Tag: primaries

Just In: Abaribe withdraws from Abia guber race, says process is a charade

Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe has pulled out of the Abia PDP guber primaries saying that the process is a charade.

TheNewsGuru.com reports this was contained in a statement simply titled: ‘Notice of Non-Participation in the Abia PDP Gubernatorial Primaries.

According to the minority leader, the last couple of weeks has been tortuous as we battled hard to navigate our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) away from a self-destructive path.

He said: “The essence was to create an unfettered democratic space and a level playing field for all aspirants vying for all elective offices in the state, to participate equally in the primary elections.

“That was not the case and of course what we are witnessing is a shambolic process driven by a procured court injunction.

“To make matters worse, the use of only an imaginary 3-man Adhoc delegates to the exclusion of the party’s statutory delegates in the primary elections to elect our candidates even when INEC the nation’s electoral umpire, has unequivocally stated that no congress held in Abia State for that purpose, has no doubt put the party and her candidates in a quagmire.

“The implication for our party is grave and as such has put all ongoing primary exercises on quick sand.

“I am known for standing firm in defence of my convictions for the right of all people to a free and fair democratic process. That was why my campaign set sail on a democratic journey that took us to all the nooks and crannies of our dear state. We covered all the local governments and we could see the enthusiasm on the faces of our people who are desirous of change to a progressive government with a human face.

“We committed human and material resources, preaching the “Rise Up Abia” message for the total emancipation of our State from the drudgery of imposition and godfatherism, which has seen the state at the lowest wrung of infrastructural, human and material development index among the states of the federation.

“Our people were and are indeed fired up for a new lease of life that will be brought about by a people’s government.

“There was no doubt that Abians are tired of being subjected to being the butt of jokes and ridicle from their peers, particularly those from the contiguous states that were hitherto far behind Abia State in the development index in the time past.

“That was the narrative we sought to change when the campaign took off.

“Unfortunately, the ugly developments ignited by a rapacious ambition to maintain the wicked governance status quo of imposition and godfatherism have aborted this quest in PDP.

“Accordingly, I Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe will not be part of this charade.

“I am therefore withdrawing from the exercise, which means that I will not be part of the PDP governorship primary election that holds in Abia State on Wednesday 25th of May, 2022 as doing so would have amounted to endorsement of an illegality that is already being challenged in the courts.

“I therefore, ask all our people, our teeming supporters and Ndigbo to remain calm, keep the faith and wait for the new direction, which will be announced very soon.

“What is important is that the campaign to liberate Abia State would surely assume a new dimension. The time is now.

“Thank you for always being there for me and the campaign. Together we shall triumph.

May 25, 2022
Primaries: Gunmen kill PDP chairman in Edo

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 5 in Oredo local government area of Edo state, Tunde Igbinoba, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen.

The PDP chieftain was reportedly killed on Monday by unknown gunmen at the venue of the party’s primaries.

It was learnt that the PDP conducted both State House of Assembly and Federal House of Representatives on Monday across the 36 states and FCT.

Details of the incident were sketchy as of press time, but sources said that violence broke out following a heated argument over the validity of the delegates’ list to be used for voting in the constituency, which resulted in sporadic shootings.

May 23, 2022
Just In: Reps shift resumption to June 7 over primaries

The House of Representatives has moved the resumption of plenary to June 7 due to the ongoing party primaries across the country.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, on Monday in Abuja.

The House had initially adjourned sitting to May 23, to enable members participate in primaries after an emergency sitting on May 11.

“I am directed to inform all Honourable Members, staff, media and the general public that due to the ongoing party primaries, the House will now resume plenary on Tuesday, June 7, at 11:00 a.m,” he said.

May 23, 2022
2023: Again, PDP NWC adjusts dates for primaries

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has adjusted the dates for the primaries ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Hakeem Amode, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos.

According to him, the new date of the party’s primary elections for the State Houses of Assembly and the House of Representatives seats is now May 22.

Meanwhile, the primary for the Senate remained May 23.

He urged the party members and members of the public to take note of the new dates.

The party had, before the latest adjustment, put its House of Assembly primary for May 21 while the House of Representatives was fixed for May 22.

Meanwhile, the earlier adjusted dates of the primaries for the senate and governorship earlier scheduled for May 23 and May 26 were not tampered with in the new adjustment.

The party’s presidential primary has been fixed for May 28 and May 29.

May 20, 2022
APC fixes date for submission of nomination forms

The All Progressives Congress (APC)has fixed Friday, May 13, as deadline for the submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms by aspirants vying for elective positions in the 2023 general elections.

This is contained in the APC adjusted schedule of activities for the 2023 general elections released on Thursday in Abuja.

It stated that sale of forms would now close on May 12, while screening for aspirants for State House of Assembly, Governorship, House of Representatives, Senate and Presidential poll would hold from May 24 to May 25.

The party said that publication of names of those who scaled the screening would be on May 16, while Congresses to elect local government, state and national delegates would take place from May 16 to May 17.

It added that screening appeal for State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and Governorship aspirants would take place on May 18.

The APC said that screening for presidential aspirants would hold on Monday, May 23, while Governorship primaries would take place on May 20, State House of Assembly, May 22, House of Representatives, May 24 and Senate May 25.

It said that election appeal for Governorship would hold on May 21, State House of Assembly, May 22, House of Representatives May 25 and Senate May 27.

The APC said that its special convention for presidential primaries would hold on May 30 and June 1 as earlier announced.

May 12, 2022
Court orders accelerated hearing in suit seeking to stop PDP primaries

The Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing into a suit seeking to stop the forthcoming presidential primary elections of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice Donatus Okorowo gave the order on Tuesday while ruling on an application for abridgement of time argued by Mr Paul Erokoro (SAN) on behalf of the plaintiff, Mr Cosmos Ndukwe.

Justice Okorowo held that time was of the essence in the matter and that it would be in the interest of justice for the suit of the plaintiff to be fully determined before the May 28 date of the primary election.

The judge asked the PDP, it’s National Chairman, Mr Iyorchia Ayu and the National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu to file their responses to the suit against them within four days.

The judge fixed May 18 for adoption of final addresses in the suit saying a date for judgement would be fixed immediately after the adoption of addresses.

Erokoro had in the application pleaded with the court to abridge time for the suit of his client to be expeditiously heard.

The defendants, however, opposed the application for abridgement of time and accelerated hearing, claiming that there was nothing urgent about the case of the plaintiff.

Mr Mahmud Magaji, (SAN), representing the PDP said that the plaintiff had nothing to lose if the party went ahead with the scheduled presidential primary.

He said this was because the action of the party could also be nullified by the court if found to be taken on faulty steps.

They argued further that It would be unfair to give the plaintiff 14 days to file the suit but reduce their own time of response.

The defendants also said that abridging their time would amount to ”tying their hands to the back” while expecting them to respond.

In his submission, Mr Kalu Agu, counsel to the 3rd defendant (Anyanwu) claimed that it would not be in the interest of justice for the court to abridge time when his client was yet to be served with the suit.

Ndukwe had on April 28 filed an ex parte application for an order of injunction restraining the PDP from proceeding with its scheduled primary election.

He said the May 28 primary election should be put on hold pending the hearing and determination of his suit challenging the position of the party on the issue of zoning the party’s presidential ticket.

Ndukwe, himself a presidential aspirant said his suit was based on the alleged refusal of the party to zone the presidential ticket of the party to the South East geo-political zone.

May 10, 2022
APC primaries: My chances incredibly high and I will win – Bola Tinubu

National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu and one of its presidential aspirants has expressed confidence in winning the presidential ticket of the party.

TheNewsGuru reports that Tinubu made the statement shortly after he interacted with delegates of the party on Sunday in Jalingo.

He explained that his chances of winning the presidential ticket of APC were on the very high side due to his political pedigree.

According to him, my chances of winning the ticket are incredibly high and I am very confident. I am sure I can and I will win it,’ he said.

Tinubu in his response to the option of a consensus arrangement by the party, said he preferred a process of democracy to choose who became the APC flag bearer.

“I want democracy, I am voting for democracy, One man, one vote,’ he said.

May 8, 2022
2023 Presidential Primaries: Don’t waste your votes, Amaechi tells APC delegates [PHOTOS]

With the swelling number of presidential aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC), frontline Presidential aspirant, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has advised party delegates to vote wisely and not to waste their votes at the upcoming presidential primary.

Addressing delegates in Edo State, weekend, Amaechi urged them not to be carried away with the bevy of aspirants from the ruling party, but to stay focused on the goal of voting a credible, experienced and performing aspirant like himself to fly the party flag at the 2023 presidential elections.

He said, “Politicians will come to ask for your votes, but please, as South South people, as politicians, as good people of Nigeria, don’t waste your votes. The problem with politicians is you. The elites have shown you that they are here to ‘chop money’ and you allow them. They will bring money here and say you should vote for them, and nobody will care to ask ‘what was he before now, what is his performance?’ The economy they want to come and manage, how have they performed?

“Ask me as Minister for Transport, I’m working hard to make sure that Lagos-Calabar rail line begins and it will come through Benin. I can account for my part. So when those in charge of the economy come to you for votes, ask them how they have managed the economy. As I’m here, ask me. If you ask these kind of questions, they will not come forward. Me, I come with experience, let them come with that experience. I come with the experience of being a Speaker for eight years and I managed my colleagues without being impeached. First time in the history of Nigeria that a Speaker will serve for eight years without being impeached. It was me. And I was Chairman, Speakers Forum, twice. You understand what it means to manage your equals? I was elected Chairman of Governors Forum, twice. If I didn’t manage the Governor’s Forum well, would my colleagues have voted for me?” He asked.

Presidential Aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, addressing Party delegates in Benin, Edo State, weekend.

Amaechi also harped on the importance of having an electable candidate on the ballot for the APC to win the presidency.

“The electability of a candidate is essential for you, if not, the APC will lose the election. For now, I think I’m the most electable. I’m tried, tested and trusted,” Amaechi said, adding that he has a wealth of experience and history of project delivery to show, from his time as Governor of Rivers State and now as Minister of Transportation.

He said, “if they ask me, I have huge evidences, Model Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, Primary Health Care Centres, Hospitals, Roads, 750 megawatts of power in Rivers State. Children were sent overseas to study, 13,200 teachers were employed, and other achievements as Governor. As Minister for Transportation, I finished the Kaduna-Abuja rail, Lagos-Ibadan is running. For those of you who say, ‘what has he done in the South South?’ There’s Warri-Itakpe rail line, only two communities are in Kogi, the rest are in Edo and Delta. States. We have started Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail, and we will start the Lagos-Calabar rail. So when they say ‘he has not done anything in the South South,’ are they saying Delta and Edo are not part of the Niger Delta? So I have evidence of what my contributions are to APC and to Nigeria. I can account for the period I have been in office. So if they bring money, you take it, but let us rise, vote right and defend our votes.”

Amaechi was also at the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 2, who told the Minister that he would have been surprised if he wasn’t running, as he is well positioned to lead the country.

“If you didn’t come out, we would have been surprised. We have heard you, we have been watching all you have been doing as the Minister of Transportation. We commend you for what you have done for the railway lines, but the security agencies need to be involved considering what happened the last time on Abuja-Kaduna railway line. Benin throne is non-partisan, however, we endeavor to follow our ancestors directives to guide and pray,” the Oba said.

May 8, 2022
BREAKING: Deadline for primaries will not be extended – INEC tells political parties

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has again warned political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections that deadline for primaries will not be extended.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports INEC made this known on Thursday in a statement released by Festus Okoye, a National Commissioner in the Commission and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee.

Recall that on 26th February 2022, INEC released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2023 general election, which provides for parties to conduct their primaries for the nomination of candidates from 4th April to 3rd June 2022.

“In compliance with section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, all 18 political parties have served the required notices indicating the dates for their conventions, congresses, and primaries for the purpose of nominating candidates for various elective offices as specified in the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“Some of the parties have already commenced the process for which the Commission has deployed staff to monitor the exercise as required by law.

“Given the importance of the exercise to the emergence of candidates for the various elective positions for the 2023 General Election, it is imperative to remind political parties that they have one month from today to conclude their primaries.

“The deadline remains Friday 3rd June 2022. While urging the parties to ensure rancour-free and transparent exercise, the Commission reiterates that the deadline is firm and fixed.

“Nominations for Presidential and National Assembly elections shall be submitted through the INEC web portal from 10th to 17th June 2022 while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly nominations shall be submitted between 1st and 15th July 2022.

“Political parties are further reminded that they must submit to the Commission the list of candidates who must have emerged from valid primaries.

“The Commission will continue to work with political parties to ensure fidelity to the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the timelines for all the activities contained in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election,” the statement reads.

May 5, 2022
2023: No going back on date for party primaries – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said there is no good back on the date for political parties to conduct primary elections ahead of the 2023 general elections.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Professor Mahmood Yakubu made this known on Wednesday at a press conference at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In his text of address, Yakubu revealed that ten political parties have served notices to the Commission for the conduct of their primaries.

“The Commission wishes to reiterate that the dates for all activities in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election, including the conduct of party primaries, are firm and fixed.

“Already, ten political parties have served notices to the Commission for the conduct of their primaries. With 52 days to the last day for the conduct of primaries (i.e. 3rd June 2022), political parties are once again admonished to adhere strictly to all dates in the Timetable, including the nomination of their candidates via the INEC web portal.

“Such nominated candidates must emerge from valid primaries as provided in Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022. This is necessary to avoid the unhappy consequences of any breach of the Commission’s Timetable or the Electoral Act,” the INEC Chairman stated.

TNG reports Yakubu as saying permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) are now ready for collection for persons who registered in the first and second quarters of the continuous voters registration (CVR) exercise.

April 13, 2022