Tag: SDP

2023 Presidential Election: Tinubu to announce defection to SDP soon -Sources reveal

Ahead of APC Primaries, there are indicatons that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would decamp to the Social Democratic Party, SDP, soon.

“Reality is dawning on Asiwaju Bol Ahmed Tinubu that a surprise might erupt in the forth coming primaries of the All Progressives Congress and to forestall the unthinkable, the strong man of Lagos politics had prepared a ‘plan b’ for himself, to enable him actualize his age long dream of becoming the president of Nigeria, come 2023,” inside sources said.

There have already been reports that certain prominent members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet are opposed to Tinubu’s presidential ambitions and have urged the president against supporting the embattled APC leader.

TheNewsGuru.com gathered that Tinubu’s decision to join the SDP was sparked by a recent revelation as well as the outcome of yesterday’s meeting with other presidential candidates in the South West.

There were also speculations that Tinubu may have also influenced the announced defection of Abdulmumin Jibrin his Campaign Group Director General.

“I have done my best for APC; it is time to move on. By the grace of God, I will announce the new party I will be joining in 24 hours. More information will be forthcoming,” he said.

Despite the fact that Jibrin is yet to announce his next political party, his defection increased rumors about Tinubu’s likely defection, which “is happening sooner than we imagined,” according to insiders.

To be or not to be, Tinubu’s purported defection has now dominated discussion in several quarters, especially after none of the aspirants agreed to the subject of a consensus candidate when it was raised by one of the conveners during yesterday’s meeting of South West Presidential ticket contenders.

However it was learned that Tinubu intended to test the waters with the governorship race in Ekiti on June 18, 2022, he had to move up his tactics due to the reluctance of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to modify the Presidential primary timetable.

INEC in a press statement had insisted that the Commission would on no account shift the deadline originally announced for primaries and this has thrown political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling APC in a state of disarray ever since.

May 8, 2022
Agunloye resigns as acting national chairman of SDP

Dr Olu Agunloye says he has resigned as the acting national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and become the national secretary of the party in the country.

Agunloye, who made the disclosure in a phone interview in Akure on Wednesday, explained that his resignation was not due to his suspension by the party at the state level.

He stressed the move was to strengthen the party’s chances ahead of the incoming general election in the country.

Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel, was suspended by the Ondo State chapter of the SDP in a letter dated March 28, over alleged anti-party activities.

In the suspension letter, Agunloye was accused of bringing non-party members into the party to cause confusion and disturb the functions of the party executives at both state and local government levels.

The party stated that Agunloye was suspended from his ward (ward 10) in Akoko North-West Local Government area of the state, following a resolution of the ward executives.

According to him, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party met on March 22 and announced that all positions that are zoned to the South are now zoned to the North.

“So, there is no big deal about swapping in the party because the presidential aspirant is coming from the South. In fact one of the leading aspirants is coming from Ondo State.

“It is not politically expedient to allow the presidential candidate to come from the South and the national chairman also from Ondo State, which is part of the South.

“And for me, to do so without commotion is to resign my position as a national chairman of the party.

“As I am speaking to you, I’m sitting on my desk that I used when I was the acting national chairman but now, am the national secretary,” he said.

Agunloye, who described his suspension as “mischievous and an action of some people that had no locus”, said they were doing so “because he was making waves in Nigeria”.

According to him, “as at the time they claimed I have been suspended, I was presiding over a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of the party.

“The suspension is just the action of some of the people that have no locus because if the party allows their suspension, nobody will be chairman anymore, because some people can just sit down and suspend the national chairman.

“They are frustrated people and we will not provoke them the more but if they take it away from political rascality to crime, we would curtail them,” he said.

April 27, 2022
Group speaks on Tinubu’s alleged plan to defect to SDP

The Nigeria Diaspora for Asiwaju (NDA), has refuted social media reports alleging that Sen. Bola Tinubu, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Dr Akin Badeji, Director-General, NDA, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the two-term former governor of Lagos State has no such plan.

He said that Tinubu remained the national leader of the APC and was focused on his consultation across the country to seek support from Nigerians and critical stakeholders of the party, ahead of 2023 poll.

“The attention of NDA has been drawn to an unsubstantiated report making the rounds on social media that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, leader of the APC is set to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“The news report is fake, baseless and should be regarded as such. It is nothing but an imagination of those who planted it,”the NDA Director-General said.

He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians and APC members especially to ignore the fake news on steroids.

He called on Nigerians to continue to support the APC and the presidential ambition of Tinubu, saying he was the right man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 after the completion of his tenure.

April 12, 2022
Ekiti: Fayemi’s aide resigns, to support Segun Oni

Mr Olaiya Kupolati, Senior Special Assistant on Electoral Matters to Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, has resigned.

In a letter dated March 23, addressed to the Secretary to the State Government in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, Kupolato said his resignation took effect from March 30.

Kupolati said he has also defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), on whose platform he aspired to contest for the state House of Assembly seat.

He said he will formally join the SDP at his ward in Iye Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Kupolati said that his resignation was in line with the provisions of the new Electoral Act.

He appreciated the governor for giving him the opportunity to serve the good people of Ekiti state.

“I perceive former Gov. Segun Oni as the best man for Ekiti after Fayemi at this trying time and I am ready to support him.

“The former governor is a man of the people. A man of integrity, with unblemished records.

“He has a better pedigree. He performed very well while in office in his first term, so he deserves a reelection by every standard.

“I am also following the trend in town, especially my people in Ilejemeje, they are totally for Segun Oni and as a good leader and community person, I don’t want to work against the wish of my constituents,” he said.

Kupolato said that it would be a gross betrayal of trust, if he work against the wish of his people, in the June 18 governorship poll.

March 24, 2022
2022: Political parties in Osun sign peace treaty ahead guber poll

Ahead of the July 16 guber election, political parties in Osun State have signed a Peace Accord, vowing to eschew any form of uprising capable of truncating the poll.

The treaty was signed at an event held on Thursday, at police headquarters in Osogbo in Osun state.

The political parties that signed the treaty include the representative of the All Progressives Congress, APC, PDP YPP, LP, SDP and others.

Osun Commissioner of Police, Wale Olokode who was represented by his Deputy, Kanayo Val, said it is important to put all political parties and other stakeholders on their toes on the need to abide by all rules and regulations guiding the conduct of peaceful, credible and violence-free elections.

He explained that, “we are all aware that the governorship election in Osun will take place in July this year and political parties have begun necessary and required preparations for the process.

“In accordance with the time table released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the Osun Governorship election, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, build-ups to the election would begin February 15, 2022.

”The notice also indicated that February 16 to March 12, 2022 is fixed for political parties to conduct their primaries and resolve disputes that may arise from them while April 17, 2022 is the official date for the commencement of campaigns by parties”, he stated.

He added that political activities, party primaries, consultation visits, campaigns and other are legal so far they are within the confine of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The police boss however, enjoined all political parties and groups to play the game by the rules and allow themselves and their activities be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act.

He said, ‘ I advise politicians and other members of the public who may be supporting political parties to always formally inform the command before embarking on processions, assemblies, campaigns or rallies in order to make necessary security arrangement that would prevent any breakdown of law and order.

”I want to assure all political parties of a free level playing ground before, during and after the election. I also want to assure the entire people of the state that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring security of lives and properties before, during and after the election period”.

February 17, 2022
Just In: Fmr Ekiti Gov, Oni finally pitches tent with SDP

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni has finally joined the Social Democratic Party, SDP in Ekiti to contest the June 18, 2022 guber race.

Oni, revealed this in a chat with the Private radio, Voice FM 89.9, Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.

He said he is finalising discussions with the national leadership of SDP to get the governorship ticket.

The runner up of the just concluded Ekiti State governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) revealed that after thoroughly finalising discussions with the SDP national leadership will be declared open.

Oni said that his decision to dump PDP for SDP was hinged on the alleged manipulation that characterised the just- concluded party’s governorship primary, which produced Otunba Bisi Kolawole who is believed to be the preferred aspirant of Ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The former Governor is expected to lead his followers across the 177 wards in the State to SDP on Saturday.

Oni said “ the decision was informed by the undemocratic manner the just concluded governorship primary was conducted by Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel to favour Ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose’s anointed aspirant.

“So, the opposition PDP that proud itself as the most democratic political party in Africa is not yet ready to change its usual ways of imposition and godfatherism”.

February 16, 2022
SDP suspends secretary in Kogi

The Kogi State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Friday suspended its Secretary, Mr Arome Okeme, for absconding from the state to Guinea Bissau.

The State Party Chairman, Mr Muktar Atima, announced the suspension during a press conference in Lokoja.

Atima expressed the party’s displeasure over the sudden disappearance of Okeme from the state and party activities for over a year now without any explanation.

According to him; “we learned that Okeme has been in Guinea Bissau for over a year now, an absence, which has gravely affected us as a political party.

“The absence of our secretary from the country for over a year has negatively affected the smooth running of the party and created a huge lacuna.

“We have no option but to suspend him and replace him to enable us to move forward.

“The party leadership has replaced the suspended secretary with Mr Musa David-Chubiyojo, after an emergency State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, Jan. 27, in Lokoja,” he said.

On the new national leadership of the party, the chairman said, “Today, we wish to pledge our unalloyed support to the leadership of Dr Ishaq Abdul Ahmed and Engr. Simon Adeshina as National Chairman and General Secretary respectively.

He disclosed that the Kogi State Chapter of the SDP on Friday passed a vote of confidence on the national leadership and its plans to take the party to greater heights in the country.

The SDP Chairman described the state chapter’s support to the new National leadership of the party as “the right decision” capable of putting the party in good stead ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He said, “We are seriously preparing for the forthcoming general elections and very happy with the Leadership of our party at the national level.

The chairman called on party Members and supporters to give the state leadership the maximum cooperation and support toward leading the party to victory in the 2023 general elections.

January 29, 2022
Anambra 2021: SDP guber candidate promises to end social ills

Dr Obinna Uzo, candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the Anambra governorship election on Nov. 6, said that his administration will end the prevailing insecurity in the state if elected governor.

Uzo said this during a town-hall meeting oraganised by the SDP state party chairman, Chief Cyril Chinwuba, in Awka on Sunday.

He urged the SDP stakeholders from the 326 wards of the 21 local government areas of the state that his administration will be guided by the party’s philosophy.

Uzo said that the SDP is the only political party in the state that have a genuine programme that is targeted at uplifting the indigents.

He said that he wants to do things differently in Anambra. With the party ideology, all sectors of the economy will be structured to benefit everybody in the state.

“I have a plan to restructure the core areas of focus in the state to ensure quality and affordable schools, markets, health centres, roads. security and Agriculture amongst others,” he said.

Uzo said that all forms of criminality would be checked through empowering the poor to be gainfully engaged either in trading, agriculture and through skill acquisition.

He stated that he first contested for the governorship of Anambra in 2003; that time I contested against Dr. Chris Ngige, Mr. Peter Obi, and, some others.

He said that the zeal to develop the state to a higher level keeps pushing him to rewrite the mistake of the past leaders.

“I have been in the act of philosophy over the years, building houses for the poor, the widows; awarding scholarships to indigents students, and empowering the youths, amongst others.

“I am in politics to improve the welfare of the poor; if we eventually emerge victorious on Nov. 6, which I am confident I will win because you people have been mobilising the grassroots, we shall rebuild Anambra.

Uzo said to have quick development like good road network would be built to promote economic growth and trade among communities and neighboring states.

“Youths would be empowered to fend for themselves and improve their welfare and so social vices and crimes like kidnapping, banditry, unknown gunmen, and other forms of criminality will vanish,” he said.

Uzo said that about 18 political parties had fielded candidates for the governorship election, and, urged the electorate to canvass for the success of the election.

“Time is now for all the party faithful to fish for voters so that SDP will come out on top.

“SDP has submitted about 6,068 party agents to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and, expressed optimism that if the election is conducted free and fair, he will win.

Earlier the party chairman, Chinwuba, encouraged the faithful to go back to their wards to preach SDP candidates to their friends and relatives and ensure victory at last.

Chinwuba urged the voters to come out on election day to vote and protect their votes by watching well to avoid exchange of votes by desperate politicians.

Mrs Uche Okpala, the woman leader of SDP, urged the women to come out and vote on the election day as security has been provided.

Okpala advised women to go look up their voters cards and keep them handy for the Nov. 6 election.

Mr Innocent Aroh, a party faithful, said that SDP have provided a good candidate for the election and urged them all not to loose focus.

Aroh said that election 2021 is peculiar and urged voters to stand strong on their belief that Uzo can deliver dividends of democracy to them.

In the same line, Dr Godwin Maduka, Accord party candidate, received over 100 members of APGA from Ogbaru council area of the state.

Dr Chris Opia led the delegation who decamped, citing APGA’s lack of internal democracy and bad leadership.

Opia said that he decided to join Accord because its candidate, Maduka, is God sent, what he has done in his Umuchukwu community as an individual speaks volume.

The election period is at its peak but would be gradually winding down by Thursday, Nov. 4.

November 1, 2021
2023: Why zoning of presidency is undemocratic – SDP

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has argued against zoning the 2023 presidency to a particular region of the country, stressing that it is undemocratic and should be discouraged.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chairman of SDP, Delta Chapter, Mr Oke Idawene made this position known on Tuesday in Abuja, saying that his party is opposed to zoning.

Idawene said the SDP was not for zoning but for competence, adding that it was time “we stopped regional tendencies“ in the country.

He said that Nigeria is one, saying that no matter the situation, the country would not disintegrate, adding that it would be great with the support of all and by God’s grace.

“Let us elect a leader who is a true Nigerian both in body, soul and spirit, so that at the end of the day, we can say Nigeria is going forward not backwards.

“Enough of us being a laughing stock, enough of retrogression, it’s time to move forward, SDP is anti- zoning, we believe in competence.

“For the Southern leaders, am from the South, if you want the presidency in 2023, I call on you to lobby, power is not given for free, it is taken, and it is a collective responsibility,” Idawene said.

He advised political leaders in the zone to leave their comfort zones and go up north to lobby, giving reasons why the south should produce the country’s next president come 2023.

Idawene, speaking with NAN, added that every Nigerian was qualified to run for the presidency irrespective of regions, ethnicity and religion.

On Nigeria’s unity, he appealed to all to support the unity and development of the country.

Idawene assured Nigerians that the country would not disintegrate, appealing to secessionists to stop the agitations and blood shedding.

“IPOB, I beg you to stop the killings, the South-East needs peace, no man runs from his house because there is trouble, let us all come together and sort Nigeria out, this should be seen as our responsibility,” he said.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for experimenting with electronic voting at the recently held Delta Isoko South Constituency 1 election.

“The Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) was used and there was no election rigging in that election.

“For the first time in Nigeria, I went for an election where until the election morning, the collation officers were not known, and the voting pattern was clear, there was no fictitious vote, and we had genuine votes.

“To this end, I think we should give INEC all the support for electronic voting and collation of election results.

“It is only then that we can get genuine leadership and know that Nigeria is tilting towards democratic tendencies” he said.

He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing INEC to do its job unhindered in the state.

Idawene called on politicians and in particular the National Assembly to support INEC to adopt electronic voting come 2023.

“And I want to say that we all owe it as a duty to stand behind INEC and re-write the narrative, so that at the end of the day, we will have a Nigeria where our votes count, where we can say we have a future ahead of us.

October 13, 2021
Donald Duke dumps SDP, returns to PDP

The former governor of Cross River State Donald Duke has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party.

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Caretaker Committee in Cross River State, Effiok Cobham, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing in Calabar.

When asked to confirm the speculations that the former Governor had returned to the party, he said, “Yes, he has registered.”

Duke earlier defected from PDP to the Social Democratic Party, where he contested the 2019 presidential election.

He was a two-term governor of Cross River between 1999 and 2007.

The former governor of Cross River State Donald Duke has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party.

May 26, 2021