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Tag: Social Democratic Party (SDP).

  • 2019: We are not part of Atiku’s endorsement – SDP

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has distanced itself from Wednesday’s endorsement of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) as consensus candidate for 2019 presidential election.

    SDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Mohammed Alfa who disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, said the party already has a candidate, Mr Donald Duke whose name had been submitted to INEC for the 2019 election.

    Alfa said that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party would meet next week to take a position on the issue.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), on Wednesday announced that it had endorsed Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2019 presidential election.

    Mr Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesman of the group who announced the endorsement, said Atiku is the coalition’s consensus candidate.

    The SDP publicity secretary however said that the attention of the party had been drawn to the statement issued on the endorsement.

    “We want to enjoin the general public, SDP faithful, especially all our candidates to carry on with their campaigns effectively, irrespective of the development.

    “We assure you that the SDP National Working Committee (NWC) will meet and issue appropriate statement on the matter next week.

    The SDP is one of the 39 opposition parties that formed CUPP in July 2018 with the aim of producing a presidential candidate that can defeat the ruling party All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 2019 election with the aim of forming a government of national unity.

  • 11,500 AAN members defect to SDP in Adamawa

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adamawa State’s third most popular party after ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has received 11,500 members of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), including its state chairman, Mr Robinson Mathias.

    Mathias who led the defectors to a reception held for them at the SDP state Secretariat in Yola Friday, said their decision was prompted by ‘gross injustice’ meted out to them by the national headquarters of the ANN, and that they were in any case never satisfied with the manifesto of the party.

    Read Also:2019 : Ebonyi APC chieftain dumps party, picks SDP governorship ticket

    “Having carefully evaluated the manifesto of the party and the injustice by the national headquarters, we opted for the SDP which has a state chairman and governorship candidate that we have faith in,” Mathias said.

    Receiving the decampees on behalf of the National Chairman of the SDP Chief Olu Falae, the Adamawa State Chairman of the party, John Muva, assured that the new members and the old members would be treated in equal fairness.

    “The SDP is waxing stronger daily and we are set to win the state,” he stressed.

    The governorship candidate of the SDP in the state, Chief Emmanuel Bello, is a former House of Representatives member who has done much over the months to give visibility and reckoning to the party.

  • 2019: SDP only credible alternative to PDP, APC – Jerry Gana

    One of the Presidential aspirants on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Professor Jerry Gana on Tuesday called on Nigerians to vote the SDP as the credible alternative to the ruling All Progresives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which he said has failed Nigeria and Nigerians.
    Professor Gana who was a former Minister of information and National orientation agency on the platform of the PDP from 2000-2003 and political adviser to the President 2003- 2006 before defecting to his new party also said the PDP and APC has failed to deliver dividends of democracy, stressing that the APC as which came on the platform of change as failed to keep to their promises.
    He stated this while interacting with newsmen in Kaduna during his meeting with the Northwest delegates to the party’s national convention slated for the 6th of October, 2018 in Abuja.

    Read Also: Gemade dumps PDP again for SDP

    According to him, “Nigeria of today is characterized by incompetent, ineffective, Insensitive and visionless leadership which is unfit to rule anfnunable to govern. Insecurity, lawlessness, insurgency, widespread corruption, poverty, nepotism and hopelessness.
    “Very weak economy as a result of poor policy options, declining personal incomes and inequitable distribution of wealth, ineffective educational and healthcare systems with underdeveloped human resources “.
    He also said, “Nigerians are suffering and passing through abject poverty, by a recent report it was said that about 87 millions Nigerians are living below poverty line, under an SDP government it will be farewell to poverty.
    “We will centre our government on security, peace and welfare of the people because development is meaningful when people are secured. We will also reconcile Nigerians and invest in the development of jigetians , provide qualitative education, health and provide first class infrastructures.

    Read Also: SDP holds primaries in Enugu

    “Revival of industries across the country, adequate attention will be given adequate attention to grow the economy and create employment and above all transform the.agricultural sector” he promised if elected.
    “Poor leadership brings about poor governance while qualitative leaders will also produce qualitative results” he said.
    He promised to run an issue based campaign with proven ideas, adding that SDP is an ideological based party which is social democracy.
    Professor Gana also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible polls in 2019.

  • SDP holds primaries in Enugu

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Saturday held a peaceful and hitch free primaries to elect candidates that would fly the party’s flag in the 2019 general elections in Enugu State.

    The primaries saw to the emergence of three senatorial candidates for the three senatorial zones of the state, the eight House of Representatives as well as the twenty four candidates for the Enugu State House of Assembly.

    The senatorial candidates are Felix Ukwu for Enugu East, Philomena Agu, Enugu West, while Eze Mark Eze is for Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

    Others are the House of Representatives candidates among whom include Rev. Madueke Jonas for Aninri/Awgu, Oji River Federal Constituency; Mrs Lydia Ogbu, Enugu North/Enugu South; Peter Icha, Isi-Uzo/Enugu East, among others.

    Read Also: Gemade dumps PDP again for SDP

    Speaking at the occasion witnessed by INEC officials, Enugu State chairman of the party, Barr. John Nwobodo said that with the calibre of candidates they have, SDP would sweep over the whole state come 2019.

    “We have presented men and women of honour and credibility.  We shall take over Enugu State, from the House of Assembly to the Senate,” he said.

    All the candidates were elected unopposed but were however a voice vote for affirmation was done by the electoral panel that superintended the election.

    Meanwhile, for the governorship candidates of the party, their election would be done at a later date.

  • Why I shunned PDP’s offer for APC’s, by Omisore

    The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Osun State governorship election, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, has given an insight into why he rejected the offer by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to cooperate with it in today’s rerun election.

    Omisore and SDP leaders revealed in a number of communique that PDP leaders and the party’s candidate, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, are ‘not trustworthy, reliable and dependable in their past dealings’ with them.

    They added that judging by many standards; Gboyega Oyetola is a far better candidate than Adeleke who will likely do well for Osun State.

    The communiques were issued after meetings of leaders in each zone of the state including Iwo, Ijesa land, Ikirun and Ile-Ife.

    The SDP leaders recalled how Sen. Adeleke, with the collaboration of the National Chairman of the party, Chief Uche Secondus, “masterminded the conduct of another congress which rubbished the earlier congress already approved by the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) which favoured Otunba Omisore.”

    According to them, Adeleke has confirmed at different times as somebody that cannot be trusted judging by his previous alleged betrayals.

    The incidents, they claimed, include his initial agreement not to throw his hat into the governorship ring when he approached Omisore for his senatorial ambition; an agreement to have at least one legislative assistant ‘selected through each of the aspirants that stood down for him on which he reneged till date and alleged failure to respect the agreement to compensate Dr Akin Ogunbiyi with the deputy governorship slot, even when the election was at sight.”

    Now that the election would be over, the SDP leaders wondered how such a man can honour any agreement made.

    The SDP leaders also expressed the fear that the PDP governorship candidate would most likely be prosecuted for ‘aiding and abetting’ before he is sworn in or even be impeached for frivolous reasons by the House of Assembly shortly after his swearing-in.

    Additionally, the leaders viewed the control of the Federal Government by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an advantage, stressing that the PDP is the ‘architect of the present predicament.’ They posited that joining forces with the party can spell doom for the SDP.

    They also stated that numerous leaders within the PDP will not allow the party to function well because “too many cooks spoil the dish (broth).’

    They added: “Because of the fact that we want the best for our people in Osun State, we see Oyetola as a more capable and qualified candidate.”

    They also posited that they would enjoy more possible positions and privileges in the APC government than in a PDP government.

    “The APC is a more reliable party than the PDP. For instance, the APC promised Isiaka Adeleke the senatorial ticket of Osun West and it was honoured unlike the promise made by the PDP to Dr Ogunbiyi which it reneged on.”

    Based on the above, the leaders concluded that the APC would be more beneficial to the state and SDP members.

    The communiques were signed by virtually all the leaders in the zones.

  • Osun poll: Security agents monitor use of smart phones at polling units

    Security agents attached to polling units in Saturday’s governorship election in Osun are monitoring the use of smartphones by voters, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

    In some of the polling units visited in Ilesa and Ile-Ife, majority of the voters came to the polling units with their smartphones although security agents did not allow them to take them inside the cubicles to vote.

    Security personnel, who spoke with News Agency of Nigeria on the condition of anonymity, said the measure was to check vote-buying.

    He expressed the belief that the move had so far checked the incidence of vote-buying at polling units.

    Mr Jimmy George, an election observer, commended security agents for preventing voters from using their phones inside the cubicles.

    George, who is the National Secretary of the National Committee of Patriots, said the action of the security agents would minimise vote-buying in the election.

    Meanwhile, accreditation and voting in the election continued on a peaceful note in many polling units across the state.

    Read Also: Osun Poll: Police talk tough, vow to arrest errant politicians

    At Unit 12A, Ward 05 in Ile-Ife, voters were seen on the queue peacefully with INEC ad hoc staff attending to them.

    It was also observed that the card reader machines were also working perfectly at the polling unit visited by News Agency of Nigeria.

    Mr Lukman Adedini, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), agent confirmed that the election had been peaceful.

    Adedini also commended INEC ad hoc staff for arriving on time.

    Also at Ward 6, Remo Unit 2 in Ile-Ife, many voters were seen on the queue.

    Mrs Victoria Komolafe, the Presiding Officer, who said the election had been orderly and peaceful, also commended the large turnout of voters.

    Mr Olayade Abiola, the SDP party agent at the polling unit, commended INEC for the prompt arrival of materials.

  • I’ll not tolerate stealing as President – Jerry Gana

    The Presidential Aspirant of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Jerry Gana has said that if elected President, his administration will deal decisively with any corrupt official.

    Speaking to newsmen in Minna, Niger state after welcoming delegates of The Standing Committee meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Gana declared that his administration will not tolerate or shield any corrupt official.

    Read Also:2019 Presidency: Jerry Gana declares under SDP

    “I will operate a transparent government. I have served the nation in different capacity without any stain. In my government, you must not steal, if you steal, I will deal with you firmly and decisively because the moral conviction will be there, that is leadership by example. We can do it because the people of SDP have demonstrated to be people of integrity. We are genuine.”

    The Presidential Aspirant stated that Nigerians will not tolerate rigging of the 2019 elections as they are determined to ensure that their votes count, “This election, Nigeria will not take any rigging of election. They want to vote and they will ensure that their votes count. They want the very best and when we choose, do not overturn our election, stand by what we have chosen.”

    He said that Nigerian would be the Chief examiners of this administration, “you are the chief examiners, you are the one to determine if they are good or not, whether they are confused or not, whether they have delivered their promises, it is only you who know and you are the ones to examine the administration.”

    Gana stressed on the need for Nigeria to get quantitative leadership adding that SDP can deliver on the type of leadership, “SDP has all the plan that will lead Nigeria to 24 hours power supply, provision of first class infrastructures, rebuild and reactivate the entire national economy. SDP can do it all if given a chance,” he said.

  • ‘SDP will win Kogi in 2019’

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Friday said it will win the 2019 elections in Kogi State.

    The secretary of the Kogi chapter of the party, Barr. Paul Abraham, made the assertion during the inauguration of state and local government executives in Lokoja, saying that the SDP has the capacity, experience and maturity to bail the people of Kogi State from what he described as the precarious condition in the state.

    According to him, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has failed the people in the areas of welfare and infrastructural development.

    He described the SDP as a third force that can bail the people out of hardship.

    According to him: “In the last two and half years the people of Kogi state especially the civil servants were not paid; many of them have been rendered destitute as a result of non-payment of salaries and pension.

    Read Also: 2019: SDP promises free, fair primaries in Benue

    “SDP because of its social standing is the party for the people and the party believes in human resources. As a leader if you develop the people, it is natural that infrastructure will follow”

    He berated the government for not utilizing the abundant potentials in the state to better the living standard of the people and called on them to join SDP to change the narratives by doing the needful for Kogi people.

    The zonal Chairman of the party in charge of Kogi East, Mr. Michael Mustapha Ibrahim, said that the newly elected executives of the party were saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that they work for the success of SDP in the forthcoming election.

    He noted that by virtue of the popularity of the party in the state and the calibre of the people in its fold, the party would pull surprises in 2019.

    He disclosed that the rumbling in the state chapter of the party has been resolved, urging members to work together for the success of the party at the poll.

  • Electricity: Politician promises solar energy in Nasarawa

    Alhaji Issa Ibraheem, an aspirant on the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nasarawa State, has promised to provide solar energy in his constituency, if elected in 2019.

    Ibraheem, who is seeking election to represent Umaisha/Ugya constituency at the state legislature, made this known on Tuesday in an interview at Umaisha.
    He said the project would boost the socio-economic activities and the standard of living of the people of the area.

    He also said that due to the absence of electricity in the area, he would collaborate with the State Government to ensure the electrification of the constituency if given the mandate. The aspirant also promised to empower women and youths of the constituency with different skills to make them self-reliant and contribute their quota to national development.

    “I will promote the welfare of the people of the constituency if elected to represent them at the state House of Assembly in the 2019 general elections.
    “And as a grassroots politician, I know how best to better the standard of living of my constituency, if elected.

    “I am into this race to provide the much needed dividend of democracy to my people. I want to change their lives positively.
    “I will initiate different skills acquisition programmes in order to enable them become self-reliant and to contribute their quota to national development.

    Read Also: Nasarawa Deputy Gov bags chieftaincy title

    “Most of our youths have nothing doing, hence the need of my plan, if elected, to engage them in one activity and the other in order to better their lives,” he said.

    Ibraheem also promised effective representation, assuring that he will not fail in his responsibilities. “I am contesting for the position in order to ensure effective representation, sustainable development and youth empowerment, among others,” he added.

    The politician further assured the people of the constituency that he would support and sponsor laws that would have direct bearing on the lives of his constituents and the state at large.

    He drummed support for President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Tanko Al-Makura to enable them succeeds in the task of delivering more dividends of democracy.

    Besides, the aspirant called on Nigerians to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliation.

  • 2019: SDP promises free, fair primaries in Benue

    The Social Democratic Party ( SDP ) in Benue on Tuesday promised to organise free and fair primaries for all its aspirants, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    The state chairman of the party, Engr. John Enemari, gave the assurance in an interview with News men in Makurdi.

    He said that the party was ready for the forthcoming general elections and would reclaim government in the state.

    The news recall that the SDP had earlier ruled Benue for 18 months between 1992 and 1993, by Late Rev Fr. Moses Adasu.

    Enemari said that the party was banking on its earlier achievements in the state ahead of the 2019 elections.

    He stated that the 18-month administration of SDP during the third republic remained the best ever, since the creation of the state.

    He described SDP as the “beautiful bride” of Benue politics, adding that it would record overwhelming victory in the 2019 polls.

    Read Also: Go for political offices, SDP urges youths

    “SDP had ruled Benue state between 1992 and 1993 before the regime was truncated on the 4th November 1993.

    “Within this period, Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu-led administration was able to carry out landmark projects.

    “Within 18 months, Adasu established Benue State University, Makurdi, and College of Education Oju, built JS Tarka Foundation and relocated College of Education Katsina-Ala to its permanent site among others.

    “So we are banking on these pervious achievements, coupled with our resolve to provide a level playing ground for all aspirants seeking nominations on our platform.

    “We are now the beautiful bride of Benue politics; everybody wants to identify with us. That are why you will see that we have the highest number of aspirants seeking nominations in the state.

    He noted that the party had received remarkable membership boost in the state following the ongoing internal crisis in People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).