presented a forged certificate to the 1st respondent (INEC)) in breach of Section 182(1)(j) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    The petitioner added: “Contrary to the 3rd respondent’s (Ewhrudjakpo’s) sworn statement in paragraph C of the said affidavit (FORM EC9) to the effect that the only qualification he has obtained is First School Leaving Certificate, the 3rd respondent, for the purpose of contesting the Bayelsa State gubernatorial election which held on the 16th day of November 2019 submitted to the 1st respondent (INEC) an affidavit of personal particulars wherein he stated that he obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and BSC in Secretariat Administration.

    “Contrary again to 3rd respondent’s sworn statement in paragraph C of the affidavit (FORM EC9) to the effect that the only qualification he has obtained is First School Leaving Certificate, the 3rd respondent, for the purpose of contesting election to the Senate sometime in 2015 submitted to the 1st respondent an affidavit of personal particulars wherein he stated that he obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.

    “In the light of 3rd respondent’s statement in the affidavit submitted to the 1st respondent by the 3rd respondent for the purpose of the governorship election of 2019, to the effect that he had obtained university degrees, the affidavit of personal particulars submitted to the 1st respondent by the 3rd respondent for the purpose of the governorship election of 11th day of November 2023, tells a lie about itself in that it avers that the one and only educational qualification obtained by the 3rd respondent is First School Leaving Certificate.

    “In the light of 3rd respondent’s statement in the affidavit submitted to the 1st respondent by the 3rd respondent for the purpose of contesting election to the Senate sometime in 2018 to the effect that he had obtained university degrees, the affidavit of personal particulars submitted to the 1st respondent by the respondent for the purpose of the governorship election of 11th day of November 2023, tells a lie about itself in that it avers that the one and only educational qualification obtained by the 3rd respondent is First School Leaving Certificate.

    “An affidavit that contains a false statement, tells a lie about itself, and it is a forged certificate,” the petitioner said.

    He wants the tribunal to void the participation of Diri and Ewhrudjakpo in the election, declare the votes allocated to them as wasted votes, cancel the certificate of return issued to them and also void Sylva’s participation in the election and the votes allocated to him.

    Eradiri equally wants the tribunal to declare him as the lawful winner of the election and to order INEC to issue him with a certificate of return.

  • Rivers political crises ‘ll soon be over, says Rivers PDP Publicity Secretary

    Rivers political crises ‘ll soon be over, says Rivers PDP Publicity Secretary

    Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sydney Gbara, has said that peace will soon come the way of  the party in the state.

    Speaking in Port Harcourt, Saturday,  Gbara said the Rivers people were tired of political drama in the state.

    He said Rivers people sought peace in the state in order for Gov. Siminialaye Fubara to concentrate on good governance.

    Gbara commended the governor for demonstrating self-comportation by not allowing room for distractions in the midst of heightened political disagreements.

    “The governor even in the midst of pockets of disagreements with his predecessor and some organs of the government had remained focused, delivering back-to-back life touching policies, programmes and projects for the people.

    Read Also: Rivers political crises to end soon – PDP

    “His policy is directly touching lives and building capacity.

    “We shouldn’t be surprised when we see that people are beginning to rethink and throw-in support for him because as they say, if you can’t beat them, join them,” he said.

    He also described as timely, recent resignation and declaration of support by a councillor representing the ward of the former governor and Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike.

    The councillor, Mr Achor Nna, had publicly pledged loyalty to Gov. Fubara.

    According to him, more of such declarations for the governor are envisaged in coming days, not just from councillors but across political stratas including members of the State House of Assembly.

    On the conduct of local government elections, Gbara said that the governor was the leader of the party (PDP) in the state.

  • Rivers political crises to end soon – PDP

    Rivers political crises to end soon – PDP

    Mr Sydney Gbara, State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, said the political crises in the state will soon end.

    Gbara told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Saturday that majority of Rivers people no longer enjoyed the drama making rounds in the state’s political space.

    He said that every reasonable Rivers citizen currently yearned for peace and also wanted Gov. Siminialaye Fubara to be allowed to work and demonstrate his capabilities in the administration of the state.

    The party image maker commended the governor for demonstrating self comportment by not allowing room for distractions in the midst of hightened political disagreements.

    “The governor even in the midst of pockets of disagreements with his predecessor and some organs of the government, had remained focused, delivering back-to-back life touching policies, programmes and projects for the people.

    “His policy is directly touching lives and building capacity.

    “We shouldn’t be surprised when we see that people are beginning to have a rethink and throwing-in support for him because as they say, if you can’t beat them, join them,” he said.

    He also described as timely, recent resignation and declaration of support by a councillor representing the ward of the former governor and Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike.

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    The councillor, Mr Achor Nna, had publicly pledged loyalty to Gov. Fubara.

    According to him, more of such declarations for the governor is envisaged in coming days, not just from councillors but across political stratas including members of the State House of Assembly.

    On conduct of local government elections, Gbara said that the governor was the leader of the party (PDP) in the state.

    He noted that whenever the governor deemed necessary, the party would readily make available its machineries for the election.

    He, however, said the governor was making plans for local government elections, adding that the party on its part would remain neutral regarding governor’s decisions in that regard.

    Attributing ongoing political crises in the state to personal interest, Gbara urged the people especially the youth, to rally round the governor whom he said had demonstrated patriotism and inclusivity in his policies.

    (NAN)

  • PDP fixes Ondo primary for April 25

    PDP fixes Ondo primary for April 25

    Acknowledging that it lost the last governorship election in Ondo State as a result of internal conflicts and disarray within its camp, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is now determined to fight for the coming governorship poll as a united front, top stakeholders have said.

    During a meeting at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja to begin preparations for the state chapter’s congress scheduled for April 25, where a governorship candidate will emerge, members of the PDP National Working Committee, governorship aspirants and party leaders from Ondo State expressed their determination to work for the party’s victory.

    Read Also:Ondo 2024: I will win PDP primary, says Agboola

    In speeches, the party’s acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba and other stakeholders acknowledged that “this time, PDP is determined to achieve a consensus in its fight to claim Ondo State.”

    Governor Makinde said: “We’ve learnt from the last governorship election; you learn more when you fail than when you succeed, so we’ve learnt bitter lessons.

    “For the benefit of everybody, the governorship election in Ondo State is not going to be handed over to anybody, it will be a fight; as PDP, we will fight. Four years ago, we had that division within us that allowed the seat to slip away from us, but this time, we are united and we will stay united all the way to the election.”

    Amb. Damagum said: “The forging of a consensus, the mode of the governorship primary and zoning are the priorities to be discussed.”