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Tag: Peoples Democratic Party

  • Ohaneze: We’ll vote against Atiku, PDP if……

    The Youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Monday congratulated the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar on his emergence at the party’s primary.

    The former Vice President on Sunday defeated 11 other aspirants to pick the party’s ticket.

    Read Also:Ohaneze warns PDP against denying South-East VP ticket

    He will challenge incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in next year’s general election.

    Reacting to the victory of the former Vice President, Ohaneze Youth Council Worldwide led by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro said Atiku is the right man for the job.

    The group, however, insist that only a running mate from South East will be a suitable pair for PDP to win 2019 Presidential election.

    “Majority of Igbo believes in Restructuring and majority of Igbo Youths wants Referendum because of the economic hardship in the country, we believe that Atiku whose campaign of restructuring will win the hearts of Nigerians and possible pair of running mate from South East Will quell the quest of referendum by agitators and Igbo Youths”

    “We insists that any betrayal of denying Ndigbo the Vice Presidential slot of PDP will make Ndigbo dump PDP in the Presidential election, but will vote PDP in the Gubernatorial elections in Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu”

    The group further said that the zone ‘has better personalities like Peter Obi, Ngozi Okonjo Iwuala, Sen Dr Ike Ekweremadu and Sen Enyinnaya Abaribe who are fit for the Vice Presidential job’

    The group warned that it will work against the PDP by mobilising youths in the zone to vote for another party of Mr Atiku fails to pick his running late from the South East.

  • PDP protest to Force Headquarters reckless, says APC

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday described as irresponsible, shameful and reckless the protest to the police headquarters in Abuja by the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    It said the protest was a terribly acted imitation of its 2015 protest to the same police headquarters.

    In a statement issued by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, the party said the PDP leaders’ action was capable of leading to loss of lives.

    The APC accused the PDP of trying to resort to violence ahead of the 2019 general election. It appealed to political parties to play by the rule as the nation prepares for the general elections.

    The statement reads: “The APC strongly condemns the irresponsible, shameful and reckless actions of the PDP led by its National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, PDP state governors, ranking PDP federal lawmakers, who led hired thugs in a failed attempt to forcibly enter the Police headquarters under the guise of a ‘protest’.

    “If the PDP’s confrontation with the police was an attempt to copy APC leaders’ peaceful protests in Abuja, ahead of the 2015 elections, it was a low-budget imitation and terribly-acted script.”

  • Atiku’s lifetime bid for driver’s seat

    The much-publicised Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention of the has come and gone. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s standard bearer in next year’s presidential election. Between 1991 and now, he has contested five times for the presidential ticket on different platforms. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on how Atiku’s lifetime ambition of taking the driver’s seat.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is on a familiar terrain. In February, next year, he will, on the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, be a formidable opponent to President Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the general election.

    He clinched the part’s ticket  at its convention, which held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, between Saturday and yesterday. on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the general election.

    His political life is full of ups and downs. But, his ability to quickly put the past behind him, strive to rise after each electoral fall and forge ahead with optimism underscores a sort of “audacity of hope”.

    The intra-party poll at the Adokie  Amesiemaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, was free and fair. It appears the PDP is now sober. It may have turned a new leaf. Gone are the days of impunity. The party appears to be putting its house in order.

    The culture of imposition is fading. PDP does not have the burden of a power-loaded president whose word is law, and who, like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, could impose his wish on the majority.

    A level playing ground was provided by the Ifeanyi Okowa-led Convention Planning Committee for the aspirants. The shadow poll was open, democratic and transparent. The advantage of the credible process was that a post-primary crisis was averted. The strengths and weaknesses of the contenders came to the fore. The losers accepted their fate in the interest of the party, promising to team up with the winner to fight for power at the centre.

    Also, the candidate embraced them and invited them to a team work.

    There will be a major political battle next year. The APC is pushing for continuity. But, the PDP is calling for power shift. Only a thin line demarcates the two divides. In the last 19 years of stable civil rule, many gladiators from both sides have cohabitated during alignment and re-alignment of forces. They are not oblivious of their strengths and weaknesses. But, certain circumstances may make next year’s poll a tough battle.

    It is Atiku’s fifth attempt at the presidency. At 72, he is not a young man. Many think that time is running out. Yet, for him, the attainment of the presidency is a critical factor in self-actualisation.

    In the aborted Third Republic, he challenged the late Moshood Abiola to a duel at the historic Jos convention of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). But, many believed that he was running for the highest office by proxy. The main issue at that time was his political mentor, the late Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua, who later asked him to step down for Abiola during that tensed moment of horse trading, wheeling and dealing.

    His second attempt was in 2003 when he made a feeble attempt to contest against his boss, former President Obasanjo. Atiku was said to have the backing of many governors, including Orji Kalu (Abia) and James Ibori (Delta). It was a risky venture. The president was said to have knelt down for his deputy as he implored him to opt out of the race. That episode marked the parting of ways between the former numbers one and two citizens.

    When he defected from the PDP in 2007, he sought refuge in the defunct Action Congress (AC). He ran for the president, but without success. He was defeated by the younger brother of his mentor, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Atiku’s runnning mate was Senator Ben Obi. After the unsuccessful attempt, he retraced his steps to the PDP. Later, Obi followed suit. The AC family felt betrayed. They complained that he jumped ship without informing party leaders.

    In 2011, Atiku threw his hat into the ring again. At the regional selection process, he defeated former President Ibrahim Babangida. But, he could not cross the next hurdle. At the PDP primary in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he was defeated by President Goodluck Jonathan, who had the backing of Obasanjo, the political coach-in-chief.

    A serial defector, Atiku later left for the APC after the formation of the party by the legacy platforms-the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Congres for Progressive Change (CPC), a faction of the PDP and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). During the 2015 primary, he contested along with President Buhari, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Sam Nda Isaiah, publisher of Leadership newspaper. He came third, trailing Kwakwanso. Gen. Buhari was elected as candidate.

    Two years ago, the former vice president called it quits with the APC. He unfolded his presidential ambition, thereby drawing attention to himself as an opposition leader. By the time he returned to the PDP, he had revived his old structures and networks across the six geo-political zones. To worm himself to the politically conscious and highly enlightened people of the Southwest, he campaigned to them on the borrowed platform of restructuring. His campaign manager was former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel. But, already a household name in Nigeria, Atiku needed no introduction.

    At the close of poll in the PDP national convention, which dragged into noon yesterday, he dwarfed his opponents.

    The Waziri Adamawa, the veteran aspirant, whose lifetime ambition is to rule Nigeria, smiled home with the ticket. A man of excellent gait and commanding presence, the political warhorse was the oldest among the contenders. While other aspirants spoke extempore, shortly before the commencement of voting, Atiku read his speech from a prepared text. He polled 1, 532 to beat his closest rival, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who got 693. Senate President Bukola Saraki got 317.

    The odds against Atiku’s opponents

    The eminent politician has a wider experience in the mobilisation and management of delegates for presidential primaries. His group, the Peoples Front of Nigeria (PFN), has garnered a lot of skills and experience in this regard since 1990 when it beat the Peoples Solidarity Party (PSP) to seize control of the SDP.

    Besides, Atiku has tremendous resources which he deployed widely for the primary. He was ahead of other contenders because he started hitting the campaign road since 2017 when he returned to the PDP. Members of the old Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) backed him. He also enjoyed the backing of many founding fathers.

    What also worked for Atiku was that he has tentacles across the zones. The influence of governors, leaders and elders who backed him also reduced the chances of Tambuwal and Saraki.

    To observers, Saraki started his campaign late. His camp also suggested that he suffered frequent distractions from the presidency, the police and the APC, which allegedly did not want him to emerge as a challenger to President Buhari.

    Saraki lacked experience in terms of management of presidential primaries. It was his first attempt. It is doubtful if he had resources like Atiku, the billionnaire politician and Tambuwal, who was financially supported by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

    His Northcentral zone was not in the calculation of the core North for power shift.

     

    The journey ahead

    After the convention, where the battle for the ticket was won and lost, what is next for PDP and Atiku?

    During the week, politics of substitution will replace convention blues. Tambuwal will have to return to Sokoto to regain the governorship ticket. Also, Saraki will race back to his Kwara Central base to regain the senatorial ticket.

    Atiku still needs the support of these contenders to survive at the general election. The contenders have no choice too, unless they want the APC to continue in power without a fight.

    A source said the APC may not give up on Kwakwanso and Tambuwal, who may still be urged to consider returning to the fold after their failed bid for the PDP ticket.

    To observers, Atiku has much work to do. The onus is on the flag bearer to unite the party and carry along these contenders during post-convention campaigns. All of them should have representatives on his elaborate campaign team to foster inclusion and a sense of belonging.

     

    Politics of running mate begins

    Who will be Atiku’s running mate? How will he emerge? Will he or she come from the Southwest, which is complaining about marginalisation, or the Southeast? Which of the Obis will he pick – Ben or Peter Obi? Will be go for Ike Ekweremadu?

    The campaign will be hot. What else is Atiku preaching, apart from restructuring? What is his blueprint for economic revitalisation and recovery? How will he resolve the security logjam? What are his plans for job creation and youth empowerment? What will shape his foreign policy?

     

    A united or divided house?

    Feelers at the convention suggested that PDP governors are not united. Unlike during the contest for national chairman, governors were not on the same page at the convention. They lined behind different aspirants. Consensus became an uphill task. The last minute attempt by Chairman Uche Secondus to unite them so that they could adopt a single candidate failed. They dispersed in peace and repressed bitterness. Now, they need to put the primary behind them, unite and collectively work for the success of the candidate.

    Will Atiku triumph this time around? He has followers. Last year, a minister in Buhari’s administration professed her loyalty to him. Old allies in the APC are watching his activities with keen interest. He is endowed with courage and resilience. He is goal-oriented. Atiku also believes in the judiciary and rule of law. He survived by leaning on the court when Obasanjo turned the heat on him. He was in court six times.

    What will be Obasanjo’s reaction to his emergence? Before his emergence, Obasanjo had foreclosed supporting him, saying that God will not forgive him if he queued behind Atiku for president. Almost six years ago, Obasanjo disparaged his former deputy, saying that he could not trust him with political leadership. Asked to comment on Atiku’s bid, he retorted: ‘I dey laugh o.’ Although Atiku later embarked on a peace mission to his Abeokuta, Ogun State residence, reconciliation did not take place.

    Recently, Obasanjo allegedly said God had not revealed to him that Atiku will be a good President.  The Waziri replied that his former leader needed to consult with God and spend his twilight of life in a honourable manner.

    To a large extent, Atiku has moderated the public perception of his personality and political career. But, he has maintained that he has never been tried or convicted for corruption. Critics and foes have also insinuated that he had refrained from travelling to the United States (U.S.) where corruption charges are allegedly hanging on his neck. His supporters have denied it, saying that it is a non-issue. The choice of where a person travels to, they argue, is personal. According to them, enemies are cooking up falsehoods to malign the politician.

    But, can Atiku beat President Buhari? Will the North jettison the President and opt for Atiku? Will the isolated defections from the APC to the PDP work in his favour? Who will Nigerians prefer between him and the President? Will Atiku realise his ambition? Time – the four-letter word – will tell.

  • Atiku ‘full of credibility crises’, says Buhari Campaign  

    The Presidency and the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) yesterday launched a scathing attack on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar, saying he is “full of credibility crises”.

    In separate statements by the spokesman of the BCO, Festus Keyamo and Special Assistant on Social Media to the President, Laureta Onochie, Atiku came under fire. BCO questioned the alleged monetisation of the process at the PDP convention in Port Harcourt.

    The Campaign Organisation reminded the former Vice President and Nigerians that during the elections, Nigerians would have to decide between a candidate with a history full of credibility crises, damning reports on corruption both home and abroad and another candidate, (the incumbent President) with an unblemished record in public service.”

    The statement said: “We wish to congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on his emergence as the candidate of the PDP in respect of the forthcoming 2019 Presidential Election.

    ”However, we note with interest all the reports in the media as to massive vote-buying at the PDP primaries (especially with foreign currency). We contrast this with the speech of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2014 APC Convention when he said as follows:

    “I have always served Nigeria to the best of my ability. I have always tried to give more to the nation than it has given me. This is the principle of service that has guided my public life. Thus, I am not a rich person. I can’t give you a fistful of dollars or naira to purchase your support. Even if I could, I would not do so. The fate of this nation is not up for sale.”

    “There were also media reports in the 2014 APC National Convention that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar freely used the same method of massive vote-buying in foreign currency, but he came a distant third. Till date, he has not denied those media reports. The claim therefore that the process that produced him now as a candidate of the PDP was free, fair and transparent is suspect.

    “It is therefore clear that going into this election, the issues that will agitate the minds of Nigerians most would be centered around the credibility of the candidate of the opposition and the kind of values he brings into our politics.

    “Nigerians would ask themselves whether he can be trusted with our national resources with this proclivity for “dollarising” the political arena, thereby taking us back to the warped values from which President Buhari is trying to extricate the nation. One wonders what such a candidate would do with public funds.

    “Nigerians would also note with interest the verdict of Atiku’s former boss when he was Vice President on his credibility and integrity, calling him unprintable names at different occasions. Nigerians would note that in all of these occasions, Atiku Abubakar had never defended these allegations against him by his former boss, but continues to court his support and cooperation.

    “Nigerians would want to know how candidate Atiku Abubakar intends to inspire a nation to believe in his ability to fight corruption in the face of very damning reports both locally and internationally concerning his records on corruption whilst he was in public service as a Customs officer and later when he was Vice President of Nigeria.

    “We note with amusement that on many occasions, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has tried to claim some credit for certain “achievements” during the tenure of President Obasanjo when he was Vice President because, according to him, he was “part of that government”.

    “We also wish to remind Nigerians that as much as he claims the credit, he must be prepared to accept joint liability for all that happened in that government. He cannot blow hot and cold. In due time we shall talk about all these.

    “Taking all the above into consideration, Nigerians would rightly ask whether a leopard can indeed change its skin despite all the sweet talk they expect to hear from the opposition candidate during the election.”

    Ms Onochie said Atiku’s emergence had made the job of the President’s team easier towards retaining the number one seat in 2019.

    According to her, Atiku left the APC to avoid contesting against the President in the primary.

    She also claimed that Atiku spent more money than other aspirants in the PDP in order to  emerge winner of the Presidential primary election.

    She wrote: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar outspends Saraki, Tambuwal and others, wins the PDP presidential ticket for 2019.

    “Congratulations Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. You have outspent the rest. You have a new toy. But believe it, it is only a dream.

    “You ran away from facing President Buhari in a primary, now you’ll meet him at the presidential elections. Ntor!

    “14.8 million people made President Buhari their candidate, 26,584 people made Atiku their candidate.

    “Bearing in mind that you can’t go to America to represent us at the United Nations, nor meet with Nigerians in America, our job is made easy.

    “Say Baba Buhari. 2019 is settled. God bless Nigeria,” Onochie added.

     

  • PDP: our primary a lesson to INEC, APC

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said yesterday that its presidential primary is a lesson to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on how elections should be conducted.

    It highlighted what it called the orderliness, transparency and credibility of its presidential primary.

    In a statement by its spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said “The success of our presidential primary followed our strict adherence to democratic rules and principles of transparency and fairness, which has eluded the nation since President Muhammadu Buhari-led licentious administration assumed office. Simply put, in the PDP presidential primary, every vote counted.

    “Nigerians are therefore no longer in doubt that our compromised electoral umpire, under the Buhari administration, is ostensibly culpable for injecting rancorous situations that create openings for violence, manipulations, inconclusive polls and outright rigging of elections.

    “We invite the whole world to note that the PDP conducted its Presidential primary  and a clear winner, Atiku Abubakar, emerged, without any form of disagreements or reliance on heavy security, showing that Nigerians are peaceful, orderly and desirous of credible processes at all levels of political engagement.

    “The PDP therefore charges INEC to stop blaming voters, accept responsibility for its failure to conduct credible elections and learn from our presidential primary, as we approach the 2019 general elections.

    “The PDP restates its determination to dismantle APC’s rigging machinery and return credible processes in all spheres of our national life”.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated Atiku Abubakar describing him as a man with the capacity to take the country to greater heights.

    His media aide Ikechukwu Eze quoted Jonathan as saying: “I congratulate His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, Waziri Adamawa, and by the grace of God and the votes of Nigerians, the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Our party members have spoken and have nominated you as the candidate for the forthcoming Presidential elections.

    “I am convinced that you have all it takes to take Nigeria to greater heights and transform her into a hub for prosperity and happiness. Congratulations.“ he said

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday congratulated the former Vice President for emerging as the standard bearer of the PPD.

    Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu also commended the delegates to the convention and members of the organizing committee, led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, for holding a convention in which a candidate was elected in a free, fair, transparent and rancour-free atmosphere.

    “Our just concluded convention was a partisan event which the country can show-case as an example that democracy has a future in Nigeria and that when we are determined we can elect our leaders without any manipulation, intimidation and violation of the law and democratic norms.

    “The credit goes to the leadership of our party led by Prince Uche Secondus, the organizing committee led by Governor Okowa, the numerous delegates who came from across the country and conducted themselves in a civil, mature and democratic manner. I give kudos to them.

    “My commendation also goes to the government and people of Rivers State, for providing the best necessary facilities for hosting over 5000 delegates, campaign workers, security personnel, observers, media people and others who came to play one role or the other in the convention.

    “More importantly, let me congratulate the winner and new flagbearer of our party and all the fellow aspirants for running credible and mature campaigns and working all along to reassure millions of our fellow party members and other Nigerians that PDP will leave the convention venue more united and ready to work together to form the next government at the federal and other levels in a manner that we will unite the country, grow the economy, carry along all stakeholders, empower the youths and make government serve the people better.

    “Like I said in my speech at the convention after the official declaration of Alhaji Atiku as winner, all the other aspirants, especially myself, are ready to walk and work with him to spread the positive message of the PDP and his campaigns acrosss the nooks and crannies of the country such that the PDP will win the 2019 general elections.

    “Those who expect that the party will degenerate into crisis after the primaries have miscalculated. We will all work for the Atiku-PDP ticket to succeed and contribute ideas into solving the problems confronting Nigeria today. The event in Port Harcourt between yesterday and today was a victory for Nigeria and for democracy. We will not lose the momentum but sustain it to rebuild Nigeria and elect Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria.

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, said Atiku has the requisite experience and knowledge to tackle the challenges bedevilling the country.

    Dickson, according to a statement by his media adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said: “Let me congratulate the former Vice President and now the presidential candidate of our great party for the next presidential election over his resounding victory in a free, fair, transparent and credible primary election.

    “The delegates have spoken and they have elected a man who understands our country, the Niger Delta and a man who has the requisite experience. He can build bridges of understanding and unity and form a great team to address the challenges that are facing our country. We look forward to working, collaborating and supporting him in that onerous responsibility. As he rightly said, it is not a job left for him alone.”

    Dickson commended the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and members of the National Working Committee as well as the chairman of the convention planning committee and Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and his team “for their hard work and the good job they have done.

    “I cannot fail to appreciate my brother, Governor Nyesom Wike, the government and people of Rivers State for their hospitality and sacrifices in hosting this historic event.

    “Let me also commend our worthy leaders most of whom are my compatriots and friends for offering themselves for service. I thank and appreciate them for their show of sportsmanship and magnanimity.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike urged Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation to sack the most “inefficient Federal Government”.

    Speaking to reporters after a Thank You Visit by PDP Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar at the Government House Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike said all PDP leaders and well-meaning  Nigerians should be united in this cause.

    He said though different party leaders supported different aspirants, with the emergence of Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s Presidential Candidate, all hands must be on deck for the good of the country.

    The governor said: “We have no party that will salvage the country other than the PDP. A candidate has emerged and we owe it a duty to see that the party takes over the government.

    “We are one family. You may support aspirant A or B, but once a candidate emerges  you owe it a duty to make sure your party returns to power.

    “We are doing everything we can to ensure that we don’t  give  APC any gap. They have failed Nigerians and we will take over in 2019.

    “My happiness today is that the convention was successful and it went on without hitches”, he said.

    Atiku said: “The entire country needs a new government. Definitely, we don’t need APC to  return to power  in 2019”.

    He said the country had gone through challenges ranging from recession, unemployment, insecurity and lack of unity. He said the country needed to chart a new direction in the interest of the people.

    He said: “I came to personally congratulate the Governor, people and Government of Rivers State and also thank him for hosting a most successful convention “.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was accompanied by Former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Senator Sam Anyanwu, Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara and Edo State PDP Chairman Chief Dan Orbih.

    Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi described Atiku’s victory as a consummation of the wishes and desires of most Nigerians, both high and low.

    In a message, Obi described Nigeria as a nation that had drilled off the paths of development due to what he called  cumulative leadership failure, Obi said going by  Atiku’s wealth of experience, track record of wealth-creation,  knack for identifying excellence among excellent people, detribalized nature and perfect understanding of the ills of the country, that he has confident that Alhaji Abubakar Atiku has all it takes to restore the glory of Nigeria.

    “Having personally followed him in the past 6 months, listened and interacted with him on a number of issues negatively affecting our society, I  observe in him a person who has the burning desire to leave a footprint  in the sands of time.”

    SouthWest PDP in a statement by its spokesman Ayo Fadaka, said: “We wish to congratulate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on his emergence as the flag bearer of our great Party in next year’s Presidential election. His victory signifies the Party’s determination to field our very best in the quest to win the Presidential election.

    “We also congratulate all those aspirants that sought to pick this same ticket, together they all participated in a race which was essentially beneficial to the synergy that currently propels the Party.

    “Their declared commitment at the convention to work assiduously for the victory of the Party in next year’s general elections signals the solidarity and uniqueness of actions that shall be deployed against the disintegrating APC.

    “The PDP with the successful conduct of this convention further confirms its resurgence and extending same to new frontiers, we therefore inform Nigerians that we represent a fresh breath, a complete difference from the decadence that APC represents.

    “We therefore appeal for the support of Nigerians for PDP as we prepare for 2019 as there is an incumbent task on all Nigerians to salvage our lives, institutions and nation from the unimaginative and vindictive grip of the APC.”

  • Osun: Chasing shadows in Abuja

    On October 5, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with  a rash of presidential wannabes in tow, went shadow-chasing in Abuja, over a concluded election.

    Reminds you, doesn’t it, of that old cynical quip, of campaigning after election?

    But don’t get Hardball wrong.  Protests are integral to democracy, issuing from the constitutionally enshrined rights of gathering and association.

    Factor in the Nigerian skewed political cosmos — in which an election is free and fair, only when you were declared the winner — and the PDP protest makes even more sense.

    If you lost, your electoral conqueror — yes, conqueror, not opponent, in that blighted cosmos — must have bribed everyone, starting with INEC, and rounding off with the security agencies.

    And if you were in opposition, “federal might” must have been used to crush you.  To survive, you must bawl to the “international community” to save your soul from hideous walloping — or else, the collapse of democracy was imminent!

    In fairness though, with Maurice Iwu’s INEC ruling the electoral roost, and the now opposition PDP crowing and flexing formidable muscles as the “largest political party in Africa”,  INEC-roasting was rather credible.  Besides, the political win-at-all-costs syndrome didn’t help matters.

    So, it was in 2013, with the inconclusive Anambra gubernatorial election.  Though Iwu had made way for Attahiru Jega as new INEC chair, that didn’t stop the legacy parties that just collapsed into the opposition grand merger, christened the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Muhammadu Buhari (ex-CPC), Bola Tinubu (ex-ACN), Ogbonnaya Onu (ex-ANPP) and other leading opposition lights were there, throatily roasting INEC, and alleging it was about to fiddle the inconclusive Anambra guber election, the PDP way.

    Well, the protest, fire and thunder, came and went.  But it didn’t stop the Anambra supplementary election.

    That election re-run itself came and went.  it was lost and won.  Heavens did not fall. And supplementary elections, though already provided for in the Electoral Law, became part and parcel of Nigeria’s practical electoral process.

    So then: the APC 2013 roadshow justifies the PDP’s, of 2018?  Hardly.

    Whereas the 2013 protest was BEFORE the Anambra supplementary election, the PDP 2018 muscle-flexing was AFTER the Osun rerun in which the PDP not only partook, but which results it is already challenging in an election tribunal.

    So, why that cynical protest — to boot, ending in alleged assault, on some officers of the law?  To willy-nilly de-market the Osun election, even ahead of the tribunal’s eventual verdict, just because PDP lost?

    Besides, a historical irony of biting ironies: the same PDP that sat on a stolen mandate, in this same Osun for three-and-a-half, of a four-year mandate, now plays the pathetic victim that can’t even await civil adjudication!

    Well, just call it the PDP penchant to muddy waters.

    Since its shattering loss of 2015, the former ruling party has embarked on de-marketing for de-marketing sake.  That trend fits pat into its October 5 show, which ripples, through and through, with bad faith.

    Might this be a prelude to what to expect, if it loses the 2019 general election?  Hardball just wonders.  But the polity mustn’t be caught unawares.

     

  • IYC chairman wins PDP ticket in Bayelsa

    The Chairman of Central Zone , Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Tare Porri, has won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the 2019 House of Assembly election in Ekeremor Constituency 1.

    Porri polled 26 votes to beat the incumbent, Ball Oyarede, who got 25 votes, to clinch the ticket.

    The IYC chairman attributed his victory to the courage, support, steadfastness and prayers of stakeholders.

    Speaking in Yenagoa, the state capital, Porri said he was indebted to the delegates for their belief in him, and promised not to let them down.

    Porri hailed Governor Seriake Dickson for keeping democracy alive in the state.

    Referring to the governor as his father, mentor and governor-general of the Ijaw nation, he said Dickson gave all aspirants a level-playing field.

    Addressing his fellow contestants, he said: “To Miss Tari-ere Joyce Gita, history will never forget how you stood tall to defend democracy, with an outstanding character like you, there is hope for our people.

    “I thank Chief Ball Oyarede for a keen contest and invite you, alongside with other aspirants to join hands with me in moving Ekeremor constituency 1 forward and also leading our party to victory in 2019 because l cannot do it alone.

    “It is the people, who won the election. You my people are the true winners and i accept this victory on your behalf, with confidence that we shall unanimously do same in the general elections.

    “I assure the PDP that there is no viable opposition in the general elections. With this mandate, l shall work tidiously to ensure the victory of the party at all levels. I shall reconcile all perceived aggrieved factions. I shall increase the numbers of the party in the area, and l shall ensure that the music of PDP never fades in the ears of my people.

    “Going forward shall set up a reconciliation committee, to ensure that the party is united and in one accord. After my emergence in the general elections, I assure my people, that Ekeremor constituency one will experience optimal development and growth, working in tandem with the Restoration government.

    “This cooperation and enhanced policy harmony will surely pay handsome dividends, that will bring infrastructural growth, opportunities for youths, good policies, business sponsorship for market women and many other goodies”.

  • Alimikhena gets Edo North ticket

    Senate Deputy Whip Francis Alimikhena has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate in Edo North during the primary. He said  his victory has created the enabling environment for him to dwarf the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s election.

    He appealed to the aggrieved to hands with him to win the poll. “The victory is not a victory for Senator Francis Alimikhena but a victory for the development of Edo North. “I called on all those that were in the race withe to come in one brotherhood let us collectively achieve the dream of our party.

    “The coast is clear, the All Progressive Congress (APC) is coasting to victory in the 2019 general election. The defeat that awaits PDP in the 2019 Edo North election will be more shocking than the 2015  election. “The efforts to achieve the tasked ahead is a collective efforts and we must put our differences behind us to achieve our overall objectives.

    While appealing to politicians shun politics of bitterness, Alimikhena said: “The inevitable disagreements and issues that arouse during election period are all part of the Democratic dispensation and must not be mistaken for chaos. Debate and argument is part of democracy therefore whatever war of words or misunderstanding that occurred during the process should be regarded as part of the political process and not conflict.

    He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the APC in Edo State. Alimikhena said his victory at the APC Primary is a stepping stone to the victory that is ahead in the main election. “The trust of the Edo North leadership  has not been misplaced and I will justify the confidence that has just be reposed in me through effective representation.”

    The senator said he has laid the developmental a foundation for prosperity through the development of infrastructure, appropriate macro-economic, revolving loans and human welfare packages that will eliminate abject poverty and despondence among suffering masses.

    He admitted that the tasked of developing all communities in one tenure was not possible but assured that every other community will benefit in the next phase of development.  He is seeking re-election to enable him consolidate on his achievement as well as established a developmental benchmark for future legislators.

    He appealed to the stakeholders to deployed necessary machinery and ensure the victory of the APC at every level.

  • Right step

    THE road to the Osun State September 22 governorship election was predictably rough, and the outcome has not been any less controversial. It would take a trained observer and analyst to dissect the events and come to an informed, impartial conclusion as both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have continued to hold different ends of the debate, thus befuddling issues.

    One issue that has been combatively canvassed by some is the advisability or necessity of the September 27 rerun. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after collating the returns from the polls, declared the election inconclusive as a mere 353 votes separated the two leading candidates, while there were 2,637 votes in seven units in Orolu, Osogbo, Ife North and Ife South that could yet show clearly the electorate’s preference.

    While the PDP held that, having polled the highest number of votes cast, and satisfied the spread criterion, its candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, ought to have been declared winner, the APC has continually held that INEC correctly interpreted the law and impartially applied its Manual for Electoral Officers issued for the 2015 general elections and applied variously since then.

    Going by precedence and decisions of the Supreme Court, INEC could not have held otherwise. The number of votes declared invalid was clearly more than the difference between the votes received by Senator Adeleke of PDP, and Mr. Gboyega Oyetola of the APC. As the Supreme Court held in the 2015 Kogi State governorship election, sections 179 and 181 of the 1999 Constitution are not self executing and, thus, INEC owes itself a duty to come up with subsidiary legislation to guide polling.

    In other decisions including, but not limited to, the Imo State governorship disputes in 2011 and 2015, Anambra State’s senatorial election that pitched the late Professor Dora Akunyili of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) against Dr. Chris Ngige of Action Congress of Nigeria (2011); governorship tussles also in Anambra State  (2013), Taraba 2015 and Bayelsa (2015), it is obvious that a combined interpretation of the Constitution, 2010 Electoral Act and INEC’s rules and regulations not conflicting with the principal legislations are needed to arrive at a clear application of the law. The commission was therefore correct in publishing the guidelines before the elections. Besides, the Rules and Guidelines not being new could have been contested by any of the parties before Election Day; but that was not the case.

    We associate with experienced and unbiased observers who had people deployed in various parts of the state and have since come up with reports that hailed the Nigerian election managers. After the September 22 election, the United States, European Union and the United Kingdom envoys were unequivocal in declaring that INEC discharged its duties creditably. It was deemed an improvement on the previous elections. The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), too, hailed INEC for ensuring that polling opened as scheduled, there was no shortage of materials, the officials were well trained and the card readers functioned optimally. This deserves commendation by all and if we take this to 2019, it would be a marked improvement on previous efforts.

    The quest for free, fair and credible polls has been on since the Esua election commission conducted the 1964 federal elections in the First Republic, and continued in the Second Republic when a tested federal permanent secretary, Chief Michael Ani, presided over the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). Even in the inchoate Third Republic when Professor Humphrey Nwosu was the chief umpire, the June 12, 1993 presidential election, described as the freest and fairest was annulled by the Babangida government. Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and his team have acquitted themselves well and deserve the full support of all Nigerians, realising that a credible election is the platform on which the people’s will rests.

    Nothing said here precludes any dissatisfied candidate or political party from seeking judicial redress. Fortunately, Senator Adeleke has appealed to the Election Petition Tribunal to declare him winner of the election. The law must be allowed to run its course without any resort to self help. As we move towards 2019, maturity, patriotism and scrupulous adherence to the Rule of Law should be the watchword. Our politicians should look inward and do what is right at the polls rather than blaming the electoral  commission and others for electoral infractions.

  • How Atiku won the ticket in Port Harcourt

    Alhaji Atiku Abubakar emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Port Harcourt yesterday after defeating 11 opponents during the primary election involving 3,274 accredited delegates at the Adokiye Amaesimaka Stadium in the Rives State capital.

    Atiku polled 1,532 votes to Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s 693 votes.

    Other aspirants performed as follows: Senator Bukola Saraki 317 votes; Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso 158 votes; Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo 111 votes; former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido 96 votes; Senator Ahmed Makarfi 74 votes, Former Minister Tanimu Turaki 65 votes; former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa 48 votes; Senator David Mark 35 votes; Senator Jonah Jang 19 votes and Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed 5 votes. There were 68 void votes.

    The convention, which started at 8:50 p.m. on Saturday when it was delared open by National Chairman Uche Secondus came to an end with the announcement of result by Chairman of the Elective National Convention Planning Committee Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta)at 12:44 p.m. yesterday.

    Akwa Ibom State had the highest number of delegates (151) with Ogun State the lowest with only 21 as a result of the unending litigation and factions.

    In his acceptance speech Atiku described the primary election as the most credible, transparent, free and fair, in the history of PDP, while lauding ex-President Obasanjo for giving him the opportunity in 1999 to be his deputy.

    Atiku also lauded Wike, Rivers government and the people of Rivers state on their support for the successful convention, while assuring that he would not fail and would not be found wanting.

    The presidential candidate of PDP said: “Today (yesterday), we are witnessing a landmark event, in the sense that since the rebranding of our great party, the PDP, and since the return of democratic governance in this country, we have just witnessed the best, the most credible, transparent, free and fair primaries.

    “Let me also commend my fellow competitors or aspirants for displaying a sense of unity, a sense of purpose and a sense of commitment. This is a very rare event.  My fellow compatriots have really shown that the interest of the party and that of the people of this country is paramount and more important, than our individual interest. I want to pay a tribute to each and everyone of them and to assure them that I am ever ready to work with each and everyone of them, for the realisation of the victory of our party in the forthcoming elections.

    “I cannot do it alone. I need your support. I need your assistance. I need your understanding and I need your participation. It is not a one man’s job. It is a collective responsibility and I am prepared to listen to you, to take your advice, to consult with you, to work with you. Together we will succeed and after we have succeeded, we shall be partners in the success.

    “Let me also pay my tribute to the members of the National Convention Planning Committee. This is one of the most innovative electoral processes that this party has ever taken, since the inception of this party in 1998. I believe we have learnt quite a lot from the conduct of this exercise. I also believe that we can continue to improve on what has been achieved in the last few days in Port Harcourt.

    Speaking on behalf of the eleven presidential aspirants, Saraki promised that all of them and their teeming supporters would work with the newly-elected presidential candidate of PDP, with the national convention ending at 1:28 p.m.

    The convention was, however, marred by near stampede, caused by overzealous security personnel and poor accreditation, especially of reporters.