Politics

Court orders accelerated hearing in suit seeking to stop PDP presidential primary

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Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday ordered the accelerated hearing into a suit seeking to stop the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slated for May 29.

The judge gave the order while ruling on an application for abridgment of time argued by Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN) on behalf of the plaintiff, Mr. Cosmos Ndukwe.

He held that time was of the essence in the matter and that it would be in the interest of justice for the suit to be fully determined before the primary election.

Justice Okorowo asked the PDP, its National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu to file their responses to the suit against them within four days.

The judge fixed May 18 for adoption of final addresses in the suit, saying a date for judgement would be fixed immediately after the adoption of addresses.

Erokoro had in the application pleaded with the court to abridge the time for the suit to be expeditiously heard.

The respondents, however, opposed the application for abridgment of time and accelerated hearing, claiming that there was nothing urgent about the case of the plaintiff.

The PDP counsel, Mr. Mahmud Magaji, (SAN), said the plaintiff had nothing to lose if the party went ahead with the presidential primary.

Ndukwe had on April 28 filed an ex parte application restraining the PDP from proceeding with the primary election over its refusal to zone the presidential ticket to the Southern part of the country.

Politics

APC, PDP 2023 nomination fees will encourage corruption – Ladoja

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The former Oyo State governor, Rasheed Ladoja, on Monday decried the exorbitant fees charged for the 2023 elections’ nomination forms by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying it would encourage corruption in the country.

The ruling party had pegged its nomination and expression of interest forms at N100 million for presidential aspirants and N50 million for their governorship counterparts.

The PDP on the other hand asked the presidential aspirants to pay N40 million for the nomination and expression of interest forms while those vying for governorship seats in the states are to cough out N20 million for the forms.

Ladoja, who stated this in a chat with journalists at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the fees charged by the two parties for the forms would have a negative effect on the nation’s economy.

He said the arrogance of APC and PDP would force politicians to embezzle public funds, saying candidates should be picked based on their manifesto and not money.

The ex-governor said: “It is very ridiculous to ask a presidential aspirant to pick nomination form for N100 million and governorship nomination form for N50 million This is pure arrogance from the parties.

“You are asking a presidential aspirant to seek a job of N56 million with a form of N100 million. The same thing applies to the governorship. You are asking an aspirant to pay N50 million to seek a job of N28 million in four years.”

He stressed that the arrogance of the two parties would drop if other parties win elections in some states.

Ladoja added: “Other political parties charge less than APC and PDP. If other parties can also win elections in some states, the arrogance of the two major political parties will drop.

“These parties should understand that they are not the masters, but the people. They are just stampeding people thinking that they would vote for them either they like or not.”

Politics

Yari, Marafa decamp to PDP ahead of 2023 elections

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Abdul Aziz Yari, former governor of Zamfara State, and Senator Kabiru Garba Mafara, together with their supporters have abandoned the All Progressive Congress (APC) to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Bala Mande, PDP Chairman, told reporters in Gusau, the state capital, on Sunday that the party had received Yari, Marafa, and other key APC members who had defected to the PDP together with their throngs of fans.

“We want to officially announce to you of the joining of our great party, the PDP, by the former Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Abdul Aziz Yari, Senator Kabiru Garba Mafara and their supporters,” the statement read.

“They are now PDP members, we have reached an agreement and we are going to implement the agreement.

We have agreed to work together as one political entity in one party, the PDP for the success of the party in the State.

We have also agreed to work extra hard to reclaim the lost mandate of Zamfara State in 2023 and save its people from their present predicament.

I have given the stakeholders a complete update of where we are as a result of this development,” Mande told reporters.

The news put a stop to speculations about Yari and Marafa defecting from the APC to the PDP.

The two have been at the center of the Zamfara APC’s leadership dispute, which had resulted in the party’s disqualification in the state’s 2015 elections.

The problem was exacerbated when the state’s governor, Bello Matawalle, switched from the PDP to the APC.

Marafa and Yari lost their leadership positions in the Zamfara APC as a result of Matawalle’s defection.

Politics

Sokoto Assembly Speaker dumps APC for PDP

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Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Aminu Muhammad Achida, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The speaker submitted the letter of his defection to the Assembly during plenary session on Thursday.

Similarly, a member of the state House of Assembly representing Wammako 2 Constituency, Murtala Bello Maigona, has defected to the APC.

Details in subsequent reports

Politics

PDP’s victory in Adamawa LGA election a referendum on APC— Atiku

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Sunday described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s victory in the Adamawa State local council election as a referendum on the failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

PDP won all the 21 chairmanship seats in the local government election held across the state on Saturday.

Abubakar, who reacted to the development in a post on his Facebook page, said the results were indicative of the failed policies and lack of transformation blueprint by APC.

He urged the opposition candidates to work together with the elected council chairmen for the betterment of the state.

He wrote: “The outcome of the weekend’s Local Government Elections in Adamawa State confirms the resurgence of the PDP and the preference of its policies by the citizens.

The election that produced an overwhelming victory for the PDP was a referendum on the failed policies of the APC, which has only succeeded in increasing the tribe of the poor and the jobless.

“I congratulate all elected officials of the PDP and urge them to be focused on providing good governance to their people if the support of their constituents is to be assured.

“I commend officials of the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC), security agents and the citizens for the peaceful conduct of the polls.

“I urge the opposition party to join hands to work as a team in providing much-needed governance and development to the local councils as they are the tier of government closest to the people.

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri deserves special commendation for having created the conditions precedent for the PDP victory by having conducted two elections in less than three years, granted autonomy and prompt payment of salaries to LGAs, and supporting State Development Areas.”

Politics

PDP extends sales of 2023 elections’ forms by another 6 days

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has further extended the deadline for the sales and submission of forms for the 2023 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said the deadline for the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms had been extended to April 14, while the last day for the submission of forms was pushed forward to April 17.

PDP had earlier shifted the deadline for sales of forms from April 1 to April 8.

The party fixed April 19 for the screening of aspirants for various State House of Assembly and April 20 for National Assembly aspirants.

The screening of governorship and presidential aspirants will take place on April 21 and April 25 respectively.

The statement read: “The screening appeal committee for the State House of Assembly will sit on April 21; National Assembly, April 22; Governorship -April 26; and Presidential-April 27.

“All duly completed state assembly forms are expected to be submitted at the various States Secretariat of the party.”

World News

PANDEF knocks PDP over 2023 presidential ticket, insists on southern president

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Apex Niger Delta sociopolitical group, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the decision by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to throw open its 2023 presidential ticket instead of zoning it to the Southern part of the country, while insisting that the next president must come from the South.

The group described the move by the main opposition party as throwing away it’s best chance of toppling the APC in the 2023 general election.

In a statement signed by PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Robinson on Wednesday, the group claimed that the decision by the party’s Zoning Committee led by Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State which arrived at the decision, was ill-advised and acted on a planned script.

It is an awful decision and there will be consequences. But we are not utterly surprised at the development,” the statement said.

The outcome was predictable; there were evident-pointers that this would be the conclusion.

“Governor Ortom’s Committee has a script and they have played it out with due deference to some patriots that were in the Committee.

“The level of desperation and political debauchery being demonstrated by some political stakeholders is deplorable and quite disappointing.

“Regrettably, we are in a society where it seems anything goes. We will await the conduct of the presidential primaries by the parties to assess the choices that would be presented to us.”

Politics

Ortom clarifies PDP position on zoning of presidential ticket

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The Benue State Governor and the Chairman of the Zoning Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has responded to reports that elective positions have been thrown open to all stakeholders.

Ortom apike on Wednesday during an interview on AriseTV monitored by Ripples Nigeria.

This comes against the backdrop that the PDP had thrown its 2023 presidential ticket open to all aspirants.

In his clarification, Ortom stated that the final decision is subject to the ratification of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

“Let me clear the insinuations about the resolutions of the PDP zoning committee that the ticket is open to all zones. Whatever we say is subject to National Executive Committee, before NEC’s approval therefore, it was premature to let the cat out of the bag.

“As far as true commitee is concerned, there were arguments for and against zoning. These discourses are what and our aim is the unity of the country considering how the party managed the country before the ascent of the current APC-led administration,” Ortom stated.

He further noted that while there might be dissenting opinions over the final decision by the NEC, the interest of the party is the main theme that binds all stakeholders.

“This is democracy and it is about the decision of the majority within the party. Of course, there will be dissenting voices based on interests but the beauty is that stakeholders will look at the larger picture of winning the election. All interests group will be considered by NEC which comprises of all members across the country.

“Everyone must team together for justice, equity and fairness but I reiterate that the committee has submitted the report which will have to be ratified by the NEC. The PDP is very mindful; we won’t shoot ourselves in the foot because we want our decision to reflect the interests of the people,” he said.

Politics

PDP will wrest power from APC in 2023 – Okowa

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The Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, boasted on Monday the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would seize power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.

Okowa, who stated this during a rally held at Ughelli Township Stadium in honour of a returning member of PDP, Chief Jaro Egbo and his group, said Nigerians have suffered enough in the hands of the APC.

He said: “Let me thank our brother Olorogun Jaro Egbo and his ‘High Voltage’ movement for deeming it fit to return home.

PDP is well able to take over presidency but we have to be very strong and courageous.

Nigerians have suffered enough and they are tired; so, we must give them hope that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

“We have always won in Ughelli North but they usually write results in one ward and we will not allow anybody to write results again.

“Every man with his vote must count and I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that in 2023, we will win in all parts of Delta Central.

Politics

Under PDP, Nigeria had phantom soldiers whose salaries went into private pockets – Presidency

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The presidency on Sunday slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for messing up Nigeria throughout its 16-year stay in power.

The presidency was reacting to the opposition party’s criticism of the Federal Government over the renewed attacks on soft targets, particularly in the North-West and North-East by bandits and Boko Haram insurgents.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, the presidency described the PDP as an unmitigated failure, noting that the party plundered the country’s resources throughout its years in power.

The statement read: “The rejected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fantasy communiqué is a work of fiction by those who truly believe black is white and one plus one equals three.

“This statement of the delusional seeks to cover up the serial and criminal failures of the PDP’s long and damaging period in office, which the Muhammadu Buhari administration and All Progressives Congress (APC) have strived these past seven years to amend.”

The presidency claimed the PDP misappropriated the funds meant for the salaries of the members of the country’s Armed Forces.

We cannot forget under PDP, the nation had an army full of phantom soldiers whose pay went to PDP politicians’ pockets while our under-resourced real soldiers died in the fight against insurgents and our international allies refused to supply Nigeria kit and military aid.

“Today with the APC, the army is resourced, we have fighter jets from our partners, Boko Haram is being driven from every inch of Nigerian territory, and ISWAP’s leader eliminated in a Nigerian airstrike.

“We cannot ignore how PDP politicians sought – and continue to seek – to inflame ethnic and religious tensions by refusing to even proffer a solution to the herder-farmer clashes which became most prevalent under their misrule.

“Today with APC in government, there are ranches on federal land and in state land where there is the willingness to establish them. Clashes are reduced. Lives are saved, and livelihoods are enriched.

We will always remember how PDP politicians intentionally encouraged and exploited the black market in currency exchange to convert ill-gotten gains to foreign currency and undermine our national currency, then spirited their funds abroad in their billions and into foreign bank accounts,” it added.

Politics

El-Rufai’s plan to hire foreign mercenaries against terrorists counter-productive – PDP

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, warned the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against hiring foreign mercenaries to fight terrorists in Nigeria.

The governors had told journalists on Saturday he would be forced to hire foreign mercenaries to tackle the bandits if the Federal Government and security agencies fail to crush the criminals in the North-West.

However, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party argued that El-Rufai’s contemplation of mercenaries in the fight against the bandits was an admission of the federal government’s failure in the ongoing fight against insecurity.

The party said the murder of thousands of Nigerians by terrorists since the All Progressives Congress (APC) took took over power in 2015 was the result of the actions and comments by APC leaders and government officials who encouraged terrorism in the name of politics.

The statement read: “Nigerians can still recall how in July 2021, Governor El-Rufai, when asked why the Federal Government was lethargic in going after bandits (terrorists) stated that the bandits (terrorists) are collections of independent criminals for whom banditry is a business.

Nigerians can also recall how ahead of the 2019 general elections, Governor El-Rufai threatened that ‘those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the persons that will come and intervene, they will go back in body bags.

The media was also awash with reports of how governors of APC-controlled states, especially in the North West region of the country publicly romanced and empowered terrorists by paying them billions of naira of public funds in various hurried, uncoordinated and hazy negotiations.

“Nigerians have not forgotten how in November 2020 the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency through its spokesperson, Shehu Garba, rationalized the beheading of 43 rice farmers in Borno State by terrorists and blamed the farmers for not obtaining clearance before going to their farms.

“The PDP, however, wants Governor El-Rufai to know that his suggestion or threats to import foreign mercenaries is counter-productive and capable of compounding the already dire security situation in our country.

Politics

2023: PDP extends sales of forms by one week

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended the sales of nomination and expression of interest forms for 2023 general elections by one week.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the deadline had been shifted from April 1 to April 8.

He said the party had also rescheduled the screening of aspirants for States of House of Assembly to April 12 while the exercise for National Assembly aspirants would take place two days later.

The statement read: “In the same vein, the last day for the return of already completed forms as well as the screening for both the State House of Assembly and National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) has been rescheduled as follows:

“Last date for submission of already completed forms for States House of Assembly: -Sunday, April 10 by 6:00 p.m.

“National Assembly: -Sunday, April 10 by 6:00 p.m.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the last day for the purchase of all forms is now fixed for Friday, April 8.”

The party had earlier this month pegged the nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants vying for its presidential ticket at N40 million and N20 million for governorship aspirants.

Politics

‘A dead political party incapable of mounting viable opposition in Edo,’ PDP mocks APC

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State on Sunday branded the All Progress Congress (APC) a “dead political party” over its inability to offer a viable opposition in the state.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Dr. Patrick Ojebuoboh, the PDP said the APC only announced its presence via periodic press statements without making any meaningful impact on the residents.

The statement read: “The All Progressives Congress in the state has become a dead political party, with none of its organs functioning, hence its inability to provide the seriously needed perspective and constructive criticism that is expected of a viable opposition party.

With the spectacular failure that the APC has exhibited at the national level, the party has left the nation’s economy in shreds, setting bandits on the loose across the country and abandoning the people in unprecedented hardship with astronomical energy and food prices that are beyond the reach of the common man.

“It is easy to see why the Edo State APC has degenerated from a stage where it was just limping to its present condition of being completely comatose.

“Once in a while, a certain Assistant Publicity Secretary of the party dishes out lies and complete falsehood just to create the sense that the APC, which is now dead in Edo, may still have some life left.”

The party urged the APC to form a merger with smaller political parties in order to survive.

“The PDP, as well as the government and people of Edo State, is calling on the comatose party, to either put an end to the joke called the All Progressives Congress in Edo State and come over to the only party alive in the state, which is the PDP or merge with other small political parties in order to make a reasonable impact.”

Politics

‘Adamu has lot of baggage bordering on corruption allegations,’ PDP slams APC

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday mocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the emergence of former Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Adamu, as the party’s new national chairman.

Adamu and 72 other persons were elected into the APC National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s national convention held on Saturday in Abuja.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, PDP challenged the former governor to defend himself on the allegations of financial impropriety hanging on his neck.

The party accused Adamu of mismanaging N15 billion belonging to the Nasarawa State government.

The statement was PDP reaction to the ex-governor’s remark on its 16-year rule in the country.

Adamu had in a chat with journalists before the APC convention claimed the opposition party destroyed the Nigerian economy throughout its years in power.

The statement read: “A bad workman complains of his tools and an irredeemably bad workman complains of others. Adamu does not deserve a response from the PDP. He has a lot of baggage bordering on corruption allegations. He should first and foremost tell Nigerians, particularly the people of Nasarawa State the whereabouts of that huge sum of money.

“A party that promised Nigerians change but brought them sorrow, pain and death should keep quiet at a time well-meaning Nigerians are exploring ways to get the country back on track.

“Instead of change, APC brought us chaos-chaos in national security, chaos in economy, chaos in education, and chaos across all sectors. There is no basis to compare the 16 glorious years of the PDP with the seven sorrowful years of the APC. Take to the streets and ask ordinary Nigerians to tell you the condition of their lives under APC and the PDP.

The Mala Buni caretaker committee that presided over the convention was illegal and something cannot stand on nothing. At the appropriate time, Adamu and co-travelers will have themselves to blame.

“At a time they were doing what they called a convention, terrorists wreaked havoc, seized the Kaduna airport, and prevented innocent Nigerians from flying. Adamu should brace up for what awaits him and his party. Nigerians have moved on.”

Politics

‘PDP is never an alternative in 2023,’ Fashola tells Nigerians

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The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on Friday warned Nigerians against returning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to power in 2023.

Fashola, who made the call in a Channels Television programme, Politics Today, stressed that despite all the problems in Nigeria at the moment, PDP would never be an option for Nigerians.

He urged the citizens to make the right choices in next year’s elections.

The minister said: “Whatever problems the country has, the umbrella parish is never the solution because most of these problems were created by them.

“I think it is perhaps not helpful to publish that spreadsheet in isolation. What you should do is to compare it with the rest of the world. Tell me anywhere in the world where the cost of living is not rising, whether it is in the United Kingdom or the United States.

Just three days ago, CNN was showing footage of Americans stealing fuel and they would not be stealing it if it was cheap; these are very challenging times globally for the entire world. So this is not an isolated occurrence that affects Nigeria only.”

Fashola stressed that the Second Niger Bridge and other infrastructural projects undertaken by the Federal Government are for the benefit of Nigerians.

He added: “The Second Niger Bridge connects Nigerians from different angles. In terms of performance and execution, the completion will be done in April of this year.

“I need to say this. Opponents will embarrass themselves by saying infrastructure is nothing serious that the country needs.”

Politics

Court adjourns suit seeking to remove Cross River Gov, Ayade, for dumping PDP

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has adjourned a suit seeking to remove the Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, from office for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to April 6, for ruling.

When the case first came up for mention on Tuesday, the presiding judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, had adjourned till Friday, March 25, for hearing.

The case with the suit number, FHC/ABJ/CS/975/2021, was filed by the state chapter of the PDP against Ayade and his deputy, for defecting from the opposition party.

In its suit filed by counsel to the PDP, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), the party had sought an order sacking the governor and his deputy over their defection.

However, when the case came up on Friday morning, Justice Taiwo postponed it to April 6, saying the parties in the case were not ready.

Taiwo had, also on Tuesday, ordered two House of Representatives members representing the state and 18 lawmakers from the Cross River House of Assembly, to vacate their seats for defecting to the APC.

The judge gave the order following another suit filed on August 27, 2021, by the PDP to challenge the 20 lawmakers’ defection to APC, alongside the governor on May 20, 2021.

In delivering judgment, Taiwo dismissed the defence argument that the PDP (plaintiff) had no locus standi to institute the case.

He also dismissed other preliminary objections raised by the sacked lawmakers, ruling that the argument of the lawmakers that there was rancour in the PDP, which necessitated their defection to APC, was a ploy to mislead the court.

The judge, who granted all the reliefs sought by the PDP, held that it was disheartening that politicians in the country treat citizens as if they do not matter once they get into office.

A day must surely come when elected officials must either resign from their office or ask the people who voted for them before defecting to other political parties, instead of defecting to another party without recourse to the law and the citizens,” Justice Taiwo had said.

Politics

2023: PDP will not abandon zoning tradition – Ayu

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The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu, said on Thursday the party would not abandon its tradition of zoning political offices in the 2023 general elections.

Ayu stated this when he inaugurated a 37-man zoning committee at the party national secretariat in Abuja.

The PDP constituted the zoning committee during its 95th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on March 16 to make recommendations for the zoning of various elective positions before the elections.

The committee was given is expected to submit its report to the party leadership on March 30.

The chairman said: “PDP has a history of rotating our offices. Anybody who doesn’t get it this time should wait after the tenure of whoever will be our next president.

“We believe PDP is going to produce the next President once we start this journey. This time, we will ensure it goes round. And it will go round with justice, fairness and the interests of Nigeria.

“You will recall that in the NEC meeting discussions, we had no rancour whatsoever. I implore all of you to continue in the same spirit. PDP has a reputation for discussing whatever issues that we have. We talk, we don’t fight, we resolve issues.”

Politics

We must not allow PDP get its dirty hands on government again – Buhari to APC governors

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President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) to work towards retaining power come 2023.

He spoke during a meeting with APC governors at the State House on March 23, ahead of the party’s national convention.

According to The Punch, Buhari said it will be disastrous if the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) returns to power in 2023. The president specifically told the governors to put the interest of the APC ahead of theirs.

He said: “As I remarked when I met Your Excellencies on February 22, our aim must be to hand over to an APC government at the centre and the great majority of states.

We must not, by default, allow the PDP to get its dirty hands on the Government again and return us to the Stone Age.”

President Buhari who said the APC had done considerably well in the last seven years despite the economic challenges also called for unity among the governors.

He said: “It will be a very sad and regrettable development if these manifest gains are frittered away as a result of internal dissent and rivalry. We must avoid narrow focus and inordinate personal ambitions at the expense of our party’s common good.

We must stop frivolous and diversionary litigation when the party’s reconciliation processes are available for settling disputes.We must restore sanity and purpose in the affairs of our party and lead ourselves to victory and safety.”

Politics

Court fixes Friday to hear PDP suit against Gov Ayade’s defection

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A Federal High Court, Abuja, has scheduled Friday for the hearing of a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday, reported from Court 7, where Justice Taiwo presides, that the judgment in suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/975/2021 filed by the PDP against Cross River governor and his deputy will come up on Friday, March 25.

In its suit, the counsel to the PDP, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, had filed the suit before Justice Taiwo Taiwo to seek an order sacking the governor and his deputy over their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), among others.

Ayade had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress in May 2021.

Speaking during the defection, Ayade said, “We need to join hands with President Buhari in his determination to enhance the fortunes of the country.

“I need all governors to similarly join me and understand my decision to join the APC”.

“…It is my responsibility to bring back Cross River to the centre in order to enhance her fortunes.”

In another twist, Justice Taiwo, on Monday, ordered two House of Representatives members representing Cross River and 18 lawmakers from the state’s House of Assembly to vacate their seats over their defection to APC.

The judge gave the order following a suit filed on Aug. 27, 2021, by the PDP to challenge the 20 lawmakers’ defection to APC, alongside the governor on May 20, 2021.

Politics

Bode George warns PDP against plans to discard zoning

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A former National Deputy Chairman (South-West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Bode George, has warned the major opposition party against discarding the principle of zoning by leaving its 2023 presidential ticket open for all members to contest.

George, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) who gave this warning on Sunday when he appeared as a guest on a Channels Television programme, ‘Sunday Politics,’ said it was important the party took an early position on zoning the presidency to a particular region of the country so as to douse tensions and infighting currently going on within the party.

The elder statesman said he was worried with the controversy being generated over the zoning of the PDP’s presidential ticket as the buildup to the 2023 elections gathered momentum.

“It is mandatory, it is legitimate for the party to say yes, this is zoned to the South or to the North; but to leave it wide open is combustible,” George said.

Insisting that the party should hearken to the yearnings of Nigerians and zone its presidential ticket to the South, George said:

“Whatever has been in the North after eight years must come to the South; whatever has been in the South for the last eight years must go to the North.

“I am looking at it now as an engineer, there is a political equation; when they conceptualised this idea, nobody in their wildest dream thought there could be another political party that could produce the president.

“When you now say you want to throw it (zoning) away, are you telling Nigerians that it is only in certain parts of the country that you have people who have the competence or the courage to rule Nigeria? How can there be peace?

Are you saying we don’t have anybody in the southern part? What we are telling people is that we have no right as a party to tell any individual that you cannot contest, because it will be illegal,” the elder statesman added.

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