Politics

2023: Buhari Will Arrest PDP Leaders, Oppress Governors Into Joining APC, PDP Chieftain Raises Alarm

Published

4 years ago

August 15, 2021

Chief Raymond Dokpesi, business mogul and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has predicted that as Nigeria approaches the 2023 general elections, a lot of opposition leaders will be arrested by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY INDEPENDENT, Dokpesi, founder of Daar Communications Plc also said, many opposition governors will be harassed and oppressed which will force many of them to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dokpesi who said all his predictions about the character of President Buhari has come to pass recalled that he warned Nigerians not to vote for him in the 2015 presidential election but rather cast their votes for former President Goodluck Jonathan because ‘a leopard cannot change its spot’.

Also speaking on the failure of the President to reshuffle his cabinet despite the non-performance of some Ministers, Dokpesi said Buhari believed that all the Ministers are performing well, hence no need for their replacement.

He said, “In the eyes of the President, they (Ministers) are performing. That is why he has not replaced them. But it is the people who must realise the fact that there are challenges in the country. There are issues that need to be tackled. We are feeling it every day.

“The Economic team that this government does not have for a long time but now suddenly constituted has not been able to look thoroughly at the challenges that we have.

Lamenting the state of affairs of the nation, Dokpesi said Nigerians have never had it so bad like what is happening under Buhari‘s government.

“The government has unfortunately embarked on propaganda, lies, defamation of peoples character and oppressing people unduly. Anybody who dares to say what the people are passing through, they go after him with security agents. It has not been so bad in the history of the country.

“We have appointments that are made not on merit and not even of federal character principle. There is no respect for the constitution. We cannot have any other outcome other than this.

“I did warn in 2014 that there are dangers and there are issues if we vote in these people. I also said that it is difficult for a leopard to change its skin. I drew the attention of the nation to the fact that President Jonathan may not be the best candidate for the office of President but between the two people that were available then; that is Jonathan and Buhari, the more democratic, respectable and the one that will listen to the cries of the people is definitely President Jonathan as it was at that time.

“All the things that I said if there is anyone in which I said then that has not come to pass, I stand to be crucified by Nigerians. None of my predictions and statements at that time has come to pass. It was because of my clear knowledge and understanding of who the current president is, that is President Muhammadu Buhari. There is nothing based on fact in his government and the team he assembled. There is nothing truthful in what they are saying.

“And as we move on to the 2023 elections, you will see what will begin to happen. My next prediction is that a lot of PDP members and the opposition leaders will be arrested; the governors will be intimidated and subjected to a lot of repression and oppression.

“And in that heart of sheer fear, these governors will be jumping from one political party to another until that day of salvation comes. And I pray that it won’t be too long for Nigeria,” he said.

Politics

Ekiti 2026: APC Sets N40m For Nomination, Offers Discounts For Youths, Women

Published

5 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

The All Progressives Congress has released a revised schedule of activities and timetable for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The party also sets nomination and expression of interest forms at a combined N50 million, offered significant concessions, including exemptions for female aspirants and persons with disabilities, and a 50% discount on nomination fees for youths aged 25 to 40.

According to the timetable issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, the schedule outlines a series of pre-election activities beginning with the release of the notice to the Ekiti State chapter on Friday, July 26, 2025.

The party said the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms is set to commence on Monday, August 26, 2025.

It stated that the update of the party’s membership register for those eligible to participate in the primaries will take place from Monday, July 29, to Friday, August 9, 2025.

The ruling party said the expression of interest and nomination forms will be available for purchase from Monday, August 26, and will close on Friday, August 30, 2025.

The party said the last day for submission of completed forms, including the accompanying documents, is Thursday, September 11, 2025.

“Screening of aspirants is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, while the publication of the screening results will be done the following day, Wednesday, September 24. Aspirants who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the screening may submit appeals on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

“The ward congress to elect delegates is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, while appeals arising from the congress will be entertained on Monday, September 29. The party’s governorship primary election will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with the appeal process concluding on Thursday, October 2, 2025,” the timetable read.

The party said the cost of the nomination form has been pegged at ₦40 million, while the expression of interest form will cost ₦10 million, bringing the total to ₦50 million.

“Female aspirants and persons with disabilities are exempted from paying for the nomination form and are only required to purchase the expression of interest form. Youths aged 25 to 40 will receive a 50 percent discount on the nomination form,” it added.

The party also announced that the forms would be available for purchase at the Directorate of Organisation at APC’s National Headquarters in Abuja. Meanwhile, the delegate form will cost ₦5,000.

The APC stressed that only financial members of the party whose membership has been active for at least three months before the release of the timetable will be eligible to participate.

The party urged interested members to contact its Directorate of Organisation or reach out via the contact number provided in the document.

Politics

2027: Peter Obi Is Honest, His 4-year Term Promise Is Sacrosanct – PDP Chieftain

Published

11 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dan Ulasi, has thrown his weight behind the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on his four-year term pledge.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, had declared that if elected in 2027, he would spend only four years and would not seek re-election.

His promise has attracted criticism from some quarters, with some politicians expressing skepticism.

In an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, Ulasi said Obi’s promise should not be doubted, describing him as an honest person.

He said, “I believe Peter Obi’s words are sincere. Unlike the usual crop of politicians in Nigeria, he is honest. The constitution guarantees only a 4-year term, which can be renewed by the people.

“Obi has not said anything out of the ordinary; he believes he can accomplish a great deal in those four years.”

Politics

2027: Four Years Enough To Make Impact – Peter Obi Insists

Published

11 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has reiterated his commitment to serving only one term if elected president.

Obi stated that four years is sufficient to turn Nigeria around if leadership is driven by genuine service and not personal ambition.

The former Anambra State governor made the statement via his official X handle on Tuesday.

Obi said he finds it baffling that his one-term pledge is generating widespread debate, stressing that a sincere leader can achieve significant progress within a single four-year term.

He added that his motivation is rooted in a desire to see Nigeria work, not personal ambition.

The former Anambra State governor also challenged anyone to investigate his past political campaigns, maintaining that he has never been involved in electoral malpractice, thuggery, or ballot box snatching.

He said: “I still find it baffling that my decision to do a term of four years, if given the mandate to rule this country, is generating so much agitation. By this feeling, we are doubting the fact that a sincere leader can achieve much in 48 months.

“I have never been desperate in the pursuit of power, or anything else, for that matter. There are some traits associated with desperation, which in no way are in any of my political behaviours in the past and now, like engaging in overly aggressive rhetoric or actions to prove a point or gain attention; becoming overly defensive or reactive to criticism, often to the point of appearing paranoid.

“Making unrealistic or unfulfillable promises to win support or approval, resorting to personal attacks or character assassination to discredit opponents, or frequently changing positions or policies to suit immediate political needs.

“Throughout my political journey, I have never been involved in thuggery, the snatching of ballot boxes, or any form of electoral malpractice. I challenge anyone: conduct your investigations. You will find no stains of rigging or violence associated with my name. I have always chosen the path of peace, principle, and civility.

“In four years, we can confront corruption head-on, redirecting resources to priority areas. For instance, the trillions used to acquire new presidential jets and other unnecessary expenses at this time could have been channelled into education, healthcare, or infrastructure.

“Within the same period, we ensure that the rule is sacrosanct and the rule of law is strictly followed. Within the same period, we can conduct free, fair, and credible elections.”