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Tag: PDP

  • [Just in] Ben Bruce delares support for Modu Sheriff

    Lawmaker representing Bayelsa east senatorial district, Ben Murray Bruce, has declared his support for said former governor of Borno state, Ali Modu Sheriff, who was reinstated as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the Appeal court in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    Bruce, who made the revelation via his official to Twitter account, site said the bickering in the PDP is childish and irrelevant.

    He added that he is no longer in support of litigation.

    In the post titled ‘My Position on the Appeal Court’s judgement concerning the Leadership of the PDP,’ Bruce who stated that PDP is on a course towards destruction, added that he is supporting Sheriff because it is the only way to preserve the party.

    “Concerning the PDP, the current bickering is childish and irrelevant. I am not in support of anymore litigation. We will work with Ali Modu Sheriff and go to a convention. Right now, PDP is on a course towards destruction and abiding by the judgement of the court is the only thing that can save us. In the first place, it is never the job of the judiciary to choose the leader of a party. I therefore call an end to the fighting. And I am supporting Ali Modu Sheriff because it is the only way to preserve the party. Right now, what Nigeria has is a one-party state – there is no opposition. Enough is enough. This is the time for PDP to unite, we are a formidable force,” he posted.

    The Appeal Court in Port Harcourt in a ruling Friday nullified PDP National Convention held in the Rivers capital in May 2016.

    The court also nullified the National Caretaker Committee of the party constituted at the convention, and held that Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff remains the National Chairman of PDP. The Caretaker Committee was led by Senators Ahmed Makarfi.

     

  • No Cause for alarm over A/Court on PDP – Ekweremadu

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has enjoined PDP members not to be anxious over ruling of Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, on lingering party leadership tussle.

    This is contained in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Mr Uche Anichukwu, on Friday in Abuja.

    He said there was no cause for alarm, as the party leadership would meet soon to take a decision on the best way forward.

    “I enjoin party faithful to remain steadfast as we will surely emerge stronger from the present challenges.

    “Those dreaming about the death of the opposition in Nigeria will have to sleep much longer and still wake up to meet us much stronger.

    “This is because a vibrant opposition is the beauty of democracy,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt on Friday upheld former Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, as the authentic National Chairman of the PDP.

    A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt in 2016 declared Makarfi as the chairman of the party, while another court of coordinate jurisdiction in Abuja, headed by Justice Okon Abang, ruled in favour of Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff.

    Following the leadership tussle, Makarfi and Sheriff have been working from offices other than the national headquarters of the party at Wadata Plaza in Abuja, due to its closure by security agencies.

  • A’Court Judgement: We’ll quit PDP for Sheriff, form a new party – Fani-Kayode

    A’Court Judgement: We’ll quit PDP for Sheriff, form a new party – Fani-Kayode

    Former aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Koyde said the appeal court ruling on Friday that declared Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the authentic chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is absurd.

    Fani-Kayode noted that it will be a waste staying a party with Sheriff as chairman. He therefore said the best option available to him and some other aggrieved members was the formation of a new party.

    The former Presidential campaign spokesperson in a series of tweet on his twitter handle wrote: “The C of A decision is absurd. It is time for us to gut the PDP, leave its carcass for the treacherous mole called Sheriff and form a new party.”

    Fani-Kayode, who dropped the hint while reacting to the Appeal Court’s earlier ruling affirming Sheriff as PDP Chairman, has earlier described the ruling as victory for President Muhammadu Recall that the Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State had earlier today ruled in favour of the former Borno State Governor.

    TheNewsGuru.com that an Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday declared Senator Ali Modu Sheriff the substantive Chairman of the party.

    Following the ruling, the Makarfi’s faction of the former ruling party disclosed that it would be heading for the Supreme Court to contest the judgment

  • Reinstating Sheriff as PDP Chairman is ‘rape on democracy’ – Fayose

    Reinstating Sheriff as PDP Chairman is ‘rape on democracy’ – Fayose

    The chairman of the Governors Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the Appeal Court, Port Harcourt judgement reinstating Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff as National Chairman of the party, as a `rape on democracy’.

    Ayo Fayose, who is also Ekiti State Governor, made the remark in Abuja on Friday while reacting to the outcome of the judgement.

    According to Fayose, the judgment was against the will of the people.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt in a ruling Friday nullified PDP National Convention held in the Rivers capital in May 2016. The court also nullified the National Caretaker Committee of the party constituted at the convention, and held that Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff remains the National Chairman of PDP.

    Two out of the three-member Appeal Court, Justice B.G. Sanga and Justice A. Gumel, in their judgment said the Port Harcourt convention on May 21, 2016, was an abuse of court process.

    Delivering the lead judgment, Sanga said that PDP did not follow the provisions of Article 47(3) of its Constitution in the removal of the Sherrif-led National Working Committee.

    Fayose, however, said that the party would appeal the judgment in the Supreme Court.

    “If the people truly symbolise what a party is, then the machinations of our detractors and the anti-democracy organs will not prevail at last.

    “We commend the minority judgment of the lower court and we believe the truth will prevail. It is a matter of time.

    “Thank God we have another opportunity to seek justice at the Supreme Court, which I believe will not be delayed or denied, because when justice is delayed it is denied.

    “It is a party matter that must be addressed as soon as possible.

    “The party will appeal the judgement as we believe in the ability of the judiciary to do justice,’’ Fayose said.

    The governor however, appealed to members, sympathisers, leaders and supporters of the PDP to remain calm saying “we are sure justice will come at last’’.

    “If this is the price to pay, to keep our democracy alive and opposition strengthened, we are prepared to go the whole hug and for a time like this,’’ the governor said.

    Fayose said that organs of the party would meet shortly to take concrete decisions on the way forward.

    He also assured that the governors’ forum and various organs of the leadership of the party remain united and strong.

    “You have the assurance of my colleagues that we should be less worried about this development.

    “We will take steps and continue to ensure that the interest and future of this party is not mortgaged,”he said.

    The forum chairman said that the Sen. Ahmed Markarfi-led PDP faction has majority of supporters on its side including governors, senators, House of Representatives members, state party chairmen.

    “We want to believe that the same judiciary will right the wrong,’’ he said.

    Fayose said the judgement would not affect ongoing efforts aimed at re-positioning the party or the governorship election in his state.

    “I am a nation of Israel amidst the enemies; nobody defeats the nation of Israel. I will never be defeated,’’ the governor said.

    On the withheld Ekiti state’s statutory allocation, Fayose assured the workers to expect their salaries on Tuesday.

    “I can gladly tell you that a letter has been transmitted since yesterday (Thursday) for the release of the money. Whatever reason they give is not as important as that money.

    “I want to assure the people of Ekiti that they will get alert on Tuesday,’’ Fayose said

    In his reactions, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Sen. Walid Jubril, said that the judgment was not a threat to the party but would rather unite them.

    He said that the party would go to any length to resolve the issue.

    Jubril also urged PDP members to be calm and not defect to other parties as it was engaging in consultation with all organs of the party to ensure that the party remained strong.

    “I am sure that very soon everybody will smile. Those who are crying today will laugh again and PDP will one day become one party and strong. All these is a question of time,’’ Jubril said.

    He said that the party would on Tuesday come out with a statement.

     

  • Just-In: Appeal Court declares Sheriff Authentic PDP chairman

    An Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday declared Senator Ali Modu Sheriff the substantive Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party.

    In their rulings, three judges, Justice B.G. Sanga and Justice A.A. Gumel delivered judgement in favour of Senator Ali Modu faction while Justice T.S. Orji-Abadua ruled in favour of the Makarfi-led faction.

    At least, four lower courts of concurrent jurisdiction had given conflicting judgements on the controversy surrounding the leadership of PDP, a development landed the matter at the Appeal Court.

    In his ruling, Justice Sanga, who gave the lead judgement, said the party did not comply with its constitution in removing the executive of the PDP led by Sheriff.

    Sanga maintained that a vote of confidence might be moved on any officer, but a two-month notice should be provided to the secretariat of the party, which would in turn circulate it to all members of the party.

    He submitted that the PDP did not comply with the provisions of Article 47(3) of its constitution in the removal of the Sherrif-led working committee, maintaining that the national working committee was not put on notice.

    According to him, “A vote of confidence may be moved on any officer, but in doing that, a two-month notice shall be provided to the secretariat of the party, which shall also be circulated.

    “The way the (Sheriff) executive on May 21, 2016, showed that the party’s constitution was not complied with.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the PDP has been enmeshed in leadership crisis following the inauguration of the Sen Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee in May 2016.

    The party had inaugurated the committee following the alleged expiration of the tenure of its embattled factional National Chairman, Sen Ali Modu Sheriff.

    However, spokesperson of the Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee, Dayo Adeyeye in his reaction to the judgement, said ‘it is fight to finish’

  • Build strong party before aspiring for positions, Anenih tells PDP

    Build strong party before aspiring for positions, Anenih tells PDP

    Chief Tony Anenih, a former Board of Trustees Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has advised PDP members to reposition the party before considering to vie for elective positions.

    Annih gave the advice when the leadership of the Prof. Jerry Gana-led PDP Strategy Review and Inter-Party Affairs Committee visited him in Abuja yesterday.

    He said it was very shameful for members of the party to be struggling to be president or other elective positions when the party was not yet in order.

    “We have missed many opportunities right from 2014 to reorganise PDP. It is because of the selfish interest of some party leaders that PDP is where it is today.

    “PDP should have been in power now but everybody wants to be presidential candidate, national chairman. It is never done,’’ Anenih said.

    He also advised the party leadership to stop saying they were waiting for the Court of Appeal judgement before reorganising the party.
    Anenih also advised PDP leaders to organise a credible national convention that would lead to the election of credible leaders for the party and offer constructive criticism to the ruling party.

    “When Buhari’s tenure finishes then we know who takes over from him. When he finishes his tenure there will be more conventions on both sides and God will lead us to choose somebody who will help Nigeria.

    “Maybe he may not be a party member now, either APC or PDP but if God says that is the person we will vote for him.

    “God will direct the party to go and bring him. If He says it is President Muhammadu Buhari, of course, he can finish his tenure, but one day he will hand over. So what is important is to organise a party.’’

    Anenih also advised Nigerians to pray for the speed recovery of Buhari and his return to Nigeria and added that it was worrisome to read some comments about his ailment.

    “ I think what Nigerians should do now is to pray for Buhari to come back home in good health, bring out Nigeria from the woods and reposition things.

    “Let God give him speed recovery so that we can receive him. That is more important to me than talking about Osinbajo would have to resign.

    ‘’Why should we be talking about this? It is silly and very unfortunate.’’

    Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, a former National Chairman of PDP, also received the committee and commended the members for still believing in PDP and democracy.

    Tukur said that PDP was not owned by any individual, adding that “in every home, village, local government, state and centre, there is no way you will not find a member of PDP. It was accepted.

    “Don’t relent. PDP is the party to keep faith in democracy and with Nigerians because the constitution recognises this when it said “we the people” and the PDP has that belief.

    “It is very encouraging that in spite of all the difficulties you are still keeping faith.

    “Some people are jumping the boat. It is just like those who say we want to go and they take the barges through Libya to Europe because they have a promise of better future.
    “It is not true. PDP is the party not just for the zone but it is global,’’ Tukur said

    Both former party leaders had announced their retirement from politics and pledged their commitment to national development.

    Gana had told them that the report was all about repositioning the party to ensure that it was victorious in the 2019 general elections.

    He said the visit was to present to them the committee’s report in recognition of their contributions to PDP as founding fathers of the party in spite of their retirement from politics.

    NAN

  • Buhari will return, Nigeria needs him – Sheriff led PDP

    The Ali Modu-Sheriff faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday prayed for good health and return of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    At an expanded South-west PDP Committee meeting in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun state, the faction said Nigeria needs Buhari “in order to continue his anti-corruption crusade”.

    This is contained in the nine-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, read by the faction’s National Vice-Chairman, South-west, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe.

    It acknowledged efforts of leaders to reposition the party and get PDP back to winning ways.

    The communique said PDP remained the only alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

    The communique urged members to prepare for the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun States.

    In his remark, Sheriff said he would continue to work for the progress of the party and return it to the grassroots.

    Sheriff, who stated that he would not be provoked by the statement of Chairman of the PDP Strategy Review Committee, Prof. Jerry Gana, challenged him to go and contest election in his locality and win before he could talk to him about party administration and management.

    In his keynote address, former Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu, also the Deputy Chairman of PDP Reconciliation Committee, attributed the crisis rocking the party to lack of internal democracy, imposition of candidates and impunity.

    Mantu said: “The national leadership is doing its very best to rebrand and reposition our party positively before the Nigerian public in readiness for 2019.

    “In spite of the crack in the family, the leadership is moving steadily in the right direction; encouraging mass participation of members in the activities of the party, thereby giving them sense of belonging.

    “All hands must be on deck to ensure total victory in the entire South-west and Nigeria in 2019. We must therefore not allow seeming differences affect our victory at the polls.

    “Our detractors had expected the crack in the family to be the beginning of our end. Tell them that the lion was just sleeping in order to conserve more energy for 2019. No matter how much weight an elephant loses, it can never be compared to a cow”.

    The meeting was attended by the Sheriff’s deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojuigbo; National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo; Senator Sam Anyanwu (Imo West), Senator Buruji Kashamu (Ogun East) and former FCT Minister, Mohammed Abba Gana.

    Others included Senator Hosea Ehinlanwo, Hon. Adesegun Adekoya, Hon. Segun Odebunmi; Hon. Victor Akande, Hon. Bowale Solaja, former Presidential adviser, Ahmed Gulak and the leadership of the party from Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo and Ogun States.

     

  • 2019 elections: PDP, AD, others form opposition forum

     

    In a strategic attempt to strategic attempt to prepare ahead of the 2019 general elections, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party and several other political parties have agreed to constitute a broad based political opposition, known as United Forum of Democrats.

    The group disclosed this in a resolution signed by Prof. Jerry Gana on Thursday in Abuja after its Wednesday’s meeting.

    According to the resolution the forum is made up of of the leadership of PDP, People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (PDP), Alliance for Democracy (AD), Accord Party, among other political parties.

    It stated that the forum would be effective, responsible and fearless watchdog, by mutual agreement to broaden the base of the opposition in the country.

    Gana, who was a former Information Minister had on Wednesday while submitting the report of PDP Strategy Review and Inter-party Affairs in Abuja said that PDP was already meeting with some leaders of political parties.

    He disclosed that the initial contacts had yielded positive responses from seven people-focused and social democratic parties which would meet in Abuja.

    “This has nothing to do with the rumoured Mega Party, but a separate and highly principled initiative of the PDP.

    “Our desire is to have all genuine democrats and friends of the people to flow together and provide a fresh and trustworthy leadership to promote and ensure people-friendly process of national development,’’Gana said

    According to the resolution, the forum would henceforth ensure that the electoral and security Umpires in the country act strictly within the dictates and ethics of their profession.

    “We have resolved that we shall stand united and steadfastly work together in the interest of the vast majority of our people who are now suffering and traumatized.

    The forum also upheld the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference and was resolved to work earnestly for its full implementation.

    “We equally resolved that we shall work together henceforth in all upcoming elections as we approach 2019.

    “This is to ensure we enthrone genuine democracy, good governance, respect for the rule of law and put an end to the reign of civilian dictatorship.’’

  • 2019: PDP, seven parties begin talks on merger

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disclosed that discussions are ongoing with seven political parties to form alliance ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Chairman of the PDP Strategy Review and Inter-Party Affairs Committee,n Prof. Jerry Gana said this yesterday in Abuja.

    He spoke while submitting the report of his committee to the leadership of the party.

    Gana noted that the initial contacts made by the committee “yielded positive responses from seven people-focused and democratic parties”.

    “Our desire is to have all genuine democrats and friends of the people to flow together and provide a fresh and trustworthy leadership to promote and ensure a people-friendly process of national development”, Prof Gana said.

    Spokesman for the Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, also confirmed the development to newsmen.

    Meanwhile, PDP lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have denied rumours that some of them have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Chairman, Committee on Central Business District (CBD), Victor Akande, said he was not aware of any detection plan.

    Akande, representing Ojo 1, said: “I don’t know if anybody has joined APC. All I know is that Victor Akande is still a member of PDP. I have faith in my cause.”

    The Chairman, Committee on Special Duties and Inter-government Relations, Olusola Sokunle, said: “As we align with the good cause of the government, it does not mean we are defecting. We are not kids; it is not right; it is a rumour.”

  • Delta politicians, others give Ibori heroic welcome

    Delta politicians, others give Ibori heroic welcome

    Following the arrival of former Delta Governor, James Ibori in Nigeria after serving his jail terms in United Kingdom, prominent politicians in Delta State have lined up on Saturday at the Osubi Airstrip in Okpe Local Government Area of the state where the ex-governor is to be received.

    Osubi Airstrip near Effurun, saw many prominent politicians which include the serving Secretary to the State Government, Mr Festus Ovie Ages; Chief Andy Osawota; Chief Patrick Five; Chief Dennis Emonemu; and Olorogun Paul Abu.

    When the news, broken by TheNewsGuru.com, filtered into Oghara earlier today, that their most prominent and favourite son had indeed arrived Nigeria, the whole town erupted in celebration.

    While the men and women poured white powder all over their head, face and body, the typical celebratory custom of the Urhobos, young men and women filled the streets in their thousands singing and dancing.

    They all headed for the Warri Benin expressway junction of their town to await the final arrival of their son.

    Ibori, who ruled”the Big Heart of the nation” from 1999-2007 was one of the most influential governors during his time and he established a political dynasty that produced his successor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and the incumbent governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Despite the legal entanglements over his assets occasioned by allegations of police corruption and the prospect of Ibori contesting his conviction, the mood among his kinsmen and politicians in the state, especially Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faithful is that he should return to steer the affairs.

    Recall that their was wild jubilation in his hometown, Oghara, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State when Ibori was released last year and this feat will probably be doubled when the people see Ibori eye-to-eye.

    As at his time of release at the time, revelers which consists of Oghara politicians, elders, women, youths and children danced, drank and chanted celebration songs over the news of the release of the former governor.