The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: PDP

  • 2027: Wike Tipped as APC Campaign Council Coordinator for FCT, Rivers

    2027: Wike Tipped as APC Campaign Council Coordinator for FCT, Rivers

    … President moves to streamline ex-governor’s role in 2027 journey

    … Keyamo tipped as campaign spokesperson

    … To avoid clashes, Akpabio, Barau will not report to Yari

    President Bola Tinubu has moved to give the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, a clearly defined role in his 2027 re-election campaign, with the former Rivers state governor expected to emerge as coordinator of the campaign structure in Rivers State and the FCT, although he retains his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The emerging arrangement, according to sources familiar with the developing campaign structure, is designed to harness Wike’s political network without formally placing him inside the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he has repeatedly said he does not belong to.

    It also comes against the backdrop of a growing disagreement between the minister and several APC governors over how support for Tinubu should be organised ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Wike has repeatedly insisted that he does not require membership of the APC or a position in the party’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) to work for Tinubu’s re-election. He has also rejected suggestions that he was seeking the director general’s position in the campaign council, saying his concern was to deliver Rivers State and the FCT for the President.

    THISDAY learnt last night that the arrangement would, in effect, give the minister a defined presidential campaign responsibility in two strategic territories where he has repeatedly claimed substantial influence.

    But even as the campaign structure is being assembled, the sources said there would not be a single chain of command running through the entire council.

    Former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, will serve as Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council, but Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, are not expected to report to him, according to sources familiar with the proposed structure.

    The arrangement, THISDAY understood, reflects the political weight of the two presiding officers of the National Assembly and the desire to accommodate the different power centres expected to participate in Tinubu’s re-election campaign for next year.

    Rather than a conventional military-style structure in which every senior campaign official reports to the director general, the emerging framework is expected to give some of the party’s most influential figures distinct spheres of responsibility.

    Although Yari is expected to coordinate the day-to-day operations of the presidential campaign council as director general, Akpabio and Barau will operate independently of him and are expected to have direct lines of responsibility within the bigger campaign structure.

    The arrangement, according to highly placed sources, is part of the effort to accommodate the various political blocs and influential figures expected to play prominent roles in Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign without creating unnecessary overlaps in authority.

    According to a very reliable source, that same logic underpins the proposed role for Wike, who will be in charge of the FCT and River as Tinubu plans to ensure that clashes do not happen among the key drivers or top echelon of his campaign.

    Only this month, Wike described himself as the “General Commander of the Political Infantry” and declared that he remained in charge of political structures in Rivers and the FCT.

    “You do not need to be governor before you can be in charge. I am the General Commander of the Political Infantry; therefore, I am in charge. So also in FCT. I owe the President to give these two,” he said.

    That assertion, however, brought him into direct conflict with politicians within the APC who believe elected governors should retain control of their respective party structures.

    The disagreement has become particularly pronounced in recent weeks, with Wike accusing some APC governors of working against him, specifically naming Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

    Wike has also promoted the “Rainbow Coalition”, a cross-party political arrangement designed to mobilise support for Tinubu beyond the formal APC structure. His argument is that politicians should be free to support the President at the presidential level while backing candidates of their choice in state and other elections.

    However, that proposition has proved difficult for APC governors to accept. Reading the resolutions of the Progressives Governors Forum a few days ago, the Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Uzodimma, declared that the governors unanimously resolved not to have anything to do with the Rainbow Coalition.

    “The forum unanimously resolved that its members won’t participate in, support or endorse any alliance or political arrangement capable of undermining the reelection of Mr President, weakening the APC or adversely affecting any candidate of the party at all levels.

    “In other words, the forum has no intention of supporting anybody at any level, that’s not an APC candidate because our candidates are being sponsored by our party. The governors affirm that commitment is exclusively to all APC candidates.

    “Any arrangement that can create confusion, divided loyalty or competing interests will not be entertained. All levels of the party campaign architectures must align with the expectations of Mr President and objectives of the APC,” the APC governors’ bloc maintained.

    However, Wike has reiterated that his support for the reelection of President Tinubu remained sacrosanct, saying he never promised that the PDP will not field candidates in governorship, National Assembly and States House of Assembly elections. He also said that Tinubu knew about the rainbow coalition.

    But the position exposed a central fault line between Wike and the governors. While the minister’s immediate political objective appears to be Tinubu’s re-election, he does not appear willing to subordinate his wider political network to the APC’s candidates in every state.

    According to the source, it is this brewing chaos that Tinubu is seeking to nip in the bud by quickly streamlining the role that Wike, who has become his close ally, should play in the upcoming presidential polls.

    The former Rivers governor’s relationship with Tinubu dates back to the 2023 election, when he and four other aggrieved PDP governors refused to support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The group, popularly known as the G5, demanded that the PDP resolve its internal zoning and power-sharing disputes before the election. Wike subsequently supported Tinubu, despite remaining in the PDP.

    Since Tinubu assumed office, the relationship has deepened. The President appointed Wike as FCT minister, making him one of the most prominent opposition-party politicians serving in the federal cabinet.

    Wike has since defended the administration’s policies, promoted federal projects in the FCT and repeatedly campaigned for Tinubu’s re-election.

    In Rivers, he has also argued that Tinubu has demonstrated sufficient commitment to the state to deserve the support of its people. But his growing proximity to Tinubu has not translated into an uncomplicated relationship with the APC establishment.

    Similarly, the proposed campaign coordination role is expected to navigate an unusual arrangement in which the current governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor are members of ‘different’ political parties but are both aligned with the same presidential candidate.

    Sources said the proposed structure was intended to reduce this ambiguity by defining Wike’s responsibility around Tinubu’s presidential vote rather than handing him control of the APC’s wider state organisation.

    As the minister responsible for the federal capital, Wike has developed a highly visible political and administrative profile there and has already declared that he would personally coordinate efforts to secure Tinubu’s victory in the territory.

    Although it has become a tradition that ruling parties lose the seat of power during presidential polls, Wike has promised to reverse the trend in the coming presidential election.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is being tipped for a prominent spokesperson role in the campaign. A versatile campaigner whose experience in presidential campaign remains second to none in the landscape.

    He has been a thorn in the flesh of opposition figures, describing them as lacking direction, coordination and the gravitas to oust Tinubu.

    Keyamo brings considerable campaign communication experience to the emerging structure. He served as a spokesperson and Director of Public Affairs in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign and previously played a senior communications role in Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election campaign.

    His experience has also extended beyond electioneering into government, having served as Minister of State for Labour and Employment under Buhari before becoming the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development under Tinubu.

    Keyamo’s possible return to the frontline campaign communications team is therefore expected to provide continuity with the President’s previous campaigns, while putting one of the administration’s most experienced political communicators at the centre of the campaign’s public messaging, it was gathered. THISDAY

  • PDP Defends Wike, Accuses APC Governors of Fear of 2027 Contest

    PDP Defends Wike, Accuses APC Governors of Fear of 2027 Contest

    The Peoples Democratic Party has defended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following the rejection of his political support for President Bola Tinubu by the All Progressives Congress Governors’ Forum.

    The PDP said Wike remained a major political force whose support could contribute significantly to Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that the minister had the constitutional right to decide whom he would support politically.

    The party stated this in a press release issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed.

    The statement followed the position of the APC governors that their members would not participate in, support or endorse any political arrangement capable of undermining the APC or its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The PDP argued that Wike was not the problem of the APC governors, but that their concerns were rooted in their governance records and fear of facing strong opposition candidates at the polls.

    “The APC Governors’ Forum should understand that Wike is not their problem; their problem is their poor governance and failure to meet the expectations of their people,” the party said.

    According to the PDP, Wike’s support for Tinubu did not amount to an endorsement of the APC or require him to abandon his membership and political relationships within the PDP.

    It said the minister, who is serving in the APC-led Federal Government, could legitimately support Tinubu while retaining his political identity.

    The opposition party accused the APC governors of initially misinterpreting Wike’s support for Tinubu as support for the ruling party.

    “The APC governors had initially misconceived Wike’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an endorsement of the APC. They are now beginning to realise that supporting the President does not mean abandoning the PDP or surrendering the political space to the APC,” the statement said.

    The PDP also rejected what it described as the governors’ attempt to prevent Wike from supporting or fielding candidates capable of challenging APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

    It argued that political parties had the right to field candidates for elective positions and that voters should be allowed to determine the outcome.

    “Elections are contests, and every political party has the democratic right to present candidates before the electorate,” the party said.

    The PDP further claimed that the APC governors’ position reflected anxiety over the prospect of facing strong PDP candidates in the next general elections.

    It maintained that the PDP had stabilised and was preparing candidates across elective positions who could challenge APC incumbents and their preferred candidates.

    The party questioned why governors who were confident in their records would be concerned about opposition candidates contesting against them.

    “If they have truly performed and retained the confidence of their people, they should welcome a contest and allow the electorate to decide,” the PDP said.

    The party also highlighted Wike’s political record as a former governor of Rivers State and his performance as FCT minister, describing him as a political organiser and mobiliser whose influence could not simply be ignored.

    It argued that rejecting Wike’s support would be counterproductive for anyone seeking Tinubu’s victory in 2027.

    “It is therefore politically irrational for anyone claiming to support the President to reject a political leader of Wike’s stature and the votes and mobilisation capacity he can bring to the President’s campaign,” the statement said.

    The PDP questioned whether the APC governors were more interested in securing their own political victories than ensuring Tinubu’s re-election.

    “A governor who truly wants the President to win should welcome every credible political force capable of contributing to that victory,” it said.

    The party urged the governors to focus on governance, accountability and their performance in office instead of attempting to determine whom Wike should support politically.

    It also challenged them to account for resources accruing to their states through the Federation Account Allocation Committee and ensure that local governments receive funds due to them.

    Describing Wike as an “asset” to Tinubu’s political project, the PDP said his political influence and mobilisation capacity could contribute to the President’s electoral prospects.

    It, however, maintained that the ultimate decision would rest with voters in 2027.

    “At the appropriate time, Nigerians will decide with their votes. Those who have performed will present their records, while those who have failed will face the judgment of the electorate,” the party said.

    The PDP said it would not be intimidated into withdrawing from the electoral contest, adding that it would field candidates and campaign for an alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “The message to the APC Governors’ Forum is simple: Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike is a force to reckon with, not a force to reject,” the party said.

    It added, “The PDP will not be intimidated into abandoning the electoral field. We will field credible candidates, mobilise Nigerians and offer the electorate a genuine alternative come 2027.”

  • 2027: Ebonyi Doesn’t Belong to One Party, PDP Hits Back at Nwifuru

    2027: Ebonyi Doesn’t Belong to One Party, PDP Hits Back at Nwifuru

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has said the state does not belong to any particular political party and urged residents to defend democratic pluralism.

    The party said they should also defend their constitutional right to choose their political leaders in 2027.

    Chukwuma Igwe, state chairman of the PDP, said this in a statement issued on Friday in Abakaliki.

    Gov Nwifuru’s ‘inciting’ remarks

    The PDP chairman was reacting to Governor Francis Nwifuru’s remarks at the inauguration of newly elected local government chairpersons and their deputies, where he threatened to remove the local official if the APC loses the 2027 elections in their council areas.

    “As a local government chairman, if you like, go and sleep so that another person will take over your house.

    “You will not stop us (APC) from winning. But when we win, we will remove you,” the governor told the newly inaugurated chairmen.

    The PDP chairman described the statement as a threat to democratic participation and political opposition in the state.

    “This is not a political banter; it is an open charge to visit official hostility upon citizens for no offence beyond their choice of party.

    “We regard this incitement for what it is: an invitation to bloodshed and avoidable hostility,” he said.

    Mr Chukwuma urged security agencies to discharge their responsibilities impartially and protect citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.

    He said the PDP would not be intimidated into silence, adding that the party would use lawful and constitutional means to defend its members, structures and democratic rights.

    “The Ebonyi State PDP will not fret, and we will not be intimidated into silence.

    “We reaffirm our resolve to resist, through every lawful and constitutional avenue open to us, any further assault upon our members or structures,” he said.

    The chairman called on democratic institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to pay attention to the political situation in Ebonyi ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “Let it be known that Ebonyi State does not belong to one political party; its security architecture does not exist to serve one political entity; that principle is non-negotiable,” Mr Chukwuma said.

    He further said that the people should make the ultimate decision on the state’s leadership in 2027 through a free, fair, and credible electoral process.

    You’re our enemy if you aren’t in the APC – Local council chairman  

    Apparently inspired by Governor Nwifuru’s controversial remarks, the newly sworn-in Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Paul Ituma, a few days ago, warned opposition politicians to stay away from the council area ahead of the 2027 election or submit to his APC and the Ebonyi State governor

    A video clip which showed Mr Ituma making the remarks surfaced on social media on Wednesday, barely 24 hours after Governor Nwifuru threatenedto remove any chairman who fails to win his council area for the APC in the 2027 election.

    Speaking at a meeting after his inauguration, Mr Ituma said that anyone opposed to Governor Nwifuru or the APC had become his enemy and should stay away from Ohaukwu LGA.

    “Except maybe based on what the governor has said, the opposition wants to submit to us so that we can embrace them. Anybody who is not thinking in that direction should not come around Ohaukwu Local Government because Ohaukwu is cordoned off, and anybody who dares to do that will be declared persona non grata,” the chairman said.

    Continuing, he said: “Anybody who wants to bring sand to put in my garri should not come to Ohaukwu. Anybody who is fighting the governor of Ebonyi State is my enemy from today and will be treated like an enemy.” NAN

     

     

  • PDP Problems Require Legal and Not Political Solution

    PDP Problems Require Legal and Not Political Solution

    By Godswill Eketabubu

    The above caption appears strange given the well advertised succession of political problems that have afflicted the PDP since 2015; problems that became exacerbated during the 2023 presidential election cycle. Yet, as grave as these political maladies appear, they currently pale into relative insignificance in relation to the complex legal challenge the party is facing. My theory of the case is thus very simple: tackle and resolve this knotty legal challenge and the party’s political pathologies will begin to disappear rapidly but ignore it, throw it under the bus or attend to it half heartedly and the envisaged political solution canvassed for will only bring temporary relief.

    PDP’s 2023 Political ‘Wahala’

    The enormity of the crippling political crises that the PDP faced during the 2023 presidential election season are very well known. From the party’s ambiguous decision over the zoning of the presidential ticket, the refusal of Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, then National Chairman of the party to resign and the open rebellion mounted by the Nyesom Wike led G-5 Governors, the party’s fate and fortune was quickly sealed. Its perennial candidate, Atiku Abubakar, lost the presidential election, Wike landed the top job as President Bola Tinubu’s minister of the FCT, and a vicious political war was levied at the heart of the party’s functioning as a coherent political apparatus. Those angry about the party’s behaviour in 2023 were then resolved to get their pound of flesh and to achieve this, the party must be taught a lesson and made to suffer so much so that it would have broken into many pieces before 2027- thus paving the way for President Tinubu’s leisurely re-entry into office.

    At this stage the driving force in the party’s persistent crises was political contestation – who will control the party’s institutional machinery, determine its direction and to what use it will be put to. There are three forces engaged in this political rofo-rofo: those who insist that the party must remain an autonomous political entity, free from external control so that it can wage and possibly win the political war of 2027; those who want the party to be tied to the apron strings of President Tinubu and the ruling APC; and those who neither want the party to be strong, firm and united because “they have no portion in it again” nor want Tinubu to have anything to do with it. Without a shadow of a doubt, the Governor of Bauchi state and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Sen. Bala Mohammed best exemplifies the first tendency. He has of late been joined in that space by the Ag. National Chairman of the party Amb. Illiya Damagun whose loyalty to the party was initially perceived to be questionable.

    PDP Lands Itself in a Legal Quagmire

    The noise over these political challenges was so loud and heavy that scant attention was paid to the legal challenge that sneaked into the party’s core: what has now become the epic battle over the National Secretary position. Why this struggle is existential to the party is not merely the perception of institutional disorder but that unless it is resolved the future of the party will be in grave danger. The matter is fairly straightforward. There are three claimants to that throne- the elected National Secretary, Sen. SamDaddy Anyanwu; Comrade Ude Okoye who the South East Caucus of the party nominated to takeover the position when Sen. Anyanwu contested for the Governorship of Imo state; and Setonji Kosheodo, the Deputy National Secretary who emerged as the Ag. National Secretary to resolve the fight between two brothers.

    Any member or leader of the party who fails to recognize the centrality of this legal tussle to the future survival of the party is either being mischievous or is downright clueless and politically idiotic. If this tussle is resolved speedily, the party will be able to hold a valid and legally sound NEC, ratify the appointment of valid and legally tenable convention and zoning of elective positions committees, hold a valid and legally sound National Convention where it will elect a new NWC, and thereafter in 2026 hold presidential primaries that will produce its Presidential Candidate for the 2027 general elections. If the party does the wrong thing with regard to the National Secretary position, retain the wrong person and proceed to unleash the processes I enumerated above thereof, the fate that befell APC in Zamfara state in 2019 will befall it. This will not only be with regard to all PDP candidates in off season elections but indeed all its governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly elections in 2027. Period.

    INEC Holds the Ace in Resolving PDP’s Legal Problem

    There is a loud noise out there that it is unbecoming of the party to call upon INEC to help resolve its problems, that INEC has no business interfering in its affairs or summoning its leaders to a meeting, that the June 30th NEC meeting is sacrosanct and must hold and that Sen. SamDaddy Anyanwu can never return as its National Secretary. While it may be necessary to let off steam and hold onto this kind of outlandish immature political reasoning approaching and tackling the reality on ground must be done devoid of this kind of emotion and sentiment. Only by such a deliberate, rational and logical mode of reasoning and acting will the party come out this mess and solve its problem.

    In Nigerian Constitutional democracy and with regard to multiparty political practices, INEC is the Alpha and Omega. As awful as this sounds, it is the truth. As a regulator INEC has powers that few people comprehend. INEC’s legal team is deep and formidable because of the nature of its work and the legal challenges it faces on a daily basis. I will rather go with INEC’s interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling on the question of who the National Secretary of the party is than that of 100 SANs combined! On this matter INEC has spoken and as regrettable and odious as it may sound to many people, this stance is FINAL. If the PDP does otherwise, trust me, it will be the end of the party, not today but after the 2027 elections – especially if it succeeds in dethroning President Bola Tinubu.

    What is this INEC position? Simply put and devoid of sentiment it is this: that the 30th June NEC meeting was illegally convened and thus cannot hold; that the National Secretary ought to have co-singed the notice with the Ag. National Chairman; that Sen. Anyanwu remains the party’s National Secretary till its next elective convention; and that anything to the contrary will spell legal doom for the party down the road. This picture is stark and clear whether INEC has said so directly or not. A visit to INEC secretariat and a perusal of its records will attest to this loud and clear.

    Gov. Bala Mohammed’s Rescue Mission

    The Governor of Bauchi state and the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum appears to have recognized this fact given his tenacity, relentless drive and immense sacrifices in hosting countless meetings of the various organs of the party in the search for solution to this problem. He appears to have recognized that Sen. Anyanwu’s moral conduct in refusing to resign when he became the party’s flag bearer in the Imo governorship election or the kind of friends he keeps are irrelevant in the task of saving the party. His embrace of Sen. Anyanwu is thus a logic of common sense and wisdom that emotions and sentiments don’t win legal arguments. The Ag. National Chairman appears to have embraced this position given his stance on the postponement of the 30th June NEC and Sen. Anyanwu’s restoration as the party’s National Secretary. Sen. Bukola Saraki, the Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee appointed by the Gov. Bala Mohammed led PDPGF and other stakeholders appears to be working towards this sound outcome.

    My charge to all members of the party, sympathizers like myself and indeed all lovers of multiparty democracy which is under severe pressure by a frightened APC and its vauntingly ambitious Presidency is to rally round those working day and night to salvage it. If the likes of Gov. Bala Mohammed is to turn his back on the party as this point in time, one wonders what its fate will be. Rather than being vilified and called names, patriotic party faithful will gain more by chipping in their bit in the urgent task of rescuing the party from the jaws of APC sharks.

    Plea to South East Party Leaders

    My plea to the South East leaders of the party, particularly to the dynamic, high performing Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu state and Sen. Adolphus Wabara who is the Chairman of the party’s BOT, as a neighbour from the South South and a long time PDP sympathizer, is to calm down, rise above your righteous anger over Sen. Anyanwu’s apparent betrayal of trust and unethical conduct and allow peace to reign. You cannot destroy that which you created. You cannot win this case in the eyes of INEC and the eyes of INEC is ultimately the eyes of the law in this regard. This may sound harsh and defeatist but it is the truth. Trust me. Unless you have some other reason why you want to leave the party which you formed that will be fine. It cannot be because of Sen. Anyanwu, whose tenure will lapse in November of this year.

    What will it profit you to ruin it all because you cannot stomach your anger for three or four months and demand that the party re-zones the position to the South East at the next convention so that you can finally get your person in for four years.

    The South East leaders of the PDP has everything to gain by working with the likes of Ag. Chairman Damagun and Gov. Bala Mohammed to put to rest, once and for all, the vexatious issue of the National Secretary, abandon the delusion of a NEC meeting on 30th June 2025 and see that gathering as an Expanded National Caucus during which the party can resolve the date of the next NEC and the upcoming National Convention. To do otherwise is to play into the hands of the enemies of the party and partake in its ultimate ruination.

    Dr. Eketabubu wrote from Port Harcourt Rivers state

  • Glitz, Glamour, as Encomiums Flow at U.S.A Igwesi’s Birthday

    Glitz, Glamour, as Encomiums Flow at U.S.A Igwesi’s Birthday

    Doris Ewoh, Enugu

    Renowned politician and former House of Representatives member representing Nkanu West and East Federal Constituency, Rt. Honourable U.S.A. Igwesi, was drenched in praises, commendations, and tributes as he celebrated his birthday in a graceful manner.

    The birthday party, which was put up by the group, Ikemba Friends Association (Inc.) to celebrate her founder, held on June 18, 2025 in Enugu State. It was a beehive of activities, as dignitaries from different parts of the social spectrum gathered to honor the man regarded as a political game changer in Enugu, the one who saw tomorrow.

    The event kicked off with an exchange of pleasantries by the celebrant and some of his guests, revealing a lot about his personality.

    In his speech, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) stalwart, Igwesi acknowledged God as the giver of life and all that he owns.

    “I’m grateful to God Almighty, who kept me alive and still provides for me even when I am not worth it as a being.

    “His grace, mercies, and blessings did the magic for me. I owe every aspect of my life to him, because he lives above men.”

    Speaking about his political career, he said, “As a young man. I realized my mission. As Nostradamus, I saw tomorrow with the help of God. I have always aligned with the right political group that provided succor to the people of Enugu State and beyond.

    “Even when the coast was not clear, I knew the right political step at all times. It is a divine gift, not by power.”

    He further revealed that he was committed to living and standing for people at all times.

    “Human development and capacity building are my topmost priority. When people are happy, I am happy. This is a transient world, and the earlier we realize that, the better for us as human beings”.

    Leading the tributes, a former Enugu State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, and now a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, described the celebrant as a man of many good qualities.

    “He is a courageous man, he is eloquent, he’s charismatic, he’s focused, he’s hardworking, and he has a heart of gold.”

    He disclosed that they had known each other since 1990, growing up together in the political environment of Enugu State.

    Edeoga noted that he wishes him long life, good health, and peace that passeth all understanding.

    “Let him continue to do the kind of things he likes to do; he likes to be involved in politics, he likes to bring people together to achieve, so, I want him to continue to achieve, bring people together, and be himself,” he stated.

    Acknowledging his political journey, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani, a former council chairman of Nkanu West Local Government, stated, “He’s the man of the people, a man of the grassroots, a great mobilizer; you can also call him a one-man riot squad.

    “There’s what we call in Igbo ‘Okaa oburu uzo,’ and that’s what he is. A political juggernaut and the Ajadi Igbo of Enugu politics.”

    He recalled that when U.S.A Igwesi was in the National Assembly, his voice was being heard everywhere, and he wasn’t one to be put in the pocket. He also added that during the last election, he was part of those who saw to the success of Gov. Peter Mbah’s victory in becoming the governor of Enugu State.

    “We still need him. I wish him long life and also prosperity, because when someone is living long and he doesn’t have what he will use to sustain that life, life becomes meaningless,” Nnamani added.

    Guests at the event included the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia; the representative of the Enugu State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Former Labour Party Governorship candidate of Enugu State, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga; State PDP Chairman, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike; Assistant Commissioner of Police, State CID Enugu, Mrs Hope Isiani; Commander Anti Kidnapping Enugu, Supol. Chuks Odum; Executive Chairman of Nkanu West, Hon. John Ogbodo and his Ezeagu and Enugu South counterparts, Hon. Dr. Vita Ndu and Hon. Caleb Ani.

    Others were a former PDP guber aspirant in Enugu, Hon. Nwabueze Ugwu; the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Political matters, Chief Frank Anioma; Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Legislative matters, Hon. Paul Nnajiofor; The Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Arch Diocese Bishop Benson Chukwuwike; Chairman, Nkanu West Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Barr. Igwesi Obi Igwesi; a patron of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu; the Rector, IMT, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo; and members of the clergy.

    Former Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Obinna Oriaku; Former Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Mbeke; Former State Chairman of PDP Anambra State and Former Njikoka LGA High Chief, Chief Cosmas Agagbo; Former Chairman of Nkanu West, Barr. Ray Nnaji; Former Executive Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government, Hon. Cornell Chijioke Onwubuya; Former Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Chief Sir Nwabueze Nnamani; Former Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Mba, Prof. Chinwuba Owoh, the Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West, Engr. Friday Nnam, Secretary of Nkanu West, Prince Onochie Jon-Igwesi, former members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, were also present, among others.

  • [OPINION] Echoes From the Chambers: A Midterm Assessment of the People’s Parliamentarian 

    [OPINION] Echoes From the Chambers: A Midterm Assessment of the People’s Parliamentarian 

    By Ezefi Mike Udoh 

    In the grand theatre of representative democracy, where the sacred trust of the people is entrusted to the stewardship of chosen legislators, few have held that mandate with the uncommon fidelity, unwavering commitment, and visionary fervor as Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji — an illustrious son of Nkanuland, a colossus bestriding the legislative landscape with measured dignity and impactful cadence.

    As we pause midway through the tenure, to cast a contemplative gaze upon the tapestry of his service—a scorecard woven with threads of purpose, passion, and performance—it becomes incumbent upon us to engage in a solemn reflection, a musing over midterms, that gives honor to whom it is due.

    Rt. Hon. Nnaji, ever the cerebral legislator and tireless advocate, has elevated the voice of Nkanu East and West beyond the narrow corridors of Enugu State into the expansive chambers of national discourse. With each motion moved, each bill sponsored or co-sponsored, he has demonstrated not merely legislative competence, but a rare alchemy of intellect and empathy. His interventions have not been ephemeral declarations from the pulpit of politics, but rather, enduring imprints upon the lives of the governed.

    Behold the classrooms he has built and equipped—temples of learning where the future of Nkanu is being nurtured under rooftops of dignity. See the solar-powered boreholes that dot the rural landscape, quenching the thirst of communities long forsaken by infrastructure. Witness the cascade of agricultural inputs and transport incentives that have revived the hopes of farmers, and the economic empowerment schemes that have breathed life into the entrepreneurial aspirations of women and youth.

    Rt. Hon. Nnaji is not a mere occupant of a parliamentary seat—he is a custodian of a vision, a steward of hope, a midwife of progress.

    This scorecard, though midterm, gleams with the luster of excellence. It bespeaks a man who did not wait to be cajoled into action, but who understood that the true essence of representation lies in accessibility, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of the people’s welfare.

    In summation, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji stands today not only as a lawmaker but as a trailblazer, a bridge between aspiration and achievement. His odyssey in the House of Representatives is a testament that with the right spirit, public office can indeed be a platform for purposeful service.

    As history watches and posterity pens its verdict, Nkanu East and West can beat their chests with pride, knowing they sent not just a man, but a mission, to Abuja—and that mission has not faltered.

    Let the musings now give way to movements. Let applause follow articulation. For in the person of Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, the people have found not only a voice but a vessel. And he, in turn, has found in their trust, the fuel to soar higher still.

    Ezefi Mike Udoh writes from Ihunekwagu, Akpugo.

  • The PDP should be embarrassed that Wike is still its member – Prof. Okey Ikechukwu

    The PDP should be embarrassed that Wike is still its member – Prof. Okey Ikechukwu

    The Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Okey Ikechukwu, has said that the PDP should be embarrassed that the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike is still a member, given his alleged anti-party activities.

    Ikechukwu, who spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, however added that the former Rivers State governor remains a political asset.

    Ikechukwu said, “Wike, whether you like him a not, you must ask yourself: is this man a fool? The answer is no. Does he know what he is doing? Maybe. Can you disregard him? The answer is no. It is the PDP that should be embarrassed that Wike is still a member, given all that he has done and all that he’s doing.

    “It’s the PDP that should be embarrassed that it has not been able to manage such a man because Wike will be a political asset to anybody he works for. For those he is working for now, he is a political asset. But to allow him to bestride both lanes and be doing 160 kilometers per hour shows there is nobody controlling the traffic.

    “The PDP, with all due respect to the distinguished people in that party, is making itself look more ridiculous, not every day but every hour as the next hour comes. They should stop kidding themselves.”

    He slammed the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for failing to manage its internal crises.

    The policy analyst said, “The PDP, a very robust party, a party which, during the days of (former President) Obasanjo, Audu Ogbe, and even Atiku (Abubakar) ran impressive campaigns. You had, I think, in 2003, three campaign teams. Today, it has shrunk into a whimpering collection of confounded men and women who are pretending to have a political party.

    “What else does the PDP do today other than talk about its quarrels? Well, occasionally, it makes press releases attacking the APC, thinking that that is political opposition.”

    According to him, the opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration is activists, civil society groups, concerned commentators, and elder statesmen who speak on national issues.

    “The whole point of opposition is that you present a profile that will make you attractive to the next person, that will make somebody say to themselves, ‘No, no, no, I need this man to replace this other guy; they don’t know what they are doing.’

    “Please, tell me what makes the PDP attractive today. Internally, it is in total disarray,” he added.

    The professor said that the party’s current preparations for the 2027 general elections, amid the internal crises, do not show that it will perform better at the polls, except it manages the problems.

    “So, in the next election, it will participate but it will not contest; it sounds contradictory.

    “You are taking part in an event but your preparation is such that we know that you are going to get there and get beaten thoroughly and carried out on a stretcher, except a dramatic reconfiguration occurs within that party, with clear attention to the need to modify the optics of people you see in the party,” he said.

  • Akwa Ibom: Commissioner resigns after Gov. Eno’s defection to APC

    Akwa Ibom: Commissioner resigns after Gov. Eno’s defection to APC

    Ini Ememobong, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy and Special Duties in Akwa Ibom State, has resigned.

    Ememobong announced his resignation in a Facebook post on Friday following Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In his social media post, Ememobong, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shared that his decision was in accordance with the Governor’s directive that any political appointee unwilling to join the APC should step aside.

    “Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign,” he stated.

    “While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn.

    “My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long-standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors.

    “This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port).

    “I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.

    “Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for appointing me into his cabinet.

    “Our very special appreciation goes to Mr Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.

    “Given another opportunity, I will do more.”

    “I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding,” he added.

  • We are poised to transit from an opposition to a ruling party in Ebonyi – Oruruo, Ebonyi PDP Chairman

    We are poised to transit from an opposition to a ruling party in Ebonyi – Oruruo, Ebonyi PDP Chairman

    Pearl Acho-Osueke, Abakaliki

    Following his appointment as the Chairman of the 15-member Ebonyi State Peoples Democratic Party Caretaker Committee, Barr. Steve Oruruo has vowed to position the PDP to win further elections in the state.

    Oruruo made this known during a courtesy visit to the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Augustina Ogbodo, recently, having made similar visits to the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Security Service (DSS) in the state.

    According to Oruruo, the strongest point or part of an opposition party was unity, noting that the people of the state were in dire need of an alternative party, and he said the PDP would fill the gap soon.

    “‘PDP has bounced back in Ebonyi. If you are passing through the secretariat, you will see signs that the party is bouncing back.

    “But the party must admit that it is an opposition party, and as an opposition party, they have to stay united. The strongest point or part of an opposition party is that sense of unison, that sense of oneness.

    “If they remain very strong, united, and in accord with a clear vision, they are going to triumph. So, our target is to provide a party that will run and win elections in Ebonyi.

    “We want a party that people can trust and say, Let their first eleven join this party and win elections for their people.

    “We want to create a plurality of opinion; we want a situation where people will have a chance to talk from another perspective. A society without an opposition party is deemed for life.

    “So, we need a vibrant opposition party to put pressure on the sitting government to even perform better. It serves the people well that we have a very strong PDP in the state,” Oruruo stated.

    Explaining that the police was a paramount partner to the PDP, he called for security in the activities of the party in the state.

    “We understand the magnitude of risk, sacrificial efforts and the overall collective benefits rising from the doorsteps of the Nigerian police force. Your exploits on the sand of time resonate with the ideals of our sustained democracy.

    “The leadership recruitment ideology and processes cannot be genuinely and creditably completed without the well-established ingenuity, dexterity and the manifest competences of the Nigerian police.

    “On this premise, I am convinced that we are partners in the quest for a better country.

    “Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that we need a strong opposition in Ebonyi that can win elections and also pile pressure on the ruling party to perform better. So, I reiterate the truism that EBONYI needs a strong opposition to thrive.

    “We consequently demand that this command within this time provide us an enabling environment and necessary security protection in line with the dictates of the constitution, the Police Act and the rule of law”.

    Finally Oruruo promised to drive a process that will make the job of the Command easy.

    The CP while addressing the caretaker committee and thanking God, praised the resilient and courageous men and women of her command for the outstanding performances and the relatively peaceful atmosphere that the state has consistently enjoyed. She professed that there were no political interferences obstructing justice in her command.

    She promised to provide an enabling environment for every political party in the state to function optimally. She also promised to be fair and decisive in dealing with official matters without recourse to sentiments or biases of any kind.

    Pacesetter reports that the PDP secretariat in Abakaliki has become a beehive of activities following Steve Oruruo’s determination to reposition the party for good.

  • PDP accuses Tinubu of hate speech, inciting mutiny and insurrection

    PDP accuses Tinubu of hate speech, inciting mutiny and insurrection

    The Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organisation has accused the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of sending his campaign officials to unleash hate speech against prominent leaders in the North and other parts of the country in a desperate bid to incite Nigerians, cause insurrection and disrupt the 2023 general election.

    But in a swift reaction, the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the current sabotage of the Naira notes swap and fuel scarcity that have caused untold hardship to millions of Nigerians across the country revealed the true character of the presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku Abubakar, as public enemy number one.

    The Spokesperson of Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organisation, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement issued yesterday decried how notable arrowheads and supporters of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign have been moving around various media houses to spew hate speeches and promote blackmailing narratives apparently with the view to undermining national unity and derailing the electoral process.

    He said Tinubu, who was heavily agonised by his looming defeat in the 2023 general election, having been rejected by Nigerians, has now resorted to incendiary statements as well as deploying top members of his campaign, including a serving governor, to insult and condemn prominent Nigerian leaders as a ploy to trigger crisis in the polity.

    The PDP campaign further alleged that such top officials of the Tinubu Campaign are also reportedly instructed to attack peaceful and well-meaning Nigerians, issue threats, incite mob actions, promote riots and violence in various parts of the country in furtherance of Tinubu’s unrelenting incitement to his followers to deploy violence, fight and snatch power by all means.

    Ologbondiyan recalled how Tinubu recently in London declared to his followers that: “political power is not going to be served in a restaurant, it is not served a la carte. It is what we are doing; It is being determined; you do it at all costs; fight for it, grab it, snatch it and run with it.”

    He also recalled how Tinubu during an APC campaign rally in Abeokuta, Ogun State, made very wild allegations, inciting his followers to see the February 25, presidential election as a “revolution”.

    Ologbondiyan noted: “It is therefore not in doubt that having failed in every parameter of assessing a credible presidential candidate and having realised that he cannot win in the election, the APC presidential candidate is desperately seeking to cause anarchy, mayhem, bloodletting, violence and a forcible overthrow of our democratic system not minding the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians.

    “It is clear that Tinubu is pathetically being driven by an entitlement mentality, and as such, he does not care about the unity of our country.

    “In any case, Tinubu had since announced that he does not believe in Nigeria as a nation. It is therefore obvious that he is in the presidential race for purposes that are not for the wellbeing of Nigerians; thus his readiness to set our nation on fire for his selfish purpose.”

    He noted that it was however pitiable that a two-term governor, who has been spewing divisive insults on the leaders of the nation, could make himself a willing tool just because of personal aggrandizement.

    PDP Campaign, therefore, called on Nigerians to be wary and firmly resist the evil machinations of the Tinubu Presidential Campaign against the nation.

    It stressed that Tinubu and his co-travellers must come to terms with the reality that Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides have made up their minds to elect the Atiku as the next president and not even their predilections to violence, hate speech and blackmail can detract from this resolve.

    Meanwhile, the APC PCC said the current sabotage of the Naira notes swap and fuel scarcity have caused untold hardship to millions of Nigerians across the country, while Atiku maintained a graveyard silence.

    APC PCC Director, Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement issued yesterday said while Atiku and PDP were in bed with the saboteurs and fifth columnists among the operators of Money Deposit Banks and oil marketers who created the current logjam to force the outcome of the February 25 presidential election in favour of the former Vice President, Atiku.

    “Tinubu courageously pitched his tent with the poor masses who have been most negatively impacted by the antics of these evil doers,” Onanuga said.

    He said having realised they had lost the initiative and their antics exposed to Nigerians by Tinubu at the APC Presidential Campaign rally in Abeokuta, Atiku made a half-hearted appeal to CBN to ‘slightly’ extend the deadline for the currency swap.

    Onanuga said Nigerians would recall that since the CBN introduced its current cash-limit and new Naira notes swap policies, Atiku and PDP maintained opportunistic silence with the hope they would benefit from the discomfort the policies would create for Nigerians and the resentment they would generate for the ruling APC.

    He noted: “We are currently at a loss to understand what informed the current call of Atiku on CBN not to extend the February 10 deadline despite the unmitigated hardship still being faced by many Nigerians who could not meet their basic daily needs as a result of lack of cash from banks and the empty ATM machines.

    “Anyone who lives in Nigeria and not Dubai and visits banks and ATM locations will feel sad that the CBN is making our people suffer for its badly timed Naira swap policy.”

    Onanuga stressed that the bank’s latest fire brigade approach in approving payment of N20,000 at the counter was far from offering relief as queues are still long, agony and frustrations widening, an invitation to riots.

    According to him, “This poorly implemented policy has turned Nigerians to destitutes because they cannot access their own money in their bank accounts. People cannot get money to give their kids to school or pay for daily needs at corner shops, fruit shops, including buying newspapers. Transactions in market places have plummeted.”

    Onanuga added that the CBN governor gave insight into the nature of the problem when he revealed in Daura last Sunday that out of the N3.3 trillion in circulation, only N500 billion was in the bank vaults, while only N1.9 trillion had been received by the banks for swap.

    He said: “But people are not getting the new notes to spend, thus triggering the huge anger in the land against Emefiele.

    “We thus find it ludicrous that a man who joined the call for an extension of the deadline last week is championing a new campaign against further extension because he feels the suffering of Nigerians will serve his own political ends to become president at all cost.”

    Onanuga stressed that Atiku as a political leader disconnected from the Nigerian people that he was campaigning to govern, adding that living comfortably in Dubai for many years has drained Atiku of all empathy.

    He stated: “This is a man who wants to be president and does not mind even if he presides over the graves of Nigerians as long as his inordinate ambition materialises in line with the prophecy of his marabouts.

    “It is crystal clear to every Nigerian of conscience now that Atiku Abubakar and PDP do not mean well for our country. PDP and Atiku have become desperadoes who will wish calamity on the country as long as it makes them win an election they are destined to lose, spectacularly.

    “Atiku is now public enemy number one in Nigeria. He is evil personified and must be rejected at the polls on 25 February.” The APC campaign pointed out that if Atiku has the poor people of the country at heart like Tinubu, the PDP candidate would not be advocating for adherence to a policy that has become a burden too heavy to bear for our people

    (This Day)

  • Atiku vows to grant Nnamdi Kanu unconditional release if elected President

    Atiku vows to grant Nnamdi Kanu unconditional release if elected President

    Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February election, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday stated that he plans to grant detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, unconditional release if he emerges as Nigeria’s leader.

    Kanu has been in the detention facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 when he was intercepted and ‘renditioned’ to Nigeria from Kenya by the federal government.

    Confirming Atiku’s plan, Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of Atiku/Okowa campaign in Anambra State, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the PDP candidate will rely on the Appeal Court judgement to release the Biafra agitator.

    According to Okonkwo, the appellate court was very explicit that Kanu should be a free man and no court can try him again for the alleged offence.

    The PDP chieftain also disclosed that one of Atiku’s key programmes would be to ‘instil permanent peace’ in parts of the country especially the South-east region.

    To achieve this, he said Atiku would release all South-east agitators in detention and ensure that the tension in the region is doused.

    He, therefore, urged the people of the zone to throw their weight behind the PDP candidate to win the February 25 poll, knowing that he has in mind the best interest of the region.

    “I am saying this with every sense of responsibility that Atiku will grant Nnamdi Kanu unconditional release. That is in Atiku’s agenda for permanent peace in the South-east. In addition, he will also apply political solution to release all those genuine IPOB agitators in detention without trial.

    “Atiku’s government will have serious talks with the group and others, with the view to restoring their faith in the country, and make them part of the effort for better Nigeria. However, the criminal elements will be dealt with decisively.

    “What we are now therefore saying is for this to happen, peace must reign for election in the South-east, and the need for the South Easterners to fall behind PDP,”he said.

    With this plan, Atiku, he noted is the only candidate that has a plan to address the situation in the South-east, to the benefit of the region and country generally.

    Meanwhile, Atiku yesterday stated that the constant gaffes of his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Bola Tinubu, which started as a comic relief was slowly becoming a tragedy and an embarrassment to Nigeria.

    In a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku pointed out that since Tinubu declared his intention to contest, he had made over 20 gaffes publicly.

    He stated that these gaffes, which have provided online skit makers with comic content, are no longer a laughing matter but a tragic embarrassment to a nation in dire need of salvation.

    The statement came against the backdrop of Tinubu’s speech at a rally in Akwa Ibom State, where he said that he made Atiku the Senate President. But Atiku stated that it was on record that he has never contested any legislative election.

    “I make bold to say that, apart from his questionable background and records, Tinubu’s endless gaffes and miscues are effects of his failing health. His degenerate mental faculty is a clear and present danger to national security. A man who lacks clear control of his mental faculties cannot lead a nation.

    “But this would not be the first time the so-called Lagos godfather would put his ignorance on national display. Some months ago, he said he planned on recruiting 50 million youths into the Nigerian Army in order to solve the unemployment problem. Sadly, those within his circle gave him a standing ovation at the event in Kano rather than correct him.

    “Next, he called on Nigerians to go and renew their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as they would expire ahead of the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had to swiftly issue a statement after Tinubu’s utterance began causing panic in the polity.

    “Tinubu at his Lagos rally asked Nigerians to get their APV in order to vote for APC when even primary school children know that the PVC (Permanent Voter Card) is the only item that admits a voter into a polling unit,” Atiku stated.

    The statement noted that if Tinubu were contesting for the position of ‘Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic (GCFR)’, his gaffes would have been appropriately classified as jokes, noting that for the fact that he is running for the most exalted office in the land, the gaffes must not be overlooked.

    “Imagine Bola Tinubu with a demeanour similar to that of comedian Klint da Drunk representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly. Let us imagine him making such gaffes at meetings with world leaders. Nigeria would become the butt of jokes across the world.

    “Nigerians must note that the Bola Tinubu who served as governor from 1999 to 2007 is different from the Bola Tinubu of today. The Bola Tinubu of today lacks the capacity to lead a nation of 200 million people most of whom are living in abject poverty,” Atiku declared.

    He argued that the matter is really not about Tinubu’s age since many leaders across the world are also advanced in age, explaining that it is about his mien, his utterances and faux pas.

    “These are things that can no longer be ignored. In a bid to deceive the electorate, Tinubu and his allies have been saying that what Tinubu lacks in physical capacity, he makes up for it in intelligence because presidency of Nigeria is not wrestling but brain work.

    “But sadly, it seems Tinubu’s physical strength is actually superior to his mental capacity, going by his numerous embarrassing utterances. Last Christmas, comedian Sabinus, based his entire stage performance on Tinubu’s many gaffes. The audience that gathered were almost rolling on the floor.

    “On the surface, this might be funny but when one considers the fact that Tinubu is the candidate of the ruling party, it becomes all the more tragic. Tinubu’s handlers know about his declining mental capacity hence their refusal to let him attend debates or live interviews,” the statement added.

    It said that the handlers of Tinubu who are now acting like a cabal believe that if he gets into Aso Rock, he will have the best medical attention while he will delegate important activities of state to them.

    “This is also the reason Tinubu has been depending on his surrogates to address important discussions. Even at Chatham House, London, Tinubu could not boldly answer the questions directed at him, preferring to hide under the excuse that he ‘believes in working with an unbreakable team’.

    “This is funny since his dictatorial tendency has chased away Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from his camp.

    “However, it must be noted that Aso Rock is neither a sanatorium nor a mental institution. To that extent Nigerians have a right to demand that any aspirant to that office should be in the best state of health,” Atiku maintained.

    Tinubu, he maintained does not believe in teamwork, but hiding his deficiencies and mental incapacity, stressing that Nigerians must not allow themselves to be deceived by a person who cannot debate a simple economic policy without begging his handlers to bail him out.

    (Arise News)

  • PDP commences court proceedings to disqualify Tinubu

    PDP commences court proceedings to disqualify Tinubu

    The Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has commenced court proceedings to disqualify the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over criminal conviction and sentencing by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States over trafficking in narcotics.

    However, APC PCC immediately countered the PDP, saying the party did not only lack originality but was also a copycat.

    But PDP’s move is a counter to the APC which on January 20, approached the courts to disqualify Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP from the presidential poll over what it termed as #Atiku-Gate and Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, saga.

    Yesterday, the PDP insisted that the conviction of Tinubu for a criminal offence by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States of America rendered him ineligible to contest any election.

    The spokesman of the Campaign, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday.

    $460,000 forfeiture nullifies Tinubu’s nomination — PDP

    Ologbondiyan said the decision of a court in Chicago, which led to Tinubu forfeiting $460,000 in funds believed to be proceeds of crime, specifically, the sale and distribution of narcotics renders his nomination null and void.

    He said: “Nigerians are not unaware of the criminal matter concerning the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in respect of his criminal conviction and sentencing by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States over a criminal case of trafficking in narcotics for which Tinubu forfeited the sum of $460,000 to the state.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the United States court in sentencing Asiwaju Tinubu ordered ‘that the funds in the amount of $460,000 in account 263226700 held by First Heritage Bank in the name of Bola Tinubu represent proceeds of narcotics trafficking or were involved in financial transactions in violation of 18 U.S.C. S1956 and 1957 and therefore these funds are forfeited to the United States pursuant to 21 U.S.C. S881(a)(6) and 18 U.S.C S981.’

    “From the declaration of the court and the sentencing, it is clear that Asiwaju Tinubu was summarily convicted by the court, he took no step to challenge the judgment but acceded to the forfeiture of the $460,000 found to be the proceeds of narcotics trafficking.”

    The PDP campaign Spokesman noted that it is an established fact that trafficking in narcotics is an international crime which all nations are obligated by international conventions and statutes to arrest, prosecute and implement any court judgment imposed on offenders anywhere in the world, as well as the consequential effects of such judgments.

    Tinubu convicted in US, can’t stand for poll in Nigeria

    He further said: “Having been convicted and having acceded to be guilty as charged by way of forfeiture of the $460,000, Nigeria is a signatory to International Convention is mandatorily obligated to execute the consequential effect of that conviction by virtue of Section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “For clarity, Section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that:(1) A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if….(d)

    “He is under a sentence of death imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria or a sentence of imprisonment or fine for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called) or for any other offence, imposed on him by any court or tribunal or substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him by such a court or tribunal.”

    He explained that the import of the constitutional provision was that having been so convicted and fined and having acceded to the sentencing by way of forfeiture of $460,000 and have not received any state pardon or acquitted by any court of competent jurisdiction, “Tinubu remains a convict and the consequential effect is that he cannot contest the election at any level in Nigeria.”

    The PDP Campaign equally said: “The effect is that the listing of the name of Bola Tinubu, who stands convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction on the ballot for the 2023 presidential election is by the virtue of Section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) fundamentally illegal, invalid and must be expunged immediately.”

    We’ve approached the courts to disqualify him

    Ologbondiyan also revealed that the PDP has approached the courts to seek Tinubu’s disqualification.

    He said: “Our Campaign has proceeded to the court demanding the court to:

    “Declare Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of the APC, having been convicted, as ineligible to contest the Presidential election by virtue of section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “Compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately delist Asiwaju Tinubu as Presidential candidate of the APC or any other political party for that matter and expunge his name from all materials and documents related to the 2023 Presidential election.”

    According to him, the PDP campaign is also filing for an accelerated hearing in order to save the nation from an impending catastrophe.

    He said: “This case is in the interest of the nation as our laws do not permit a convict, let alone an individual convicted on account of the international crime of trafficking in narcotic, to stand election at any level.

    “Nigeria cannot afford the embarrassment of having a convict hold office at any level against our laws.”

    PDP lacks originality, always copying —APC PCC

    Reacting to the PDP’s counter moves, yesterday, the Chief Spokesman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, Mr Festus Keyamo, in a chat with Vanguard, said the main opposition party lacks originality

    His words: “Why did they wait all these months until we filed before they are now rushing to court? I challenged them more than two months ago, yet they did nothing.

    ‘’It shows a team that is lacking in originality, lacking in ideas and lacking in vision. It is just an attempt to create a counter-suit to our own.

    “Unfortunately for them, Nigerians have seen through them already: SPV advocates that are trying to turn the tide of public opinion. Nigerians have decided; Nigerians have rejected them.

    ‘’This is so laughable that Nigerians are beginning to see that these are remorseless people; leopards that cannot change their skin; instead of Atiku facing the cameras, shed some tears and apologise to the nation for abusing his office as VP with SPVs, his reply, in summary, is, ‘what-about-you-too?’ This is disastrously sad”.

    Also, reacting, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Director, Media and Publicity of the APC PCC, restated his statement of January 18, 2023 where he pooh-poohed PDP’s “shameless skirting of issues” using the attack as a defence.

    He challenged Atiku to address the issues of whether he employed the whistleblower, Michael Achimugu, or not, who swore to an oath; whether Atiku made a scandalous conversation on how he and former President Olusegun Obasanjo set up SPVs, such as Marine Float to steal public money; and whether the taped voice was Atiku’s.

    (Sun)