My Blog

Tag: PDP

  • 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.

  • I will support Jonathan’s 2027 presidential ambition with my blood – Gov Bala Mohammed

    I will support Jonathan’s 2027 presidential ambition with my blood – Gov Bala Mohammed

    The taste of the pudding, the saying goes, is in the eating. So, it is no surprise that former FCT Minister and Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed vows to throw his full weight behind his former boss and erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, should the latter choose to join the  presidential race in 2027.
    Mr. Mohammed, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Governors’ forum, said if Dr. Jonathan were persuaded to contest in the 2027 presidential election, he would support the ex-president.
    “With regard to your call for me to present myself, I am still contemplating my chances as the leader of the opposition. I know there are good leaders within the PDP, especially my boss, Goodluck Jonathan.
    “I have always said that as long as Jonathan is around, I will not present myself for leadership of this country unless he decides not to run. If we can persuade him to come forward, I will support him with my blood. Out of modesty, he is still not ready.
    “I hope you will meet him and encourage him to run,” the Bauchi governor stated while responding to a group urging him to run for president in 2027.
    Citing Dr. Jonathan’s experience and inclusive approach to economic reforms during his tenure, Mr. Mohammed said he was optimistic Dr. Jonathan would perform better than President Bola Tinubu if elected.
    “He will do a better job because he has the experience. We know the prices of things. We know the level of inflation. During Jonathan’s regime, he was inclusive, addressing issues like the Almajiri system and creating initiatives for unemployed youths,” Mr. Mohammed explained. “His (Jonathan) leadership recruitment was exemplary. We need leaders like him—young people with energy, foresight, and drive.”
    Dr. Jonathan, was Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015.
    However, his government was largely characterized as corrupt and weak by an opposition that has turned out to be worse.

  • APC tackles Bauchi Governor For Attacking Tinubu

    Ever in denial of their policy flipflops, the Bauchi State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has called out Governor Bala Mohammed for criticising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies.

    In a veiled attempt to deflect the subject matter, the party attributed the governor’s attack of the Federal Governments unpopular policies to the judgement of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to local governments across the federation.

    It pointed out that “the judgement has denied the governor free money the governor and his puppets have been feeding fat on,” a decision that APC believes has curbed the governor’s access to funds previously used for personal gain.

    Recall that Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the main opposition party, had criticised the president’s policies in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests, saying he is implementing policies that are inflicting hardship on the people.

    Reacting to the governor’s criticism of the Tinubu-led administration, the party, in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by the State APC Publicity Committee Chairman, Malam Saadu Umar, argued that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, both the nation’s economy and Bauchi State have seen significant improvements through the implementation of various projects.

    Malam Saadu Umar countered Mohammed, stating that challenges are inevitable in any nation.

    He added that it is unreasonable for the governor to blame President Tinubu for the removal of the fuel subsidy, a policy he supported as a minister in President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    “While there are challenges, President Tinubu’s policies are yielding positive results. For example, these policies have significantly increased the monthly allocations Governor Mohammed receives, with his administration having collected over N87.4 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) between January and June,” the statement read.

    APC mentioned that President Tinubu had provided over N135.4 billion to state governments last December to assist the poor and vulnerable, stating that an additional N438 billion was recently allocated to combat hunger in Bauchi and other states.

    Nigeria's H1 2023 foreign trade data raises questions about economic balance

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    The party accused Governor Mohammed of mismanaging public resources, stating: “Rather than paying the recently mandated N70,000 minimum wage to Bauchi workers, Governor Mohammed has spent over N11.6 billion on a questionable financial consultant by June this year. Another N9 billion was paid to the same consultant last year.

    “Instead of addressing workers’ welfare, the governor has spent over N33.5 billion on overhead costs for his government house and office.”

    APC further accused the governor of distorting public spending by focusing on projects like flyovers instead of addressing citizens’ needs, such as the payment of gratuities to pensioners.

    Finally, APC urged President Tinubu and the National Assembly to remove governors from overseeing local government council elections, arguing that this is the only way to ensure free and fair elections at the local level.

  • Philip Shaibu defects from PDP to APC

    Philip Shaibu defects from PDP to APC

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    Philip Shaibu, reinstated deputy governor of Edo state, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Shaibu made the announcement on Saturday in Benin City, the state capital,

    He was said to have rejoined the APC with leading members of the Dan Orbih-led Legacy Group of the PDP.

    “On behalf of the Legacy Group, I announce our movement to the APC. We have come to add value to the party,” Shaibu said.

    “It is time to take back our state. We will not talk too much because action will speak for us. We are not afraid. We are ready to move forward.

    “We, the homeboys, are ready to take our state back through the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa.

    “We are not troublemakers, but if it comes, we will use it to rub our body, and we move on.”

  • Rivers Guber: Court Upholds Gov Fubara’s Victory

    The Appeal Court in Lagos State has reaffirmed Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the validly elected governor of Rivers State. 

    This decision came as the court dismissed a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Patrick Tonye-Cole, against Governor Fubara and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The court upheld the Tribunal’s previous ruling from October that validated Fubara’s electoral win, citing the withdrawal of the petition by the APC, the party backing Cole. 

    Despite Cole personally presenting the case in court, his petition sought to challenge the election’s outcome, alleging irregularities and misconduct in the electoral process. 

    However, the court’s decision supported Fubara’s victory based on the circumstances presented, further solidifying his position as the governor of Rivers State.

  • Appeal Court Dismisses Uba, PDP’s Suit Against Gov Alia, Deputy

    The Court of Appeal, Abuja division on Monday, dismissed an appeal instituted by the Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Titus Uba, challenging the election of Hyacinth Alia as the elected Governor of Benue State.

    In a judgement delivered by the lead Justice, Onyekachi Aja Otisi dismissed the allegations of non qualifications made by Uba against the Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode.

    In a unanimous judgment, the Appallate Court held that the PDP gubernatorial candidate failed to establish forgery of INEC form EC9 by Ode beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.

    Among others, the Court of Appeal said that the issues of non qualifications are pre-election matters which can only be challenged at a Federal High Court and not at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as done by Uba.

    Also, Justice Otisi said that a suit to challenge non qualifications can only be instituted within 14 days of occurrence of the subject matter.

    The Court also dealt with the allegations by Uba that the name of the Governor, Hyacinth Alia was not not submitted by the All Progressives Congress APC to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC within 180 days before the election of March 18.

    The Court held that the allegations can survive because the primary election that produce Alia was ordered by a High Court and was done within the period ordered by the court.

    In the final analysis, Justice Otisi held that the appeal of Uba against the judgment of Benue State Election Petition Tribunal delivered on September 23 lacked merit and was dismissed.

    The Court subsequently upheld the judgment of the Tribunal and rejected the plea of Uba to void it and set it aside.

  • Plateau: Muftwang Debunks Reports Of Bribery Collection By Judges

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has vehemently denied allegations suggesting judges received a $5 million bribe to annul his election victory.

    Elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Mutfwang labeled the claims as “baseless and defamatory.”

    Through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, in Jos on Friday, Mutfwang refuted the allegations, attributing them to deliberate attempts by detractors to sow discord between him and the judiciary.

    Expressing deep concern, Mutfwang urged thorough investigations by security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the libelous publication, emphasizing the importance of facing legal consequences to deter such misconduct.

    Terming the report a fabrication by individuals manipulated as pawns by the opposition party in Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang highlighted that it aims to tarnish the PDP government’s image in the state.

    He reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Judiciary while cautioning against disparaging justices and respected leaders, warning of severe consequences for those engaging in destructive activities.

  • 2024: PDP Unveils Timetable For Edo Guber Election 

    The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unveiled the much-anticipated timetable for the Edo State 2024 gubernatorial election. 

    This schedule, released after a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, outlines the key activities preceding the election.

    Key highlights from the timetable include:

    Aspirants eyeing the governorship seat can obtain nomination forms for N21 million, with a 50 percent discount available for youths aged between 25 and 30; Registration of both existing and new members is set between November 16 and December 7, while the crucial party congress, determining the governorship candidate, is scheduled for February 22, 2024; December 14 marks the deadline for the submission of ward registers to the Directorate of Organisation and Mobilisation; Stakeholders’ consultative meetings with the National Working Group will be held from December 19 to 20; Expression of interest and ad-hoc forms will be available for purchase from January 10 to 16, with January 17 as the final date for their submission; The screening of governorship aspirants by the National Working Committee is set for January 18, 2024; Sales of nomination forms for completed expression of interest submissions will take place from January 19 to 25, with January 27 as the deadline for their submission.

    The governorship primary is scheduled for February 22, while February 24 is earmarked for appeals related to the primary process.