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Tag: PDP

  • By-elections: APC, PDP begin sale of nomination forms

    By-elections: APC, PDP begin sale of nomination forms

    • Ruling party’s primary to hold January 6, PDP’s January 8
    • APC zones Ebonyi South Senate seat to Onicha council

    Ahead of the February 3 National and State Houses of Assembly by-elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have announced the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms.

    APC’s sale of the forms will begin today to enable the party’s aspirants buy the ticket to fill vacant legislative seats.

    The ruling party has also fixed January 6 for its primary elections, while PDP’s will hold on January 8.

    APC National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Argungu, who announced this in a timetable and schedule of activities notice for the bye-elections in Abuja, said the sale of the forms will end on Tuesday, January 2.

    According to the notice, senatorial aspirants are to pay N17 million and N3 million for nominations and expression of interest forms.

    Each of the House of Representatives aspirants is to pay N1 million for the expression of interest form and N9 million for nomination form, while a State House of Assembly aspirant will pay N500,000 for the expression of interest and N1.5 million for nomination form.

    In line with the party’s policy, female aspirants and People With Disabilities (PWDs) are required to pay for the expression of interest form for any election as their nomination form is free.

    Youths between the ages of 25 and 40 are to purchase the expression of interest and get the nomination forms at a 50 per cent discount for any position.

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    Delegates who are to elect the candidates in the primary elections are required to pay N5,000 for the form.

    The notice also directed that members who will elect candidates should be financial members of the party for not less than three months to the date of the delegates’ congress with evidence of payment of membership dues at the rate of N200 per month.

    Also, in a timetable and schedule of activities for its primaries released by National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the PDP said it had fixed between tomorrow and January 3 for the sale of its nomination and expression of interest forms.

    The by-elections holding on February 3 would be conducted into Ebonyi South Senatorial District of Ebonyi State; Yobe East Senatorial District of Yobe State; Plateau North Senatorial District of Plateau State; Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State.

    Others are: Jalingo/Zorro/Zing Federal Constituency of Taraba State; Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State; Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency of Kebbi State; Chibok State Constituency of Borno State; Chikun State Constituency of Kaduna State; Guma State Constituency of Benue State.

    Bature said the screening of PDP aspirants would also hold on January 4, while appeal for the party’s primaries would hold on January 9.

    The National Organising Secretary explained that the last day for the submission of candidates’ names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal is January 12, while the last day for nomination of party agents is scheduled for January 20.

    The party pegged its cost of expression of interest form for Senate and House of Representatives at N500,000 each, while that of nomination form at N3 million and N2 million.

    For the House of Assembly, the expression of interest form was fixed at N100,000 while the cost of nomination form is N600,000.

    Bature added that female aspirants and PWDs would pay for expression of interest forms only.

    Also, the Ebonyi State chapter of the APC has zoned the vacant Ebonyi South senatorial seat to Onicha Local Government Area.

    This came on the heels of the declaration of interest by Austin Umahi, the younger brother to Works Minister David Umahi, in the senatorial seat.

    The seat became vacant when David Umahi took his current appointment as a minister in the Tinubu administration.

    Following his resignation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pursuant to relevant provisions of the laws and Senate President Godwill Akpabio declared the seat vacant.

    At its meeting yesterday, the State Working Committee of the ruling party zoned the seat to Onicha Local Government area.

    The Umahis hail from neighbouring Ohaozara Local Government Area.

    Austin was also the Director of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s Divine Mandate Campaign Council.

  • Ex-PDP chairman’s wife, sister die in fire incident

    Ex-PDP chairman’s wife, sister die in fire incident

    Wife of the late chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state, Mrs. Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and his sister, Ms Ofonime Frank have been burnt to death.

    The tragic fire incident, which occurred on Christmas eve, razed down the house of the late PDP boss, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state. 

    The cause of the fire remains unknown as at the time of this report.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists by the Secretary, Transition Committee of the local government, Hon. Udeme Idiong disclosed in the early hours.

    The Transition Community chairman of the council Hon. Godwin Ekpe (JP) has declared seven days mourning for all indigenes of the local government, the statement revealed.

    It also stated that council chairman has sought the approval of the state government to withdraw all Ukanafun contingent in the ongoing Christmas Carol activity scheduled to hold on 28th December, 2023

     The statement states: “Sequel to the tragic fire incident that occurred at the residence of our Late State Party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong on 24th December 2023 which claimed the lives of his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms Ofonime Frank, the Chairman, Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ekpe JP has declared a 7 days mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday 26th of December, 2023 to Monday 1st January, 2024.

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    “He has also in collaboration with the Stakeholders of the Local Government and approval of the State Government approved a withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas unplugged activity earlier scheduled to hold on the 28th of December, 2023.

    “While sympathizing with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls”.

  • Rivers: PDP urges INEC to declare lawmakers’ seats vacant

    Rivers: PDP urges INEC to declare lawmakers’ seats vacant

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seats of 27 Rivers lawmakers vacant for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said that by leaving the PDP, on which platform they were elected, their seats had become vacant.

    He said this was by virtue of the provision of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

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    The statement issued in Abuja reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 109 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if …

    “(g) being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political Party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected…”

    “By reason of the above Constitutional provision and its clear interpretation by the Supreme Court, the 27 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have vacated

    “They have lost their seats, rights, privileges, recognition and obligations accruable to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    “The PDP therefore demands that the Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly immediately comply with the provision of the Constitution by declaring the seats of the 27 former lawmakers vacant.”

    “In view of the vacancy now exiting in the 27 State Constituencies in Rivers State, the PDP demands that INEC should within the stipulated period under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) conduct fresh election to fill the vacancies.”

    The PDP spokesman also cautioned the defectors from parading themselves as members of the House of Assembly as that would amount to impersonation.

  • PDP, NNPP, five others form coalition of concerned political parties

    PDP, NNPP, five others form coalition of concerned political parties

    A group of seven opposition political parties on Wednesday, December 7, united under a newly formed coalition aiming to bolster democracy in the nation.

    During a meeting held at the Social Democratic Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, seven opposition parties officially formed a new movement called the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties.

    The coalition comprises the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Allied Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

    In November, while meeting with the Inter-party Advisory Council, PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar raised concerns about the potential for Nigeria to become a one-party state.

    He emphasised the urgency for opposition parties to unite to strengthen democracy and prevent such an outcome.

    The newly formed coalition of Concerned Political Parties, expressing deep concern about the escalating instability in Nigeria, has called upon the country’s judicial system to act as a guardian of democracy

    Speaking on the need for the coalition, the national chairman of the SDP, Shehu Gabam said: “We looked into the issue of the judiciary. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man if it still stands

    “We are worried about the level of instability the country is going through. If you look at recent developments in Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kano, and Plateau states, it is very clear that the judiciary must exercise extreme caution with some of its decisions.

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    “The judiciary should strengthen their conviction towards delivering judgments that can stand the test of time. They should not allow us politicians to infiltrate their rank, sanity, and capacity to deliver judgments that are internationally sound and can be recognised.”

    The SDP chairman, however, said that the coalition is not for a merger or against the Inter-Party Advisory Council.

    Speaking on behalf of the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, the acting National Secretary of the PDP, Setonji Koshoedo, emphasized that the newly formed coalition will serve as a formidable force in opposition to the current government

  • Court sacks Ekiti PDP caretaker panel

    Court sacks Ekiti PDP caretaker panel

    • Reinstates SWC loyal to Fayose 

    A High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, has nullified the appointment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee in the state and reinstated the duly elected State Working Committee of the party led by Alaba Agboola, an engineer.

    The Agboola-led State Working Committee of the party is perceived as loyal to former Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The National Working Committee of the PDP had in June dissolved the party’s executives in Ekiti State and constituted a Caretaker Committee with Sadiq Obanoye, an architect; as chairman.

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    Dissatisfied with the dissolution, Agboola filed a suit against the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun and two others.

    Delivering judgment yesterday, Justice O.I.O. Ogunyemi declared as null and void, dissolution of the Ekiti State Executive Committee of the party and sacked the Caretaker Committee appointed by the National Working Committee on June 8, 2023.

    The judge granted an order of perpetual injunction “restraining Damagun and the PDP, their agents or any person or body of persons acting pursuant to the directives or instruction of the 1st and 2nd defendants from recognising or further recognising the 3rd defendant (Arch. Sadiq Obanoye) and the other members of the Ekiti State PDP Caretaker Committee as persons entitled to the affairs of the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party.”

  • PDP suspends Ugwu as Imo chair 

    PDP suspends Ugwu as Imo chair 

    • Dike is interim chairman

    The Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, Charles Ugwu, has been suspended over alleged gross misconduct.

    His suspension followed a motion moved by the PDP Chairman of Ohaji Egbema Local Government and Chairman of all PDP chairmen in the state, Emeka Alihe, seconded by the PDP Chairman of Owerri Municipal,  Godspower Apollos and adopted by no fewer than 18 other local government chairmen, as well as members of the State Executive Committee (SEC).

    The Chairman of the party in Okigwe Zone, Chief Chidi Dike, has been appointed as the interim state chairman.

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    In a letter titled: “Majority Resolution of Members of the State Executive Committee of Peoples Democratic Party, Imo State chapter, at its meeting held on October 24, 2023, the members passed a vote of no confidence suspending Ugwu immediately as the PDP chairman, Imo State chapter. 

    The resolution was signed by the state Secretary of the party, Njaba Duruiheoma. 

    The party publicity secretary in the state, Emenike Nmeregini, told The Nation yesterday that the state executive council and other stakeholders would meet to take a final decision on it before he could speak.

  • Withdraw all intra-party litigations, PDP directs members

    Withdraw all intra-party litigations, PDP directs members

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed all intra-party litigants within its fold to withdraw their cases.

    It gave the directive in a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, after the party’s 578th National Working Committee’s (NWC) meeting.

    Ologunagba stated that the committee gave the directive after thoroughly reviewing the current state of the party.

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    He added that the directive was issued by the party’s NWC pursuant to the Constitution of the PDP as amended in 2017 and in line with the spirit of unity and reconciliation.

    “The NWC urges all party leaders, critical stakeholders and members to remain united and continue to promote the values for which the PDP is known as a truly democratic party,” he stated.

    Ologunagba added that the NWC also considered and approved the report of the Establishment Committee for the appointment of a substantive director-general of the party’s Democratic Institute.

  • Scores of PDP members defect to APC in Kwara

    Scores of PDP members defect to APC in Kwara

    Scores of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State.

    The defectors, numbering over 200, were led by former chairman of Ifelodun local government under ex-Governor Abdullfatah Ahmed administration, Muyiwa Oladipo aka Kanu.

    Kwara Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu and APC Chairman in Irepodun local government, Abdulhafeez Yakubu received the defectors at the local government secretariat in Omu Aran. 

    He commended them for making what he described as the right choice by joining the APC and tasked them to be loyal and respect the party supremacy, assuring them of unbiased treatment from the party.

    The speaker also assured the defectors that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would continue to do his best for the people of the state irrespective of political party affiliations to sustain his achievements across all sectors.

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    Kwara APC Deputy Chairman, Hon. Abdullah Samari urged the defectors to integrate themselves from the ward levels, register formally, and work with the existing structure to move the party forward.

    Speaking on behalf of the decampees who are mostly from Omu Auran wards 1, 2, and 3,  Oladipo explained that their defection to the progressive party was in recognition of the sterling performance of Governor AbdulRazaq.

  • Court extends order stopping PDP from removing Anyanwu as national secretary

    Court extends order stopping PDP from removing Anyanwu as national secretary

    A Federal High Court in  Abuja, on Monday  extended the interim order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from removing Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as national secretary pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, who directed parties to maintain status quo in the suit, adjourned the matter until Dec. 19 for hearing.

    The development occured when counsel for the plaintiff, Moses Onyilokwu, informed the court that though the matter was slated for hearing, lawyer to the 1st to 4th defendants, Mohammed Atolagbe, had just served on them a counter affidavit in response to the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed by them.

    Onyilokwu said he would need a short time to respond to the application.

    Atolagbe, who admitted serving Onyilokwu with their counter earlier today, said he was also within time to file their substantive response.

    Justice Ekwo, who frowned at filing processes late, said if Atolagbe had filed his application in time, the substantive matter would have been taken.

    “Now, the matter is not likely to go on today, something I would have penalised you for.

    “Now, once party has submitted themselves to court , no action should be taken so that it will not affect the case at hand.

    “Therefore, parties are to maintain status quo,” he said.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Imo election: PDP’s Anyanwu alleges vote buying, other malpractices

    The judge, who adjourned the matter until Dec.b19, directed hearing notice to be issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that was not represented in court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court had, on Nov. 23, stopped the PDP from removing Anyanwu as national secretary following an ex-parte motion  moved by Joshua Musa, SAN, and fixed today for hearing of the motion on notice.

    NAN reports that two members of the party, Geoffrey Ihentuge and Apollo’s Godspower, had sued the PDP, Umar Aliyu Damagun (acting National Chairman), and the National Executive Committee (NEC) as 1st to 3rd defendants.

    Others are the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 4th to 5th defendants, respectively.

    The motion was brought pursuant to Order 26, Rules 2 and 6, and Order 28, Rules 1 and 2 of the FHC (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

    The plaintiffs, who sought five reliefs, prayed for an order of interim injunction, restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants from carrying out the threat to remove the national secretary (Anyanwu).

    This, he said, is a violation of the provisions of Article 47 (1) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    They argued that Anyanwu was duly elected on December 10, 2021, and was entitled to remain in office till December 9, 2025.

    They said that an elected national officer of the 1st defendant cannot be arbitrarily removed from office in any manner without his resignation and in breach of the party’s constitution.

    They argued that there must be a vote of no confidence as required by Article 47(3) of the party’s constitution proposed or moved at a national convention before a national officer like Anyanwu could be removed from office, among other arguments.

    Justice Ekwo granted the prayers after the motion was moved.

    NAN reports that Anyanwu was the PDP candidate in the Nov. 11 Imo governorship election, where Sen. Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was re-elected.

    (NAN)

  • Why I dumped PDP for APC – Agunbiade

    Why I dumped PDP for APC – Agunbiade

    Babatunde Agunbiade, a former contender for the House of Representatives in Alimosho local government area and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced his decision to switch to the ruling party in the country, citing the best interests of the nation and his supporters’ yearning as the primary motivation for his decision.

    Agunbiade expressed his dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership and lack of direction and emphasized his belief in the APC’s commitment to national unity as the key reason for his switch in allegiance.

    He spoke at the weekend during a rally to mark his defection with over 600 of his supporters in Ipaja. It had in attendance party faithful, and leaders in Alimosho local government area of Lagos state.

    Speaking at the rally, Agunbiade acknowledged his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, expressing his approval of the APC’s efforts towards unifying Nigeria, referencing the appointment of individuals from opposing political parties at the federal level.

    He added that these factors ultimately influenced his decision to join the APC, a party he believes has the nation’s best interests at heart and is on the path to a greater Nigeria.

    Agunbiade reflected on his political history with the PDP, stating that despite contesting on the platform of the PDP in 2016, 2019, and 2023 elections, he now acknowledges the APC as the party that truly prioritizes the welfare of the people and effectively manages their affairs.

    Explaining his decision, he highlighted the APC’s presentation of a presidential candidate from a different region other than that of the former president unlike the PDP which presented a candidate from the same region, demonstrating an inclusive approach to governance.

    He said: “After thorough reflection, consultation, and the heartbeat of our community, I have decided to take a new path in my political journey. I am transiting to join the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the pursuit of a more aligned and effective representation of our collective aspirations.

    “This decision has not been taken lightly, and I want to assure you that it is rooted in a deep commitment to better serve the interests of our constituents.

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    “Throughout my time in the Peoples Democratic Party, I have worked tirelessly to uphold our shared values and principles. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained there.

    “However, I believe that joining the All Progressive Congress (APC) aligns more closely with the evolving needs of our community and provides a stronger platform to bring about the positive change we all desire.

    “The All Progressive Congress (APC) resonates with me as a platform that better aligns with the values and vision that have driven me to serve you. I believe that this move will empower us to work together more effectively and make meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to our community.”

    He said further “My dedication to public service remains unwavering, and I am excited about the opportunities this new chapter will bring to amplify our efforts in addressing the pressing issues that matter to us all. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from so many of you during my time with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and I sincerely hope that you will continue to stand by me in this new phase of our journey.

    “I recognize that change can be challenging, but I am confident that by joining forces with All Progressive Congress (APC), we can achieve even greater strides in making a positive impact on the lives of the people we serve. Together, let us forge ahead towards a brighter future for our community. Let us move forward united in our dedication to a stronger, more vibrant community for the Renew Hope. I look forward to the continued privilege of serving you in this new chapter.”

    A former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and a key figure in Alimosho’s APC, Bisi Yusuf welcomed and congratulated Agunbiade, recognising his defection as a significant gain for the party and its leadership in the region. 

    The chairman of APC in Mosan Okunola LCDA, Opeyemi Akindele formally welcomed Agunbiade to the APC by presenting him with the party symbols, marking the symbolic transition from PDP to APC.

    The rally celebrating Agunbiade’s move to the APC traversed different parts of Alimosho, generating excitement and jubilation amongst the local community.

    Notable leaders of the APC present at the rally include; the representative of the chairman of APC in Lagos, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, Hon. Opeyemi Adunni Akindele, Alhaji Abiodun Ejigbadero, Hon. Yekini Akinolu, Y.K.Gold and several other party figures.