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Tag: PDP

  • BREAKING! Dino Melaye finally dumps PDP, says prevailing political cankerworms root cause of his flight

    BREAKING! Dino Melaye finally dumps PDP, says prevailing political cankerworms root cause of his flight

    Senator Dino Melaye, has taken another flight from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party’s inability to rescue Nigeria from what he described as “prevailing political cankerworms.

    Melaye, a former senator for Kogi West, made this known on Thursday via a post on his official X handle, where he shared a signed resignation letter addressed to the PDP chairman in Ward 1, Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    In the letter dated July 4, 2025, Melaye said the decision became “imperative due to the lack of potency and capacity by the party to deliver the Nigerian people from the prevailing political cankerworms that have eaten deeply into the fabric of our dear nation”.

    The 2023 governorship candidate of the PDP stated that after careful reflection on the state of the party, he could no longer, in good conscience, participate in its activities or support its agenda.

    “In view of the above, please consider this as my formal withdrawal from the party and all its activities at all levels with immediate effect,” the letter read.

    Melaye also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve under the PDP during his period of membership.

    His resignation adds to the growing wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Just recently, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also announced his departure from the PDP.

    In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, Atiku cited irreconcilable differences within the party.

    The former vice president explained that the current trajectory of the PDP had strayed from the foundational principles it once upheld, making it necessary for him to part ways with the former ruling party.

  • 2027 reconfiguration: Gana says Obi under PDP platform will defeat any candidate in the north

    2027 reconfiguration: Gana says Obi under PDP platform will defeat any candidate in the north

    Jerry Gana, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has boasted that if Peter Obi returns to the party, he will defeat any candidate he runs against in the North.

    Gana stated this while answering questions on a national tv program

    His comments come amid speculations that Obi could return to the PDP, despite attending several meetings with the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

    Obi ran for presidency under the umbrella of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 polls.

    According to Gana, Obi’s best bet of becoming president is to run under the PDP in the next general elections.

    He said: “I’m a researcher, and I research opinions.

    “In the northern states, Peter Obi under the PDP will defeat any candidate, because our people are very fair-minded.

    “In 2031, it will be the turn of the North.

    “Our people are very fair and we are building a nation.”

  • Defect and face dire consequences – Nasarawa PDP

    Defect and face dire consequences – Nasarawa PDP

    The Nasarawa State chapter of PDP has warned its elected officials to be conscious of the dire consequences of defecting with its mandate to another party.

    The state Chairman of the party, Adamu Ninga, issued the warning at a news briefing in Lafia on Tuesday.

    According to Ninga, there is no crisis whatsoever in the leadership of Nasarawa State PDP to justify any defection.

    He was reacting to the defection of the l lawmaker representing Ugya/Umaisha State Constituency, Abdullahi Ibrahim-Sa’ad, from PDP to APC.

    Ibrahim-Sa’ad, on Monday, announced his defection on the floor of the state House of Assembly.

    The party chairman said that the party was not officially aware of the lawmaker’s defection to APC.

    “The ward officials have not yet communicated with the state office about the resignation of the member from our party.

    “We have a channel of communication in the party.

    “So, as far as we are concerned, we have not yet received official notification in that respect,” Ninga said.

    He recalled that the party knew how it campaigned vigorously during the 2023 election, despite the intimidation and manipulation to ensure the victory of their members in the state and national assemblies.

    He argued that apart from any action the party might take to reclaim its mandate, “those who defected would face the wrath of the electorate in the next election.

    “We are united with genuine and committed members now than ever as a party.

    “So, with the steps being taken at the party, we do not doubt that we will reclaim the governorship seat and win the majority of seats in the state and national assemblies,” he said.

    Ninga further said that PDP remained the best option for the state and country, pointing out that records had shown that there was no alternative to the party for now.

    He also recalled that the party implemented policies and programmes that positively impacted the lives of the citizenry during its reign at the federal and state levels.

  • Edo: PDP demands removal of REC ahead of NASS by-elections

    Edo: PDP demands removal of REC ahead of NASS by-elections

    Ahead of the National Assembly by-elections, the Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Anugbum Onuaha.

    Chairman of Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, made the call during a press conference on Tuesday in Benin.

    Aziegbemi said the REC allegedly acted in a compromised manner during the last governorship election, leading to a loss of confidence in his neutrality.

    Recall INEC had fixed Aug. 16, for the bye-elections in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Connstituency to fill two vacant legislative seats vacated by Sen. Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa.

    According to Aziegbemi, Onuaha’s continued presence poses a threat to the credibility and fairness of the upcoming bye-elections.

    He accused the REC of playing an ignoble role in the previous polls, undermining the integrity of the entire electoral process in Edo.

    The PDP urged the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to act swiftly by redeploying the REC and restoring public trust in the process.

    The party also called for the removal of certain Electoral Officers (EOs) who served during the 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo.

    “We also demand that the EOs who were in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo should steer clear of the bye-elections.

    “Their involvement in the irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation unacceptable,” he said

    Aziegbemi emphasised its commitment to free and fair elections, reaffirming the slogan “One Man, One Vote” as a PDP guiding principle.

    The party warned against any attempt to manipulate the outcome and called on INEC and security agencies to guarantee transparent conduct.

    Addressing recent defections from the party, Aziegbemi wished the defectors well but remained confident in its strength and grassroots support.

    He stressed that political dynamics, like nature, were governed by natural laws that eventually restored balance and justice.

    He urged voters to remain vigilant, participate fully, and vote for PDP candidates capable of delivering democratic dividends to the people.

    He thanked the public and reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to protecting democracy in Edo and beyond.

    Speaking on the party’s preparedness for the bye-elections, Aziegbemi stated that the PDP was confident of victory.

    “In line with our constitution and under the guidance of the National Working Committee, the party conducted screening, congress, and primaries to select candidates.

    “The process was transparent, inclusive, and credible, and it was accepted by a majority of PDP members across the affected constituencies in the state.

    “Prince Joe Okojie emerged as the PDP candidate for Edo Central, while Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi won the Ovia Federal constituency ticket.

  • 2027: Mass defection hits PDP as Yashikira District joins ADC

    2027: Mass defection hits PDP as Yashikira District joins ADC

    In a significant political realignment, the people of Yashikira District comprising Gure/Gwassoro and Yashikira wards have officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    The well attended meeting, held in Gure, featured delegates from all village areas across the district, reaffirming their unified resolve to align with the ADC in pursuit of a more promising political future.

    It would be recalled that all PDP officials in both wards including the Local Government Woman Leader and several other key executives had earlier renounced their membership and declared allegiance to the ADC in Baruten Local Government Kwara state.

    Addressing the gathering, Alhaji Hussein Mayan, Chairman of Yashikira Ward, and Mallam Issa Barka, Chairman of Gure/Gwassoro Ward, called for unity, cooperation, and dedication within the ranks of the new party. They described the ADC as a “self-marketing” political platform one that thrives on integrity, grassroots engagement, and collective progress.

    This sweeping defection deals a significant blow to the PDP in the Baruten axis and underscores the rising profile and momentum of the ADC across Kwara North, especially in the lead-up to future political contests.

  • Obi cannot take the risk of going to PDP – ADC

    Obi cannot take the risk of going to PDP – ADC

    The spokesman for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, cannot “take the risk” of returning to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    Abdullahi stated this on Monday while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time.

    He was reacting to questions about the PDP wooing Obi to return to the party.

    “Let me say clearly, Peter Obi is in the coalition,” Abdullahi said.

    “Regardless of what anybody is saying. But it is good to see that it has taken the coming on board of ADC, to get PDP to begin to make some movements.

    “But everyone knows the jugular of the PDP is in the hands of the ruling party.

    “Peter Obi, more than anyone else, knows that he cannot take the risk of going to the PDP.”

  • PDP BoT sends out strong ‘warning’ over defection of members

    PDP BoT sends out strong ‘warning’ over defection of members

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) has cautioned party leaders and members to exercise caution in their comments about those defecting from the party.

    The BoT Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, stated this at the 81st meeting of the board on Thursday in Abuja.

    The BoT meeting was held at the party’s national headquarters, ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    Wabara, represented by the Secretary of the board, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, described the meeting as critical in setting the path to rebuilding the party and improving on what past leaders had done.

    He said that he did not believe that the PDP members who left the party for one reason or the other had left for good.

    “I urge all members to be cautious of what they say or do. Some cannot be working to rebuild the party and others trying to de-market it.

    “There is a difference between personal opinion and party’s position. If anybody is expressing his/her personal opinion, he/she should say so. The party has formal organs for speaking, and that should be respected.

    “We must never show to the public that we are a group that anybody can do what he/she likes anytime and anyhow. We must be cautious of what we do or what we don’t do as we move forward.

    “I will also advise that, yes, we may have differences, we should be cautious about expressing opinions, even about those who have left us, because what we want is for them to come back now or very soon,” he said.

    Wabara emphasised the need for members to shed their grievances, discuss and work together for a successful convention.

    He said that the party might not be able to bring all of those who had defected back, but it could bring new members in.

    Earlier in his remarks, the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, said that the party remained the hope of Nigerians.

    Damagum urged party members to be proud of being PDP members and not to allow emotions to becloud their sense of reasoning, especially at this particular time.

    “We are the hope of this country. The PDP is the hope of this country. We remain resilient—the same brand that was founded to fight injustice, to strengthen democracy and to lead with all sense of honour.

    “This is what we are made of. We should be proud to be PDP members at all times,” the acting national chairman said.

  • 2027 experiment : Ex-presidential aspirant retraces his roots to PDP

    2027 experiment : Ex-presidential aspirant retraces his roots to PDP

    Experimental approach as ex- presidential aspirant and energy executive, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has officially rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), setting the stage for his active return to mainstream politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. His return, long speculated in political circles, became public on Wednesday when he visited the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, where he met with members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

    Speaking during the visit, Olawepo-Hashim reaffirmed his belief in the PDP’s national outlook and its enduring relevance despite recent internal challenges.

    “The PDP was built as a national platform. Since 1998, it has maintained a presence in almost every polling unit across Nigeria.

    That national spread is still intact,” he said. Dismissing concerns about the party’s dwindling influence due to defections and internal disagreements, the former presidential candidate emphasized that the PDP’s strength lies in the support of the people rather than the presence of political elites.

    “The real power of any political party lies in its people, not elites. The people are still with the PDP,” he declared confidently.

    Hashim commended the efforts of the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umaru Damagum, for holding the party together through turbulent times. “The wisdom and calm Damagum has shown to keep the party intact is truly commendable,” he noted.

    Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Olawepo-Hashim urged the party to focus on presenting a disciplined and visionary presidential candidate capable of restoring security, reviving the economy, and ensuring justice for all Nigerians. “The PDP must give Nigerians a new kind of leadership — one committed to security, economy, and justice,” he said.

     

    Earlier the same day, he also participated in a closed-door meeting of PDP founding members at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, signaling his deeper re-engagement with party structures.

  • PDP will not lose sleep over coalition – Damagum

    PDP will not lose sleep over coalition – Damagum

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will not lose sleep over the recent coalition that adopted the African Democratic Party (SDP) as platform to contest the 2027 general election.

    The party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum stated this at the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

    Damagum said that the PDP remained the only party ready to take back power in 2027.

    According to him, PDP remained the party with the structure, national acceptability, and legacy capable of bearing the weight of great nation building.

    “ I must address the matter of a so-called coalition recently formed, which includes some defecting members of our party.

    “On this issue, I am pleased to report that this political experiment is nothing to lose sleep over.

    “They say, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Some persons have recently learned this truth in the most uncomfortable way.

    “Many who jumped on the coalition bandwagon have already returned to our fold. Some even claimed they never left and merely attended a meeting, we accept their confessions without prejudice.

    “Let me add that, this reversal is not limited to PDP members alone. Individuals from other political parties who initially joined this coalition have realised that the venture is ill-fated and their swift return is proof of this,” Damagum said.

    The Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said that the party sympathised with those, who out of impatient left the party, adding that the party door was still opened for them to return.

    “This is not time for calling names. This is not time for abuses .

    “We sympathise with those who became impatient and left but certainly they will understand and we will still leave the door ajar for them to come in when they wish to, within a time limit.

    “We will not continue to condone indiscipline in this party, because indiscipline is what brought us these challenges.

    “Definitely, the party has shown resilience, and the governors are going through a lot of challenges, just like the NWC.

    “We will continue to express confidence in the organs of the party,” he said.

    Mohammed commended members of the party’s NWC, who had shown magnanimity by agreeing to go earlier before the end of their tenure .

    “They have shown that at least they are with us and we should always appreciate that, because if everyone becomes dogmatic, we are not going to where we want,” Mohammed said.

  • PDP announces date, venue for national convention

    PDP announces date, venue for national convention

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed the party’s elective national convention to elect new national officers for November 15 and November 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The NEC disclosed this in a communique issued after its 101st meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who read the communique said that the PDP national chairman and national secretary had been directed to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the national convention.

    “Accordingly, NEC approved the membership composition of the National Convention Committee as well as the membership composition of the National Convention Zoning Committee to ensure a successful, transparent and credible elective national convention,” he said.

    Ologunagba further stated that NEC also directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to take immediate legal action to recover the seats of all serving members of the National and State Assemblies elected on the party’s platform but who had defected to another political party.

    “By virtue of the self-executory provisions of Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), such defectors have irredeemably lost their seats, there being no division or merger with regard to the PDP.

    “The NEC expresses serious concern and frowns at the reported participation and involvement of some party members in the activities, meetings and gatherings of another political party.

    “The NEC calls on these members to reconsider their actions and show loyalty and commitment as members of the PDP, especially as the law does not permit membership of two political parties at the same time.

    “The NEC reassures such members of the successes recorded so far towards addressing their concerns on issues relating to our Party,” he said.

    Ologunagba added that the NEC re-assured party members and Nigerians that PDP remained a strong, united and focused political party, repositioned to effectively play its leading opposition role in galvanising all efforts toward rescuing power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

    He also disclosed that the NEC’s  102nd meeting had been fixed for Aug. 25.