Tag: Peoples Democratic Party

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Accord’s Adeleke wins Osun Governorship Election, returns for second term

The Bola Ige House has a familiar occupant: Ademola Adeleke! The Osun State governor has won a fresh four-year term to lead the South-West state after defeating his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Returning Officer for the Osun governorship election, Joshua Ogunwole, who announced the results at the INEC Collation Centre in Osogbo early Sunday, said Governor Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to emerge as the winner of the keenly contested exercise.

Oyebamiji of the APC came second with a total vote count of 444,815. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was a distant third, having gotten 17,180 votes.

“For that, Adeleke Ademola Jackson of the Accord Party, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is hereby returned elected,” he said on Sunday morning at the collation centre in Osogbo.

According to Ogunwole, 1,005,800 votes were cast in the election, which was held across the 30 local government areas of Osun State, while 985,079 valid votes were recorded. The Returning Officer said 1,010,684 voters were accredited for the poll.

Adeleke’s victory was particularly significant as he contested the election on the platform of the Accord Party, having left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which he won his first term, in December.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare. Since I joined, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party,” the governor said while announcing his defection from the PDP, one of Nigeria’s main opposition parties. “The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.”

The declaration ended months of campaigning in the South-West state, with 15 political parties participating in the election.

The period leading to Saturday’s exercise was marked by accusations and counter-accusations, with security heightened across the state.

Both the ruling party and the APC traded blame, accusing each other of being behind killings and the destruction of property.

Police authorities, in the wake of the heightened tensions, deployed 15,000 personnel across the state alongside 30 commissioners of police as part of preparations for a hitch-free election.

Force Public Relations Officer Anietie Iniedu also said a police helicopter and a drone unit were deployed to the state to conduct aerial surveillance.

To ensure a hitch-free exercise, President Bola Tinubu mandated the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and other heads of security agencies to provide adequate security at polling units in Osun to forestall any disruption of the process.

“I have charged the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security outfits taking part in the election to provide maximum security at polling units. No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process,” the President said, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the “orderly conduct of the election”.

“The election must be transparent, free and fair. I urge INEC to ensure the integrity of the process,” Tinubu said in the statement a day before the exercise contested by 15 political parties.

Days before the election, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze an account belonging to the Osun State Government, a move which raised concerns and questions among Nigerians.

But President Tinubu intervened, directing the anti-graft agency to unfreeze the account, saying the timing of EFCC’s action was embarrassing.

The race for the governorship election also took another twist days before the poll when a court ordered the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the contest, creating fresh logistical challenges for INEC.

SDP’s inclusion meant the electoral umpire had to make adjustments to its preparations, including the production and distribution of election materials for the election and other logistical arrangements.

“In spite of the fact that the thing came late, we were able to print all ballot papers, millions, within 36 hours, because hours had no meaning to us anymore. Days had no meaning to us anymore,” INEC’s National Commissioner supervising Osun State, Kunle Ajayi, said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.

“We were working day and night as if it were day. So, we were able to complete the printing, and we moved all the materials, all the sensitive materials, ballots, everything, to the Central Bank yesterday, late last night.”

“In spite of the late judgment, which came very late after we had printed all the sensitive materials and moved them to the appropriate quarters, the judgment just came on a Friday, and we had only Saturday, Sunday and Monday,” he said. (Channels)

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Ex-FCT senator Philip Aduda formally joins APC

Philip Aduda, a former senator, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aduda was received into the ruling party on Monday in Abuja by Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC national chairman.

Earlier on Monday, Aduda, who represented the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2011 and 2023 in the senate, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Aduda, an ally of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the FCT, attributed his decision to quit the PDP to the leadership crisis in the opposition party.

The former senator expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunity to serve in various elective positions in the country.

Earlier this month, Wike said Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT in the senate, would not be re-elected in 2027, claiming that she has “no project to show”.

Aduda lost the FCT senatorial election in 2023 to Kingibe. Aduda would later challenge the outcome of the polls,  but both the tribunal and the appeal court upheld Kingibe’s election. (The Cable)

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15 Adamawa lawmakers quit PDP amidst Fintiri’s planned defection

Fifteen lawmakers of the Adamawa State House of Assembly have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing ongoing internal crises at the national level of the party.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during plenary by Speaker Bathiya Wesley, who also disclosed that he and his deputy, Buba Jijiwa, have quit the PDP.

“All the resignation letters conveyed the same message,” Wesley said. “The lawmakers pointed to the prolonged crisis at the national level of the PDP as the main reason for their decision. They also expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to contest and win elections on its platform.”

The departing lawmakers include Kefas Calvin, Bulus Geoffrey, Haruna Jilantikiri, Kefas Emmanuel, Ahmed Belel, Moses Zah, Kate Mamuno, Pwamwakeno Mackondo, Adun Alaba, Bulus Kantom, Musa Kallamu, and Japhet Hammanjabu.

Separately, Abubakar Abdullahi, representing Girei State Constituency, resigned from the PDP on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that the lawmakers are set to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), though a formal announcement is yet to be made.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is also reportedly finalising plans to move to the APC. Last Saturday, he hosted APC leaders at an iftar ceremony (breaking of the Ramadan fast) at the Government House, Yola, describing the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue, foster cooperation, and reaffirm a shared commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development in Adamawa State. (Guardian)

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Jonathan has pledged support for PDP — Turaki

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday met with former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Maitama office in Abuja.

Addressing journalists after the closed-door meeting, National Chairman of the PDP, Tanimu Turaki, said the visit aimed to brief Jonathan on the party’s state, ongoing legal battles, and prospects ahead of upcoming elections.

“We have his assurance that he remains an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and feels obliged to support the party; the PDP has done enough for him, and he will try his best to do more for the party,” Turaki stated.

He added that Jonathan’s remarks were “very reassuring and encouraging as we prepare for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun, and the 2027 general elections.”

The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with rival factions led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Turaki claiming the national chairmanship.

INEC recently intervened to clarify positions ahead of the scheduled elections in Ekiti and Osun.

Speculation has grown that Jonathan may be drafted as the PDP’s 2027 presidential candidate, but Jonathan has not publicly declared his intentions. (Channels)

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Rivers deputy governor, SSG officially join APC

The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, have officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dr. Odu completed her registration as an APC member at Ward 8, Unit 11, Akabuka town, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the state.

Her defection comes shortly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara formally joined the ruling party.
Similarly, Dr. Anabraba registered his membership on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Ward 1, Unit 1, Bob-Manuel’s Compound, Abonnema, in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.

Speaking after his registration, the SSG said the exercise formally affirmed his membership of the APC and would enable him to participate fully in the party’s activities. He noted that the move would also strengthen his support for Governor Fubara’s “Rivers First” agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He expressed optimism that enhanced synergy between the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government would yield greater dividends for the people of the state.

Earlier, in a letter titled “Resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Dr. Anabraba described his decision to leave the PDP as personal. He appreciated the opportunities and political leverage he gained while in the party and wished it well in its future endeavours.

Meanwhile, Dr. Odu has appealed to her supporters to rally behind President Tinubu and Governor Fubara, stressing the need to strengthen the APC’s grassroots presence ahead of future elections.

A few days ago, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly appointed Special Advisers to brace up, as their appointments are aimed at strengthening teamwork within government and ensuring that the machinery of governance continues to function smoothly and efficiently.

He urged the appointees to remain committed to his administration’s vision to deliver effective, people-centred governance in the state.

The governor gave the charge on Friday, January 2, 2025, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, after administering the oath of office to the five advisers.

Those sworn in are Barr. Eloka Tasie-Amadi, Prof. Peter Medee, Emmanuel Frank Fubara, Victor Ekaro and Dr. Darlington Orji.

The governor said, “What we are doing this afternoon is to bring in some persons on board to ensure that the wheels of governance continue to roll smoothly in our state.”

He explained that the advisers were carefully selected because they were familiar with his administration’s philosophy and direction, having previously worked with him in various capacities.

“These are not new faces. They have been with us and have worked with us. They understand the philosophy of this administration, and it will not be difficult for them to align and ensure that our goals are achieved,” he stated.

The governor stressed that effective governance could only be achieved through collective effort, discipline and shared responsibility, warning the appointees against complacency.

“My charge is simple because you already know what we have come to do. This is not for pleasure; it is work,” he said, adding that expectations were high. (Guardian)

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PDP crisis deepens as pro-Wike NWC sets up caretaker committee in Lagos

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a 19-member State Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs in Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the inauguration followed a fresh twist in the PDP’s ongoing national leadership crisis, after the Wike-backed National Working Committee, NWC, announced the dissolution of some state party executives, including those in Lagos.

The factional NWC is chaired by Alhaji Abdulraman Mohammed, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu serving as National Secretary.

At the ceremony held in Ikeja on Wednesday, the Deputy National Secretary of the factional NWC, Mr Adedeji Doherty, who represented the National Chairman, criticised what he termed blatant disregard for the PDP constitution by some party members.

Doherty, a former Lagos PDP Chairman and governorship candidate, accused certain party leaders among them Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Chief Olabode George of contributing to the protracted internal crisis.

He said the newly constituted caretaker committee had the backing of “recognised PDP leaders” and urged party members to close ranks to revive the party.

“We are issuing red cards to those hell-bent on destroying the PDP. The PDP is very important to us. Today marks a new chapter in the evolution of democracy and the party.

“We have heard a lot about court judgments and conflicting judgments on who the authentic chairman of the PDP is.

“As far as we are concerned, and as far as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is concerned, the Ibadan National Convention that produced the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP National Working Committee should not have taken place,” he said.

Doherty described the November PDP convention as illegitimate, alleging it was conducted in violation of democratic principles.

According to him, Mohammed remains the lawful National Chairman of the party.

He charged members of the Lagos caretaker committee to strictly comply with the PDP constitution and guidelines, adding that the conduct of party congresses would commence in January.

“I want the new caretaker committee to be so guided. We must return this party to the great days. We must not go against the tenets of the party and its constitution.

“PDP in Lagos State is going to witness a serious turnaround. I want to call on all those who left the PDP in Lagos for one reason or another to return and take managerial positions.

“We must join hands to rebuild our party again. Rebuilding the party at this period is more important to us than who becomes president in 2027,” he said.

On the 2027 general elections and the debate over a Southern presidency, Doherty said it would not be out of place for the PDP to support President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to complete a second term.

“It does not mean that we are going to abandon our PDP and declare for the APC. It also does not mean that when you see PDP governors declaring for the APC, they cannot return.

“I believe in Wike’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027. It is his prerogative,” he said.

He added that unseating Tinubu in 2027 would be extremely difficult.

“It is going to be a herculean task,” he said.

Doherty also lamented that the internal crisis had forced many prominent figures out of the party.

NAN reports that Mr Kayode Ogunbiyi was inaugurated as Chairman of the Lagos State Caretaker Committee, while Mr Jamiu Awofala was sworn in as Secretary.

Other members include Mrs Akinro Bolaji, Mr Ege Allen, Mr Audu Salami, Mr Gani Ogungbayi, Mr Ola Odunwa, Mr Samson Hundeyin, Mrs Adebimpe Mariam and Mr Solomon Yusuf. (DailyPost)

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2023 Election: I regret supporting Tinubu — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said he regrets supporting President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, admitting that the decision did not produce the outcome he had hoped for.

Makinde made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the Government House in Ibadan.

The governor was one of five Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors — popularly known as the G5 — who openly worked against their party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 polls.

The group, led by then Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, opposed Atiku’s candidacy over zoning concerns, arguing that the PDP should have presented a southern presidential candidate following the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner.

Makinde said his decision to back Tinubu, who was then the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was based on the belief that he would act in the national interest if elected.

“I said it earlier, I’m human. I supported the current president, even though in another party at that time, because I thought we’ll do what is right for the country,” Makinde said.

He added that he believed the president would “reset the country” and bring together competent individuals from across Nigeria to address the nation’s challenges.

“But unfortunately, that is not what we’re seeing. I regret that action. Yes, I do,” the governor stated.

Citing concerns over the survival of democracy and the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governor vowed that President Tinubu won’t have his support in the coming 2027 presidential election.

Makinde also disclosed the reason behind his political disagreement with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

According to him, the rift between him and Wike began after the minister told Tinubu during a meeting that he would “hold PDP” for the President ahead of the 2027 election, a statement Makinde said was made without the consent of other party stakeholders.

“I was in a meeting with the President and Wike and a few others, and Wike said to the President that I will hold PDP for you against 2027,” Makinde said. “So, we got up, and I asked Wike, did we agree to this?”

Makinde noted that while Wike is entitled to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, other members of the party also have the right to protect the PDP and oppose any move that could weaken democratic pluralism. (Vanguard)

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Bayelsa deputy gov’s passing, monumental loss, Fubara mourns

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has condoled with his Bayelsa State counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, over the death of his deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing it as a monumental loss.

Fubara, in a statement he personally signed and released on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, said Ewhrudjakpo’s demise is not only a loss to Bayelsa but also to Rivers State.

He described the late deputy governor as a man of rare calibre whose life in the public service was exemplary, adding that he combined intellect with humility.

The statement partly reads, “On behalf of the Government and the people of Rivers State, I extend our deepest condolences to you, my brother Governor Douye Diri and all the people of Bayelsa State over the news of the sudden passing of your Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The sad news resonates across our borders, leaving us in a state of collective mourning alongside our brothers and sisters in Bayelsa State.

“Senator Ewhrudjakpo was a man of exceptional calibre whose life was a masterclass in public service.
Throughout his distinguished career, he navigated the complexities of governance with a rare blend of intellectual depth and profound humility. Ewhrudjakpo was not merely a political figure; he was a steadfast anchor for your administration and a beacon of hope for his constituents.

“His transition represents a monumental loss that echoes far beyond the walls of the Government House. To his family, he was a devoted pillar; to the state, he was a tireless advocate for progress. The vacuum left by his departure is a testament to the magnitude of the space he occupied in the hearts of those who knew him and the lives he touched through his dedication to duty.

“May you, my brother Governor, find the inner resolve to lead your people through this dark hour. Our prayers remain with the bereaved family and the entire people of Bayelsa State. We pray that the soul of the departed finds eternal repose in the bosom of the Lord, and that those he left behind are granted the fortitude and grace to carry forward his noble legacy.”

Ewhrudjakpo died on Thursday, after he collapsed at the Government House in Yenagoa.

The Peoples Democratic Party, in a statement on Thursday night, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, announced his death.

The statement read, “The National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, are in profound grief.” (Punch)_

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Accord Party screens, clears Adeleke for Osun governorship primary

Hours after announcing his defection to the Accord Party, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been cleared for the gubernatorial primary election.

The Guardian reports that delegates are converging at the Oasis Event Hall in Osogbo for the primary of the Accord Party, of which Adeleke is expected to participate.

On Tuesday night, Adeleke announced his movement to the Accord Party, days after resigning his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, in a statement by Ibe Thankgod, the Chairman, Screening Committee of Accord, on Wednesday, Adeleke was said to have been screened and cleared for its governorship primary that is holding today.

The chairman of the committee, who is also the National Organising Secretary of the party, Thankgod, said the governor has fulfilled all the requisite requirements for nomination and participation at the primary.

“He said the committee subsequently cleared Governor Adeleke as the sole aspirant for the party’s governorship ticket and concluded all required documentations with relevant bodies.

The committee chairman then presented a certificate of clearance to the governor, hailing him as a worthy gubernatorial aspirant of the party.

Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation to the screening committee and the entire party leadership, noting his preparedness to lead the party to victory in 2026.

“I am ready for the primary and I am ready for the general elections. We are winning by God’s grace”, Governor Adeleke affirmed.

Other members of the committee included Abdurahaman Muhammed, Abdulahi Sani Muhammed and Mrs Awogbade Rachael,” the statement obtained in Osogbo noted.

Similarly, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He announced his decision during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Fubara joins several governors who have also switched to the APC this year.

Recently, 17 members of the House of Assembly, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced their defection from the PDP to the APC, thereby altering the balance of power in the legislature.

Meanwhile, the Kabiru Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a “self-inflicted injury” and a culmination of choices the governor “willingly embraced.”

In a statement issued Tuesday night by National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Fubara’s exit merely affirmed the legal maxim volenti non fit injuria “to one who is willing, no harm is done.” (Guardian)

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Fubara dumps PDP, defects to APC

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Fubara announced his defection at a stakeholders meeting held at the government house in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The Rivers State Governor joined Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; and his Bayelsa counterpart, Duoye Siri, all of whom defected from the opposition PDP.

Speaking at the meeting, the governor said, “We can’t support President (Tinubu) if we don’t fully identify with him, not just the backyard support.

“So we have taken that decision here today that everyone who has followed and suffered with me, the decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC.”

His defection came after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Monday.

He reportedly arrived at the Presidential Villa about 5:01 p.m. and was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before being escorted to the President’s office and departed at about 5:45 p.m.

Although the details of the meeting were not disclosed.

Recall that on March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months over political tension in the oil-rich South South state.

The President said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

He then appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who has now been appointed an ambassador, as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.

Six months later, Fubara resumed office and pledged to restore peace and reconciliation in the state.

The governor, in a statewide broadcast, described the period (emergency rule) as enormously challenging but necessary to restore order and safeguard democratic institutions.

He said that, as governor, he chose to abide by the declaration and to co-operate fully with President Tinubu and the National Assembly, prioritising peace above personal or political gain.

“I resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration, suspension of democratic structures, and other measures taken during the turbulent period,” he said.

The governor noted that after Tinubu brokered peace among contending parties, he, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly later resolved to bury the hatchet.

He said reconciliation was embraced in the best interest of Rivers’ people and for the progress of the state. (Punch)