Politics

Edo LP Decries Destruction Of Party’s Billboards, Says Democracy Under Threat

Published

3 years ago

December 10, 2022

Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

The Edo State chapter of Labour Party has condemned in strong terms the unabated destruction of the party’s candidates’ billboards across state.

The party added that such action of pulling down billboards of its candidates for the forthcoming elections in the state is a direct attack on democracy and to deny the people from making free choices.

A statement signed by the state Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Comrade Sam Uroupa, a copy of which was made available to INFO DAILY on Saturday night, recounted how some thugs allegedly hired by the PDP invaded the party’s office in ward 7 Ugbekun, Ikpoba Okah LGA, and removed items belonging to the party, adding that the thugs forcefully hoisted PDP flag and pasted posters therein.

“In ward 7 Ugbekun, Ikpoba Okah LGA, Labour Party office was invaded by thugs suspected to be hired by PDP. The thugs removed all Labour Party items, including sign post, party flags, banners of our presidential candidate and posters of Labour Party candidates.

“They forcefully hoisted PDP flag and past posters and banners of PDP candidates in the place. Our members who were chased out of the premises said, the hoodlums openly boasted that they are going to make sure they drive Labour Party out of the state as directed,” Uroupa added.

Further narrating the intolerance by those in power in the state and how Labour Party billboards are being wantonly destroyed, the State Publicity Secretary, said: “For instance, our candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Engr. Esosa Iyawe billboards along Airport Road, Akenzuwa Road, Ekenwan Road and environs duly paid for were pulled down by the Oredo Local Government Council and warned the billboard agent not to hang any Labour Party content on them. The billboard agent who said his business is been threatened if he does otherwise only agreed to make a refund to our candidate.

“Likewise in Esan Central, our House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Oses Emmanuel Eromosele’s billboards he constructed in strategic locations were all removed and taken away by the Head of service of the council. When he was contacted he said, it was directive from above. Another giant size billboard of our presidential and other candidates sponsored by Edo Diaspora Women for Peter Obi erected around Ibiwe, Ring Road, Oredo LGA was also pulled down by the council.”

Comrade Uroupa who recalled how the party was denied of using the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for rally to host Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Yusuf, further asked if this action of pulling down billboards and attacks were what Obaseki meant when he said “those who call themselves obedient in the state will soon run out of steam.”

The Publicity Secretary added: “It is worthy of note that these are happening after His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki had some time ago openly declared during the inauguration of his factional state PDP presidential campaign council. that “those who call themselves obedient in the state will soon run out of steam.” We are worried as a party if this abrasiveness and hostile nature towards our candidates and members is what they have planned by saying we will soon go out of steam?”

Comrade Uroupa therefore appealed to well meaning Nigerians, Edolites and security agents to call the PDP-led government in the state to order in order not to truncate democracy.

He advocated a peaceful atmosphere wherein people will be allowed to freely make their informed decisions to elect who leads them.

Politics

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

Published

2 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

3 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

5 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.