TheNewsGuru

Tag: Peoples Democratic Party

  • 2027: Peter Obi hails Atiku, hints at LP, PDP merger

    2027: Peter Obi hails Atiku, hints at LP, PDP merger

    Peter Obi the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate has hinted on the possibility of a merger between the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Obi gave the hint while granting an interview on NoireTV-GlobalBlackTV, a YouTube news channel on Saturday.

    The Anambra based politician also hinted at the prospect of being supported as a Southeast candidate in the 2027 presidential election by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 flagbearer.

    While responding to the interviewer’s question, Obi expressed gratitude for Abubakar’s statement about potentially supporting him as a result of the South-East candidate. “I commend him and I’m grateful for his statements, especially where he said he will support me if it (the presidential ticket) goes to the South East,” Obi said.

    Obi has also made it known that his primary concern was not personal ambition or political maneuvering, but rather the well-being of Nigeria and its people. “

     “I’m not desperate to be president, I’m desperate to see Nigeria work, especially for the poor people because we have a lot of potential,” he stated.

    On the subject of a potential merger between the PDP and LP, Obi expressed openness to the idea, provided that the goal is to better govern Nigeria and unlock its vast potential. “If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly, unlock all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I’m for it,” he said.

    Obi clarified that he has no interest in mergers or alliances solely to secure power or win elections.

    “If it’s just a merger for election or state capture, I’m not for it or part of it, I don’t want to be part of anything like that,” he asserted.

    The former Anambra State governor stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among individuals and parties, but only if the objective is to build a better Nigeria.

    He said, “It might be at the party level, it might be at the individual level, might be at any level, but we must come together to be able to build a better Nigeria.”

  • Court adjourns Sowunmi’s suit against PDP until March 18

    Court adjourns Sowunmi’s suit against PDP until March 18

    The Federal High Court, Abuja has adjourned until March 18, the suit filed by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Mr Segun Sowunmi against the party for not convening a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting within constitutionally stipulated period.

    Sowunmi is before the court praying for an order compelling the party’s officials to convene a NEC meeting and a restraining order preventing the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) from further delays.

    The plaintiff is also asking the court to note that a party must obey its own constitution, saying that a party which disobeys its own constitution ought to be proscribed.

    At the resumed hearing of the matter on Monday, counsel to Sowunmi, Mr Anderson Asemota told the court that all parties in the suit had now been duly served.

    Asemota also told the court that he had received the counter affidavit from the defendants challenging the motion filed by the former Governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido to be joined in the suit.

    The lawyer said that he tried to file his response before the next adjourned date but it was not possible.

    He prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable him peruse the counter affidavit and respond appropriately.

    Since the defendants did not oppose the application for an adjournment, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon adjourned the matter until March 18 to hear all applications filed in the suit as well as the substantive matter.

    Speaking to newsmen, Asemota said that some of the grounds on which the defendants were opposing the motion for joinder were that Lamido was not a necessary party in the suit.

    They also claimed that Sowunmi alone was sufficient enough to handle the matter and that moreover, he was not a NEC member.

    Sowunmi dragged the PDP, its National Chairman and National Secretary, Mr Samuel Anyanwu and the National Organising Secretary, Mr Umar Bature to court seeking an order to compel them to convene a NEC meeting.

    Other defendants in the suit are the National Auditor, Mr Okechukwu Daniel the National Treasurer, Mr Ahmed Yayari and the National Youth Leader Mr Muhammed Kadade and INEC.

    He said he was insisting that the meeting be convene for the purpose of presenting the activities of the party from the date of the last NEC meeting.

    In the suit, the plaintiff is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd to 8th defendants by themselves or their servants, agents or privies from functioning or continuing to function or discharge the functions of their offices.

    This he said was until they called for or caused to be called and held, a meeting of the party’s NEC in total fidelity and obeisance of the party’s constitution.

    The plaintiff also wants the court to declare that by virtue of the provisions of Article 31(2)(d), 4 and 5 of the PDP constitution (as amended in 2017), he, as spokesman of the party during the last election is obligated and/or entitled to file the suit to give effect to the aims and objectives of the PDP and to ensure that the provisions of Article 7 of the PDP constitution are observed and respected by members and national officers.

    “A declaration that under and by virtue of the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of NEC of the PDP, the meeting of the NEC of the PDP at which the 1st to 7th defendants shall be present quarterly financial reports or income and expenditure of the party to the members of the NEC.

    “A declaration that, under and by virtue and the provisions of Article 31 (2)(4) and (5) of the PDP constitution and Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st to 7th defendants are obligated to call for or cause to be called and held quarterly or at the request of the one-third of members of the NEC of the PDP at which the defendants shall present quarterly reports containing the activities of the PDP to the members of the NEC”.

    He also wants the court to declare that the defendants are under obligation to call for PDP NEC meeting to present proposed guidelines and regulations governing the conduct of elections to the party offices at all levels and procedures of selecting party candidates for elective offices to the NEC members.

    “A declaration that, having failed, refused and/or neglected to call for meeting and held quarterly or at the request of one-third of members of the NEC of PDP in which the 8th defendant (INEC) ought to have been invited, the 1st to 7th defendants are in the breach and/or violation of the constitution of the party and the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022”.

    In an affidavit in support of the suit, the plaintiff averred that the last NEC meeting of the party was last convened by the sacked National Chairman of the party, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu on Sept. 8, 2022.

  • Edo Guber: New political strategy In Edo as Ogbeide-Ihama joins PDP contest

    Edo Guber: New political strategy In Edo as Ogbeide-Ihama joins PDP contest

    The contention for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the forthcoming governorship election has been shaken up with the emergence of Engr Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama as an aspirant and his endorsement by Edo South PDP leaders last Monday.

    Among the Edo South political leaders who endorsed him on Monday after a mammoth crowd received him at the Benin Airport were some of the leading political actors from Edo South putting to question the prospects of Asue Ighodalo, one of the major aspirants believed to be endorsed by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Among the leading Edo South political actors who have endorsed him are a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP, Hon Charles Idahosa, senatorial leader of the party, Hon Idehen Ebomoyi, Deputy State Chairman of the party, Harrison Omagbon, State Woman Leader of the party, Mrs Tes Sorae, former Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Esosa Amadasun, Mr. Martins Osakue among others.

    It is also commonly said that other Benin leaders including those outside the political space are supportive of an Edo South successor to Governor Obaseki on the claim that the outgoing governor was a prop from Lagos.

    The endorsement of the Edo South leaders it is believed is expected to shake the political dimensions as it could reset the contest putting Ighodalo who has been endorsed by some Edo Central leaders without ascendancy in Edo South where Ogbeide-Ihama is very popular.

    He became the first and so far only person to represent Oredo Federal Constituency twice in the House of Representatives in 2019 and is also believed to have strong political network through the Legacy Coalition that is weaved around PDP members who are in rivalry to Governor Obaseki.

    Though Chief Dan Orbih is yet to openly indicate his preference, the inclination of the Legacy Coalition is likely to suggest his possible preference for Ogbeide-Ihama, a prospect that could further give him strong inroads into Edo North and a respectable support in Ighodalo’s Edo Central.

    Expressing delight at the mammoth crowd that received him at the airport, the aspirant said:

    “What we are bringing is governance at its best. You can see the theme of my campaign is Edo New Vision. While we want to build on what is existing and commend those who have governed Edo State in the past, we also want to take it to another level, create a new vision that cuts across the divide in terms of education…How do we take it to be technological driven?

    How do we get our children to go with the global trend today. I am the bridge between the old and the young. I fit in as a youth and I am matured enough to govern the state.

    Speaking to party elders, he said:

    “I have the managerial experience and skills to be able to manage Edo State resources both human and resources to be able to drive development in Edo State that will satisfy you, your children and even those yet unborn. All these I have said, go home and think and you will know that who the cap fits is Ogbeide-Ihama,” he said before bowing in courtesy to the elders.

  • Rivers: I will not succumb to intimidation, blackmail – Governor Fubara

    Rivers: I will not succumb to intimidation, blackmail – Governor Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara has explained that he will never succumb to any kind of intimidation or blackmail.

    Fubara said the state is the people’s inheritance. Hence, he would protect and defend it from blackmail or any kind of pressure.

    The Ijaw born Governor gave this explanation during the quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt.

    The governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, were involved in a face-off over the political structure of the state.

    Recall that Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, had accused Fubara of neglecting the structure that brought him into power.

    The face-off between the duo led to an impeachment move against Fubara, but President Bola Tinubu intervened.

    However, speaking at the event, Fubara said: “Let us not forget that Rivers State is our collective inheritance, presently under my watch, to protect, defend and advance it as the governor.

    “I assure you that I will not fail in this responsibility, nor will I surrender our mandate and progress to intimidation, blackmail and deliberate sabotage.

    “I reaffirm my earlier statement and recommit myself to the path of peace as there is nothing to gain in a state of needless crisis.”

    Fubara said no society would thrive without peace and security.

  • SAD! PDP National Women leader is dead

    SAD! PDP National Women leader is dead

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the passage of the National Woman Leader of the Party, Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports PDP announced this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Sunday, October 29, 2023.

    The party stated: “Our hearts bleed! Our Party and Nation have lost one of our best and brightest. Prof. Effah-Attoe’s death is a huge blow not only to her family but also to the PDP, the academic community, the people of Cross River State and indeed the Nation.

    “Prof. Effah-Attoe was very brilliant, towering and magnificent in all spheres, but yet lived an exceptionally humble, pleasant, sociable, gracious, compassionate and loving life. She touched lives in many positive ways and made pivotal contributions towards the growth and development of our Nation.

    “She was a dedicated teacher, politician, author and fearless mobilizer who always stood for the truth; fought for justice, equity and fairness and gave her energy, passion and resources in the pursuit of the rights of women in Nigeria.

    “Over the years, as Commissioner for Education and later Commissioner for Information and Culture in Cross River State, member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, member of Governing Board of several Cross River State and Federal Government Agencies and Programmes; a University Professor and one of the most decorated scholars in Nigeria, she distinguished herself as an amazon with extraordinary intellectual capacity for leadership and national service.

    “As the National Woman Leader of our great Party, she brought in an uncommon intellectual aptitude into Party administration especially in mobilizing women for greater participation in politics and governance.

    “The PDP will always remember her tireless contributions alongside other PDP leaders in the effort to rebrand and strengthen our great Party in the build-up to the 2023 general elections in line with the mission to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation from misrule.

    “Prof Effah-Attoe’s death has left a huge vacuum in our Party but we take solace in the fact that she lived a devout Christian life, triumphed in her chosen path and left indelible marks in the service of the Nation and humanity.

    “The PDP commiserates with her immediate family, the people of Ikun in Biase Local Governnment Area of Cross River State, the Academic Community, the Cross River State Chapter of the PDP and the people of Cross River State.

    “Our Party prays to God to grant us all the fortitude to bear the loss; and to the faithful departed, an eternal rest in His bosom.”

  • Atiku Abubakar to address press following Supreme Court verdict

    Atiku Abubakar to address press following Supreme Court verdict

    The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has announced plans to address the press on Monday, October 30, 2023.

    This press briefing, scheduled to take place at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, is expected to cover critical national concerns.

    The decision to address the press comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Atiku’s appeal against the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), which upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 Presidential election.

    The official statement from the PDP, posted on their verified social media account, reads as follows:

    “The Presidential Candidate of our great Party, the @OfficialPDPNig, in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election and former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, @atiku will address a crucial Press Conference on issues of serious importance to the Nation.”

    In a recent Supreme Court ruling, the appeal filed by Atiku and the PDP against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was dismissed.

  • PDP confident in Supreme Court for election appeal

    PDP confident in Supreme Court for election appeal

    The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed confidence in the Supreme Court to deliver justice as it commences the hearing of the 2023 Presidential Election Appeal today.
    In a press statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, conveyed the party’s belief that the issues surrounding the February 2023 Presidential election will be granted a fair hearing through the Supreme Court.
    “Nigerians and indeed the whole world look forward to the Supreme Court for justice in the hope that the Court will apply the laws, including the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC Guidelines and Regulations in delivering substantial justice in the matter.
    “Nigerians are therefore optimistic in hoping that the Supreme Court will dispense substantial Justice according to law and fact in the Appeal,” the PDP spokesperson said.
    Ologunagba further expressed hope that the Supreme Court will use the PDP’s case to reaffirm the principle that the Judiciary is the ultimate refuge for the common man.

  • Abia Guber: Tribunal dismisses PDP petition, upholds Governor Otti’s election

    Abia Guber: Tribunal dismisses PDP petition, upholds Governor Otti’s election

    Abia State election petition tribunal sitting in Umuahia has upheld the election of the Governor Alex Otti.

    The tribunal dismissed three grounds of prayers brought by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Okey Ahaiwe against Otti.

    The tribunal which delivered the Judgement at about 1:20 pm, dismissed Ahaiwe’s case for lack of merit.

    Ahaiwe  challenged the declaration of Otti as the duly elected governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

    In his prayers through his Lawyer, Paul Ananaba, (SAN) Ahaiwe had urged the court to remove Otti and declare him the winner.

    The PDP candidate said the electoral victory of Otti did not conform with Section 77 of the Electoral Act, among other prayers.

    However, the tribunal threw away all the requests, for lacking in merit.

    Recall that the victory threw thousands of LP supporters who came from different parts of the State into spontaneous jubilation, as they danced in joy and celebration outside the Federal High Court complex.

    Meanwhile the tribunal is presently handling the case brought by Ikechi Emenike of the APC against Otti.

    Emenike is asking the tribunal to remove governor Otti, on the allegations that he did not resign his membership of the APC before joining the LP.

    The APC candidate in the March 18 guber election is also claiming that Otti’s name is not in the register of the LP when he contested the election.

  • Alleged certificate forgery: Nigeria now wears outlook of cheats worldwide, says Sowunmi

    Alleged certificate forgery: Nigeria now wears outlook of cheats worldwide, says Sowunmi

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, on Thursday zeroed in on the controversy trailing the certificate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the development portrays the country as a nation of cheats.

    Recall the PDP had claimed that Tinubu forged his credentials submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 election, a development which forced the party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to demand the Nigerian leader’s certificate from the Chicago State University (CSU).

    While Atiku had addressed the press on Thursday, doubling down on his claims about Tinubu’s academic records, Sowunmi wondered why INEC did not disqualify the former Lagos State governor over the development.

    “We have been de-robed,” he said on a national tv program on Thursday.

    “People in England are telling me now that nurses are going to have to do their nursing qualification examination because we have now become a nation of cheaters. Do you know why? We have now become a nation of duplicitous people.

    “Even in the backend of some countries, the governments are whispering behind our back,” he added.

    During the interview, he took a swipe at the stance of the CSU regarding the President’s certificate submitted to INEC. According to him, the American institution should bury its head in shame.

    “Must we now get to a position in the world where we are sending thousands of emails to one institution to ask for the same record that could have been produced?

    “Did you read the deposition? Even the school itself must bury its head in shame. The school has a right to say ‘This is totally the position we have and be unambiguous about it.’ They can’t write that the deposition in a manner.”

  • 2024: Things fast falling apart in Edo PDP, 5 months to primaries

    2024: Things fast falling apart in Edo PDP, 5 months to primaries

    …party chieftains draw battle line

    …vow never to allow another enemy occupy government house in 2024

    The situation in Edo Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is no longer at ease as the once reigning party in the heartbeat of the nation is fast falling apart barely five months to its guber primary.

    In this report, TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) will x-ray events of the last one week as chieftains of the party openly gave the state governor, Godwin Obaseki punches below the belt.

    Immediately governor Obaseki reconciled with his deputy, Phillip Shaibu and INEC announced its timetable for primary, it became crystal clear that Edo PDP maybe heading towards extinction as the battle itself is within the confines of the party.

    The structure of the party remains solidly in the hands of the chieftains who in the first place miraculously gave him a lifeline to return to Government House in 2020.

    The first salvo in this renewed battle was shot by the party’s scribe, Hillary Otsu who declared that the party will field a better and more credible candidate against Obaseki’s anointed aspirant.

    Otsu had said, Obaseki lacked the locus standi to pick a successor as whoever he has picked definitely will not be credible enough to deliver the state next year.

    He stated further that most of the candidates fielded by the governor during the 2023 general elections were unknown, therefore leading to loses in their various constituencies.

    “Legacy will nominate a Governor and Deputy of our choice, and PDP will become much stronger. Trust me, most of Gov. Obaseki’s closest political allies have echoed it that Edo State will never accept another stranger to govern its people.

    “Gov. Obaseki does not have the kind of goodwill needed to promote an unknown stranger in Edo State. When Oshiomole did it with him, Oshiomole had optimal goodwill and acceptance. If Edo people are given a choice today, they will vote against any candidate that Gov. Obaseki supports,” he said.

    He further explained that, “I stand to be corrected but all the candidates fielded by Gov. Obaseki during the 2023 general elections were unpopular and most voters in their various constituencies were also aware of the illegal processes which brought them.

    “So many of the voters who followed all that transpired leading the emergence of Obaseki’s candidates worked and voted against them and most PDP supporters opted to work against the illegal candidates by supporting other candidates.

    “That’s why you see that in many places they gave support to APC candidates and in some, to Labour candidates, leading to unprecedented victories for those parties. For example PDP has never lost Edo Central and South Senatorial seats before, while a Labour candidate swept the Edo South Senate seat, after leaving PDP for Labour just a few months to the election.”

    Barely 24hours after Otsu fired that missile, the image maker of the party, Vasco Ogie placed all guber aspirants on alert noting that the party was set to conduct a credible primary devoid of any rancour.

    In the statement he issued on Friday Ogie painted Obaseki in a picture that depicts a man who cannot be relied on as equity, fairness and justice are alien to him.

    He equally warned that nobody should be deceived as the governor does not have any legal authority to swear-in a governor as this is the sole right of the state’s Chief Judge.

    A party chieftain who spoke to TNG who is privy to most of the recent developments in the party said” Obaseki declared himself an enemy to those who offered him shelter when he was being beaten by heavy rain.

    “We never knew he was a friendly fox who will bare his fangs once given the privilege. We are all regretting it as this will be the last time PDP will give an enemy such a rare opportunity.

    “If we had abandoned him then, what would have been his fate, it’s a sad commentary but since he has drawn the battle line, we are equally ready to show him ‘sege’ renewed”.

    “Five months to our primary is just around the corner, we will prove to him that khaki no be leather.