TheNewsGuru

Tag: Delegates

  • 2023 Elections: I’II fix Nigeria in 4 years-Peter Obi brags

    2023 Elections: I’II fix Nigeria in 4 years-Peter Obi brags

     

    Former Governor of Anambra state and people’s Democratic party (PDP) presidential aspirant Mr Obi has berated Nigeria’s current government for slacking in fixing the country’s economic and security problems.

    Obi has now promised the entirety of the public a better country in terms of economic and security if given the mandate to do so.

    Obi made this revelations at the headquarters of Abia state PDP in Umuahia, on Thursday when he visited to seek the support of delegates for his presidential aspiration against the party convention.

    Obi, who listed his plans for Nigeria, if elected as president, said he is in the race to reset Nigeria for the upliftment of the citizens.

    He promised that in just four years, Nigeria would achieve an enviable height in all fields, if he wins the Presidency of the nation and make Nigeria a producer, not just a consumer of products.

    Obi frowned at the mismanagement of public funds by different administrations promised to end the culture of money sharing explaining that the country’s resources will be used for the country.

    He acknowledged that the only hurdle before him is the PDP presidential primary election after which he would defeat the candidates of other political parties.

    He appealed for the support of Abia State delegates and those from other States on the day of primary polls.

    He reflected on his achievements as governor which he said, made Anambra one of the fastest moving economies in Africa and promised to replicate his performance in Anambra if he gets to Aso rock.

    He further identified hunger and unemployment as the breeding grounds for criminality, adding that Nigeria’s export would increase under his leadership.

    The Chairman of PDP in Abia, Hon Asiforo Okere described Obi as a perfect gentleman who is capable of doing the job.

    Okere noted that Obi is a fine material in whom the South-East is very proud of.

    Okere assured Obi that delegates from Abia would do the needful on the day of the primary election.

     

  • APC Convention: Delegates express mixed feelings over organisation

    APC Convention: Delegates express mixed feelings over organisation

    Some delegates to the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2022 National Convention have expressed mixed feelings over the organisation of the exercise.

    Some of them said the Convention Planning Sub-Committee should have done more to ensure orderliness in accessing the convention venue.

    Mr Tony Ndanenu, a chieftain of the party and delegate from Delta, while commending the committee, said a proper security arrangement would have saved a lot of situation.

    This, he said, was especially with regard to party members struggling with and pushing aspirants to gain access to the convention venue.

    He added that the development led to some delegates losing their valuables including phones, while some others got injured as police officers tried to disperse the crowd with teargas.

    However, Mr Jude Azimadu, Secretary APC, Ndokwa East in Delta, said in spite of the situation, he was looking forward to a successful convention.

    Azimadu commended the Gov. Mai Mala Buni-APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee for managing the party’s affairs since it came on board.

    He, however, said there was more work to be done by the party’s incoming National Working Committee (NWC) to take it to the next level.

    As of the time of filling this report, delegates were seen seated at their state’s stands as they await the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and the party’s critical stakeholders.

    The 46 NWC positions are expected to be contested, including 21 NWC and 45 non NWC positions.

    The Eagle Square, venue of the convention, located in the Central Business District, is already wearing a new look with colourful decorations.

    Petty traders are also taking advantage of the large number of party faithful, both at the party secretariat and around Eagle Square, to carry out brisk businesses as they hawk branded T-shirts, wrappers, hats, key holders, wristbands and other souvenirs.

    Heavy security presence was also noticed at the Eagle Square as well as around the entrance to the venue.

    Hotels in Abuja city centre, and in the satellite towns, have been fully booked as early as a week before the convention.

  • Saraki woos Ogun PDP delegates ahead of primaries

    Saraki woos Ogun PDP delegates ahead of primaries

    The campaign team of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, visited Abeokuta on Friday to seek support of delegates ahead of the May 28 presidential primaries of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Saraki is one of the PDP presidential aspirants seeking the party’s nomination for the 2023 presidential polls.

    The five-man team, led by Prince Adenekan Olateru-Olagbegi, met with the PDP leaders, including the governorship aspirant, Hon. Ladi Adebutu and the State Chairman, Sikirullahi Ogundele, at the state party secretariat.

    Olateru-Olagbegi told the delegates that the team had earlier visited some states in the South-West region, including, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo to seek support for Saraki.

    He described Saraki as the best candidate to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle the nation’s challenges and move it to greater heights.

    The leader of the delegation noted that apart from his competence, the former senate president represented a bridge between the youths and the old generation.

    He, therefore, called on the delegates to support Saraki’s aspiration at the PDP forthcoming presidential primary poll.

    “One thing I want you to take home is that, others will come, they will preach, they will manipulate.

    “But, remember, we need
    competencies. Please remember the future of our children, and remember what the older people before us did to produce Baba Obafemi Awolowo and you know the result that came thereafter.

    “By the grace of God, we will produce another good president in the person of Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki,” he said.

    Ogundele in his remarks, noted that Saraki played a pivotal role in reconciling factional groups of the party in the state.

    “We owe the peace that we now enjoy in our party in this state majorly to Saraki,” he said.

    Adebutu, the leader of the party in Ogun, described Saraki as upright and courageous, adding that “he doesn’t shy away from responsibilities or challenges”.

  • PDP convention underway in Abuja; leaders, delegates, members converge to elect new officials

    PDP convention underway in Abuja; leaders, delegates, members converge to elect new officials

    Members and delegates of the leading opposition party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have converged at Eagles Square, Abuja to hold their national convention and elect new officials.

    The convention which is scheduled for today and tomorrow is a crucial part of the party’s preparation for the 2023 elections in the country.

    National party officials, governors, ex-governors, and other bigwigs of the party are currently at Eagle’s Square in preparation.

    According to our political correspondent, Seun Okinbaloye, who is at the venue of the convention most of the positions up for grabs will be filled via consensus.

    However, some three positions are still under contestation.

    Chairman of the organising committee of the convention, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri had earlier on Friday said efforts are on to reconcile most of the contestants.

    “At the moment we are making efforts to reconcile most of our contestants so that we can scrutinise them and have a better convention

    “We are expecting 3600 delegates tomorrow (today). Most of the positions, as of today, except for three will not be contested. We are still talking with those contesting,” Fintiri said on Friday.

     

  • Oyo PDP congress turns violent as hoodlums invade venue; injure delegates, destroy cars

    Oyo PDP congress turns violent as hoodlums invade venue; injure delegates, destroy cars

    Gunmen alleged to be members of the Oyo State Park Management System have attacked Jogor Centre, venue of the State Congress of a faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    No fewer than five people were injured while about 50 vehicles parked outside the venue were damaged.

    The hoodlums, who stormed the venue from the back gate, were heard shooting sporadically into the air and hacking anyone seen insight.

    One of the cars damaged belongs to Murhi International Television (MiTV), which was used to convey reporters to the scene

    The hoodlums were also seen brandishing cutlass, axes, guns and other dangerous weapons.

    A yet-to-be-identified delegate sustained matchet wounds as he was struck on the head.

    The situation left many scampering for safety.

     

  • Anambra 2021: PDP’s Maduka blasts money seeking delegates

    Anambra 2021: PDP’s Maduka blasts money seeking delegates

     

    …concludes plans to dump party along with others, supporters in protest

    …insists he must contest Nov 6 guber poll

    From Ngozi Omah, Awka

    One of the frontline People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants, Dr Godwin Maduka is set to dump the party any moment from now.

    The governorship aspirant who gave the indication during a ‘thank you’ party for his campaign team at his Godwin Maduka Foundation Headquarters in Awka Saturday evening however failed to name the particular platform he wants to move to.

    He expressed dissatisfaction with events in the party and the observable three parallel lineups in the party where two had independent primaries and two candidates, hence noting that “PDP is yet to have a candidate”.

    Maduka who addressed the mammoth crowd of about five thousand members of his avid supporters from the 21 Councils of the state in an admixture of English and Igbo languages, noted that the remaining and most dominant other group is made up of “the greater number of delegates who want to vote for me but were not allowed.

    “I am the one all the delegates want to vote for. But they were not allowed. After all I spent the last two years getting you ready. Really we are yet to conduct primary where the real members of the party will be given opportunity to vote…”, he stated.

    Dr Maduka also disclosed that if the right things are not done quickly, he may be forced to seek an alternative platform to ventilate his ambition in the interest of the suffering everyday citizens of the state.

    He joyously announced that it was inexplicable how a world-beater who had repeatedly triumphed where other world citizens failed woefully would be swindled by some local politicians. That when they asked for huge sums of money, he played along with them. But unknown to them he was tracking their every move and shamed them as he recovered every kobo, to their utter dismay and shame. That he clearly told them he don’t play politics of money!

    He admitted being aware of other aspirants who were considering the option of anchoring their political boats elsewhere soon.

    According to him, he shall participate in the November 6,2021 governorship election in Anambra state as a candidate, and must win!

  • PDP convention: Dollar windfall for delegates as Atiku, Saraki, others contend for presidential ticket

    PDP convention: Dollar windfall for delegates as Atiku, Saraki, others contend for presidential ticket

    As some of the powerful presidential aspirants lock horns in the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary election, it appeared the event has become an harvest season for the party’s delegates.
    According to reports some of the undecided among the 3,500 delegates were said to have received thousands of dollars as bribes from some presidential aspirants.
    Among the political gladiators contesting the PDP’s presidential ticket include former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo; a former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; a former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa.
    Others are the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki; a former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark; a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and a former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Jona Jang.
    Also in the race are, a former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; a former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido and Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed.
    A source who is also a delegate confirmed to TheNewsGuru, TNG under condition of anonymity that , that the big wigs among the aspirants fetes delegates with dollars ranging from $1000 – $5000.
    “You can’t take away financial inducement from a primary as important as this, but I can assure you the monies won’t really change the mandate; most of the delegates are just playing along and not necessarily selling out their votes.
    “In fact, one of the factors the aspirants consider in deciding amount to be paid to the delegates depends on the state they come from. For instance no aspirant will waste his cash on states that are regarded as strong hold of their opposition. In cases where they are not too sure of the allegiance of the delegates they tend to spend more.
    “The big aspirants are spending dollars while some of the not so strong ones are spending nairas in millions, so it all depends on which sees you as important. I only wish the primary continues to take place everyday, that is more of the free money coming to me. ” Says source.
    Also, online newspaper, Premium Times, some delegates also said that they were expecting more money from other aspirants.
    “We have received our first goodwill from the Senate President Bukola Saraki,” a delegate from Nasarawa state told the news website.
    “It is our first dollars here, but we know more would still come from other aspirants, they have been calling us since yesterday.”
    It was learned that the top lawmaker was probably the first to pay out cash to influence the choice of delegates.
    Other aspirants gunning for the PDP presidential ticket include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; and Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal.
    Others are Gombe state Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo; former Kano state Governor Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; and former Kaduna state Governor Ahmed Makarfi.
    Also in the running are former Senate President David Mark; former Plateau state Governor Jonah Jang; former Jigawa state Governor Sule Lamido; Atahiru Bafarawa; Tanimu Turaki; Datti Baba-Ahmed; and Stanley Osifo.
    The political gladiators will know their fate latest on Sunday.

    Aspirants make 11th hour pitches for votes

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senate President Bukola Saraki among other aspirants contending for the PDP ticket made 11th hour pitches to woo the undecided among the 3,600 delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party attending the national convention in Port Harcourt to elect a presidential candidate.

    Atiku promised to build Nigeria’s economy by creating wealth and jobs if elected to represent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 election.
    He also said he would provide healthcare to Nigerians.
    ‘’Four years ago, the people of Nigeria voted for change; today they are not happy with the change they received; government has become less transparent.
    ”I ask for your support in picking the PDP ticket; together we can truly get Nigeria working again.
    Sen. Bukola Saraki urged all the 3, 600 delegates at the convention to vote for him.
    He stated that the people need a leader like he in the 21 century, adding that poverty is affecting Nigeria but
    ”Unfortunately poverty does not know party, ethnicity or religion.”
    He blamed issues of poverty on what he alleged to be APC’s poor governance and appealed to the delegates to vote for him for a government of inclusion which according to him, is what Nigeria needs now.
    ”If you want a 21st century leader, you will vote for me. A vote for me is a vote for the youth, for inclusive governance,” he said.
    Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo said that he has solutions to Nigeria’s problems, adding, ‘’I am highly experienced to lead Nigeria as a president”.
    Attahiru Bafarawa said that he would implement the resolutions of the past national conferences and would take Nigeria to greater heights.
    Jonah Jang pledged quality leadership and to right the wrongs of past leadership while securing Nigeria at all sphere.
    Datti Ahmed spoke about his capacity to provide quality leadership.

     

  • Ekiti PDP Primary: Fayose’s deputy, senator, others battle for delegates’ votes today

    No fewer than 2,132 delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will participate in Tuesday’s governorship primary election for the July 14 election in Ekiti State.

    The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known when he briefed newsmen on preparations for the primary in Abuja on Monday.

    Ologbondiyan said the number of delegates was made up of 1,585 statutory and 547 elected and national.

    He explained that the statutory delegates comprised party officials, current and past elected councillors, council chairman, former State Working Committee members, and members of National Assembly.

    The others, according to him, are former federal lawmakers, speakers, serving and former members of National Executive Committee, who are still members of the party and former governors.

    Ologbondiyan also disclosed that all the 51 appointees of the state governor who did not resign their appointments but contested delegate election and won at the Ward level had been dropped.

    He said that the delegates were dropped because they did not resign their appointments in line with the Constitution of the party, adding that PDP, as father of democracy was committed to always doing what was right.

    The spokesman disclosed that the Primary Election Committee for the state had Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as chairman, while the party’s National Chairman, Uche Secondus, would chair the Appeal Committee.

    “All other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) are also members of the Appeal Committee which will be sitting in Abuja on Thursday.’’

    He added that all three aspirants in the party had been cleared for the primary election by the party’s Screening Committee.

    The aspirants are incumbent Deputy Governor of the state, Olusola Eleka; a senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Abiodun Olujimi and the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the party, Dayo Adeyeye.

    Ologbondiyan expressed optimism that the primary would be transparent and successful, saying, “So far, the three aspirants are happy with all arrangements.

    “The processes leading to the primary are very transparent and that is why there have not been any complaints from them.

    “The party is desirous of sticking to the rules and making sure that a popular candidate emerged,” he said.

    Ologbondiyan urged delegates to the primary and party members to continue in their resolve to work together to ensure a smooth and hitch-free exercise.

    “The party commends all stakeholders, particularly the aspirants, for the spirit of sportsmanship being displayed in their commitment toward a peaceful, free and credible process.

    “The party further lauds the stakeholders in the state for keeping to their resolve to work together to ensure the victory of the party at the main election, irrespective of the outcome of the primary election.

    “The leadership of the party restates its stand to continue in the highest level of transparency and to ensure an all-inclusive playing ground for all aspirants in all the processes leading to the governorship primary.’’

    He advised PDP members in Ekiti to remain vigilant and give no chance to external forces, who might be used to attempt to disrupt the peace of the state.

     

  • Five delegates die on their way to Niger Delta summit in Ondo

    Five delegates die on their way to Niger Delta summit in Ondo

    …as four others are severely injured

    No fewer than five delegates to the second national council meeting of the Niger Delta holding in Igbokoda, Ondo State‎, die in motor accident on Tuesday.

    The delegates, whose identities were not ascertained yet, were travelling from Akure, the state capital to Igbokoda for the summit which Vice President Yemi Osibajo was to preside over.

    It was also gathered that four other delegates were injured in the accident that occurred at Ode-Aye on Ore Okitipupa Road.

    Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr. Femi Joseph, who confirmed the accident, said it was caused by excessive speed.