My Blog

Tag: PDP

  • Gov Umo Eno Speaks On Dumping PDP

    Gov Umo Eno Speaks On Dumping PDP

    The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has stated categorically that he is not attempting to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
     Eno clarified this while addressing the circulating rumours due to his bond with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
    Rumours were flying about that Eno was planning to withdraw his PDP membership to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
    However, during a media interaction in Uyo, which coincided with the 37th-anniversary celebrations of Akwa Ibom State over the weekend, Governor Eno urged the public to distinguish between political party matters and governance issues.
    The PDP chieftain maintained his respect for Akpabio as Senate President and their joint efforts to foster development in the state.
    Governor Eno highlighted the advantage of having the Senate President as a prominent national figure, affirming his commitment to leveraging this position for the benefit of Akwa Ibom State.
    He said: “The first thing we get from building this relationship is the peace we are all enjoying. Maybe that’s why some people feel that I am neither here nor there.
    “I am a PDP person, I am working for PDP, and as a state, we will continue to support the party. But we must differentiate between party issues and governance issues.
    “We are going for election now, and I am working for my party, the PDP and we are campaigning, and we will win. Some people have accused me of my body language.
    “I don’t have body language, you misread me. There is no body language. I am working for the PDP, and we have shown the people that we can be trusted.
    “There is no local government that we are not doing something in this state, and there is no comparison.
    “I want voters to be the ones to decide; compare what is done to what you are seeing and look at what is left.”
  • Edodecides: PDP won’t get a single vote in my polling unit

    Edodecides: PDP won’t get a single vote in my polling unit

    …APC candidate boasts
    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the ongoing Edo State governorship election, Monday Okpebholo, has boasted that none of his opponents, including the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, will get a single vote at Unit 03, Ward 1, Uwessan, Esan Central LGA in Edo.
    Mr Okpebholo stated this after casting his ballot on Saturday.
    He said, “PDP or whatever will not get one vote here because this is my home and my people love me.”
    He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying, “What I’m seeing here is like a testimony that INEC is getting it right.”
    When asked to comment on his impression on security deployment for the election, the APC candidate said, “I know that everything they are saying about security – this, that – is ‘hyping’. I mean, nothing is happening. You can see! Nobody is fighting. No knockout, no stick of matches. So is just for people to scare people away from voting”.
    “You know Obaseki wanted to cause fire in Edo State, but by the grace of God, everything is moving perfect.”
  • Edo 2024 Guber: Impressive Turnout of Voters

    Edo 2024 Guber: Impressive Turnout of Voters

    The Edo 2024 gubernatorial election has witnessed an impressive turnout of voters across the state today, as residents turned out in their numbers to exercise their civic duties.

    By 7:15am when reporters visited polling units within ward 12, residents had trooped out early, signaling a strong desire to shape the future of Edo State.

    People with disability and octogenarians were given preference.

    Voting in most wards in Oredo LGA is going on smoothly, and the security situation in most polling units visited remain intact and under control.

    Several civil society organizations monitoring the elections, including YIAGA Africa and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), commended the peaceful conduct and the large turnout of voters.

    The Edo 2024 election is seen as a critical moment for the state, with three major political parties amongst others vying for the governorship seat in a race that will shape Edo’s political landscape for the next four years.

    A physically challenged voter displaying his card
  • Edo poll: IGP orders restriction of movement

    Edo poll: IGP orders restriction of movement

    In the usual tradition that never deters violence, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has directed the restriction of movement in Edo State ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

     

    The police boss said this is to ensure adequate measures are put in place for peaceful, transparent and credible elections.

     

    At least 17 political parties will be participating in the election, with the major parties being the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party.

     

    In a statement on Friday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said the IG ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day.

     

    He added that those on essential duties, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders, are exempted from the order.

     

    Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police has announced comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the upcoming Edo off-cycle election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

     

    “In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6 am to 6 pm on the election day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.

     

    “To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorized vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.”

     

    Adejobi also said the IG directed that special attention should be accorded to People With Disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and old people, among others.

     

    He said, “Furthermore, the IG has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all,” adding that the IG sternly warned residents against pranking the emergency lines released by the police to report cases of emergencies during the election.

     

    Adejobi said, “The Inspector-General of Police, through the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) for Edo Gubernatorial Election, DIG Frank Emeka Mba, mni, has appealed to citizens to refrain from making prank calls to control room and designated help numbers, highlighting that text messages are more effective for operational purposes.

     

    “The designated election lines for inquiries and reporting are DIG Election DIG Frank Mba, 07025000383 and AIG Election AIG Benneth Igwe, 09085000029, while the general control room numbers are 08077773721 and 08037646272. The already activated joint control room is manned by police and relevant agencies engaged in the electoral process.”

     

    Adejobi said Egbetokun urged the residents to report suspicious and other activities that could affect the integrity of the poll.

     

    He said, “Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or incidents that may jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state.

     

    “The Inspector-General of Police underscores the necessity of adhering to these directives to avert any undue interference and intimidation during the election. Political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to conduct themselves responsibly and in compliance with electoral laws, as any violations or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with the full extent of the law.

     

    “The IGP reaffirms the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to promoting a safe and democratic environment. Through collaborative efforts, we can guarantee that the forthcoming elections in Edo, specifically and the future, are held fairly and peacefully.”

     

     

  • Northeast PDP Endorses Damagum: Has the Wike “fire” started burning?

    Northeast PDP Endorses Damagum: Has the Wike “fire” started burning?

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT), Chief Nyesom Wike may have commenced ‘bombardment’ of Bauchi state as threatened against any state that aligns with Governor Fubara in their lingering tussle.
    This is based on the move yesterday, by Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa state governor who broke ranks with his colleague, Sen Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state to endorse an alleged  Wike ally, Amb Iliya Damagun to continue in office as Acting Chairman of PDP.
    A statement by Governor Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou states that the Northeast zone of the Party has endorsed Umar Iliya Damagum to continue as the acting National Chairman of the party.
    Fintiri, it was claimed in the press statement, says the PDP in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership.
    The endorsement leaves out Bauchi state of Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum who is mobilising support of the group for Governor Similaye Fubara of Rivers state.
    By this move, it will seem like the MFCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike has commenced his threat of setting on fire, any state that aligns with his estranged political godson, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State.
    The endorsement comes at a time when some stakeholders in the party are agitating for Damagum to step down and for the Northcentral to produce a permanent National Chairman for the party.
    The statement also claimed a court order had prevented the PDP from removing Damagum from his position and urged party members to respect the court order.
    He said, “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe states have endorsed Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum’s leadership as Acting National Chairman.
    Amb. Iliya Damagun, PDP Acting National Chairman
    “Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, speaking on behalf of the five states, expressed confidence in Damagum’s leadership since assuming office. Citing a Federal High Court Abuja restraining order, Fintiri stated that Damagum should complete former Chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu’s tenure unless the court decides otherwise.
    “The Governor praised Damagum for restoring public confidence in the party and urged members to respect the court’s ruling for the party’s and democracy’s sake.
    “The Governor who described the performance of the party in the North East region during the 2023 elections as unprecedented at all levels noted that the zone deserves the position of National Chairman more than any section in the North.
    “A Federal High Court in Abuja had barred the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, PDP, INEC, and affiliates from replacing, nominating or appointing any Chairman other than Ambassador Damagum, following a restraining order by the Court.”

  • You Can’t Set Bauchi On Fire, I Have Enough Water – Governor Bala Muhammad mocks Wike

    Bauchi Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed has declared that nobody can set Bauchi State on fire because he has gathered enough treated water to quench any form of fire.
    This remark comes in response to the recent threat by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to set opposition PDP states on fire.
    Bala Mohammed issued the response which was apparently directed at Wike when a delegation from the National Secretariat of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) visited him at the Governor’s Office in Bauchi on Tuesday.
    The Governor said that the crisis rocking the party is not personal, stressing that nobody should misunderstand the party as it is still united.
    According to him, “If we have quarrel, it is not personal, nobody should misunderstand us, we are together. This is not a splinter group, this is just a delegation from the National Working Committee of the PDP. We are going to discuss some of the issues in the party”
    “This unsolicited visit by the National Working Committee shows that in Nigeria we have people of conscience and we are connected by the values that established the PDP by our founding fathers”
    Bala Mohammed also said, “Yes, none of the political parties are insulated from crisis here and there, but crisis is there and that why leadership is there.We have to take the bull by the horns to discuss and look at the constitution of our party.”
    “We must do things by the rule of law, we must respect people, we must put our interest aside, we must respect our diversities, we must bring and close rank, especially for party like the PDP that has a history,” he added.
    “We have a pedigree, most of the developments in the country were done by the PDP, since we left nothing has happened. As you can see all the members of the National Working Committee that are here are square heads in square holes”
    He then assured that as the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, he will continue to give effective and efficient leadership and meaningful opposition in the country.
  • For those attempting to make a mountain out of mole hill, Mathew Kukah, the Bishop of Sokoto has reminded them that, like the PDP candidate in Edo Gov elections, President Tinubu did not sign a peace accord as a presidential candidate in 2023.
    Kukah, one of the conveners of the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, made this known on Sunday in Benin City during the Edo Election Security Townhall.
    According to the clergyman, the committee can’t force any presidential candidate to sign the peace pact, which has become an electoral ritual in the last decade.
    Kukah asserted that the failure of political parties and their candidates to sign the peace accord sends a wrong signal to Nigerians, which the opposition can easily exploit.
    He said, “The National Peace Committee, what we do is not in the Electoral Act, it’s not law; it’s moral. You can’t compel people to fall in love or love their neighbour.
    “If you go back to the 2019 election, the presidential candidate for the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was not there to sign the Peace Accord. And, of course, the opposition went to town, which is what it ought to be, and the next day, he (Atiku) turned up to sign.
    “What is also very interesting is that the current president, when he was a presidential candidate, did not sign; it wasn’t our fault that the political opposition didn’t take advantage of it.
    “It’s a pity, but we are not going to take anybody to court for not signing the Peace Accord. The only thing it does to you as a candidate is that it sends a wrong signal which can be very easily exploited by the opposition.”

  • PDP Suspends Dino Melaye

    While it looked away when the second runner up in the last presidential primary, Mr. Nyesom wike brook every rule in the books, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State chapter has suspended former Senator Dino Melaye, a close ally of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

     

    The suspension was announced by the Ward executive committee of Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1, following Melaye’s refusal to honour a summon.

     

    Melaye was suspended for engaging in anti-party activities and alleged misconduct, which is said to have brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party.

     

    The Ward exco took the decision during a meeting on Friday, where they reviewed the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate Melaye’s activities.

     

    The resolution, signed by Ward Chairman Abayomi Osamika and Secretary Yodson Dayo, stated that Melaye’s continued membership in the party is no longer tenable.

     

    “The suspension is in line with provisions of Article 59 (1) of the PDP constitution which empowers the Ward party excos to take disciplinary actions against erring members,” it reads in part.

     

    The suspension is effective immediately.

     

  • Police to deploy 35,000 personnel for Edo election

    Police to deploy 35,000 personnel for Edo election

    Furthering the usual routine which positive outcome remains to be seen, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Wednesday that 35,000 police officers will be deployed across Edo State for the September 21 governorship election.

    Additionally, 8,000 personnel from sister security agencies, including the armed forces and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will be mobilized to support the police.

    He also confirmed that security aides assigned to VIPs will be withdrawn to ensure neutrality and security.

    Egbetokun stated this at the stakeholders meeting as part of activities ahead of the election organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where its chairman, Professor Mamhud Yakubu announced that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar was already in town presiding over the signing of the peace pact between contending parties and their candidates on Thursday.

    The event had the representatives of the 17 participating political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), representatives of the palace of the Oba of Benin, civil society groups and others.

    In his remarks, Egbetokun also said the suspension of the activities of quasi-security organizations like the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) and others set up by the state government to check insecurity remain suspended and that they have no role to play on the day of election.

    He said security aides attached to VIPs would also be withdrawn even as he reeled out the various election offences and warned that anyone caught against them would be treated according to the law.

    According to him, “It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that elections take place and trhe security of all is the responsibility of the police and it will be supported by other security agencies to ensure safety. We understand the importance of our role in this election and we will ensure that everything is done in compliance with that.

    “We will deploy sufficient personnel for the election. For the Edo state governorship election, we will deploy 35,000 personnel, there will be another 8,000 from other security agencies to complement us. We have undertaken several measures including a tour of hot spots, engaging stakeholders and operational visits and we will continuously engage all.”

    He said all entry and exit points in the state would manned while movements would be restricted between 6 am and 6 pm and urged the political leaders to warn their members against any form of violence.

  • APC pulls out of Edo election peace accord

    APC pulls out of Edo election peace accord

    Less than two hours before the signing of the Peace Accord between contending political parties ahead of the September 21 governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said it was not disposed to signing the peace accord.

    This position is barely 12 hours after Governor Godwin Obaseki while receiving the Chairman of the Presidential Peace Committee, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar said his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not sign the peace accord because the party have lost faith in the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

     

    Addressing a press conference at the party secretariat, Emperor Jarret Tenebe said the reasons for their declining to sign among others was that for over two months after a police inspector Onuh Akor who was the orderly to the candidate of the party, Sen Monday Okpebholo was shot and killed along Airport Road, nobody has been arrested and prosecuted, despite claims by the former Commissioner of Police, Funsho who “told Nigerians that the command had the names of those who murdered Inspector Onuh Akor at the Benin airport.”

     

    He said instead of them being arrested, Governor Godwin Obaseki is allegedly keeping them in the government house.

     

    Tenebe said, “This failure of the police has emboldened the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Peoples Democratic Party to attack members of our political party at rally grounds and in their private business premises ceaselessly.”

     

    He claimed that the governor has made inflammatory statements that have undermined his position as the Chief Security Officer of the State.

     

    He chronicled the various attacks the APC campaign team have suffered in different communities Akoko-Edo, Etsako Central, Esan West local government area while mobilising supporters for the election.

     

    “In the wake of this very worrisome and dangerous trend, Governor Obaseki kept mute and refused to condemn the attacks as the Chief Security Officer of the state. Instead, one Odion Olaye, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Edo State, while in the company of Obaseki, openly threatened the country that, “Nigeria will burn if INEC fails to declare the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.”

     

    He mentioned several other chieftains of the PDP who he alleged have publicly boasted that they would do anything and go away with it and that the party’s petition to the police about these incidents with the names of suspects attached have not been treated.

     

    He said “The summary of these episodes is the unwillingness of Obaseki to embrace peace and the refusal of the security agencies to guarantee a peaceful environment for the conduct of September 21st, 2024 scheduled election.”

     

    As part of its demand to sign the peace accord, Tenebe said the police should be seen to taking steps to declare those fingered in the killing of the police allegedly being hidden in government wanted.