My Blog

Category: Politics Lite

  • PDP Summons Wike Over Anti-party Activities

    PDP Summons Wike Over Anti-party Activities

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged anti-party activities.

    Wike was summoned to appear before the PDP disciplinary committee.

    This was made known on Monday by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who disclosed in an interview with Channels TV that the former Rivers State Governor has been sent a letter to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee.

    Abdullahi added that Wike’s statement about “putting fire in their states” in reference to PDP governors is unacceptable.

    According to him, “Wike should be able to manage his words carefully; that was a very disappointing remark. We weren’t expecting him to say that, and we are not with him on that to be honest with you”

    Details later…

  • Its End of the road for the PDP, destroyed by the Acting Chairman, Damagun

    “We will talk about the commercialisation and privatisation of PDP. PDP is now once upon a time.” – Sen Dino Melaye

    Former outspoken Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has disclosed that three critical stakeholders entrusted with its upkeep have irredeemably destroyed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
    Speaking via his X account, Melaye accused PDP National Chairman, Iliya Damagum; the party’s Natioanl Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; and Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature of destroying the former ruling party.
    He also hinted at the commercialisation and privatisation of the party.
    According to Melaye: “End of the road for PDP as Damagum, Bature and Anyanwu irredeemably destroyed the party. We will talk about the commercialisation and privatisation of PDP. PDP is now once upon a time.”
    There have been indications that the PDP National Working Committee, (NWC) might sanction Damagum and the National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu for an alleged letter to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt.
    The letter was seen as an anti-party activity, and some party leaders, including members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) pushed for action against Damagum and Anyanwu.
    However, Damagum warned that nobody can intimidate him into resigning from his position.
    He said those calling for his resignation are only enhancing his popularity.
    Speaking at the inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, the acting chairman berated those spreading misinformation about NWC operations
  • 2027: Forget Re-election, North tells Tinubu

    2027: Forget Re-election, North tells Tinubu

    Several northern political figures and groups have expressed deep dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing him of neglecting northern interests and mistreating the politicians whose support helped him rise to power.
    These grievances range from concerns about governance and security to the perception that Tinubu has favored the Yoruba ethnic group in major government appointments at the expense of northern representation.
    Prominent northern leaders have pointed to the concentration of key positions, such as the Petroleum Minister, Finance Minister, Chief Justice of Nigeria, and others, in the hands of the Yoruba ethnic group.
    They argue that since Nigeria’s independence, no ethnic group has held such a large number of influential roles simultaneously.
    This perceived marginalization has fueled growing resentment within the northern political establishment.
    The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), a significant socio-political group in the region, has voiced regret over supporting Tinubu in the 2023 elections.
    According to Vanguard, Professor Usman Yusuf, a member of the NEF, reportedly lamented that Tinubu’s administration has led to “deception, destitution, and hopelessness” for many in the North.
    He said, “People have lost hope. It pains me to see our people lining up to collect cups of palliatives. Renewed Hope has turned into hopelessness. People have lost hope.”
    NEF Spokesman, Abdulaziz Sulaiman echoed these sentiments, promising that the North would not repeat the mistake of backing Tinubu in 2027.
    The North-East Governors’ Forum has also raised concerns, accusing Tinubu’s administration of neglecting their region, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and electricity provision.
    The forum’s chairman, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, highlighted the lack of road and rail connections between the South-East and North-East as a particular grievance.
    Recent meetings among northern political heavyweights, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir, El-Rufai and NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as visits by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to former President, Muhammadu Buhari, have further stoked speculation of a northern political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
    Although Atiku described his visit as a Sallah homage, many analysts view these moves as strategic positioning for the next presidential contest
  • I will not resign – Damagum, PDP Chairman  

    I will not resign – Damagum, PDP Chairman  

    Reacting to the outcry from concerned party members, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb Umar Damagum, has confidently stated that no one can pressure him into stepping down from his position.

     

    It is important to note that the PDP has been dealing with internal disputes both before and after the 2023 elections.

     

    Damagum has been repeatedly blamed by party members for contributing to the ongoing crisis.

     

    He said ” Let me send a message to everyone talking about Damagum this, Damagum that – I cannot be intimidated. The more you mention me, the more popular I become.”

     

    He mentioned that the criticisms only enhanced his popularity, and he is even considering running for the presidency due to this increased recognition.

     

    While speaking at the ongoing inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, chaired by Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Tom Ikimi respectively, Damagum expressed frustration with individuals who lack knowledge of the National Working Committee operations yet spread misinformation to the public.

     

  • Kogi Guber: Supreme Court Rejects Ajaka’s Appeal

    The Supreme Court has turned down the appeal filed by Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Yakubu Muritala Ajaka, concerning the recent Kogi State gubernatorial election.
    Ajaka had sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to delay its judgment while awaiting the outcome of his request for a full panel to review a specific issue raised in his appeal.
    Ajaka’s appeal, marked SC/CV/654/2024, aimed to overturn the rulings of both the Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which confirmed Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the November 11, 2024 election.
    During Monday’s hearing, Pius Akubo, representing Ajaka, stated that Ododo had expressed his concerns to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) regarding the appeal.
    Akubo requested the Supreme Court to revisit its prior rulings, especially concerning specific paragraphs in the appellant’s brief.
    However, the legal representatives for the respondents, including Kanu Agabi (SAN) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joseph Daudu (SAN) for Ododo, and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) for the APC, argued that the application was unnecessary and urged the court to proceed with the appeal as constituted.
    Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, leading the five-member panel, ruled that the issue for which Ajaka sought a full panel was only a part of the overall appeal. He affirmed that the current panel was competent to hear and decide the case.
    Justice Garba then instructed Akubo to continue with the hearing, while the respondents submitted their briefs, requesting the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the lower court’s judgment.
    Justice Garba adjourned the case, with the judgment date to be announced later.

  • Bayelsa Guber: Diri, PDP want Supreme court to dismiss Sylva, APC appeal

    Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal contesting his election by Timipriye Sylva and All progressives Congress, APC, in the Bayelsa gubernatorial poll.
    The respondents, represented by Chris Uche SAN, maintained that the appeal was devoid of merit and should be dismissed in its entirety as no witness or documents supported his request being made at the court.
    In the same vain, counsel to the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Tayo Oyetibo SAN and counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC represented by Charles Edoshomwan, also asked the Apex court to dismissal the appeal.
    In his response, counsel to the petitioner, Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, asked the court to set aside the judgments of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition and the Court of Appeal which had earlier dismissed his petition.
    Specifically, the former governor wants the court to invalidate the declaration of Diri by INEC as winner of the gubernatorial poll and declare him as the lawful winner of the election.
    The five-man panel of justices led by Justice Garba Lawal, after taking submissions of the parties, reserved judgment to a later date.
    On July 28, the Court of Appeal, affirmed the re-election of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.
    The judgement described the appeal brought before it by the All Progressives Congress(APC) and its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva as incompetent and abuse of court process.
    The appellate court, had in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel of Justices lead by Justice James Abunduga said it found no reason to dislodge the earlier judgement of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
    It held that the court below was right when it declined to nullify the outcome of the gubernatorial poll that held in the state on November 11, 2023.
    The Bayelsa Governorship petition tribunal, had on May 27, lead by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, dismissed as lacking in merit, the petition that was filed against governor Diri’s re-election by the APC and its candidate.
  • Edo Guber Poll: INEC releases date for distributing PVC

    Edo Guber Poll: INEC releases date for distributing PVC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Edo State has fixed August 22–30 for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.
    Timidi Wariowei, INEC’s Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Benin.
    Wariowei said that a five-day collection of PVCs would take place at the ward headquarters from August 22 to 26.
    He said the exercise would move to the INEC local government council offices for another three days, from August 28 to 30.
    “The commission implores all those who registered or did transfers to present themselves at the aforementioned locations and collect their PVCs. There is no PVC collection by proxy,” Wariowei said.

  • Edo Guber: Play by the rules,CSO appeals to INEC, Others

     

    By Daniel Michael, Abuja

     

    A coalition of civil society organizations, led by the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, has urged stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Edo State come September 21.

     

    The group, with mandate to observe pre- and post-election activities emphasized the importance of impartiality and neutrality  by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and law enforcement agencies.

     

    The Director General of the Centre, Dr Nwambu Gabriel, called for the issuance of Permanent Voters Cards to all eligible electorates, refrain from harassing law-abiding citizens, and upholding the principles of equity, fairness, and justice in the electoral process.

     

    They also denounced alleged plans to manipulate the election through voter inducement, and recruitment of youths for election thuggery, warning that perpetrators should be made to face prosecution and visa restrictions.

     

    The coalition appealed to stakeholders to adhere to the principles of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, ensuring a smooth electoral process and a credible outcome.

     

    With 36 days to the election, the group’s call for a free and fair election resonates with the aspirations of Edo people and the international community.

     

    “As you all know, the election is not an event; it is a process. This process takes effect from the date INEC, which is a commission saddled with the constitutional responsibility of conducting transparent, free, fair, and credible elections, makes public the election timetable for the governorship election,” he advised.

     

    “It is exactly 36 days to the Edo state governorship election. As part of our mandate, we observe the pre-election, election, and post-election activities. We also observe the conduct of the Election Management Body (EMB), the conduct of the Police, which is the lead agency in charge of internal security, the NSCDC, the Military, and all the security agencies deployed to ascertain if their conduct is consistent with the extant laws and the provisions of the

     

    “Voters inducement, including the buying and selling of votes, is an issue that needs to be tackled head-on. With the increasing poverty level in Nigeria, this has become a common feature in most elections.

    Perpetrators of such practices should be swiftly arrested and brought to justice.

    Additionally, it is crucial that the public witnesses the prosecution of these offenders to demonstrate a commitment to preserving the integrity of the electoral system. This would also serve as a deterrent to individuals who intend to perpetrate such crimes in the future.

     

    “As a coalition of rights organizations, we remain firm to ensuring that things are done right to reflect the wishes of Edo electorates in the coming election.

     

    “To ensure a smooth electoral process, we call upon the network service providers, such as MTN, Glo Mobile, and Airtel, to ensure uninterrupted service in Edo state throughout the  country.

  • Bauchi:Senator Buba slams Governor Bala after chieftaincy withdrawal

    Bauchi:Senator Buba slams Governor Bala after chieftaincy withdrawal

    By Caroline Ameh

    Senator Shehu Buba Umar of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the withdrawal of his chieftaincy title of Mujaddadin Bauchi for allegedly insulting the state Governor Bala Mohammed.

    In a letter addressed to the Emir of Bauchi, Senate Committee Chairman of National Security and Intelligence, expressed his shock at their decision, noting that he adheres to a policy of constructive criticism, refraining from the use of insulting or abusive language.

    Umar said his response to Bala’s “disparaging comments about President Bola Tinubu” was aimed at defending the Nigerian leader against what he perceived as “calculated attempts to tarnish his reputation and sow public discord that could threaten national security.”

    The lawmaker argued that the governor’s rhetoric was “confrontational, accusatory, abusive, and defamatory,” including “emotive language aimed at threatening national security”, and accused him of abusing the people of Bauchi several occasions.

    Senator Umar lamented that though the state government received over N144 billion from the Federation Account in 2023 and more than N47 billion from January to date, the effect of the huge allocation has not been felt by the people.

    The statement reads: “I received with utter shock a letter dated August 14, 2024, informing me of the Bauchi Emirate Council’s decision to withdraw my traditional title of Mujaddadin Bauchi. This decision was made over an allegation that I insulted Governor Bala Mohammed during a rally.

    “Meanwhile, I must state that during a recent APC campaign flag-off, I responded to the Governor’s disparaging comments about the President, which I felt were calculated to expose the President to public contempt and disaffection.

    “In some of the multimedia contents that have gone viral, the Governor’s rhetoric is confrontational, accusatory, abusive and defamatory. Some of the emotive language including President Tinubu of “lying to us,” “deception,” “causing pain,” “anger and hunger” to appeal to emotions.

    “While the allegations by Governor Bala of PDP against President Tinubu of APC are politically motivated, most of them are baseless, unsubstantiated, lacking concrete data and evidence and barefaced falsehood.

    “In my response to Governor Bala’s accusation against President Tinubu, I pointed out the following: I refuted his claim that the Tinubu-led Administration abused the office, instead I accused the Governor of abusing people in Bauchi State.

    “I disclosed that Governor Bala received over N144 billion from the Federation Account in 2023 and over N47 billion from January to date, with a projected N195 billion by the end of 2024. I asked him to justify how he manages the treasury as citizens are crying of hunger.

    “I added that President Tinubu was doing all that is possible to secure the nation, stabilise the economy and ensure peaceful coexistence without polarizing the polity unlike Governor Bala. My remarks were well-intentioned and in defense of a higher authority than a Governor’s.

    “I register my sympathy with the Bauchi Emirate Council for hastily drawing a conclusion on this matter without affording me fair hearing. I accept their decision in good faith, hoping that in due time, Almighty Allah will send a messiah to Bauchi State to correct this situation.

    “I advise the Bauchi Emirate Council to resist any attempt by political actors to drag it into the political arena, serving their selfish interests. I pray for the long reign of the Emir of Bauchi in sound health, effectively piloting the affairs of his Emirate.”

  • Alleged Bribery Saga: Ganduje for Ambassadorial soft-landing

    “However, Ganduje is lobbying hard to retain his seat, going from pillar to post and complaining bitterly to Chief Bisi Akande about the president’s decision to ‘retire’ him from politics…”
    Baring last minute changes, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly tipped the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, for ambassadorial appointment in any African country.
    Tinubu had first delegated the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to break the news to Ganduje to save him from the ongoing corruption trial he is facing in Kano.
    Recall that Ganduje, whose 2018 bribe videos caused him public ridicule, is facing corruption charges alongside his wife, son and other accomplices to the tune of over N50 billion.
    According to Daily Nigerian, inside sources who confirmed the ambassadorial appointment said Ganduje complained and tacitly rejected the president’s offer, explaining that the charges against him were tissues of lies and would win his cases in court.
    “Is this the way the president will reward my loyalty? Besides, I am too old to go for ambassadorial posting. All the charges are tissues of lies, and I will win my case in court,” Ganduje was quoted as replying to Mr. Akpabio.
    President Tinubu was said to have personally informed Ganduje of the diplomatic posting plan and offered him three choices in Africa, Asia and Europe.
    However, Tinubu’s preference was to post him as Nigerian ambassador to Chad, having served in Ndjamena as the executive secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission between 2009 and 2011.
    “You know the president is looking for a way to pacify him. This is the reason why he allowed him to choose among the three countries, but the president’s preference is Chad.
    “But the problem is that no serious Asian or European country would overlook Ganduje’s dollar video and corruption charges to accept him as ambassador.
    “However, Ganduje is lobbying hard to retain his seat, going from pillar to post and complaining bitterly to Chief Bisi Akande about the president’s decision to ‘retire’ him from politics. But if the worse comes to worst, Ganduje will choose Morocco over Chad,” a source close to Ganduje said.
    The aforementioned publication said Tinubu also sent a letter to Ganduje notifying him of the approval to conduct the National Executive Committee, NEC meeting and mid-term non-elective national convention.
    The letter, dated August 9 and signed by the president’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, informed Ganduje of Tinubu’s availability for the NEC meeting to be held between September 8 and 19, 2024.
    The letter through Gbajabiamila reads, “I am directed by the President to inform you that he has granted approval for the scheduling and convening of a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party. The President has confirmed his availability for the NEC meeting between the dates of 8th September 2024 and 19th September, 2024.
    “Furthermore, the President has directed that the agenda for the NEC meeting include, among other things, the consideration of a date for the non-elective National Convention to be held before the end of the year 2024.
    “Kindly liaise with the undersigned regarding any developments or necessary clarifications related to the scheduling of the meeting. Please ensure that any changes or updates are communicated promptly to facilitate smooth coordination.”
    Reacting to the development, Ganduje’s spokesman, Edwin Olofu, said he was unaware of the ambassadorial posting but confirmed Tinubu’s approval to hold the party’s NEC meeting and non-elective convention.
    He said, “I’m not aware of this, and my boss hasn’t briefed me.
    “But I’m aware that the party wrote to the Mr President requesting a date to hold the NEC meeting, and correspondence has been received from the Presidency that 12 September 2024 is approved for the NEC meeting, while the non-elective convention has equally been approved towards the end of the year.”