Politics

Bauchi APC, PDP Trade Blame Over Eruption Of Violence In Campaigns

Published

2 years ago

March 10, 2023

Our Correspondent, Bauchi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State have continued to shift blame over eruption of violence in campaigns in the state.

It could be recalled that the PDP, on Thursday, condemned alleged attacks on its members and innocent members of the public by suspected political thugs loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Addressing newsmen, the PDP Campaign Council Director General, Farouk Mustapha, alleged that APC thugs on Wednesday, attacked its members in Duguri Town, Alkaleri LGA killing one person and injured 15 others during a campaign of its gubernatorial candidate, Former Chief of Air Staff Saddique Abubakar.

“All of the gubernatorial candidates of the various parties signed a peace accord at the State Police Command headquarters with all security agencies as it has been the practice in every election year.

“However, the gubernatorial candidate of the APC was absent as only his Deputy candidate was in attendance showing no respect for peace and harmony to reign in Bauchi state.

“To our dismay, while all the candidates were busy signing the peace accord, the gubernatorial candidate of APC embarked on a last rush campaign tour to Duguri Town, the hometown of Gov. Bala Mohammed and the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in the forthcoming governorship elections,” he said.

He added that the APC gubernatorial candidate moved into Duguri with thousands of political thugs, conventional and other security outfits who were well armed.

According to him, violence also erupted in Akuyam in Misau and Toro Local Government Areas where three people were shot dead during the campaign exercise of the party.

However, while reacting to the allegation in a news conference on Thursday, Mr Salisu Barau, Director, Media and Publicity, APC gubernatorial campaign council, said the allegation was not true.

According to him, the APC gubernatorial candidate’s convoy was attacked on Wednesday by armed thugs while on a campaign tour to Duguri, adding that three persons in their team were shot and wounded.

“This is not the first time our candidate came under gun attacks by hoodlums suspected to be sponsored by the PDP Government in Bauchi State.

“Last month, two similar attempts were made on the life of the Air Marshal at Akuyam, the home village of PDP State Chairman when the APC Candidate visited them on campaign tour.

“The point should be made clear that since the emergence of our gubernatorial candidate as the flag bearer, we have made efforts to resist all manner of well-articulated provocation, evil machinations and derogatory remarks of the ruling PDP in order to maintain peace and healthy politicking in the State,” he said.

Barau also stated that the party gubernatorial candidate had out of his magnanimity and kindness had visited the victims who were admitted at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital to condole with them and shouldered the cost of their medical treatment.

When contacted, the Bauchi state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ahmed Wakili, said the police was aware of the violence in Duguri and the state Commissioner of Police, Aminu Alhassan has ordered for discreet investigation into the matter.

Politics

2027: Jonathan May Get Automatic Ticket, If… – PDP

Published

7 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly considering offering former President Goodluck Jonathan an automatic ticket to contest the 2027 presidential election, if he returns to the party and plays a more active political role.

This was revealed by Daniel Woyengikuro, the PDP’s National Financial Secretary, during an exclusive interview in Abuja. Woyengikuro emphasized Jonathan’s continued influence within the party and the nation’s politics, describing him as the PDP’s national leader.

“Is he not the best candidate for us at this moment? He is not just a former president; he is the leader of the party now. Aside from [former President Olusegun] Obasanjo, the next person in line is him. Goodluck Jonathan is the national leader of this party,” Woyengikuro said.

He confirmed that the PDP has been consulting with Jonathan and his associates, aiming to bring him back into the party’s mainstream leadership as part of a larger strategy to reposition the party and address Nigeria’s growing political and economic challenges.

“Nigeria has reached a point where we need to salvage this country — for our generation and for those to come,” Woyengikuro added. “When we talk about the Southern Presidency, someone like Goodluck Jonathan stands out.”

When asked directly if the party would consider granting Jonathan an automatic ticket, Woyengikuro responded emphatically:

“For me, that’s what I firmly stand for. You can quote me anywhere — I want him to come. An automatic ticket for him, as it stands now. Because we must salvage both this party and the nation.”

He further asserted that Jonathan’s return would significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Woyengikuro also praised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, calling him a “vibrant leader” and a strong candidate from the South capable of bridging Nigeria’s generational divide.

“These are the two main individuals I stand for: Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde,” he concluded.

The PDP is expected to intensify its internal consultations in the coming months as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Politics

PDP Announces National Convention Zoning Committee Inauguration Date

Published

7 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The People’s Democratic Party, on Wednesday, announced that the inauguration of its National Convention Zoning Committee will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as part of preparations for its 2025 Elective National Convention.

The party invites key stakeholders to a significant event aimed at shaping the party’s future leadership structure.

This is contained in a press release by PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, on the party’s official X account.

The inauguration is scheduled to start at 12:00 pm WAT at the NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

The event will bring together PDP governors, members of the Board of Trustees, the National Working Committee, the National Executive Council, serving and former National Assembly members, as well as other key stakeholders.

“This is to formally inform and invite all our governors, BOT, NWC, NEC, serving and former NASS members, and all our stakeholders to the inauguration of the National Convention Zoning Committee (NCZC) of our great party,” the statement read.

Politics

Oyo By-election: APC Unveils Campaign Council

Published

10 hours ago

August 6, 2025

Editor

The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, on Wednesday, inaugurated its campaign council for the August 16 Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election, charging members to ensure a resounding victory for the party’s candidate.

The PUNCH reports that a two-term member of the House of Representatives representing the constituency, Musiliudeen Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban, died in July 2024.

The state APC chairman, Olayide Abas, gave this advice while addressing party leaders, stakeholders and supporters during the inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, the state capital.

Abas, who expressed sadness over the sudden demise of the late Akinremi, described him as a friend of the masses who delivered beyond expectations before his untimely passing last year.

He recalled that only representatives from Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress of Nigeria and APC had made the constituency proud since 1999, warning against returning control to individuals he described as hawks and impostors.

Abas commended all aspirants from the constituency for their contributions to democracy and the APC, urging unity among stakeholders to ensure collective success in the forthcoming poll.

“Reps member Akin Alabi (APC- Egbeda/Ona-Ara) as Director-General of the Campaign Council, is mandated to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Adewale Olatunji (Murphy).

“The newly inaugurated council comprises eminent party stalwarts, seasoned politicians, and dynamic administrators,” he said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Director-General of the campaign council, Gaphar Ojetola, commended members for their dedication and unity, pledging unflinching support to ensure the party secures an overwhelming victory in the election.

Ojetola assured stakeholders that the campaign council would give its best by working tirelessly with all party structures, mobilising grassroots support, and ensuring the electorate clearly understands and embraces the party’s progressive agenda.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, Monsuru Adeyemo appreciated the inclusiveness of the campaign process, noting that unity of purpose among members remained a critical factor in securing resounding electoral success across the constituency.