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Tag: Uche Secondus

  • Atiku Presidential campaign council: PDP releases list of members

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday released the list of party members to handle the campaign team of the its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    The party chairman, Uche Secondus, shared the list on his Twitter handle @UcheSecondus.

    He said: “After due consultation with party stakeholders, PDP, under my leadership has approved the following as members of Atiku Presidential Campaign Council.”

    Read Also: Rain in Ado-Ekiti ahead of Fayemi’s inauguration

    Full list as released by Secondus:

    1. President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki as Director General of Atiku Presidential Campaign Council.

    2. Governor Aminu Tambuwal as the Zonal Coordinator for NorthWest.

    3. Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo as Zonal Coordinator for NorthEast.

    4. Governor Samuel Ortom as the Zonal Coordinator for NorthCentral

    5. Governor Dave Umahi as the Zonal Coordinator for SouthEast.

    6. Barrister Nyesom Wike as the Zonal Coordinator for SouthSouth

    7. Governor Ayodele Fayose is the Zonal Coordinator for the SouthWest.

    8. Barr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, Chairman, Legal Matters.

    9. Governor Udom Emmanuel as the Chairman, Fund Raising.

     

  • PDP to hold convention in P/Harcourt as Wike apologises

    3619 delegates to elect presidential candidate

    The leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has finally decided to hold its national convention in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    This was one of the key decisions taken at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Friday at the Abuja secretariat of the PDP.

    The agreement to hold the convention in Port Harcourt was reached after the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, was said to have tendered an apology to the leadership of the party and other stakeholders at the meeting.

    An inside source said some party chieftains also apologized on behalf of the Rivers Governor, adding that he was sober and contrite while tendering his apology.

    Governor Wike had on Wednesday, gone on air, threatening to, among others, “teach the PDP a lesson” if the party failed to hold the convention in Port Harcourt.

    The governor’s threat was in response to a statement by the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jibrin.

    Jibrin had, at a stakeholders meeting on Monday, dismissed reports that the PDP convention would hold in Port Harcourt, saying that the party had yet to take a decision on venue.

    Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, confirmed that the issue of venue was amicably resolved by all stakeholders.

    Saraki said, “We all agreed to hold it in Port Harcourt. Some of the issues that we are having before, which were reported in the newspapers were discussed.

    Read Also: Why PDP is crying foul, by APC

    “Everybody decided that we should stay with the party. Where tempers were flared, people apologized and everybody felt that yes, there was a commitment to assure everybody that there will be free and fair primaries. So today has been a very good day”.

    All the aspirants were said to have collectively assured the meeting that their initial fears over the Port Harcourt venue for the convention had been allayed by the leadership of the party.

    They were also said to have reposed confidence in the ability of the leadership of the party and the convention committee to conduct a seamless exercise.

    However, the convention, where the party’s presidential candidate will be elected has been shifted from October 5-6 to October 6-7.

    No fewer than 3619 delegates across the country are expected to vote to elect the party’s presidential flag bearer at the convention.

    Other resolutions arrived at included a written commitment of all the 12 presidential aspirants to a bond accepting the outcome of the primary election and to join forces with the eventual winner to form a united front.

    The party on its part, pledged to ensure a transparent, free, fair and acceptable primaries that will be acceptable to all the aspirants and their supporters.

    The PDP also expressed the readiness to engage democratic stakeholders all over the world towards achieving a credible free and fair general election in February 2019.

    The meeting, which was presided over by the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus was attended by all the presidential aspirants, the party’s governors, members of the National Assembly among other stakeholders.

  • Osun 2018: APC cautions Secondus on utterances

    …says stop throwing mud at us

     

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) has asked the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus to stop his unguided and baseless utterances, saying the National Chairman of a political party is supposed to exhibit some level of decency and decorum.

    Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena said in a statement that Secondus allegation that the APC conspired with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the Osun governorship election inconclusive was without any basis at all.

    While challenging the PDP Chairman to back his statement with facts, the APC said Secondus should not to descend to the level unexpected of his office, less he enters the boxing ring with its attendant mud and dirt.

    The statement reads: “The National Chairman of a political party is expected to exhibit the highest sense of patriotism, decency and decorum in public conduct and discourse. Regrettably, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has not lived up to these basic expectations.

    “Weeks ago, the PDP National Chairman took the internal matters of the country’s politics to the international scene by writing letters to various international organizations.

    “Again, soon after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the Osun State Governorship Election inconclusive, Prince Secondus without basis accused the electoral body of conspiring with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare the election inconclusive.

    Read Also: 2019: Abdulsalam’s peace committee meets INEC chair, security chiefs

    “The APC would as a rule ignore irresponsible and baseless utterances and actions as exhibited by the PDP National Chairman. But as we prepare for the forthcoming 2019 General elections, it is necessary we give a word of caution on expected behavior required of all political sides. Prince Secondus is respectfully advised to temper his political language and conduct.

    “His unfounded allegation on the inconclusive Osun State governorship election is not expected from such highly-placed party official. Accusing the APC of conspiring with INEC, without proof, is taking mudslinging too far.

    “We advise Prince Secondus not to descend to the level unexpected of his office, less he enters the boxing ring with its attendant mud and dirt. His action will only bring him personal attacks, ridicule. A word is enough for the wise”.

  • Ohaneze warns PDP against denying South-East VP ticket

    The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council on Thursday re-iterated its earlier warning to the people’s Democratic Party (PDP) that it risks losing the support of the South East if it fails to zone the Vice presidency to the South East zone.

    The group stated this in Abakaliki after its meeting.

    The meeting chaired by its President, Okechukwu Isiguzoro met and discussed extensively issues affecting Ndigbo especially as  regards the 2019 general elections.

    The statement signed by Obinna Achionye and  Alex Okemiri, Deputy Vice President General  National Vice President (Ebonyi state) respectively of the group, accused the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, of tactically avoiding the issue.

    It warned that the party may loose the elections if it fails to do the right thing.

    The group further asked the party to select any of the governors in the South East or Mr Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state for the Vice presidential ticket.

    It warned that it will mobile the youths of the zone for All Progressive Congress (APC) if the party gives the Vice Presidential ticket to anyone outside the zone.

    The statement reads: “OYC insists that the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) led by Prince Uche Secondus is planning to deny Igbos the Vice Presidential slot when the party holds her Presidential Primaries early October 2018 in Port Harcourt Rivers state”.

    Read Also: Ohaneze: Nigeria may not survive without restructuring

    “Prince Uche Secondus had tactically avoided addressing the issue of denying south East the position of Vice President after the upcoming Presidential Primaries,because of the fear of the cabal that insists that South West Vice Presidency is better than Southeast Vice President because of reasons best known to them”.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide will mobilize Igbo Youths to vote massively for PDP in Governorship and Senatorial elections in Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu states come 2019 but if PDP led by Prince Uche Secondus deny Igbo Vice Presidential slot, will vote massively for another party in 2019 Presidential election”.

    “PDP should choose among the Vice President among the three serving Governors in South East, or choose former Governor Peter Obi who is a better Presidential material with steeling leadership qualities and excellent track records of Achievement as former Governor Anambra and Chairman of then South East Governors for 8 years,widely acceptable among Nigerians, we believe that the Serving South East Governors are more interested in going for their Second Tenures in their various States, so Mr Peter Obi remained the better option for PDP winning the 2019 Election”.

    “This is our Final Warning to PDP regards to the 2019 Presidential election,any attempt to zone Vice President to another Zone after the Primaries, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide will mobilise Igbo Youths for APC where we have nothing to lose. PDP make hay now the Sun shines”.

    Meanwhile, the group have thanked Ndigbo for defying the Sit at home order of the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, on 14th September 2018

    The group said the people by their actions have avoided another bloodshed by defying the order  to Sit at home.

    “We observed across Igbo land that majority of Ndigbo because of economic hardship defy the order of Sit at home but rather joined the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide in the Prayer sessions in remembrance of those killed in September 14th 2017”.

    “This is a Victory to all Igbos for avoiding another bloodshed by defying the order not to Sit at home, those who had plotted to use the opportunity to massacre innocent unarmed Biafrans, had waited in vain as Ndigbo is wiser not to Fall victims of our oppressors”.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council will continue to protect Ndigbo in every situation, and thank the people for their co-operation in ensuring that Igbo land was peaceful during the September 14th Sit at home.

  • Lagos: I’m back in the governorship race – Jimi Agbaje

    Mr Jimi Agbaje, the 2015 Lagos State gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday ended speculations about his re-run bid, saying he was back in the race.

    Agbaje made the confirmation via a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    “It is true that initially I did not want to re-contest, but I had so many people urging me to run.

    “I bought and submitted my nomination form shortly before it closed. I will be part of the PDP Lagos governorship primaries, billed for Friday, Sept 28th, “ he said.

    Agbaje said that he was confident he would win the elections in Lagos, if he picked the PDP guber ticket to run.

    On the upcoming primaries, Agbaje said he was confident that the leadership would create a level playing ground for all the aspirants, as has been the norm of the party.

    “Our primaries have always been open, fair and free for all.

    “This is what we are known for, and that is the way I expect it to be,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘How we reconciled Gov. Gaidam, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim’

    Agbaje, who also contested for the National Chairmanship of the PDP in 2017, won by Uche Secondus, said that the recent defections from the party in the state would not affect him if he picked the ticket.

    “It is the people of Lagos State that will decide. The issues in the party will not impart negatively on votes.

    “Most Nigerians now vote for individuals rather than party,” he said.

    NAN reports that Agbaje, popularly known as JK, was born March 2, 1957 in Lagos State to late Chief Julius Kosebinu (Banker) and Mrs. Margaret Olabisi (teacher).

    A Pharmacist, Agbaje is the second born and first male child of five children (two female and two male siblings) including Segun Agbaje, the CEO of Guarantee Trust Bank.

  • Atiku raises alarm over alleged threat to life

    …Petitions Buhari

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has raised the alarm over alleged threat to his life and those of his family members.

    In a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, dated September 7, 2018, Atiku linked the alleged threat to his decision to contest the 2019 presidential election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The petition, a copy of it was sent to the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, urged President Buhari to urgently probe the allegation

    The petition was titled “Petition Over Criminal Intimidation And Threat To My Life, That Of Members Of My Family, And Cyber Stalking Using Mobile Phone Number 08148228704”.

    Apparently apprehensive over the alleged threat, Atiku had requested more police protection for himself and his family from President Buhari.

    Atiku stated in the petition that his wife and daughters had received separate text messages from a mobile line, demanding that their patriarch backed out of the presidential race, failing which they would be raped and killed.

    The former Vice President added that the author of the threat text messages had stated that members of his family were being closely watched.

    Urging the President to urgently order investigation into the matter, Atiku warned that the threat could lead to serious security breach and that it posed real danger to national security.

    The petition read in part, “I present my highest compliments to the president and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and have the honour to request your excellency’s kind review/investigation and urgent consideration of extra protection for my family and I against some criminal intimidation and threat to my life, that of my family, and the cyber stalking against my family and I, using telephone mobile number +2348148228704”.

    Atiku in the petition said the author of the message had threatened that if he did not withdraw from the presidential contest, “We will kill, and rape your wife and daughters”.

    He added that the stalker had mentioned two of his daughters – Mariam who works at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN$ and Fatima, a former commissioner in Adamawa State.

    According to him, the author of the said threat message had also threatened to blow up his plane and poison him and members of his family.

    Read Also: Atiku begs Lamido to step down for him

    “We will blow your plane off the sky and we will poison you and your family. You are going to see what we will do with your family. We know where and where your children travel to”, he quoted the from the threat message.

    The author of the said message was also said to have threatened to blow up all his property and those of his wife.

    “We control the aviation towers in Nigeria and South Africa. We are in government and Buhari will win again. Your party members will never select you and if they do, we will assassinat (sic) you. We will kill you by blowing up your plane”, the threat message further stated.

    Atiku further stated that in separate text messages to his wife and daughters, the author had asked them to ask him to back down from the contest or they would be harmed.

    Concluding the petition, Atiku stated, “From the foregoing, Mr President can see that if adequate and urgent steps are not taken to identify and deal with these threats, they could lead to serious breaches and may constitute real danger to national security.

    “Considering that these threats border on the right to life of my family and I, as well as my freedom to aspire for and contest for the Presidency in Nigeria, I urge you to commence urgent investigation with a view to identifying the person(s) behind the threats, expose and prosecute the culprit(s) in accordance with the laws.

    “I request that you ensure the continued protection of my rights to life, that of my family, my property and my rights and freedoms to associate and aspire to any political office as guaranteed under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended)”.

  • Kogi: PDP task National Chairman on fairness, equity

    The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has been charged to make fairness and equity the bedrock of his decision over who emerges as senator to represent the Igala Bassa nation and not an MoU that would destroy the PDP in the state.

    Speaking to newsmen on Thursday in Lokoja, Mallam Ahmed Suleiman, Kogi State Chairman of Kogi PDP Youths and Masses Advocacy, warned against imposition.

    He called for free and fair primaries that would produce the party’s flag bearer.

    According to Mallam Ahmed, any attempt to impose the sitting senator on the people would mean, that Ankpa district would have had a shot at the Senate for sixteen years, at the detriment of Idah that has never had a shot.

    Read Also: Two PDP factions sell nomination forms

    He noted that the Dekina federal constituency has through Senators Alex Kadiri, Nicholas Ugbane and Ahmadu Ali, represented Dekina district for a record four times, saying that any other term for a senator from Dekina federal constituency in 2019, would leave Idah district, without a  shot at the Senate.

    He therefore asserted that, for fairness and equity, Idah federal constituency should be given the opportunity in 2019, disclosing that the district parades some of the brightest and intelligent aspirant presently seeking to represent the district.

    He drummed support for Victor Adoji, from Idah federal constituency, as the best option for the Igala Bassa nation, pointing out his representation would change the narrative of misrepresentation the area has witnessed over the years.

    He cautioned against the imposition of candidate or automatic ticket to any aspirant, without a free and fair primaries, as an action that would impact negatively on the re-positioning of the PDP.

  • Secondus, others storm Abia for PDP mega rally

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read Also: Secondus: Buhari’s Netherlands visit unnecessary

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • Court restrains Secondus from altering Kano PDP leadership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • To unseat Buhari not an easy task, says Galadima

    …As coalition inaugurates steering committee

    The chairman of the reformed- All Progressives Congress (R-APC), Alhaji Buba Galadima has warned that the task of unseating President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 would not be an easy task.

    Galadima spoke in Abuja on Thursday during the unveiling of the secretariat of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the inauguration of the steering committee for the coalition.

    Addressing a coalition of the 39 parties, Galadima urged the group to brace up for tough times ahead, saying that taking over power from a retired army general isn’t not a small task.

    The rAPC chairman told the coalition group, being led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to be prepared for harassment, intimidation and name calling as well as several other divisive tendencies.

    Galadima said, “Trying to take over power from a retired military general is not a small task. It is a herculean task. But we will try. Over 200 million Nigerians out there are waiting for us. The masses of this country have since shifted their support from the ruling All Progress Congress (APC)

    “They will attempt to intimidate, harass as well as bribe and divide us. They have called our people all sorts of names. They will still call several people more names.

    “But we are not afraid of being arrested, intimidated or harassed by the EFCC and the ICPC. General Buhari will not be the president to be sworn in come May 29th, 2019”.

    He charged those currently sitting on the fence to quickly join the coalition and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair, credible and transparent election in 2019.

    According to him, Nigerians will not accept the repeat of what happened during the Ekiti State governorship election, which he said was rigged by the APC.

    Also speaking at the event, the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, decried what he described as the harassment of the leadership of the Senate.

    Secondus said it was time for the coalition to rescue Nigeria from the “misgovernance”, which h said is typified by senseless killing of innocent Nigerians and harassment of opposition elements.

    This National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae advised the coalition members to be wary of those who might want to do everything possible to split their ranks.

    “We must be wary of those who will come to scatter us by trying to sow seeds of discord, spread fake news and adopt divisible measures to achieve their sinister motive”, Falae added.

    Read Also: Buhari for 10-day break in London

    He enjoined members to always cross check any information they get before believing or acting on it, saying such information  might be fake, as the stakes are very high.

    A former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, who also spoke at the event, said the coalition was borne out of the peculiar circumstances the nation finds itself at this time

    Ikimi said, “The coalition is in the quest for a return to a virile and durable democratic process that will assure respect for civil liberties and human rights and to maintain a culture of sustained adherence to the rule of law.

    “I confirm that there has not been a single crack in the alliance since its formation, despite unsavory attempts by our main opponents, who have deliberately or mischievously attempted to initiate or present nonexistent cracks in the alliance to the public.

    “We have never claimed that all the 68 registered political parties in the country are members of the alliance. There are 39 parties who indicated interest in the alliance and 35 of them were available to endorse the document on the Inauguration.

    “Since then the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) has joined the alliance and has also signed the document. None of the parties that signed the MOU has departed from the grand alliance”.

    Besides the PDP, other parties in the coalition include the Action Alliance (AA); Alliance for Democracy (AD); Africa Democratic Party (ADC); Action Democratic Party (ADP); All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP); Action People’s Party (APP); Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD); and Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP).

    Others are the Democratic Alternative (DA); Democratic People’s Party (DPC); Grand Democratic Party of Nigeria (GDPN); Green Party of Nigeria (GPN); KOWA Party; Labour Party (LP); Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA); and Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN).

    Also in the group are the National Conscience Party (NCP); New Generation Party (NGP); National Unity Party (NUP); Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM); People’s Alliance for National Development and Liberty (PANDEL); Peoples Progressive Party (PPP); People for Democratic Change (PDC); Providence People’s Congress (PPC); and the Reformed All Progressive Congress (RAPC).

    Others are the Restoration Party of Nigeria (RPN); Social Democratic Party (SDP); Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN); All Grassroots Alliance (AGA); National Interest Party (NIP); Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDCP); Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA); and Young Democratic Party (YDP) among others.