Politics

Edo: Those Who Defected To PDP With Obaseki Are Almost Herdsmen, Party Chieftain Laments

Published

4 years ago

October 20, 2021

Mr. Charles Idahosa, leader of the political group who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the All Progressive Congress, APC, alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020, has complained about the fate of the defectors, lamenting that they are becoming “political herdsmen.”

Idahosa states this even as the PDP is busy searching for solutions to the crisis bedevilling the party.

The former Commissioner of the state lamented that those of them who followed Obaseki to the PDP had been stranded.

He expressed fear that they could become “political herdsmen roaming from point A to B to C because of some few greedy political lightweight “.

While admitting that the lingering crisis had negative effects on the performance of the governor in his second term, the PDP chieftain noted that the problem started when, the governor’s camp, while looking for a platform for Obaseki to actualise his second term ambition, having been thrown out of the APC, did not take into cognizance, the bad blood in the PDP.

“I concur also with that belief that the topmost delivery that Edo people know H. E. Godwin Obaseki for is missing in his one year second term. But the truth is that, when we were running from scorpions, we didn’t fully know that were bedding with snakes”, Idahosa lamented.

Idahosa, who addressed a press conference in Benin on Wednesday, said that rather than blame Governor Obaseki for the lingering crisis in the Edo PDP, the old members of the party, who resisted all moves to integrate the new entrants, should be held responsible for the crisis.

He asserted that Obaseki had done all he could do to ensure that everyone was accommodated.

Idahosa added that contrary to the belief that Obaseki lacks the quality to live in a peaceful coexistence with political actors, as indicated in the present crisis in the PDP, said that the truth “was that before we joined the PDP in 2020, the party had been divided into factions and it is those old PDP members who are shut out that causing the crisis and not the governor”.

The PDP leader added that Governor Obaseki’s main concern was the integration of those who followed him to the PDP, adding that that was why the governor appointed only 11 commissioners out of the 21 the state normal has, with the hope that the old PDP would allow harmonisation and fill the remaining 10 slots and the remaining 218 other political vacant positions would be shared equitably.

“The NWC of the party should do something. Edo issues would have been resolved like Benue and Sokoto States if not for the in-house crisis that is destabilising Governor Obaseki.

“The man has begged, cajoled, threatened and done all possible things to make PDD harmonies, but for personal gains with 2023 in mind, the old hawks in PDP Edo are resisting, but sooner than later, the right thing will be done”, he assured.

Idahosa explained that the rallying cry was enacted for the political liberation of the Edo people from the shackles of the godfathers, beginning with the late Chief Tony Anenih and in the last election to curtain Adams Oshiomhole, who fought Anenih as a godfather but wanted to play a godfather role.

“Today, every Edo man, particularly the Binis, have a sense of fulfilment that they dared the forces that the Godfather from threw at them I’m the last gubernatorial elections”, Idahosa submitted.

Idahosa therefore called on the governor and all stakeholders” to stop the unnecessary suspension and counter suspension forthwith”.

On that local parlance rallying cry of “Torgba” (it must complete) and “Ogbane” (it is complete) used during the 2020 gubernatorial elections in the state to secure a second term for Governor Obaseki, the political top shot bemoaned a situation where Edo citizens translated that to mean that because they supported the second term bid of the governor, the people could now act with impunity.

“I beg the pardon of religious persons, for us: Torgba and Ogbane are sacred words too, not word to place politics with, as it would amount to rubbishing our struggles.

“Anytime it rains or when wind blows away people’s houses, they will say ‘Torgab, Omagbane nia’ (we want it complete, it has completed), or when people build on flood channel, or right of way and such illegal building is pulled down as if the governor was re-elected to come and pamper their inadequacies or encourage them to flout town planning laws and become recalcitrant and lawless”, he bemoaned.

Politics

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

Published

5 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

5 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

7 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.