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Tag: PRP

  • Mass defection hits PRP, ex-gov candidates join SDP

    Mass defection hits PRP, ex-gov candidates join SDP

    Former governorship candidates of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2023 general elections have announced their decision to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) .

    Those who defected are  Emiyare Etete (Rivers), Elder Chris Agu (Enugu State), Anthony Umeh (Anambra), Abdulkareem Mustapha (Kwara), and Capt. Ahmed Kaugama (Jigawa).

    Others are retired Capt. Ahmed Kaugama- Jigawa, Adam Idris, PRP House of Representatives candidate for Kaduna North  Federal Constituency, Kaduna State.

    NAN reports that the defectors were received by SDP National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam at the party national secretariat in Abuja.

    Gabam, who welcomed the defectors, assured them of total acceptance by the party, saying SDP needs people of like minds to rescue the country.

    “Our party is open and willing to welcome everyone without  any precondition.

    “If your interest is to build an institution, please join us as. The moment you join the SDP, you have equal rights like all off us here.

    “You can vie for any position of your choice without restrictions ,’’ he said.

    Gabam described SDP as a party ready to take over in 2027.

    “In SDP we are united, we are one force and one family. In SDP, there is no use and dump.

    “We follow the process, where there is need to harmonise, we harmonise efficiently and effectively so that we have a vibrant party,’’ Gabam said.

    He said that while the party National Working Committee (NWC) was open to receive genuine  people, it also has the antidote to deal with any member who wants to distabilise the party.

    “We are not afraid of crisis, we have gone through it before up to Supreme Court. So, we  have a system of dealing with notorious elements and agents of sabotage,’’ he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the former PRP Gubernatorial Candidates Forum, Makarfi Hayatuddeen, said that they joined SDP in a move to rescue Nigerians.

    “We did not leave the PRP because we were hungry. We believe that the SDP is a party that will lead Nigeria to where we have always aspired to see her among the committee of nations that will be held in high esteem.

    “This is a strategic realignment of progressive forces. We come  as comrades-in-arms, united by the urgency to rebuild our nation,’’ Hayatuddeen said.

    He called on Nigerian youths and women to join forces with the SDP by registering with the party.

    Party leaders at the occasion include the SDP National Secretary, Olu Agunloye and other NWC members of the party (NWC).

  • Governorship election: PRP flags off campaign in Edo

    Governorship election: PRP flags off campaign in Edo

    The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) on Tuesday in Benin officially flagged off its campaign for the Sept 21 governorship election in Edo. Dr Greg Igbinomwanhia, the State party Chairman urged the residents to rally support for the party. Igbinomwanhia emphasized PRP’s mission to bring good governance to the state.

    Among the dignitaries present are Mr Peter Okafor, National Vice Chairman of PRP, South East, and Elder Godwin Akpanedem, National Vice Chairman, South South. The party National Chairman, Mallam Bello Falolu said that the presence of national officers at the event, underscored the party’s commitment to the Edo governorship race.

    Falolu said that their presence signalled strong support for the local campaign efforts. Falolu, who was represented by Elder Godwin Akpanedem, called on party members and supporters to actively participate in the ongoing permanent voters card collection and the election. He expressed confidence that the party’s candidate, Patience Ofure-Key had the capacity to lead the state to a new era of prosperity.

    ”I urge you all to rally behind the party’s candidate to ensure victory for our great party, ” Falolu said.

    The event witnessed the official presentation of the PRP’s flag to Madam Patience Ofure-Key and her running mate , Abuomwande Ojo-Advice.

    The PRP flag bearer, Patience Ofure-Key expressed deep gratitude to the national body for the opportunity to represent the party. She stated that with the campaign now officially flagged off, the PRP was poised to challenge the status quo and deliver transformative leadership to Edo State.

    She outlined her three-point agenda of Integrated Human Capital Development, Economic Diversification beyond oil and gas, and Comprehensive Infrastructure Development.

    She promised to deliver her campaign promises, noting that Edo was in dire need of redemption. She, however, called on Edo people to vote wisely, stressing that there would be alleged consequences if the wrong candidate was elected.

    Ofure-Key promised that PRP led government would usher in a new era of prosperity, improved healthcare, better education, and industrialisation in Edo.

    Highpoint of the event was the Award of Excellence presented to Ofure-Key by the Association of Female Students of Edo State, led by its President, Alice Omoruyi.

  • Edo 2024: Patience Key emerges PRP governorship candidate

    Edo 2024: Patience Key emerges PRP governorship candidate

    Patience Key on Saturday emerged as the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate to fly the party’s flag in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

    Key was adopted by the party members and delegates in the primary election that took place at the PRP secretariat in Benin, and witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    In her acceptance speech, Key expressed her profound gratitude to the PRP for entrusting her with the monumental responsibility.

    She said that their confidence in her vision and capabilities was an honour and a call to action.

    “As we stand on the cusp of historic election, I am reminded of the immense responsibility that comes with this trust.

    “We envision an Edo state where economic diversification will fuel our growth in agriculture, technology and tourism.

    “We envision an Edo state where every child will have access to quality education and every citizen will have access to quality healthcare and economic opportunities,” she said.

    Key, who said the empowerment of women and Youth would be critical to her human capital development strategy, added that there would be an opportunity for women to participate in governance.

    She, however, promised to leverage on Diaspora expertise by tapping into the wealth of knowledge and expertise of the diaspora community to develop the state.

    According to her, “As we gear up for the governorship election, I call upon each one of you to stand with us.

    “Together, we can realise a vision of Edo State that is not only rich in natural and economic resources but also in the talents and potentials of its people,” she added.

    Patience Ndidi Key is a healthcare professional, an entrepreneur, a strategist and President, Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce.

    She was a former chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations, Americas (USA) and she hails from Igueben local government area of Edo State.

  • Edo 2024: I am in race to add value – PRP aspirant declares bid

    Edo 2024: I am in race to add value – PRP aspirant declares bid

    Madam Patience Key, a female aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), on Saturday formally declared her intention to run for the 2024 Edo governorship election in the state.

    Key, who announced her intention at the PRP secretariat in Benin, said she joined the race to add value to the state through collective engagement with the people.

    She disclosed that human capital development will be one critical area her administration would focus on to better the lives of every Edo citizen if elected.

    She said “human capital development is one critical area I will focus on. The human capital development will be by treating human beings right.

    “Still on human capital development, we will look at Education and build vocational skills which I call professional academy because in America, skills drive wealth.

    “My human capital development policy will start from when a child is born because that is when you shape them.

    “We need to build talents and create an enabling environment for Small businesses to thrive because business of government is to create enabling environment.

    “I will be running a model of government that would work with the private sector, SMEs to grow the Edo economy.

    The Aspirant said she wants a situation where there will be a little divide between the rural and urban economy in the state.

    Key, a former chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora, United States of America, noted that there was no reason to seek greener pastures abroad, adding that there are greener pastures here in Edo.

    “Edo gave me everything I needed to grow in life before I left for the United States. So there are greener pastures and enjoyment here too,” she added.

    Also Speaking, the State PRP Chairman, Dr. Greg Igbinomwahia, stated that Edo needed a change of Party, having been governed by APC and PDP without the desired development.

    According to him, Edo people have to take a position and vote PRP, the right party that will give the people hope.

  • PRP opens up on merger talks ahead of 2027 elections

    PRP opens up on merger talks ahead of 2027 elections

    The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) says it will only merge with political parties of the same disposition.

    National Chairman of the party, Mallam Falalu Bello said this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Bello, who said that the party stood on certain principles, said: “We won’t merge  unless the principles of the other political parties aligned with that of the PRP.

    “We have been a political party in Nigeria since 1979. We stand for certain principles and we are not going to merge with any party that doesn’t believe in what we believe in.

    “We are in the left of the spectrum, we are not in the right. We are who we are. We have remained consistent as a party.

    “We don’t believe in what they believe. We believe in alliances, we believe in mergers. We should merge or have alliances with people of likemind, not with everybody. Our party is the party of the future.

    “PRP will thrive. We are not against mergers neither are we against electoral alliances.

    “Electoral alliances in PRP is nothing. We have done it before. We will do it again but based on principles.”

    He further said  the party believed in true federalism which he said would solve the problem of ethnic agitations.

    “True federalism will solve the problem of this country to a large extent. As a political party, we believe in true federalism as a panacea for solving our socio-economic problems.”

    Bello also called for the amendment of the Electoral Act to eliminate all ambiguities surrounding the electronic transfer of election results.

    “The electoral process is still far from being perfect and still requires reform if democracy is to survive in Nigeria.”

    Also speaking, Mr Kola Abiola, PRP’sv2023  presidential candidate, said that “the merger you see today is the coming home of candidates.

    “Party members just came together, may be they are thinking of consolidating their votes in the next election.

    “There is a big difference. That’s not a merger of parties. That is a reabsorption of people you have lost in your party. It’s a big difference. There is no principle behind that at all.

    “That’s not an alliance. We are for mergers but the principles have to be aligned.

  • Fuel Subsidy Removal: FG’s palliative highly insulting to Nigerians – PRP legal adviser, Mahmoud Aliyu

    Fuel Subsidy Removal: FG’s palliative highly insulting to Nigerians – PRP legal adviser, Mahmoud Aliyu

    The National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Redemption Party, (PRP), Professor Mahmoud Aliyu, has noted that the palliative measures put in place by the federal government to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal is highly insulting to Nigerians.

    Aliyu made this comment at a media chat organized by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kwara State in Ilorin, on Friday.

    He said that FG should empower Nigerians to feed themselves rather than give palliatives to them which will only serve as a short-term solution.

    “The government needs to do the needful to allow them to have access to a good life, palliative is not the answer to our problems,” he declared.

    The PRP chieftain, who also spoke on the state of the nation also condemned the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS for attempting  to  use force to push out the Junta government in Niger.

    He charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure Nigeria first before attempting to secure Niger Republic.

    He said, “bandits invaded a village in Niger State days ago and killed at least four or five people while others were maltreated by the bandits and nothing has been done to secure the country.

    “It is morally, spiritually and politically wrong, the situation now in the country is pathetic and dangerous.

    He claimed the current ruling class has been recycling themselves since 1999 and have turned government into a barber’s chair, saying that money politics is now prevalent in Nigeria.

    “The Emilokan declaration at Abeokuta, in Ogun State, prior to the 2023 elections, marked the highest point of money politics in the country.

    The PRP legal adviser described the eight years of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a disaster in the country in the areas of insecurity, education, health and rule of law, amongst others.

    He described the PRP as the oldest political party existing currently in the country and the only party that could rescue the people out of the present socio-economic and political predicament with its socialist programmes.

  • Abdullahi Bayawo picks Kogi PRP governorship ticket

    Abdullahi Bayawo picks Kogi PRP governorship ticket

    Dr Abdullahi Bayawo has emerged winner of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) primary election for the Nov. 11 Kogi governorship poll.

    Bayawo  emerged winner of the the Party’s governorship primary election held in Lokoja understand supervision of Mallam Umar Onuja led 7 member of Indirect Mode Primary Election Committee.

    Onuja, who annnounced the result of the primary election, congratulated Babayo for emerging unchallenged for the Governorship ticket for the Kogi Nov 11 Governorship election.

    “While I congratulate Dr Abdullahi Bayawo over his emergence, I also thank the party leadership and the delegates for allowing us to have a free, fair, peaceful and transparent primary election.

    “It’s our expectation that after this process, we shall join hands and work together to ensure that the PRP emerge victorious in the governorship election come Nov. 11,” the committee chairman said.

    In his acceptance speech, Bayawo, who hails from Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi, called for synergy among the party faithfuls so as to ensure victory at the poll.

    The candidate, a retired Director from NDLEA, vowed to take Kogi State to the promised land if elected as the governor come Nov 11 by addressing essential and Thorny issues that have been neglected by the present administration.

    “Kogi has both human and natural resources, which when harnessed can turn around the futunes of the state as well as do away with poverty, deprivation and hardship.

    “Let’s team up together as a force, work tirelessly and take power through the ballot and salvage our people and our state this time around, ” Bayawo said.

  • 2023 elections: PRP denounces reported alliance with AAC

    2023 elections: PRP denounces reported alliance with AAC

    The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has said that the party is not in alliance with the African Action Congress (AAC).

    This was stated in a statement signed  by the party’s  Acting Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Mr Muhammed Ishaq, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

    “The attention of the PRP has been drawn to a comedy orchestrated and acted by the presidential candidate of the AAC, Mr Omoyele Sowore, in connivance with some elements that we are in political alliance with AAC which is far from the truth” he said.

    “We describe the purported mass mobilisation congress which the AAC claimed to have held in collaboration with our party as a  comedy which  deserves no attention of any  right thinking citizens.

    “The public should note that  PRP has debunked several times that it is not into any alliance with AAC or its presidential candidate,.”

    Ishaq further said that AAC was still living in illusion that it was in alliance with PRP, “a fantasy  that is never in touch with  reality”.

    “We  would like to use this medium to reiterate the fact that at no time has the PRP concluded an alliance with any candidate or any other political party, particularly the AAC.”

    He also said that the PRP was taking steps to legally deal with the persons who were hiding behind the its name to commit fraud.

    A newspaper had on Jan. 16, reported that Sowere attended “a massive AAC, PRP Town Hall in Kano.

    Sowere was at the event, quoted as saying that “our combination is the most powerful kinetic combination in the history of Nigeria”.

  • 2023: Abiola remains PRP presidential candidate – Court declares

    2023: Abiola remains PRP presidential candidate – Court declares

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, dismissed a suit filed by an aspirant, Madam Patience Key to challenge the emergence of Mr Kola Abiola as the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate.

    Justice Ahmed Mohammed, in a judgment, held that the suit was statue barred, hence, the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it.

    Justice Mohammed, who said the suit was a pre-election matter, said it ought to have been instituted within 14 days from the date of the occurrence of the cause of action in compliance with Section 285(9) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The judge agreed with the defendants that though the PRP presidential election was conducted on June 5, the plaintiff filed the suit on June 28, when the case ought to have been instituted not later than June 19.

    Mohammed held that though Madam Key raised weighty allegations against the conduct of the poll, which she alleged was marred by irregularities, vote buying, non-compliance with Section 84 of the Electoral Act and gross violations of the party’s guidelines for the conduct of primaries, he said these could not take preeminence over failure to file the case within time prescribed by law.

    The judge consequently dismissed the suit for lack of jurisdiction to hear it, having been statute barred.

    The plaintiff, Key, had, on June 28, sued PRP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Mr Latifu  Abiola as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

    Key, in her earlier originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1001/2022, had challenged the emergence of Mr Abiola as the party’s presidential candidate, among others.

    She had prayed the court to nullify the poll that produced Abiola as the PRP’s presidential candidate, among others.

    But in an amended originating summons granted by the court dated Aug. 31 and filed on Sept. 2, the plaintiff sought a consequential order setting aside the submission of Abiola’s name by PRP to INEC on June 15 as the flag,-bearer and presidential candidate for 2023 election on account of gross violations of the party’s guidelines for the conduct of primaries and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    She said the party was in breach of Section 84 (5)(b){i) and (ii) ot the Electoral Act 2022, INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Political Party Primaries, Article 5 (13(a)(i-ix) of the Constitution of the PRP’s Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates for the 2023 General Election,” among others.

    She argued that the presidential primary was conducted across the 36 states and FCT, against the provision of the Electoral Act which stipulates that primary should be conducted in one venue.

    Besides, Key averred that INEC did not monitor the June 5 presidential primary in breach of the law, citing previous case, Uche Nwosu Vs. APP, to back her argument.

    But in a consequential amendment of Abiola and PRP’s counter affidavits dated and filed on Nov. 5, the defendants argued that the suit was statute barred and belated.

    They also denied, contrary to Paragraphs 4a and 4b of the affidavit in support of the amended originating summons, that the party’s presidential primary election was held across the 36 states of the federation, but only at the Federal Capital Territory.

    They argued that INEC was duly notified about the exercise and it monitored the election conduct.

    Reacting in a telephone chat with NAN shortly after the matter, Madam Key said though she did not expect the judgment would go this way, she was, however, not surprised.

    She recalled that besides Justice Mohammed who determined the case, Justice Fadima Aminu had, at one time, heard the matter also.

    “Justice Fadima Aminu also heard the case and following our amendment she granted it, including cases cited by my lawyer in defence of our amended originating summons.

    “But Justice Aminu was removed from the case unannounced. She wasn’t even allowed to sit for the next hearing even though Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed was not back from his sudden vacation.

    “I want to encourage my team and supporters to be calm, stay happy and courageous.

    “We have not lost any battle,” she said.

    She said she would consult with her team of lawyers to know the next line of action.

    “I love Nigeria. I love the party I chose but I will not condone injustice. I will still be standing even if I am the only one standing.

    “And I am optimistic that we still have many good Nigerians who genuinely want the greatness of Nigeria. God bless my beautiful country, Nigeria,” she said.

    But Benjamin Ogar, counsel for the PRP, said he was elated with the outcome of the case.

    Ogar said the judge had just reiterated the well-known principle of law that would stand the test of time.

  • 2023: PRP denies collapsing into APC in Sokoto

    2023: PRP denies collapsing into APC in Sokoto

    The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Sokoto State has denied the assertion that the party has collapsed into the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

    The PRP governorship candidate, Alhaji Sa’idu Gumburawa, alongside other members of the party on Friday in Sokoto announced their official exit from the party to APC.

    Gumburawa, who was received by Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North), said all the candidates of the PRP and leaders at the state and local government levels had consented to the decision of the party to join APC.

    Addressing newsmen on Sunday in Sokoto, Malam Ibrahim Tudun-Doki, the PRP National Publicity Secretary, said the assertion was unfortunate and misleading.

    “PRP in Sokoto State is intact and the decision taken by the governorship candidate and two others came to our notice when we saw the report in the media.

    “This led to our emergency stakeholders meeting today to express our position regarding the governorship candidate’s exit.

    “As you are all aware, we are in a democratic system in which everyone has his own right, so we cannot deny anybody of his or her right.

    “But our party is intact in Sokoto, all the party leaders with the exception of the Vice Chairman and Sokoto East Senatorial candidate that joined the governorship candidate are with PRP.

    “Therefore, we want to inform the good people of Sokoto State that PRP is fully intact and will continue to pursue our mandate for the victory of our party,” he said.

    Tudun-Doki, who is also the PRP House of Representatives candidate in Gwadabawa/Illela Federal Constituency, said the state chapter would officially inform the National Headquarters of the party for possible replacements.