PDP Archives - Page 4 of 5

PDP Governors Praise Adeleke For Success In Osun LG Elections

February 23, 2025 by admin

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the people of the state on the successful conduct of the Local Government Council Elections held on Saturday. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Director-General, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, the forum, under the leadership of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, commended the PDP for securing a resounding victory in the elections. Describing the outcome as a validation of good governance, Governor Mohammed said, “This is a well-deserved victory after a hard-fought contest—for Governor Adeleke, the PDP, democracy, and the undeniable impact of good governance in public service.” He urged Adeleke to ensure that the newly elected local government chairmen and councillors embrace inclusivity and work towards sustaining peace and unity in the state. “The elected officials must be magnanimous in victory and promote a culture of tolerance to further consolidate the peace already enjoyed in the state,” he stated. The forum commended Adeleke for his administration’s grassroots development initiatives, youth empowerment programmes, and commitment to women’s inclusion, which they described as key factors in the PDP’s electoral success. “Having verified Governor Adeleke’s numerous capacity-building and empowerment initiatives, we are confident that he will lead the newly elected local government officials to maximise all opportunities for delivering life-changing dividends of democracy to Osun residents,” the statement read. The forum further described the election as “a referendum on Adeleke’s leadership and acceptability in Osun State.” The statement added, “Power in a democracy resides with the people. Once again, the people of Osun have spoken, reaffirming their trust in the PDP as a people-centred party.” The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission was also praised for conducting a credible election and upholding the integrity of the process. “With the successful conclusion of the exercise, it is evident that the voice of the people has been honoured,” the forum added. Punch

PDP Sweeps Osun Poll, Wins All 30 LGs

February 22, 2025 by admin

The Peoples Democratic Party has won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in all the 30 local government areas of Osun State. The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hashim Abioye, made this known at a press conference on Saturday in Osogbo, the state capital. Abioye also said the PDP also cleared the 332 councillorship seats in the poll. The OSSIEC chairman, who said Certified True Copies of the result of the elections would be made available to whoever is interested in having them, congratulated the candidates on their victory at the poll. He said, “From the available results as obtained from the field, the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 332 wards emerged as winners. Their names as listed, I as the check returning officer of the Commission, returned them as due elected councillors of their respective wards. “The results are available anytime for anyone interested in the Certified True Copies. “For the 30 local government areas of Osun State, the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party cleared all the seats. “To this effect, by the power conferred on me, as the Chief Returning Officer of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, I hereby declared the following persons as the duly elected chairmen of their respective areas.”

Makinde Receives Condolence Visit From Obasanjo, Arapaja, PDP NWC Over Brother’s Demise•••As PDP National Working Committee Promises To Resolve Internal Conflicts

January 30, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday joined many distinguished personalities that paid a condolence visit to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde over the death of his elder brother, Engineer Sunday Makinde. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo arrived Governor Makinde private residence in Ibadan at the early hours of Thursday to sympathise with the bereaved Governor and the entire Makinde family. Recall that Engineer Sunday Makinde, aged 65, passed away on January 24, 2025. Similarly, the National Working Committee (NWC)) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by the National Deputy Chiarman of the party, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja paid Governor Makinde a condolence visit. During their visit, the Committee briefed the Governor about the rancour that erupted at the party’s national secretariat yesterday (Wednesday). They also maintained that the rancour will soon be resolved. While speaking, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja gave the assurance while reacting to the rancour, he described it as internal crisis which is expected to happen in such a big political party as PDP. He however assured party members that the rancour will be settled for the benefit and betterment of Nigerians ahead next general elections. In his condolence message, Ambassador Arapaja said that the late Engineer Sunday Makinde lived a fulfilled life which could be seen in Governor Makinde. Arapaja, the former deputy governor of Oyo State, prayed God to grant the deceased eternal life and grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. The new secretary of the party, Udeh Okoye, were among the NWC that came to commiserate with Governor Makinde.

PDP Govs Plan Summit As Leaders Exchange Blows At BoT Meeting

January 30, 2025 by admin

Damagum, speaking to members of the Board of Trustees in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasised that he would do everything in his power to ensure the PDP National Executive Committee meeting takes place in February, as requested by the party’s Governors Forum and other party organs. A senior member of the National Working Committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to speak on the issue, disclosed that BoT members protested the assault on former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, by a supporter of the embattled National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu during the BoT meeting. The source revealed that the primary agenda for the meeting convened by the Forum led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, includes the urgent need for a NEC meeting, ongoing preparations for the zonal congresses, the National Secretary crisis, a report from Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum on the party’s status, and a review of the state of the nation. The PDP had been engulfed in crisis since the 2023 elections with many party members accusing Damagum, a close ally of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of being responsible for the unrest within the party. At present, the National Working Committee, BoT, zonal, and state chapters are all embroiled in crisis, with members aligning themselves with different leaders. Also, Wike, the Bauchi governor and others have continued to exchange harsh words, further escalating the schism in the party. Commenting on the crisis, Damagum, who called the situation unfortunate, accused some members of the BoT of being complicit in the turmoil. He stated “I want to say this with the highest sense of responsibility, part of this crisis that you see today within the NWC, is propelled by our leaders that are supposed to unite us. “It is very unfortunate, I would say it the way it is, where people are called, we all know the working of NWC, some of you here have been NWC members. I’ll be sitting down as the chairman only to see my NWC members called by certain leaders to visit certain places, without my knowledge. “And I want to use this opportunity to caution us, caution our leaders. You may have ambition, but you don’t ride on a dead horse to reach your destination. If you create crisis simply to further your ambition, you may get what you want, but your dream will not be realized because by that time, you have injured the horse you are going to ride to that destination. “And as the conscience of this party, some of us are also complicit. We should look inwards, search our conscience. This party is dear to all of us, it is the only thing we have. The hope of Nigerians today is on this party, so we should sheath our swords, work towards uniting ourselves so that we’ll have a credible vehicle that can challenge what is bedeviling us.” The party leader further urged leaders not to take any action that could disrupt the ongoing processes for the zonal congresses. He continued, “At the last meeting we had with the governor, we all agreed we’ll have NEC (meeting). I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to have this NEC in this February. “You are all aware we’ve started the process of zonal congresses. Even at that, I enjoin our leaders to also be mindful of doing anything that can mar these congresses. It is very important to sound this note because whatever we do, it is the structure you are building to hold what you have in your hand.” In his remarks, the BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara expressed frustration over the crisis. He cautioned party leaders not to let personal interests and ambitions take precedence over the party’s well-being. He stated, “This meeting comes at a time when the unity, focus and direction and ideals of our great party are being tested in ways that call for reflection and decisive action. “Primarily, let me express my profound disappointment over the crises currently rocking the leadership of the National Working Committee. As elder statesmen and women; leaders who hold the trust of the generality of our party members and the public, it is disheartening that these issues have not been resolved. “The failure to resolve these internal conflicts undermines the strength and credibility of our party. It is therefore imperative that the NWC rises above personal interests and places the survival and progress of our great party above all other considerations. In the light of these challenges, I must emphasize the urgent need for a National Executive Committee meeting. “I again urge the NWC to honour its words and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled in February 2025. It is pertinent to stress that party members across the country are in earnest expectation that the NEC meeting will hold this February. “The NEC remains the highest decision-making body of our party, and it is crucial that we convene without further delay to address these pressing concerns. The NEC meeting will serve as a platform to reaffirm our shared commitment to the unity, discipline, and ideals that bind us together as members of the PDP.” Earlier during the 79th BoT meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, the former national youth leader who has being parading himself as the National Secretary, was assaulted by Anyanwu’s supporters. The Appeal Court sitting in Enugu had on December 20, 2024, upheld Ude-Okoye as the PDP National Secretary, and the decision was formally communicated to the party leadership on December 24. However, last week, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order, directing Anyanwu to remain in office until the Supreme Court resolves the appeal. Wabara had declared the meeting open at 12:05 p.m. with Anyanwu in attendance while while Ude-Okoye arrived five minutes later. At precisely 12:20 p.m., a commotion broke out in the hall with Anyanwu forced out of the meeting room. After being pushed out, Ude-Okoye ordered some individuals dressed in … Read more

Peter Obi Denies 2027 Merger Deal With PDP, NNPP

January 2, 2025 by admin

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, has denied any merger talks with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) or any other party. Obi made this statement during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday morning, where he addressed the state of the nation. The former Anambra Governor emphasised that no agreement has been reached with any party as of now. He also called on all Nigerians to unite ahead of the 2027 elections ilto defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Obi expressed deep concerns over the country’s security situation, describing it as tragic. In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu came out tops in 12 of Nigeria’s 36 States and garnered significant numbers in other states to claim the highest number of votes—8,794,726, almost two million votes more than his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.

2025 Budget Unrealistic, Anti-People — PDP

December 18, 2024 by admin

The Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed the N47.9 trillion 2025 federal budget proposal presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “unrealistic, opaque, and insincere.” In a statement issued on Wednesday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party described the budget as anti-people, warning that its implementation would worsen insecurity, poverty, and despair across the nation. Tinubu unveiled the 2025 budget proposal during a joint session of the National Assembly, allocating N4.91 trillion for defence and security, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, N2.48 trillion for health, and N3.52 trillion for education. The PDP criticised the budget presentation, alleging it was riddled with unverified economic figures and empty campaign promises. “The N47.9 trillion 2025 federal budget is an anti-people proposal that, if implemented, will plunge the nation deeper into insecurity, poverty, and hopelessness,” the statement read. The party accused the Tinubu-led administration of failing to make meaningful investments in critical sectors such as agriculture, electricity, petroleum, and small and medium-scale enterprises. These sectors, it argued, are essential for economic growth and stability. The PDP further lambasted the budget’s lack of clarity, particularly on capital and recurrent expenditure details. “The budget address was more of campaign rhetoric, filled with unsubstantiated economic statistics, false promises, and conjured performance claims. It lacked clear strategies to address insecurity, revive the economy, create jobs, and reduce the cost of living,” the statement continued. The party expressed dismay over the President’s claim of an 85% performance rate for the 2024 budget without a breakdown between capital and recurrent expenditures. The PDP also described as “ludicrous” Tinubu’s assertion that the 2025 budget would reduce inflation from 34.6% to 15% and improve the Naira’s exchange rate from N1,700 to N1,500 per dollar. “With a staggering N134.3 trillion debt and no tangible investment in the productive sector, these projections are nothing more than voodoo economics,” the PDP said. The party warned that the projected N13 trillion budget deficit and heavy reliance on taxes would further burden already impoverished citizens and businesses, shrinking the economy and deterring both domestic and foreign investment. The PDP urged the National Assembly to reject the 2025 budget in its current form, invoking its constitutional powers to restructure the proposal to prioritise economic growth and citizens’ welfare. “The National Assembly must ensure that the budget reflects the real needs of Nigerians by making provisions that are critical and pivotal to economic recovery and social stability,” the statement stated. Punch

PDP Criticizes Tinubu For Conferring GCON Title On Indian PM

November 18, 2024 by admin

The Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday faulted President Bola Tinubu for decorating the visiting Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with the Nigerian second highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, described the President’s action as misplaced priority. But the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Nze Chidi Duru, kicked, arguing that the President didn’t do anything unprecedented. The PDP’s criticism comes a few hours after Tinubu conferred Modi with the highest honour in the land during the Nigeria/India Bilateral meeting held at the Presidential, Abuja. On his part, Modi commiserated with Nigeria over the recent floods that ravaged several cities across the country, including Maiduguri, Borno State. The Indian Prime Minister promised to support Nigeria with 20 tonnes of relief materials. ”We had a very productive discussion with President Tinubu. We talked about adding momentum to our strategic partnership. There is immense scope for ties to flourish even further in sectors like defence, energy, technology, trade, health, education and more,” Modi said. However, the PDP expressed disappointment in Tinubu, wondering why he chose to gift the second highest national honour in the land on the basis of mere friendship. The member of PDP National Working Committee emphasised that though the President has the right and prerogative to confer a national honour on anybody, there must be criteria to show why they deserve it. “It is not something you dish out for the sake of friendship and all of that. I don’t know what the Indian Prime Minister has done to have warranted such an honour. But this is the second highest honour in the land. It is a misplacement of priorities. “I would have thought that the President should have asked the Indian Prime Minister how the Indian economy has been able to move away from being the poverty capital of the world to being one of the fastest growing economies in the world now. The biggest tech moguls across the globe at the moment are all Indians. “Just look at Microsoft, the Silicon Valley in America and startups. They are all being run and set up by Indians. I would have thought that Tinubu, in a bid to shore up the lacuna his cabinet lacks, would have been humble enough to ask the Prime Minister to offer him a clue as to how to help his government and Nigerians. Not dishing out unnecessary awards that the man doesn’t need other than for pictures and commentary,” he said. Continuing, the PDP chieftain took a further swipe at the current administration, saying it wouldn’t stop playing to the gallery with some of its alleged theatrics. Osadolor also wondered if the President took the liberty of asking the visiting PM and his delegation the right questions on investments and how Nigeria can borrow a leaf from the Indians to move the country out of the woods. He said, “Tinubu is not serious. He should leave out frivolities for bigger issues. Now that the Indian Prime Minister has taken it upon himself to visit Africa, yes, we have a significant and sizeable Indian community in Nigeria. But to what end can we maximize and leverage these businesses? “Are we asking the right questions, seeking the right investments and pushing for the right policies? But the distraction from this administration is becoming one too many. I think President Tinubu should wake up from these media gimmicks and focus on the real issues. “Nigerians are hungry and dying. The technologies the Indians are currently deploying globally will help a great deal to solve most of these basic challenges.” But the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Duru, raised concerns that the PDP was not playing its role as a responsible opposition. He said, “I think the question to ask is, whether there is a precedent in this. Then the next question is if it is within the confines of the power of Mr President to confer such an award. If it is, is the process approved? Once all these questions are answered in the affirmative, it then becomes the discretion of Mr President to confer such honorary award on whom he pleases. “Having said that, it is also important to underscore the fact that we will need to go beyond the politics of emotions to begin to address the issue. So, the PDP is more than welcome to continue to play the role of opposition, which is admirable. “However, we like to see a situation whereby what they put on the table is, with respect, how we can make Nigeria a lot better and more improved that will address the issues facing us as a country. I am talking about things like how do we put food on the table, create a better environment for business to thrive and create a better level playing field. These are things that should worry any of us than to chase shadow.” Meanwhile, a United States of America-based Nigerian security expert, Dr. Sylvester Okere, on Sunday, said the Indian-Nigerian partnership would secure the people’s assets. Okere, who would be among personalities that would be hosted by the Central Association of Private Security Industry from November 21 to 22, 2024 in India, said the invitation by CAPSI to the 19th Security Leadership Summit 2024 in New Delhi was coming at a time when the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi arrived in Nigeria for a state visit. Okere will speak on ‘Indian-Nigerian Partnership in Securing People and Assets,’ as well as other critical security issues affecting both countries. The PUNCH gathered that CAPSI, the umbrella organisation of the Indian private security industry, has ties with some of the leading global security education organisations like the World Association of Detectives, International Federation of Protection Officers, the US-based Association of Investigation and Security Agencies Regulators and the United Kingdom-based Security Institute for training and placement of trained … Read more

Former Ebonyi Commissioner Leaves PDP To Join APC

November 14, 2024 by admin

A former Commissioner in Ebonyi State, Abia Onyike, has left the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the ruling All Progressives Cong ress in the state. Onyike served as the Special Adviser on Media Relations under former Governor Sam Egwu and as Commissioner for Information during the administration of Martin Elechi. Onyike, a former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, announced his decision to leave the party that had supported him at a ceremony in Owutu Edda Ward, located in the Edda Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday. In a statement on Thursday, Onyike said he was joining the APC because of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s perceived restoration of good governance. He said, “My decision to join the APC is because of the need to build a solid alliance of support for Governor Nwifuru, who has taken steps to restore good governance and inclusive politics in Ebonyi State. “Politics is local, and we are driven by our own developmental aspirations in our state. I am joining other progressive forces in the state to sustain and consolidate the current peaceful atmosphere prevalent in the state under Governor Nwifuru.” The Chairman of the APC in Owutu Edda Ward, Mr. Oko Ogbuagu, expressed the party’s happiness in welcoming Onyike to its fold. “Onyike is a tested hand. He is a man of the people, and his entry into our party will enhance its fortunes in future elections,” he said.

“I Won’t Run Away From Vampires”- Nyesom Wike Declares On PDP Factions

October 17, 2024 by admin

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, has declared that he won’t run away from what he termed as “vampires” within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This declaration comes amidst a deepening crisis that has split the party into factions, with Wike at the centre of the storm. According to reports from Punch Newspapers, the PDP is currently embroiled in a fierce power struggle that has led to the emergence of two distinct factions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). The crisis has its roots in the ongoing conflict between Wike and the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Wike’s faction, led by the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has taken controversial steps that have angered other party members. These actions include securing approval for contentious PDP Congresses in Rivers State and postponing a crucial National Executive Committee meeting. In response to criticism from other PDP governors, Wike issued a stark warning on August 31, threatening to disrupt activities in their states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State matters. This threat was met with strong condemnation from the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The situation escalated further when Wike’s faction suspended two key party officials – the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, has declared that he won’t run away from what he termed as “vampires” within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This declaration comes amidst a deepening crisis that has split the party into factions, with Wike at the centre of the storm. According to reports from Punch Newspapers, the PDP is currently embroiled in a fierce power struggle that has led to the emergence of two distinct factions within the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). The crisis has its roots in the ongoing conflict between Wike and the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Wike’s faction, led by the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, has taken controversial steps that have angered other party members. These actions include securing approval for contentious PDP Congresses in Rivers State and postponing a crucial National Executive Committee meeting. In response to criticism from other PDP governors, Wike issued a stark warning on August 31, threatening to disrupt activities in their states if they continued to interfere in Rivers State matters. This threat was met with strong condemnation from the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The situation escalated further when Wike’s faction suspended two key party officials – the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.

PDP Crisis: Yayari Mohammed Takes Over As Acting National Chairman

October 13, 2024 by admin

Ahmed Yayari Mohammed has officially assumed duty as the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In his inaugural address to party members made available to the media in Abuja on Sunday, Mohammed expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received, acknowledging the urgent need for introspection within the party. He emphasised that recent internal conflicts and a deviation from core values have hindered the PDP’s effectiveness as a formidable opposition force in Nigerian politics. “Regrettably, we must admit that we have not satisfactorily carried out the critical role expected of a virile opposition in a democracy,” Mohammed stated, calling for a return to the principles of equity, fairness, and justice that underpinned the party’s founding. Mohammed’s appointment is the latest in the crisis besetting the main opposition coming at a crucial time when the PDP is seeking to revitalize its structure and restore confidence among its members, particularly the youth. The factional chairman outlined his commitment to adhering strictly to the party’s constitution and ensuring fair treatment for all members, regardless of their position. Looking ahead, Mohammed announced plans to convene the long-awaited National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on October 24, 2024. He urged the North Central Zone, entitled to nominate a replacement for former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, to act promptly in forwarding its nominee for NEC consideration.