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Tag: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

  • Saraki heads 85-member PDP’s Osun campaign council

    The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki is heading an 85-member campaign council of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 22 governorship election in Osun State.

    All the party’s serving governors and presidential aspirants are also members of the council. The council, which was inaugurated in Abuja Monday by the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has since resumed work.

    Read Also:Crisis rocks Imo PDP over alleged alteration of delegate list

    Secondus, while inaugurating the team, described election rigging and vote buying as the worst forms of corruption, warning that the PDP would not tolerate the charade.

    The party chair recalled that the July 14, 2018 governorship election in Ekiti State was marred by vote buying and election rigging and warned that the Ekiti experience must not be allowed to happen in Osun.

    Secondus said, “Enough is enough, PDP will not tolerate Osun being rigged like Ekiti. We have a popular candidate and the performance of the APC ruling government has been awful with months of salaries owed to workers.

    “We are aware that the electoral commission that is supposed to operate as an unbiased umpire in the conduct of elections has suddenly made itself a parastatal of the federal government, conniving with APC and security agencies to exchange results.

    “Even security agencies whose allegiance should be to the constitution and people of Nigeria, have allowed themselves to behave as if they are operatives of the ruling APC.

    “We decided to set up this high powered committee to demonstrate the importance we attach to this election. All our presidential aspirants and some state governors are members, plus all other critical stakeholders from South West and other parts of the country”.

    The party chairman implored lovers of democracy around the world to show more than passing interest in the Osun State governorship election, saying that the APC is not disposed to conducting free and fair election.

    In his remarks, Saraki charged President Muhammadu Buhari to stand on the commitment he made recently to two world leaders that visited the country recently; that he would conduct free, fair and credible election, with Osun as example.

    Saraki said that aside the popularity of the PDP candidate in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the people of the state were yearning for change to return their state to the PDP.

  • Shekarau, Wali, Gwarzo reject dissolution of Kano PDP Exco

    The Kano State Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), on Monday  rejected the dissolution of the executive of the party.

    Addressing party members at the state secretariat along Maiduguri road on behalf of gubernatorial aspirants, Engr Sarki Labaran said the action of the national headquarters of the party is illegal and cannot stand.

    The other aspirants are Malam Salihu Sagir Takai and  Sadik Aminu Wali

    Labaran frowned at the manner the former Governor of the state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has been conducting himself since he rejoined the party, accusing him of causing disaffection in the once peaceful party.

    The former Commissioner during the tenure of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau stated that national party contradicted itself by the dissolution, noting that since the state executive elected members of the National Working Committee , the NWC should also be dissolved.

    Read Also: Kaduna Speaker declares to run for House of Reps

    Labaran who wondered why such action should be taken by the national executive of the party, noted that the tenure of the  party executive has not expired and they were not found wanting in anyway that would warrant the dissolution.

    The State Deputy Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ibrahim KT who equally spoke at the solidarity rally, also frowned at the sudden dissolution, saying “we are not in support of such dissolution. We are in support of the Masaud El-jibrin Doguwa led leadership of the party in the state.”

    “We cannot allow somebody to come and hijack the party in which we suffered to build and we will not agree for the dissolution of the 484 wards”.

    Meanwhile, the State Chairman of the party Doguwa in an interview said that he remains the chairman as he has not been informed of the said dissolution.

    “ Nobody has the power to unilaterally dissolve our exco, this cannot stand and will never stand, because its unconstitutional”

    On the court order restraining the national headquarters of the party from dissolving the state exco, Doguwa said “the court action wasn’t instituted by my exco, some loyal party members whom I’m in support of approached the court.”

    Among the top echelons of the party that attended the gathering were, Bashir I Bashir, Faruk Iya, Alhaji Yahaya Bogobiri.

    The elders of the party include, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Ambassador Aminu Wali and Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo.

  • Crisis rocks Imo PDP over alleged alteration of delegate list

    The alleged plan to alter the delegate list of the Imo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead the primaries has thrown the party into turmoil.

    A pressure group within the party, PDP Mandate Initiative, (PMI) has kicked against plot, expressing worry that similar acts of impunity destroyed the party in the past.

    The group, while addressing newsmen in Owerri, Monday, described the attempt as “undemocratic, unconstitutional, anti-party and clearly damaging”.

    Read Also:Saraki not a dictator, says PDP elders

    In a statement signed by the Chairman, Chief Luke Udo Anujiofor, Secretary, Dr. Peter Claver Akpataku, and PRO Mr. Azuchiekuta Udodinma, the group alleged that an unnamed governorship aspirant was behind the plot.

    It alleged further that ” a governorship aspirant and his cohorts are  involved in the ridiculous and unconstitutional practice of impunity, imposition and hijack of the process of three-man Ad-hoc delegates’ Congress, scheduled to hold across the 305 Wards in 27 Local Government Areas (LGA) of Imo State on the Friday, 8th of September”.

    It continued that “as part of this group’s inimical plot is its resolve to the claims that some LGA’s delegates list have been ceded to it, hence, there cannot be any delegate election in those Local Councils”.

    According to the statement, “we equally condemn in totality, the statement credited to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, at a PDP leadership meeting of Ikeduru LGA, that the appointed delegates list, drawn by Senator Anyanwu will be adopted and used as the authentic delegates without voting or election. We view this sad development as the height of impunity, intimidation and suppression.

    “This is the same practice that nearly destroyed our party in the past. This is in gross violation to the PDP’s Constitution (as amended in 2017), which provides in Chapter 8, Section 50 (8)”.

    It continued that, “the position of our party’s Constitution is express on this issue and we call on the National Working Committee State Working Committee (SWC) to beam their searchlight to avert a looming crisis that could jeopardize the peace and stability our party has enjoyed since the recent past. Our party must hastily nip in the bud, any desperate act by any individual or group to undermine our chances at the 2019 general election.

    “More worrisome is the allegation that the Senator has been making frantic efforts to alter Imo State PDP statutory delegates list at the PDP National Headquarters, and replace them with strange names that will do his bidding during the primary election. This allegation is indeed unfortunate, unacceptable and must be investigated by the party”.

  • Crisis rocks PDP over automatic tickets for N/Assembly members

    Alleged offer of automatic tickets to serving members of the two chambers of the National Assembly for the 2019 elections, has sparked crisis between the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s intending aspirants across the states.

    The protesters, who stormed the party’s Abuja secretariat on Monday, demanded a level play field for all aspirants through free, fair and transparent primary elections across the states.

    Read Also:Tambuwal: I won’t quit PDP if I fail to get presidential ticket

    One of the protesting groups from Kogi State said offering automatic tickets to the lawmakers was in clear violation of the Electoral Act, the PDP constitution and the party’s guidelines.

    In an address read by Dr. Halimat Hamzat on behalf of the group, the aspirants insisted that they must be given equal opportunity to be voted for, either through delegates’ election or direct primaries.

    Dr. Hamzat said the party’s plot offer automatic tickets to the lawmakers was uncovered last week when an aspirant for the  House of Representatives visited the Abuja home of one of the party’s leaders, where he met a serving PDP senator.

    According to Hamzat, the senator was said to have told the aspirant that tickets for all the National Assembly positions had already been allocated to serving members of the Senate and House of Representatives.

    “As if that was not enough, Senator Dino Melaye met with all the members of the seven local governments in Kogi West on Friday and boasted that the issue of senatorial ticket had been settled by the highest organs of the party.

    “Melaye also told them that PDP’s senatorial ticket for Kogi West had already been given to him, even as someone who recently defected to the PDP. This is in total disregard for the interests, eligibility and qualification of other aspirants”, Dr. Hamzat said.

    The group expressed reservations about the possibility of the party leadership conducting free, fair and transparent primaries into the available senatorial and House of Representatives seats.

    The aggrieved aspirants reminded the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus of his often repeated pledge to do away with impunity and imposition of candidates for elections.

    Although none of the national officers of the PDP was ready to speak on the matter yesterday, it was however gathered that offer of automatic tickets was one of the concessions the party made to serving lawmakers that recently defected to the PDP.

    But the aspirants cautioned against the move, urging the party against manipulation of the nomination process to avoid what they described as a looming fragmentation of the PDP across the states.

    “We the aspirants for legislative seats in the National Assembly on the platform of the PDP shall collectively and wholeheartedly work for the interest of the party and any candidate duly nominated through transparent primary election.

    “But should the party proceed with its pre-determined or manipulated primary elections to nominate any candidate, an implosion that would be inimical to the interest of the party might occur”, the aspirants vowed.”

  • 2019 elections: PDP already conceding defeat, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the attack on its decision to adopt direct primary to select its Presidential candidate by the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) is a clear sign that the main opposition has conceded defeat in the yet to be conducted 2019 Presidential election.

    The party however warned all its members plotting to hold nocturnal meetings to disparage the mode of election approved  by the National Executive Committee at its sixth meeting the they will be seeking to undermine genuine efforts by the current leadership to foster peace within the party and restore the confidence of the Nigerian people.

    Acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena said in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja that the party decided to adopt direct primaries because of its belief that will ensure fairness; creates a level playing ground for contestants; eliminates corrupt tendencies usually associated with the delegates system and ensure full and direct participation of party members at all levels in the election of Party candidates.

    The party said it was “amused by the interest the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has in the mode of election the APC chooses to adopt for Primaries to elect Party candidates for the 2019 elections.

    “With over 13 million registered APC members coupled with a large section of nonpartisan Nigerian electorate supporting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, it would seem that the PDP, on account of its attack of APC’s adoption of Direct primaries particularly to elect its presidential candidate, has already conceded defeat even before the 2019 elections.

    “We quite understand that the revolutionary and progressive idea of Direct primaries to elect party candidates is strange to the PDP, a Party known for its inability to ensure internal Party democracy and actively promotes imposition of candidates against the will of its members.

    “Direct Primaries among others ensure fairness; creates a level playing ground for contestants; eliminates corrupt tendencies usually associated with the delegates system and ultimately ensure full and direct participation of party members at all levels in the election of Party candidates.

    “The APC is a Progressive Party and will continue to implement the Change Agenda promised to Nigerians. We urge Nigerians to continue their support as the President continues to rebuild and reposition the country.”

    While warning party members against truncating the efforts of the party to ensure fairness and a level playing ground as well as ensure peace in the party, Nabena said in an earlier statement that the party was aware of plans to hold what it described as an illegal meeting to oppose the direct primary system by some members.

    He said “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to an illegal meeting scheduled to hold on Sunday at Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja by some members of our Party organs, with a view to fault the decisions made by the NWC followed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) as regards the mode of the Party’s primary elections.

    “We want to state clearly that the meeting which has been fixed for 2pm is illegal and an attempt to puncture the sincere efforts being made by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC to reposition our Party ahead the 2019 General Elections and to ensure unity, equity and justice in the Party.

    “The outcome of such meeting which is already known will be a nullity and we admonish our members to disregard such meetings in the interest of the Party. It is illegal to call such meetings outside the purview of the constituted authority.

    “The identities of those plotting such meetings have been identified and unless they desist from such they will be dealt with in line with the Party’s Constitution at the appropriate time.

    “The NWC will resist any attempt to disrupt the current peace and harmony prevailing in our great Party after the exit of some members of our Party. We urge any member who is not satisfied with the decisions of the Party to utillize channels provided by the Party’s constitution to air their views.

    “We remain focused in delivering good governance to Nigerians and above all ensuring the victory for our Party come 2019 and we will not be intimidated by the antics of a few in ensuring successes for our Party.”

    However, as at the time of filing this report at about 5.00pm on Sunday, there was no sign of any  meeting at the Transcrop Hilton and there was no member of the party at the hotel.

  • Secondus, others storm Abia for PDP mega rally

    The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Uche Secondus would be leading a delegation of National officers of the party to a mega rally holding in Umuahia, the Abia State capital organized by the State chapter of the party.

    It was gathered that the rally which is expected to attract the presence of National and State Assembly lawmakers including other party stalwarts is scheduled to hold Wednesday September 12, 2018.

    Unconfirmed report has it that the event would be used to welcome some APC and APGA defectors into the party’s fold in the state.

    Briefing newsmen at the party Secretariat along Finbarrs road, Umuahia, on the readiness of the party for the event, the State chairman, Chief Johnson Onuigbo disclosed that Secondus would be coming with other members of the national working committee.

    Onuigbo said that the essence of the rally was to showcase the party’s strength and to tell the entire globe that Abia State remains a PDP State.

    “Abia is a PDP state with a lively party Secretariat. You hardly see a flag hovering around other parties in the state, no life there; but the PDP is always busy. Our party is a living political party”.

    On the large number of aspirants jostling to pick the party’s expression of interest form for the upcoming primaries, the PDP chairman disclosed that it was inspired by the assurance the party gave to members of the PDP of a transparent primaries.

    He said, his led executive traversed the entire local government areas of the state, informing aspirants that it would conduct a free, fair, transparent, credible and verifiable primaries, “that is why all the aspirants have confidence in the party”.

    Onuigbo reassured that every aspirant must be subjected to a democratic process, insisting that the time of impunity and imposition of candidates are gone. “We will allow everybody to express his/her inalienable right”,  he further assured.

    Read Also: Secondus: Buhari’s Netherlands visit unnecessary

    In another development the Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has adopted the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as its sole candidate for the 2019 governorship election.

    The State Chairman of the party, Sir Johnson Onuigbo disclosed this while briefing journalists after the statewide party’s caucus meeting held in Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia.

    Sir Onuigbo said that the caucus which is the highest decision making body of the party met to discuss issues bordering on the progress of the party.

    Presenting a communique on behalf of the caucus, the PDP State Secretary, Chief Ibe  Nwadioha said the caucus passed a vote of confidence on the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for keeping the flag of the PDP flying  and urged all members of the party to support him for a second term in office.

    The communique equally commended the party leadership in the State for upholding the ideals of the party and support given to the Governor in which assists him in implementing party’s manifesto.

    According to the communique, the PDP would ensure that the forthcoming primary elections in the State would be free and fair as all aspirants would be given a level playing ground

     

  • I won’t quit PDP even if I lose ticket – Bafarawa

    Aspirant seeks Jonathan’s support 

     

    A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa on Friday said he would remain in the party even if he failed to clinch the PDP’s presidential ticket.

    Bafarawa spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, when he visited former President Goodluck Jonathan to seek his advice, support and blessing.

    Bafarawa, a former Governor of Sokoto State, expressed confidence that the PDP would wrest power from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

    He described himself as a selfless democrat adding that never believed in do-or-die politics but saw politics as a game.

    Bafarawa said: “I am here (Bayelsa) because former President Goodluck Jonathan is a democrat of Africa, not only in Nigeria. I believe that anybody who is aspiring for anythng in the political arena in this country must come and seek his advice, his support and his blessing.

    “That is why I am here. He is a democrat; he knows what it takes to run the government of this country. He is a peaceful and godly man, so there is no way we can run away from coming to seek his blessing.

    “I am a democrat. I see politics as a game. Just like Jonathan, he has not been defeated but because he needs peace of the country he accepted a defeat to allow peace to reign. So, I did not join politics for the sake of personal interest, so that if I lose I will leave the party.

    “I have been in politics for the past 40 years and I have been in high positions, so I am not here to make money but I think I am a democrat to serve the people. So, I will remain in PDP because PDP is not a limited liability company like the All Progressives Congress.

    “Our common objective is to get President Muhammadu Buhari out of power. Therefore, any serious political party in this country is determined to see that in 2019, Buhari has left office so that we will move our country forward.”

    In his remarks, Jonathan said Bafarawa came to brief him about his presidential interest and political developments in the country.

    He described Bafarawa as an experienced politician, saying the former governor remained consistent since he joined the PDP Iin 2014.

    The former President described the increasing number of presidential aspirants in PDP as a welcome development.

    Read Also: Bafarawa and PDP presidential crowd

    Jonathan said: “Bafarawa is somebody I know very well. He has been involved in politics even before I got involved in politics. And from when I came in as deputy governor to Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, he was the governor of Sokoto State. So we were working with them.

    “So, since that time till when he joined PDP in 2014, he did not join PDP because he wanted to be President because I was contesting Presidency. That was when he joined PDP to support me and became a member of the party. So, if today he is interested, he has a lot of experience.

    “So, we want the best for the country. Just as he said,  we need this country to grow, especially for the younger ones. I always insist that as leaders, we must plan for our grandchildren; we do not have to plan four ourselves.

    “Societies that plan for their grandchildren grow; societies that plan for themselves will crash because you will be in a hurry, but when you are planning for your grandchildren, you take time and do things properly and of course, the society will improve. He is one of those people that plan because he has done it in Sokoto State. He is a nice man.

    “A number of people have asked me this question and I say, the more people that are interested, the better for the party. If you have only two aspirants, the division between the two camps will be so bad, not from the candidates themselves, but supporters of the candidates will be exchanging all kinds of bitterness and at the end of the day, one must lose and those people will feel that they do not belong to the system and that they will not be accepted. There will be tendency for them to leave.”

    He called for a level-playing field for all aspirants in party primaries, saying “when party candidate emerges through transparent process, there would not be bickering and division in the party”.

    Jonathan added: “But when there are more aspirants and the party does what is right, the key thing is level-playing field for every aspirant. When the party makes sure that the field is level for every aspirant and the best person among them emerges, they will all work for the party.

    “When there are only two aspirants, they start throwing stones but when there are many, who will you throw the stone at because they are many, you do not even know who will take the day.

    “So to me it is better to have many aspirants. As leaders, we are talking. Before the primaries, I believe we will talk to the aspirants to ensure that things are done in a way that everybody will be happy. The key thing is not the aspirants, but during the primary, we must make sure that the ground is level and nobody will leave the party out of anger.”

  • Court restrains Secondus from altering Kano PDP leadership

    A Kano High Court has restrained the National Headquarters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its Chairman Uche Secondus from tempering or disfiguring the existing State Executive structure of the Party under its elected Chairman Senator Masaud Jibrin El-Doguwa.

    The presiding Judge, Justice N. S Umar in his rulings averred that an order has been granted ordering the applicants and the respondents to maintain the status quo ante, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    Read Also:Wike to PDP presidential aspirants: unite to sack Buhari

    In the same vein the Judge said in his rulings that an order of interim injunction is further granted restraining any other person or persons from interfering or tempering with the tenure of the existing leadership structure of PDP in Kano.

    The Judge added that on behalf of the 1st and 2nd respondents, Senator Jibrin El-Doguwa and the PDP, the Court restrains any other person or persons from disturbing and or intimidating the administration of the State, Local Government areas or ward officers from doing anything or taking any steps that are likely to interfere with or disturb the officers tenure which are protected under section 47 (1) and section 223(1) (a) of the 1999 constitution.

    The presiding Judge Justice N. S Umar issued an order to the applicants to serve the 1st and 2nd Respondents the originating process outside the jurisdiction of his Court at Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

    He then fixed 5th November 2018 to hear the notice on motion.

    Our Correspondent gathered that that the former Governor of Kano state, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is allegedly making frantic efforts to alter the existing leadership structure of the party in Kano state so that he will have 65 percent share of the new structure if put in place.

  • Uduaghan’s move, deadliest blow to Delta PDP ever – Emerhor

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state has described the exiting of former state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, as the deadliest blow to ever hit the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Leader of the mainstream APC in the state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, who disclosed this in a statement Thursday, also said the former governor’s entry into the APC had made the party’s position and chances stronger as the state approaches an election year.

    Read Also:I defected to APC to help stabilise Niger Delta, says Uduaghan

    Emerhor, while welcoming Uduaghan in his party, noted that the latest step by the former governor is a ‘quit notice’ to his successor and the incumbent governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, saying the days of PDP’s misrule of the state are over.

    Emerhor, who was the APC’s governorship standard bearer in the 2015 elections, noted that Uduaghan was not just a paramount leader of the PDP but the soul and body of the party that gave it life in its formidable days. The exit of Uduaghan, therefore, means that Delta PDP is now lifeless and in the throes of a degenerative death.

    “I am particularly excited about his joining our party because the value he brings is unquantifiable! He is a man that has conquered the rough and rugged political terrain of Delta again and again, winning and ruling the state twice for a total of eight years.

    “He comes with political hands-on experience spanning over 16 years. He knows Delta and Deltans know him. What more, he comes as ‘ John the Baptist’ forerunning ahead of a multitude of his time tested followers and indeed political associates! No deadlier or more fatal death has ever been cast against PDP in Delta State.

    “For Delta APC, Gov Uduaghan’s coming couldn’t have been better timed. His experience and stature will help to rally the party in its current drive for unity. The strength he comes with will further validate our hope.

    “On behalf of the mainstream and larger APC family in Delta State, I heartily welcome Gov Uduaghan into the Delta APC fold and assure him of our full cooperation and his entitlement to the full privileges and rights due to every members and party leaders. Deltans should fasten their seat belt as the journey from perdition to liberation has now started ernestly. 2019 here we come,” Emerhor concluded.

     

  • Dogara’s aide joins PDP  for State Assembly race

    Insinuation about All Progressives Congress (APC) membership status of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara gathered momentum Wednesday as one of his aides joined the race for Bauchi State House of Assembly.

    Iliya Habila, one of Dogara’s media aides would be contesting for the Bagoro Constituency under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    He would be representing the Speaker in the State House of Assembly if successful at the polls.

    Read Also:Buhari, Saraki, Dogara, others urge Nigerians on peaceful co-existence

    The journalist, who has not resigned his appointment with the Speaker, is from the same Constituency with Speaker Dogara, which further cast doubts over Dogara’s commitment to APC.

    Since the defection of the President of the Senate Bukola Saraki from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to PDP shortly before the National Assembly went on its annual recess, insinuations have been rife about the defection of Dogara.

    Dogara is yet to announce his defection from APC, though he has been absent from key meetings of the leadership of the party for a number of reasons.

    On one of his social media accounts on Friday, Habila urged his supporters to join him on Saturday at the PDP secretariat for his formal presentation as a contestant for the State House of Assembly.

    He said: “Friends, pls joins us at the PDP secretariat Bagoro LGA tomorrow Saturday as history will be made, with my formal presentation to the party officials as an aspirant to the position of member, Bagoro Constituency, Bauchi House of Assembly.

    “It’s a new dawn of new era in representative democracy. Pray, support and work for the restoration of the glory of Bagoro constituency support the Iliya Habila team. Iliya na kowa, Don kowa!”