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Tag: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

  • Zoning of political offices undemocratic, says Wadada

    Zoning of political offices undemocratic, says Wadada

    A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Aliyu Wadada, on Monday said zoning of offices by political parties is undemocratic and should be jettisoned.

    Wadada, a former House of Representatives member who is aspiring to contents for governor in 2019 under APC, told newsmen in Lafia, that zoning negates all tenets of democracy and encourages mediocrity.

    According to him, qualified aspirants are denied the opportunity to contest and serve the people.

    He dispelled insinuations that he was planning to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in order to achieve his governorship ambition.

    “These mischief makers have even gone ahead to say that I had written a letter to the PDP chairman in my ward intimating him of my intention to join the party.

    “It is laughable and a blatant lie being peddled by those threatened by my pedigree and support base in the state,” Wadada added.

    He said there was no problem in the APC to warrant contemplation of defection to any party.

    “I was instrumental to the emergence of APC as a national official of the faction of PDP prior to the 2015 general elections, why should I leave a home I contributed to build, for who to occupy?, Wadada said.

    The governorship aspirant called on his supporters to disregard the rumour, stressing that he remain loyal to the APC and would vie for the governorship ticket under the party.

    Meanwhile, the PDP in the state has zoned the ticket for the governorship seat to Nasarawa North Senatorial District, comprising Akwanga, Nassarawa-Eggon and Wamba.

    The zone has not produced a governor since the creation of the state in 1996.

  • Buhari, PDP, APC leaders meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, PDP, APC leaders meet in Aso Rock

    …We will give you a run for your money, PDP tells Buhari

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met behind closed doors with some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, which took place at the new Banquet Hall of the State House, had the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun and the Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmad Makarfi, in attendance.

    Speaking during the meeting, the President said “I thank you sincerely, collectively and individually for finding time from your busy schedules to come all the way to Abuja and welcome me back home.

    “This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our National unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our democracy.

    “Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government. Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.

    “I am very pleased to see you assembled here all shades of opinion in Nigeria. Please convey to our countrymen and women in your respective states my deep gratitude to all those who prayed for my recovery. I am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.” he said

    Odigie-Oyegun said that the President has demonstrated that he is the father of all irrespective of political affiliations.

    He said: “I want to say on the lighter note that people were surprised that the PDP and the ruling party the APC were coming together to felicitate with you Mr. President at the joint meeting.. Most were suspicious that we are going to announce another grand measure.

    “I want to thank you for the uniqueness of today’s event.  We have not only come jointly to welcome you back and wish you well.

    “You initated this unique day and you are sending a message, a very clear message all over the country that you have come back in spite of all that happened,” he said

    Makarfi, on behalf of the party, thanked God for the recovery of the President from his health challenges.

    According to him, his party was constantly praying for the President’s recovery while he was still in the United Kingdom.

    He said “Mr. President, it is with a deep sense of gratitude to God Almighty, that the entire family of the Peoples’ Democratic Party joins our compatriots in welcoming you back home from your medical vacation.

    “We thank Him for your recovery even as we pray that He continues to guide and guard you as well as give you greater strength to shoulder the onerous responsibilities of your office, for the betterment of our country.

    “It is on record Mr. President that while you were away, being the major position party in the country did not stop us from praying for your quick recovery and return to Nigeria.

    “This is because we honestly believe that the President of our country, whatever party flag he or she flies, is our president; and his or her health, is substantially linked with the nation’s health in so many ways. So a prayer for your health Mr. President, we believe is a prayer for the good health of our country. This was why at several fora, we did, and enjoined others, irrespective of party affiliation, to pray for your quick recovery. It is a thing of joy, that Allah has answered our prayers

    “In any case this PDP firmly believes that opposition is no madness; it will therefore never wish ill of anybody, let alone the person saddled with the responsibility of leading our country. Mr President, you will agree with me that the PDP has more than a fair knowledge and experience of the weight of that responsibility.

    “Mr President, having welcomed you back and prayed for you, let me seize this opportunity to assure you, and through you, the entire country, that the PDP having assumed the leadership of the opposition in this country, is poised to play that role energetically, vibrantly, but very decently and with all sense of responsibility.

    “This we shall do by giving you a good run for your money and constantly keeping you on your toes as we all strive to make this country better

    “We assure you of our cooperation as much as the opposition can possibly give to enable you give your best in the process navigating the ship of our state into of a better tomorrow. We are glad to note that already the legislators of our party are cooperating with those of the majority party in both arms of the National Assembly to ensure a smooth legislative sail for the system.” he said

    Makarfi added “We are also proud of the contributions of our governors to the deliberations and other activities of both the National Council of State and the National Economic Council.

    “Mr President, I want to reiterate our offer and assurances of PDP’s cooperation with the government on any programme sincerely designed to take Nigeria to higher levels. We identify with, and will continue to support the fight against terrorism as well as other crimes that have sneaked into our consciousness like kidnapping and banditry, as well as farmers/herdsmen clashes and other crimes camouflaged as such and all other anti-social vices that slow down our nation’s wheels of progress.

    “We also offer our support for the fight against corruption and appeal that the institutions saddled with this onerous task be given a necessary encouragement and independence to do the right thing. This will help in further strengthening our institutions and insulating them from undue political interferences.

    “It will also help give them a more credible outlook in the eyes of the public. There is no way we can have a respectable voice in the comity of civilized nations until we rebuild our institutions and imbue them with the necessary independence and confidence that will improve both their visage and standing with the citizenry.

    “The government should lead the charge in this regard by, especially, exhibiting greater respect to judicial pronouncements as well as respecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.

    “The PDP as a great believer in the unity of this country will also partner with the government in any way(s) that will strengthen our historic bond and rebuild bridges of our beautiful relationships that seem to be cracking at the moment,” he stated.

     

  • Ladoja returns to PDP

    Ladoja returns to PDP

    Former Oyo governor Rasheed Ladoja, who defected to the Accord Party to contest the state’s governorship seat in the 2015 general elections, has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Ladoja, along with Mr Seyi Makinde, a chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state, moved to the PDP on Thursday in Ibadan, when Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, visited the Oyo capital.

    The former governor, who won the seat on the ticket of the PDP in 2011, said that he was returning to his home, adding that it was not his wish to leave the PDP when he did.

    “When I left the PDP some years ago, it was because of the injustice done to me.

    “We left because the PDP leaders, at that time, were not ready to protect the interest of all members. We are back now because the new leadership has promised to right all wrongs and avoid mistakes of the past.

    “I have discussed with members of the Accord party and they have asked for amnesty; we need assurance from Makarfi that Accord Party members will be given equal treatment and a level playing ground,” Ladoja stated

    In his response, Makarfi said that he came to Ladoja “to take you back to where you belong”.

    “We want you to return to your great beginning; we want to start all over again as one family,” he said.

    Makarfi expressed optimism that Ladoja’s presence would add value to the PDP in Oyo State, adding that he (Ladoja) had committed no crime to warrant a plea for amnesty.

    He implored PDP members to forget the past and work toward party unity, and assured Ladoja and new PDP members of equal opportunity for all.

    Makinde, in his remark, assured Makarfi of his group’s total support to the ideals of the PDP, urging him to protect the interest of his members.

    Two PDP chieftains, Chief Richard Akinjide and Chief Yekini Adeojo, who spoke at the occasion, commended Makarfi over his efforts to reconcile warring factions and “especially for wooing new members into the fold”.

    Akinjide particularly promised to assist Makarfi toward rebuilding the PDP, and urged him to carry all members along, so as to create a sense of oneness.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that hundreds of Accord party, SDP, and PDP supporters received Makarfi who also visited Chief Christopher Alao-Akala, another former Oyo governor being wooed by Makarfi.

  • PDP, ICF, criticise Kogi’s work free day over Buhari’s return

    PDP, ICF, criticise Kogi’s work free day over Buhari’s return

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State chapter yesterday criticised the declaration of Monday as a public holiday, by the Kogi State government, for the return of President Muhammadu Buhari to the country.
    The PDP described as an aberration, the public holiday declared by the government in honor of the return of President Mohammadu Buhari and Thanksgiving for the safe return from medical trip abroad.
    The Director General on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, in announcing the holiday, on Sunday, said it was in line with the “support of the Kogi people for the renaissance of our nation by Mr. President”.
    He added: “We urge Kogites to also use the occasion of the public holiday to pray for Mr. President, as he resumes his responsibilities of repositioning Nigeria”.
    Relatedly, the members of the Igala Consultative Forum (ICF) said they condemn in totality the sudden declaration of the public holiday, which they described as diversionary.
    The group in a statement issued yesterday in Lokoja and by the
    National secretary, Sam Ugbede said: “In as much as we all are happy for his health improvement and smooth trip back home, which is to the delight of all Nigerians, we thank God and the British doctors for the healing and treatment.
    “We all remain eternally grateful to God for answering our collective prayer, by granting our leader abundant health. The Buhari we saw; we all are happy but our surprise is the sudden declaration of public holiday by the government of Kogi State suddenly, what is it for?
    “Imagine a governor of a state where a dangerous disease has already claimed over ’62 lives’ and still claiming more, particularly in the western senatorial district of the state (Okun land), instead of declaring state of emergency in the health sector, has the temerity to shutdown the state to declare public holiday.
    “As we speak, lives of innocent kogites are in danger as a result of the epidemic, which diagnosis revealed as ‘gastroenteritis’. What is our governor doing to stop the spread of this deadly disease?
    The PDP  in a statement signed by Achadu Dickson, Director, Research and Documentation, said that “while it is an acknowledged fact that governance in the state has drifted in the last 17 months, declaring a public holiday in the state is the height of lack and loss of ideas”.
    According to him: “While governance in the state has been brought to its lowest ebb, with workers owed salaries and pensions for as much as 17 months, the heavy indebtedness by the state to commercial banks to the tune of N35 billion, with nothing to show in terms of infrastructure, it leaves much to be desired by the declaration of a public holiday.
    “The PDP shares in the joy of the recovery of Mr. President, and has always joined in the prayers for the quick recovery of the nation’s number one citizen, loss of man hour with the declaration of a public holiday is an indication that we have reached the lowest ebb in terms of governance.
    “The action shows that we’ve entered a one-chance administration in which the ship of state is heading in no direction.
    Citizens should pray for God to heal Kogi State. The state has lost focus and is losing the decency of comity of serious states in the country.
    “President Buhari must be disgusted by the bootlicking attitude of the governor. Kastina State, the home state of our beloved president has not declared public holiday, why then, is Yahaya Bello taking panadol for another man’s headache”.
  • Buhari’s speech an anticlimax, says PDP

    Buhari’s speech an anticlimax, says PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s Monday broadcast to the nation as a monumental anticlimax, saying the President missed an opportunity to calm restiveness and frayed nerves among the citizenry.

    In a statement last night, signed by the party’s Head of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom on behalf of the National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said the speech failed to inspire confidence in the people.

    According to the PDP, the President’s speech failed to inspire confidence, despite the fact that Nigerians were expectantly looking forward to a robust speech that could imbue confidence in the capacity of the government to take on the challenges of governance.

    “However, rather than rekindle that hope and confidence, that speech delivered earlier this morning can most charitably be described as a monumental anticlimax.

    “The President and his handlers missed a golden opportunity to reconnect with the people through addressing issues that have direct bearing to their well-being and those of their children and dependents.

    “Indeed, the President’s speech did not contain anything new; just a rehash of statements that already had been made by both government and various leaders of thought across the country.

    “The PDP had cause to commend the then Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for going round the country to engage with relevant stakeholders, which certainly was a better approach.

    “The PDP believes that rather than rehashing the worn out clichés about Nigeria’s unity not being negotiable, Nigerians would have loved to hear their President come out definitively to tell them what realistic measures his government intended to take to uproot the causes of perennial agitations and counter agitations that are now becoming a recurring decimal in our national discourse.

    “The party believes that instead of always mouthing the indivisibility of this country, the government should be seen walking the talk by instilling confidence in all the people across board that it belongs to all.

    “The casual mention of ‘elements of Boko Haram’, kidnappings, farmers versus herdsmen clashes’ etc, were also somewhat on the perfunctory side and do not imbue confidence”, the statement added.

    The PDP observed that the President returned to the country in a week that saw the closure of all public universities as a result of the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    “Yet, not even a whimper from our President. Has the future of the future leaders of our country sunk so low in the estimation of our current leaders that the issue was considered not important enough to command a mention in the President’s address?

    “To this end, the PDP once again welcomes the President back home and continues to pray for his total recovery as well as God’s guidance.

    “But we believe Nigerians deserve a richer statement from a President that was away from them for more than a hundred days during which a lot happened that should have elicited more than a mention in that speech”.

  • I am committed to a united, virile PDP- Sen. Uzodinma

    I am committed to a united, virile PDP- Sen. Uzodinma

    The Chairman Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, on Tuesday assured party supporters of his commitment to a united, virile and unstoppable Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State.

    A statement by Uzodinma in Abuja revealed that he gave the assurance in Owerri, Imo State while addressing party supporters on the Supreme Court judgment on the PDP leadership crisis.

    He said that his immediate concern as the most senior public officer of the party in the state was to restore the unity that existed in the party across the country.

    He said that he would also ensure that the party win elections in the state in 2019.

    The lawmaker further declared his commitment to working relentlessly to actualising the goals of the party for the benefit of all.

    “In my view, this is not the time for jubilation or for making show or claiming victory.

    “This is a time for sober reflection, cooperation and forging unity to avoid the mistakes of 2011 and 2015.

    “I want every leader to come together and work for the party above personal ambitions,’’ he said.

    Uzodinma assured of his readiness to sacrifice his personal ambition for the victory of the party.

    According to him: “the concern of stakeholders should be to first save the party and then later support whomever people want to represent them even if it means funding such a person.’’

  • PDP, ICF, criticise Kogi’s work free day over Buhari’s return

    PDP, ICF, criticise Kogi’s work free day over Buhari’s return

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State chapter Monday criticised the declaration of Monday as a public holiday, by the Kogi State government, for the return of President Muhammadu Buhari to the country.

    The PDP described as an aberration, the public holiday declared by the government in honor of the return of President Mohammadu Buhari and Thanksgiving for the safe return from medical trip abroad.

    The Director General on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, in announcing the holiday, on Sunday, said it was in line with the “support of the Kogi people for the renaissance of our nation by Mr. President”.

    He added: “We urge Kogites to also use the occasion of the public holiday to pray for Mr. President, as he resumes his responsibilities of repositioning Nigeria”.

    Relatedly, the members of the Igala Consultative Forum (ICF) said they condemn in totality the sudden declaration of the public holiday, which they described as diversionary.

    The group in a statement issued Monday in Lokoja and by the National secretary, Sam Ugbede said: “In as much as we all are happy for his health improvement and smooth trip back home, which is to the delight of all Nigerians, we thank God and the British doctors for the healing and treatment.

    “We all remain eternally grateful to God for answering our collective prayer, by granting our leader abundant health. The Buhari we saw; we all are happy but our surprise is the sudden declaration of public holiday by the government of Kogi State suddenly, what is it for?

    “Imagine a governor of a state where a dangerous disease has already claimed over ’62 lives’ and still claiming more, particularly in the western senatorial district of the state (Okun land), instead of declaring state of emergency in the health sector, has the temerity to shut down the state to declare public holiday.

    “As we speak, lives of innocent kogites are in danger as a result of the epidemic, which diagnosis revealed as ‘gastroenteritis’. What is our governor doing to stop the spread of this deadly disease?

    The PDP in a statement signed by Achadu Dickson, Director, Research and Documentation, said that “while it is an acknowledged fact that governance in the state has drifted in the last 17 months, declaring a public holiday in the state is the height of lack and loss of ideas”.

    According to him: “While governance in the state has been brought to its lowest ebb, with workers owed salaries and pensions for as much as 17 months, the heavy indebtedness by the state to commercial banks to the tune of N35 billion, with nothing to show in terms of infrastructure, it leaves much to be desired by the declaration of a public holiday.

    “The PDP shares in the joy of the recovery of Mr. President, and has always joined in the prayers for the quick recovery of the nation’s number one citizen, loss of man hour with the declaration of a public holiday is an indication that we have reached the lowest ebb in terms of governance.

    “The action shows that we’ve entered a one-chance administration in which the ship of state is heading in no direction.

    Citizens should pray for God to heal Kogi State. The state has lost focus and is losing the decency of comity of serious states in the country.

    “President Buhari must be disgusted by the bootlicking attitude of the governor. Kastina State, the home state of our beloved president has not declared public holiday, why then, is Yahaya Bello taking panadol for another man’s headache”.

     

  • PDP believes in restructuring – Adeyeye

    PDP believes in restructuring – Adeyeye

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in support of restructuring of the country in a manner that will boost the growth, development and prosperity of Nigeria.

    Dayo Adeyeye, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

    Adeyeye said the clarification became necessary following a statement credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Bolaji Ojo-Abdullahi.

    He said that he (Adeyeye) read with amusement the statement written by Ojo-Abdullahi that “PDP has never been and is not interested in restructuring,’’

    He expressed surprise in the sudden interest of the APC in restructuring “after several months of denial by elected and appointed officials that APC did not promise restructuring in its manifesto and during the 2015 campaigns.

    “As the word implies, restructuring is a process of re-arrangement, re-organization or re-formation of the manner or way in which something (in this case governance) is done.

    “As used in the Nigeria political lexicon, restructuring refers to the Modification of the System of governance to guarantee the socio-economic and political growth and development of the Nigerian people.

    “It is imperative to inform Nigerians that our party is not against restructuring of the system of governance in the country in a manner that places Nigeria firmly on the path of growth, development and prosperity,” Adeyeye said.

    The PDP spokesman explained that it was the commitment of his party to constantly seek solutions to the challenges confronting the nation that led it to amend its constitution.

    He added that the party’s constitution was amended to include equitable devolution (decentralization) of power for greater functionality, national integration, rapid economic and social reconstruction.

    “Examples of the amendment can be found in preamble 2(b) and (e), Section 7(b) and (f), and many more provisions of our party constitution.”

    Adeyeye said it was also against the backdrop of the commitment of the party to restructure the system of socio-political governance for better functionality and efficiency that made the party to organise the 2014 national conference.

    “The administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan summoned a National Conference to recommend amendments to the Nigerian Constitution.

    “This conference submitted a report with several proposed amendments to the constitution which the APC led Federal Government has refused to implement more than two years later.

    “In light of the above, we reiterate our support for the restructuring of the system of governance in the country to ensure more functional and efficient governance at all tiers of government.

    “We urge leaders of opinion and leaders of thought around the country to participate in the process in the best interest of our country and its people,” he said,

  • PDP believes in restructuring- Adeyeye

    PDP believes in restructuring- Adeyeye

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in support of restructuring of the country in a manner that will boost the growth, development and prosperity of Nigeria.

    Dayo Adeyeye, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

    Adeyeye said the clarification became necessary following a statement credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Bolaji Ojo-Abdullahi.

    He said that he (Adeyeye) read with amusement the statement written by Ojo-Abdullahi that “PDP has never been and is not interested in restructuring,’’

    He expressed surprise in the sudden interest of the APC in restructuring “after several months of denial by elected and appointed officials that APC did not promise restructuring in its manifesto and during the 2015 campaigns.

    “As the word implies, restructuring is a process of re-arrangement, re-organization or re-formation of the manner or way in which something (in this case governance) is done.

    “As used in the Nigeria political lexicon, restructuring refers to the Modification of the System of governance to guarantee the socio-economic and political growth and development of the Nigerian people.

    “It is imperative to inform Nigerians that our party is not against restructuring of the system of governance in the country in a manner that places Nigeria firmly on the path of growth, development and prosperity,” Adeyeye said.

    The PDP spokesman explained that it was the commitment of his party to constantly seek solutions to the challenges confronting the nation that led it to amend its constitution.

    He added that the party’s constitution was amended to include equitable devolution (decentralization) of power for greater functionality, national integration, rapid economic and social reconstruction.

    “Examples of the amendment can be found in preamble 2(b) and (e), Section 7(b) and (f), and many more provisions of our party constitution.”

    Adeyeye said it was also against the backdrop of the commitment of the party to restructure the system of socio-political governance for better functionality and efficiency that made the party to organise the 2014 national conference.

    “The administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan summoned a National Conference to recommend amendments to the Nigerian Constitution.

    “This conference submitted a report with several proposed amendments to the constitution which the APC led Federal Government has refused to implement more than two years later.

    “In light of the above, we reiterate our support for the restructuring of the system of governance in the country to ensure more functional and efficient governance at all tiers of government.

    “We urge leaders of opinion and leaders of thought around the country to participate in the process in the best interest of our country and its people,” he said, (NAN)

  • APC appeals to INEC to conduct credible by-election in Gombe

    APC appeals to INEC to conduct credible by-election in Gombe

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Gombe State Chapter, has appealed to the Independent National Electoral  Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible by-election in Dukku North Constituency.

    The election is billed for Aug. 19

    The interim chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Idi Gubana, made the appeal on Friday in Gombe while speaking with newsmen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seat became vacant due to the death of Gambo Kabade of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who died in June 2017.

    “We are asking INEC to conduct free, fair and credible election.

    “The security agencies should ensure nobody snatch ballot box and every eligible voter should be allowed to vote for the candidate of his choice” Gubana said.

    The chairman said the party is prepared for and confident its candidate would win the election as Dukku North is APC catchment area.

    He said that members of the party   appreciated the security arrangements put in place for the election and urged the security agencies to maintan them on Election Day.

    “So far we appreciated the security arrangement made by the Commissioner of Police and the sister security agencies.

    “We were told that each polling unit will have not less than five security personnel.

    “We hope that security operatives posted to polling the units will ensure that the election is conducted credibly and nobody should be denied to cast his or her votes,” he said.

    Gubana called on supporters of the party to come out and vote for the party’s candidate and be peaceful before, during and after the election.