Politics

Ward Delegate Congress: You’re Free To Approach Appeal Panel, Edo PDP Chair Tells Aggrieved Aspirants

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

Dr. Tony Aziegbemi

Chairman of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, on Monday, urged aggrieved aspirants to take their protest over the conduct of the state delegate election to the appeal panel that will seat on February 7 in Abuja.

Nine aspirants, including current Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, Hafia Hadizat Umoru, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, Dr Earl Osaro Onaiwu and Barr. Arthur Esene, had petitioned the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, and copied the National Vice Chairman South-South of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, protesting the process and compositions of those who conducted the delegates election.

The Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Ward Congresses Electoral Committee, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had also resigned his position before the election which gave room for Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, to step in as the committee chairman, a development faulted by the aggrieved aspirants.

Aziegbemi, who said he disagreed with the nine aspirants, describing the election as fair and credible, urged them to be mindful of their utterances which are capable of bringing the PDP to disrepute.

He said the party aimed to ensure it remains in office by winning the governorship election on September 21, stating that the party has carried everyone along and left the door of reconciliation open.

He said, “In line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the PDP, the National Working Committee organissed the election of the adhoc delegates in Edo State.

“I have never seen a well organised and transparent election in the history of the party since I joined in 1999. I challenge anyone with a contrary opinion to bring out any evidence. We printed the register and ensured the election took place in 192 wards. Those who came to vote had to show their membership and voter cards to take part in the process.

“We made sure all the electoral officers moved to their centres on time and all the names of the aspirants were read out to ensure fairness and they could have been voted for if they were not on the ground.

“I urge the nine aggrieved aspirants to take their grievances to the appeal panel headed by Dickson Seriaki on February 7 in Abuja to lodge their complaints and desist from utterance that can tarnish the image of the party,” he added.

Aziegbemi said that 563 delegates were elected, stating that the election to choose 31 delegates could not take place at Etsako Central due to the alleged abduction of nine electoral officers, who he said, were yet to be found.

One of the aspirants, Anslem Ojezua told newsmen that they (the aspirants) would be present at the appeal panel to state their case. He, however, said that the outcome of the panel would determine their next line of action.

“We will be at the appeal panel on February 7 and lodge our complaint and the decision reached will determine our next line of action,” he added.

When asked if the group would approach the court for redress, he said that they would keep their options open.

Politics

PDP Crisis: INEC Rejects Turaki-led NWC

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not recognise the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, citing existing court judgments and unresolved legal processes.

This was as contained in a letter dated December 22, 2025, signed by INEC Secretary, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The Commission stated that it could not act on demands to acknowledge or upload on its website the list of national officers said to have been elected at the National Convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

According to INEC, its position was guided by subsisting court decisions and pending litigation relating to the leadership crisis within the PDP.

The electoral body further noted that it would be improper to recognise any factional officers while the matter remains before the courts.

Politics

Govt That Fails To Protect Its Citizens Has No Business Remaining In Office – Kwankwaso

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the political will to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Kwankwaso spoke on Tuesday in Kano while unveiling 2,000 operatives of the Kano State Neighbourhood Security Network.

He urged President Tinubu to “rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief” in addressing banditry and other security challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s military “remains one of the most gallant in the world,” having served in international peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Liberia, and other conflict zones.

However, he said the armed forces are not being adequately supported to perform optimally.

“Today, many innocent Nigerians are being killed, while the perpetrators walk freely as if nothing happened. The government must apologise to Nigerians for its laxity in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who once served as Minister of Defence, added: “When I was Defence Minister, I knew the capability of the Nigerian military. They are courageous and professional but need clear direction, support, and political will to do the needful.”

He stressed that Nigeria’s armed forces had historically ranked among the best globally and urged the government to equip them properly to change the current security situation.

Kwankwaso also said that if elected president in 2027, he would recruit over one million additional military personnel to strengthen national security.

“Any government that fails to protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed woefully and has no business remaining in office,” he declared.

He further called on the Federal Government to integrate community-based security initiatives, like the Kano Neighbourhood Security Network, into the national security system to boost morale and improve intelligence-driven operations against criminals.

Politics

ADC Announces Temporary Closure Of Secretariat

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

The African Democratic Congress, ADC , says it has temporarily closed its National Secretariat as part of the end-of-year break.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said full operations are scheduled to resume in the New Year.

According to the statement, the secretariat will close on December 23, 2025, and reopen on January 5, 2026.

The party, however, said essential skeletal services will remain available throughout the period, while all other official activities at the National Secretariat will be suspended to allow staff and party officials observe the Christmas and New Year holidays.

“This is to inform the public that the African Democratic Congress National Secretariat will close for the year on 23rd December 2025 and will resume full operations on 5th January 2026.

“During this period, only skeletal services will be available, while all other official activities at the Secretariat will be temporarily suspended,” the statement said.

The party thanked its members, partners and supporters for their continued loyalty and cooperation throughout the year, noting that their support remains critical to the growth and stability of the party.

The ADC also said it is committed to its ideals and to democratic engagement as it prepares for activities in the coming year.