Politics

Kaduna PDP Laments Denial Of Campaign Venue Access

Published

4 years ago

October 17, 2022

The Kaduna State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party has lamented the denial of access to the Ahmadu Bello Stadium by the Federal Government barely 24 hours to hold its Presidential mega rally slated to hold Monday, October 17, 2022.

Recall that the Presidential candidate of the opposition party, Atiku Abubakar, was in Kaduna for three days where he was billed to hold his mega rally on Monday.

Reacting in a statement issued to newsmen by the state party chairman, Hassan Hyat, disclosed that all efforts to assess the convenient space for the gathering proved futile as the APC-led Federal Government through the Minister of Sports denied the party access to the facility despite applying for more than seven days.

“It has become very necessary at this point to address our teeming supporters and the entire nation on the sad and unfortunate political situation in our dear country today.

“It is instructive to note that we received the correspondence withholding approval on October 15, 2022, citing renovation work on the facility as an excuse.

“However, a physical tour of the stadium has revealed that there’s no renovation work ongoing either on the main bowl of the stadium or its adjoining structures.

“This is even as the same facility was used for the 2022 Eid-el-Maulud prayers just last Monday.

“Surprisingly, Sunday, October 16 2022, we received another correspondence intimating us of approval by the minister, less than 24 hours to the commencement of the rally and after the Kaduna State Government had approved Ranchers’ Bees Stadium as an alternative venue for us.

“Without any doubt, there was simply no initial intention to grant us approval to use the facility by the minister and thus the late approval was done deliberately as a pretence,” the statement added.

“We are concerned by this apparent abuse of power by the APC-led Federal Government which, to say the least, constitutes a serious threat to our nation’s democracy. The minister needs to be reminded that public facilities such as the Ahmadu Bello Stadium are our commonwealth and approval for their use should be given to all shades of citizens and groups without discrimination.

“We, therefore, condemn this grave abuse of power in its entirety and demand a stop to such show of political brigandage.

“The people of Kaduna State, as things stand, are with the PDP candidate and no amount of clandestine plots to discourage people from turning out will deter them from coming out en masse to show their support for the PDP candidate at the rally today and in the elections come February 2022.”

Hyat expressed regrets for any inconvenience the rally might cause commuters, and business owners along the Kaduna Township Stadium (formerly known as Rancher’s Bees) route.
PUNCH

Politics

Defection: Peter Obi Simply Looking For ‘Food Is Ready’ Party – Wike

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent defection.

Speaking during a media parley on Wednesday, Wike said Obi is looking for a ‘food is ready’ political party.

The minister said, “Obi was in APGA, he couldn’t build APGA. He went to Labour, he ran away again from Labour. All he’s looking for is food is ready political party.”

Recall that Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, on Sunday officially joined the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

2027: Nobody Wants Fubara – Wike

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that there is widespread support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to return in 2027.

Speaking during his monthly media parley on Wednesday in Abuja, Wike suggested that Fubara can’t claim to enjoy unanimous backing from the public.

He explained that the political crisis in Rivers State had earlier been addressed through the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, particularly during impeachment proceedings initiated against Fubara.

According to Wike, the President advised all parties to embrace peace, leading to the withdrawal of the impeachment move by the State House of Assembly after agreements were reached.

Wike, however, alleged that the governor failed to fully adhere to the terms agreed during the arbitration process.

Reacting to claims that the people were urging Fubara to seek re-election in 2027, Wike rejected the assertion, insisting that such narratives were misleading.

Wike maintained that appearing before the President for arbitration required respect for the outcome, noting that all parties were expected to uphold their commitments.

He said: “The President, intervened in the impeachment proceeding. I said withdraw, let their be peace. And the governor said, look, I’m ready for peace. Look, I’m no longer interested for this. I will not do this. The Assembly went and withdrew the impeachment.

“Having withdrawn the impeachment, he is now too smart on what you agreed before the President. It’s like when you go on arbitration.”

Wike continued, “This one is what I don’t like. Nobody wants anybody. Please, don’t tell me that. Excuse me.

You can go and tell that to the market people or children. Two years that people say he should come out. Who told you that?

“Which politician will say that I was sleeping they came and woke me? Even if people people come to wake you, can’t you say, no, I won’t do it. I’m not prepared for it.

“That you appeared before a President of the country on arbitration, the two parties on arbitration, and these people respected Mr. President, and have done their own part.”

Politics

2027: Wike Opens Up On Preferred Rivers Guber Candidate

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday said he hasn’t endorsed any candidate for the Rivers state gubernatorial election in 2027.

Wike stated this on Wednesday during his monthly media parley in Abuja.

Wike said that the endorsement will come only after a meeting by the joint coalition in the state.

He said: “I haven’t endorsed anybody. And I can’t endorse anybody until the joint coalition meets.”

DAILY POST reports that questions have been raised concerning the fate of current governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in 2027.

The FCT Minister was reported to have endorsed former State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, as his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election.

Sources told DAILY POST that Wike settled for George after a closed-door meeting with key political stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Monday.