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Tag: PDP

  • Tinubu hosts Wike’s PDP faction in Aso Villa

    Tinubu hosts Wike’s PDP faction in Aso Villa

    President Bola Tinubu hosted and held a meeting with members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, at Aso Villa in Abuja on Saturday.

    Nothing is known about the meeting yet. However, this is coming after Mr Wike himself hosted the PDP faction known as Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP (CSPDP) last Monday in Abuja.

    Some of the CSPDP members who were hosted by Wike earlier also attended the meeting with President Tinubu today. Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, who was absent in that meeting was present today.

    Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and former Governor Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu joined the FCT Minister and Fayose to meet with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today.

    Although the agenda of the meeting with the President is yet to be ascertained, the CSPDP during their meeting with Wike agreed to zone the ticket of the party for the 2027 presidential election to the Southern party of the country.

    The stakeholders and the concerned leaders, drawn from the various States of the federation, including the FCT, also reaffirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary of the party.

    Recall that while commissioning a project in the FCT last Wednesday, the President had invited Wike to officially moved to his party, the All Progressives Congress APC).

    “He is not a member of my party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the Progressives, we will welcome him because we will enjoy him singing as ‘e dey sweet us,” Tinubu said.

  • 2027: Bayelsa PDP sides Wike over position on zoning

    2027: Bayelsa PDP sides Wike over position on zoning

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has taken sides with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and G5 members for their position on zoning of the presidency.

    The Bayelsa PDP commended Wike and the G5 members for recognising Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of PDP at a meeting in Abuja.

    The PDP State Chapter, under the leadership of its Acting Chairman, George Turnah, said in a statement, on Tuesday in Yenagoa that the recognition was a commitment to the survival and unity of the party.

    Recall that Wike on Monday hosted a meeting of concerned PDP stakeholders with former Governors Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, amongst others in attendance.

    Turnah noted that the G5 commitment as evidenced at the meeting convened on June 9, was commendable.

    According to the Bayelsa PDP, the meeting is a testament to the unwavering love Wike has for the PDP and his relentless fight for justice against impunity.

    Turnah, in the statement released by Bayelsa PDP Publicity Secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, saluted Wike’s dedication to party’s principles.

    Turnah said Wike’s commitment stood him out and had endeared him strongly to all genuinely committed members of the party nationwide.

    He commended Wike for always championing the cause of unity and integrity within PDP ranks, adding that Bayelsa PDP endorsed all the decisions taken at the Abuja meeting.

    The statement reads in part: “We fully endorse the resolutions reached at the meeting, and as a State Chapter, we stand by our decision, and to state that there is no vacancy requiring any replacement whatsoever.

    “Our party’s Constitution and the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the National Secretary issue are very clear and unambiguous in this regard.

    “As a State Chapter, we stand united with the rest of our Eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders across the Federation in the decision to zone the Presidential ticket of our party for the upcoming 2027 elections to the Southern region.

    “This strategic move does not just demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and fairness. It also does ensure that our party remains attuned to the voices of all Nigerians.

    “Bayelsa State PDP reaffirms its loyalty to the resolutions of this meeting and remains steadfast in its support for Nyesom Wike as our national leader, as well as our endorsement of Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary.

    “Together, we will forge ahead with renewed vigour to restore the PDP to its rightful place as a beacon of hope and justice for our people and nation.”

  • Ondo guber tribunal verdict: PDP, Ajayi head to Appeal Court

    Ondo guber tribunal verdict: PDP, Ajayi head to Appeal Court

    The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) in the 2024 election in Ondo, Mr Agboola Ajayi, has vowed to appeal the judgement of the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

    The tribunal on June 4 unanimously upheld the victory of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in the election, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing the petitions against him as speculative.

    Ajayi, in a statement on Tuesday in Akure, said that he and the PDP had undertaken a diligent review of the judgement and will appeal against it.

    “Due cognizance and rapt attention has been accorded to the kernel on which the Hon. Justices based their findings and conclusion, which in our opinion did not accord proper analysis to details of the evidence and exhibits submitted to the tribunal while it sat.

    “Thus to say the very least, we feel disappointed that we didn’t get justice at that level, but we remain undeterred and undiscouraged in our search to ensure that justice is not only served in this matter, but also ensure that honesty begins to prevail in our election process.

    “Therefore, we restate our conclusion to vitiate our rights and desires towards advancing our commitment to the legal process by appealing the judgement of the tribunal at the Court of Appeal,” Ajayi said.

    While reiterating his commitment and that of his party to get justice, Ajayi said the country’s democracy would be a mere mockery and totally unworthy of celebration if electoral laws were not adhered to.

  • Defection: We won’t miss those who left our party – Lagos PDP

    Defection: We won’t miss those who left our party – Lagos PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State says it is not bothered about Monday’s defection of some party leaders to the All Progressives Congress(APC).

    The PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, said this in an interview with NAN on Tuesday.

    Some PDP leaders, including the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, announced their resignation from the party on Monday.

    Other prominent  PDP leaders who dumped the party for APC were Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time  PDP deputy governorship candidate in the state and  a former Lagos PDP deputy chairman, Chief Ola Apena.

    Olalemi said the party would not miss the defectors as they were not active members of the party.

    The PDP chieftain said the defectors had  not been active in PDP in the last two years.

    “All the people that left had been inactive in the party in the past two years; we are not going to miss them at all.

    “The party has since moved on. We are moving on without them. These people showed long ago they were not PDP members again, they are Jandor’s people and we have always known that they are APC.

    “In Lagos PDP, we have long forgotten them. They had not  been part of us for over two years. When last did you hear them defend PDP in Lagos State before their defection?

    “It (their defection) is not news to us in Lagos PDP, we know they left since. We are not bothered a bit,”Olalemi said.

    Other PDP leaders who dumped the party on Monday for APC also included Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) and Mr Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP House of Representatives candidate in Surulere Constituency I.

    Some 2023 PDP Lagos State House of Assembly candidates who dumped the party included Messrs Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1); Akeem Jinadu, (Eti-Osa 1) and Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2).

    Messrs Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1); Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2); Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo State 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1)and Taofeek Kuye ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun State 1) also dumped PDP for APC.

    Mr Adeyemi Kazeem:former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government; Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye,media aide to the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate were also among those who defected.

    Defections: Lagos PDP not batting an eyelid – Pearse

    A Lagos State PDP Chieftain, Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, says the party is not bothered by the defection of some leaders to the  All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state.

    Pearse, former member, Atiku Abubakar 2023 Presidential Campaign Committee (PCC), said this in a statement on Tuesday.

    He was reacting to the defection of some PDP leaders, including the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, to the APC.

    Amode, along with other PDP chieftains ,announced his defection at a news conference on Monday in Ikeja.

    Speaking at the news conference, Amode said the defectors were motivated and inspired by the visionary leadership of the 2023 State PDP governorship candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who had earlier moved to APC.

    Other PDP leaders who announced their defection included Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time PDP deputy governorship candidate in the state and a former Lagos PDP deputy chairman, Chief Ola Apena.

    Reacting, Pearse, Convener, Reset Lagos PDP, said the wave of defections from PDP to APC in Lagos should not give any headache.

    He said the party was not batting an eyelid or losing sleep over the defections.

    According to him, Monday’s defectors are Jandor’s supporters who waited behind when he announced his own defection earlier in the year.

    “They have now decided to make their position public. They had not been with the PDP since Jandor came into the party,” he said.

    Pearse said that the defectors were light- weight politicians whose influence would not be felt in the party.

    “What power does Jandor and his supporters have when they were able to muster only five per cent in an election.

    “Anyone who  believed that the whole structure of Lagos PDP collapsed because they defected to APC can believe any joke.

    “At best, we can agree that 5 per cent of the unreliable elements in PDP has left the party.

    “Let me add, it is better that these saboteurs reveal themselves now ,before the 2027 elections. They are no longer a problem for PDP,” he said.

    Pearse said that the defection would likely ensure the defeat of APC in the next election as the party had been purged of those he called political scavengers.

    “By leaving the PDP, these political scavengers are inadvertently helping PDP to clean its house in preparation for 2027,” Pearse said.

    Recall that other PDP leaders who dumped the party on Monday for APC included Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) and Mr Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP House of Representatives Candidate in Surulere Constituency I.

    Some 2023 PDP Lagos State House of Assembly candidates who dumped the party included Messrs Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1);Akeem Jinadu, (Eti-Osa 1) and Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2).

    Messrs Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1); Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2); Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo State 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1)and Taofeek Kuye ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun State 1) also dumped PDP for APC.

    Mr Adeyemi Kazeem:former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government;Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye,media aide to the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate were also among those who defected.

  • PDP tasks Edo govt to focus on good governance

    PDP tasks Edo govt to focus on good governance

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo has condemned the state government’s threat against Mr Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor over a Facebook post, urging it to focus on good governance instead.

    A statement by the PDP Caretaker Committee in the state, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, on Tuesday in Benin , urged public office holders to accept criticisms.

    The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Samson Osagie had warned Ifaluyi-Isibor over a social media post.

    The facebook post was deemed defamatory against Gov.  Monday Okpebholo and the state commissioners.

    The commissioner  in a statement accused Ifaluyi-Isibor of criminal defamation and threatened legal action unless a public apology was issued within twenty-four hours.

    He demanded a retraction on all social media platforms and a publication in at least one national newspaper.

    Reacting, Aziegbemi noted that the statement by Osagie was an attempt to stifle dissent, suppress opposition, and intimidate citizens who criticised the Okpebholo-led administration.

    “Osagie cannot lawfully silence Edo citizens or curtail their right to comment on government performance and leadership.

    “Ifaluyi-Isibor simply stated the truth. His critique reflects the PDP’s position and exposes the failures of the current administration.

    “Edo State is visibly dysfunctional. The governor’s frequent absence has caused widespread regression across key sectors like education, healthcare, economy, and security.

    “Ogbeide’s statements reflect a citizen’s duty in a democracy to demand accountability. Edo government’s reaction is irrational and deeply undemocratic,” Aziegbemi said.

    The PDP strongly condemned the attempt to silence opposition, using intimidation and threats against members and concerned citizens.

    “Edo is part of a democratic nation. Governance cannot thrive on fear, gag orders, or the suppression of alternative views.

    “Ironically, Osagie did not threaten legal action when he was publicly suspended over serious financial and administrative misconduct allegations,” Aziegbemi added.

    According to Aziegbemi, rather than silencing critics, the Okpebholo-led administration should focus on fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of the state.

  • PDP stakeholders, leaders reaffirm Anyawu as substantive National Secretary

    PDP stakeholders, leaders reaffirm Anyawu as substantive National Secretary

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’ Eminent Stakeholders and Concerned Leaders have reaffirmed Sen. Sam Anyawu as the duly elected and substantive National Secretary of the party.

    The stakeholders made the reaffirmation in a communique in Abuja on Monday, after a closed-door meeting to find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis affecting the party.

    The stakeholders and the concerned leaders were drawn from the various states of the federation.

    Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who read the communique said that Anyawu’s reaffirmation followed the resolutions of the stakeholders, in line with the Judgment of the Supreme Court.

    Wike explained that the meeting was organised to review the state of affairs of the party and the need to reinforce internal democracy, equity and justice within the ranks of the party.

    He said that the stakeholders resolved that the seemingly intractable crisis in the party was as a result of the inexplicable refusal of a few to adhere to the party’s constitution.

    He particularly referred to Section 36(1) (a) (b) and (c); Sections 47(3)(5) and 48(1)(i) and the definitive Supreme Court Judgment regarding the position of the office of the national secretary of the party.

    The minister expressed the stakeholders’ worry that the party was on an inevitable path to self- annihilation.

    This, he said, was only feasible, if urgent steps were not taken to rein in the desperate, divisive and selfish tendencies that brought the party to its knees in the lead up to the 2023 election.

    He added that the divisive tendencies, unfortunately, have found expression in the conduct of certain interests within the ranks of the party both at National Executive Committee (NEC), National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees levels.

    The minister added that, to finally arrest the inexorable drift towards extinction in the party, the PDP must, without further delay, respect the judgment of the Supreme Court.

    “We, therefore, unequivocally reaffirm Sen. Sam Anyanwu as the duly elected and substantive National Secretary of our great party.

    “In line with the provisions of our party constitution, only the National Secretary, Anyanwu, can issue notices of meeting of the National Convention, NEC, National Caucus and the NWC.

    “To this end, all notices not issued by him and actions founded on them, including correspondences to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

    “Furthermore, it is clear from the constitution that only the National Convention, properly and duly constituted can remove Anyanwu as the national secretary, arising from his status as a member of the NEC of the party.

    “We, therefore, demand that the acting National Chairman and the National Secretary jointly issue a notice to INEC with an attached agenda for the NEC meeting of the party, being the only pathway to abide by extant laws.

    Wike reiterated the stakeholders’ commitment to the great party and urged all members to uphold the rule of law and respect constitutional mandate.

    He also called on members of the party to resist all manoeuvres aimed at destabilising the party and support the efforts of the National Reconciliation Committee headed by Sen. Bukola Saraki.

    The minister further said the stakeholders had resolved that the party must make an unequivocal pronouncement, zoning its presidential candidate to the South in the 2027 elections.

    “This is in the spirit of fairness, inclusion, federal character principles and respect for our party constitution, after the unbroken years of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from the north,” Wike said.

    Some of the stakeholders at the meeting included former Gov. Ifeanyi Uguanyi of Enugu, former Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue and former Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.

    Also at the meeting were the National Secretary of the PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and former Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Philip Aduda.

    Former federal and state lawmakers and some zonal and state party executives among others equally attended the meeting.

  • Wike opens up after hosting PDP stakeholders

    Wike opens up after hosting PDP stakeholders

    Mr Nyesom Wike,  the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would survive its current adversity.

    Wike stated this when he hosted the party’s stakeholders under the aegis of “Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP” from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, in Abuja on Monday.

    Some of the stakeholders included former Gov. Ifeanyi Uguanyi of Enugu, former Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue and former Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia.

    Also at the meeting were the National Secretary of the PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and former Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Philip Aduda.

    Former federal and state lawmakers and some zonal and state party executives among others equally attended the meeting.

    The minister, while addressing the stakeholders emphasised that the PDP should not be allowed to die, describing the concerned stakeholders as those who believe in the survival of the party.

    “All of you here are those who are committed to the survival of our party, not just talking on television or in the newspapers, but committed to the party at various levels,” he said.

    He argued that the activities of the G5 Governors had stabilised the country, stressing the need to respect the constitutions of the party and Nigeria.

    “You may like us, you may hate us; the truth of the matter is if G5 did not take the decision we took, this country would have been in crisis.

    “It doesn’t matter who the beneficiary was, but the right thing had to be done, and we still stand by that decision.

    “We have continued to emphasise that the party’s constitution and that of the country should be respected. If the party had listened to what we said, we wouldn’t have been where we are today,” he said.

    Wike stressed that as an opposition party, members of the PDP should not continue to act with impunity, adding that no opposition party acts with impunity.

    “Ours is to continue to pacify people and bring them together and desist from saying that they should go to hell. Let us not allow greed; let us not allow ego to kill out party,” he advised

    On his part, Ortom noted that he who pays the piper dictates the tune and challenged anyone in Nigeria to tell Nigerians who has contributed to the growth of the PDP more than Wike.

    He said that President Bola Tinubu understands that the country should not be a one-party state, which was why he appointed Wike as the FCT minister.

    “For whatever reason, PDP made a lot of mistakes and that is why we are where we are today”, he said.

  • PDP wahala: Lagos spokesman, others dump party, join APC

    PDP wahala: Lagos spokesman, others dump party, join APC

    The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has collapsed the party’s structures into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.

    In a speech delivered by Hon. Hakeem Amode, the Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary, the defectors cited internal crises, poor leadership, and a failure to support party candidates as key reasons for their decision.

    The defectors, joined Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR) who had earlier realigned with the ruling APC in the State.

    Other prominent figures of the party who defected are, Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem (Former Deputy Governorship Candidate, Chief Ola Apena (Former Deputy Chairman, Prince Rufus Ademola Adeniyi (Former Assistant State Organizing Secretary, Hon. Jerry Afemikhe (Former PDP House of Representatives Candidate, Surulere Constituency 1) and Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye (Spokesman to the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate).

    Hon. Keshinro Abiodun (2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate, Epe State Constituency 1), Hon. Akeem Jinadu (2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate, Eti-Osa State Constituency 1), – Hon. Ibrahim Balogun (2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate, Kosofe State Constituency 2) – Hon. Taofeek Bolaji Obanikoro (2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate, Lagos Island State Constituency 1) – Hon. Tunde Pratt (2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate, Lagos Mainland State Constituency 2) and Hon. Saheed Aregbesola (2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate, Oshodi-Isolo State Constituency 2).

    Others are, Hon. Sulaimon A. Thompson (2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate, Surulere State Constituency 1), Hon. Taofeek O. Kuye (2023 Lagos PDP LAHA Candidate, Ajeromi-Ifelodun State Constituency 1) and Hon. Adeyemi Kazeem (Former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government).

    The group’s statement highlighted growing concerns over the PDP’s inability to function effectively at both national and state levels.

    Quoting figures such as former Governor Gabriel Suswam and Governor Umo Eno, the defectors pointed to deep-seated internal conflicts that they believe may jeopardize the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

    As they embrace their new political home under the leadership of JANDOR, the defectors have vowed to work alongside their APC counterparts to strengthen governance and provide better opportunities for Lagosians.

    Their departure marks a major setback for PDP in Lagos, raising questions about the party’s ability to regain traction before the next election cycle.

  • Massive defection hits Lagos PDP as leaders decamp to APC

    Massive defection hits Lagos PDP as leaders decamp to APC

    Spokesman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, has dumped the main opposition party in the state for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Amode, along with other PDP chieftains, announced his defection at a news conference on Monday in Ikeja, the State capital.

    Speaking, Amode said he and other defectors were motivated and inspired by the visionary leadership of the 2023 State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who had earlier moved to APC.

    “It is with great honour and a profound sense of responsibility that we stand before you today to announce a pivotal decision; one that marks a significant turning point not just for us as individuals, but for many committed political stakeholders who have journeyed with us over the years.

    “Today, we have decided to collapse the entire PDP structure in Lagos State, from ward to the state level to allign with His Excellency Jandor to decamp en masse to the APC.

    “The PDP, both at the national and state level, has lost its way. The party has deviated from the founding ideals that once made it the largest and most respected political platform in Africa.

    “Today, its future is riddled with tension and uncertainty.The PDP is in a coma and may not survive unless urgent measures are taken,” Amode said.

    According to him, the tenure of the defectors within the PDP had been lengthy and eventful, characterised by both achievements and setbacks.

    He said that majority of the defectors  had the privilege of serving PDP in various capacities, worked for  change and did their best  for their former party

    He said: “However, after thorough introspection and extensive consultation, we believe it is time to chart a new course.

    “This decision has not been made lightly. It  reflects our commitment to taking control of our political destinies in order to better serve our people and the loyal supporters who continue to stand by us.”

    Amode said that PDP in Lagos, under the leadership of Mr Philip Aivoji, had been fractured and disunited.

    “Poor leadership and a lack of cohesion have cost us dearly. Today, we, alongside several former PDP candidates at various levels, national, local government executives, ward leaders, and key stakeholders across Lagos, formally resign from the PDP and align ourselves with the APC.

    “We have submitted our letters of resignation to our respective ward chairmen, local government chairmen, and the state leadership of the PDP.”

    Amode ,who noted that the decision to leave PDP was no  driven by personal ambition,said  defecting to APC was to serve the society better.

    “We are determined to work with our new partners in the APC to deliver the true dividends of democracy to every corner of our great state.

    Speaking, Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time State PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, said that the defectors were determined to follow the progressives to make the state better.

    Also speaking, a former  State PDP Deputy Chairman, Chief Ola Apena, said PDP had no relevance in the state anymore.

    “PDP is dead. There is no more PDP. The party is in complete limbo and we don’t know whether it will  be  up,”he said.

    Speaking on behalf of  2023 PDP  State House of Assembly Candidates, Mr Ibrahim Balogun, who flew the party’s flag in Kosofe, said he wasted time by staying in PDP for 18 years.

    “We will work for Tinubu in 2027. We are going en masse into APC. Jandor is a visionary leader to follow because he is a man of the people,” Balogun said.

    Speaking , Adediran, who congratulated the defectors, said, ” We have successfully collapsed the entire structure of the PDP into APC now.

    “There is no point in belonging into a political party that has no determination and purpose of winning elections. PDP is a social club, not interested in winning.

    “Lagos State PDP leadership is ensure that the party does not win and the party had been doing this for over two decades now, wasting people’s destiny.

    “I congratulate these PDP leaders for joining me in APC. PDP is a sinking ship. In Nigeria of today, there is no other viable platform apart from APC,” Adediran said.

    Other PDP leaders, who dumped the party for APC included Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) and Mr Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP House of Representatives Candidate in Surulere Constituency I.

    Some 2023 PDP Lagos State House of Assembly candidates who dumped the party included Messrs Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1);Akeem Jinadu, (Eti-Osa 1); Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2).

    Messrs Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1); Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2); Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo State 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1)and  Taofeek Kuye ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun State 1) also dumped PDP for APC.

    Mr Adeyemi Kazeem:former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government;Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye,media aide to  the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate were also among those who defected.

  • PDP faction plans coalition to unseat APC

    PDP faction plans coalition to unseat APC

    A faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina has revealed plans to join another party to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

    The faction’s leader, Alh. Mustapha Inuwa, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Katsina on Sunday with party members and supporters in attendance.

    Inuwa, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), was also a governorship aspirant under the APC during the 2023 general elections.

    He said the aim is to end APC rule at both state and national levels in the 2027 elections through a new political alliance.

    The meeting, he explained, was to inform members about the situation and stress the importance of establishing an alternative political platform.

    Inuwa stated, “The coalition is working nationally with political heavyweights to form a solid, viable, and dependable platform capable of challenging the APC.”

    He added that, God willing, a decision on the new platform will be finalised by the end of June by the movement’s leadership.

    He urged loyal supporters to stay calm, continue backing the group, and pray for its success and the progress of Nigeria as a whole.

    He called on all progressive-minded individuals, regardless of political affiliation, to join the movement in pursuit of their shared vision and goal.

    “Once we decide on the platform, we’ll reconvene here and follow the template provided by the national leadership for local implementation,” he said.

    Inuwa advised supporters not to worry about defections to APC, likening it to leaving the frying pan only to land in the fire.

    He explained that defecting from PDP to APC offers no real solution, as both parties share similar internal problems, especially during their congresses.

    He criticised Katsina’s local elections, claiming forms were only issued to government-approved candidates, suggesting future elections will follow the same flawed pattern.

    “Our major concern remains the electorate, who are with us. We are with them. God willing, we will succeed,” Inuwa said.