Politics

Makinde Primes PDP Excos for 2027 Conquest

By Web News 684

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Governor,Engineer Seyi Makinde has challenged the newly elected executive members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to ensure that the party wins all political seats in the 2027 general election. 

He threw the challenge at the party’s congress held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Ibadan.

‎The Governor described the exercise as a process to ensure that the PDP remained in power beyond 2027.

He charged party members to give the new executive members their support to deliver the offices of the presidency to the least political office for the party. 

‎Governor Makinde prayed that the party would not labor in vain and gave assuramce that every member of the party of dividends of democracy.

‎Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Panel Committee, Senator Austin Akobundu, had urged delegates to cooperate with the arrangements. 

‎A total of 4,050 delegates across the state participated in the congress, of which elected executive members are to run the affairs of the party for the next four years.

Mr Dayo Ogungbero was elected as the chairman, Vice Chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke while Mr Oyelami Joel emerged as the Secretary.

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Politics

Stiff penalty awaits election violators – Gov Adeleke

By Web News 407

By Funmi Adekoya

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to arrest any resident who violates the directive on the restriction of movement as the House of Assembly election holds Saturday across the 30 local governments and Area Office.

The Governor in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed tasked the security agencies to enforce previous directive and regulations which required political leaders to stay in their area after voting instead of moving round towns and villages.

The statement says any resident who breaches the directive on movement restriction should be picked up stressing that nobody no matter how highly placed will be allowed to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the assembly elections.

The Governor said he had directed immediate arrest of hoodlums and political thugs in the state and ensure anybody caught faced the full wrath of the law.

Meanwhile, the State Government has condemned the killing of a People’s Democratic Party, PDP, supporter, Mr. Wole at Ile Ife on Thursday evening after a political rally attended by the National Secretary of the All Progressive Congress, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

Governor Adeleke who condemned the killing of Mr. Wole and others in various incidents of political violence directed security agencies to arrest all the perpetrators.

He commiserates with the families of Wole and others who have been killed simply in the course of the election.

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Crime

Police Confirm Burning of Osun Minority Leader Parents’ House

By Web News 638

Osun Police Command has confirmed the attack on the Ede residence of the parents of the Minority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Akogun Kofoworola Babajide by some hoodlums.

In a statement in Osogbo, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola said that the crime was perpetrated by some unidentified hoodlums on Friday night.

Mrs. Opalola hinted that investigations had begun on the incident to arrest those involved for immediate prosecution.

Meanwhile, the state Caretaker Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Adekunle Akindele has called on Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and security agencies to immediately arrest the situation in Ede and other parts of the state before it escalates.

Dr. Adekunle Akindele condemned the attack on the House Minority Leader, describing the attack as barbaric and uncalled for.

He appealed to the people of the state, particularly residents of Ede to remain calm and be vigilant as the party would work with security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice.

The yet-to-be identified hoodlums last night burnt down the residence of the parents of the Minority Leader of the Osun State House of Assembly and Akogun of Ede, Kofoworola Babajide in Ede.

Chief Babajide representing Ede North State Constituency in the Assembly in a chat with Radio Nigeria explained that some armed thugs had earlier attacked members of PDP during a ward meeting in Ede.

He claimed his father had not been seen since the incident and was not sure whether he was inside the house when it was burnt down by the hoodlums.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The political space is open to everyone, young or old – Atiku

By Web News 530

Former Nigeria Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has challenged the youths to compete with elders for elective offices in the 2023 general elections and not deny the old ones their constitutional rights to pursue their ambitions.

Alhaji Atiku made this known shortly after meeting former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Presidential Library Residence in Abeokuta.

The former vice president said the electoral field is also open for the younger ones to compete and expressed confidence that he will get the People’s Democratic Party, PDP ticket for the 2023 presidential race.

Alhaji Atiku who was silent on what he discussed with former President Obasanjo during the meeting, also visited the palace of Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, where he recalled how he started work in Ogun State as a trained Customs Officer.

He was accompanied on the visit by a chieftain of the PDP, in Ogun State, Chief Ladipupo Adebutu and other top party functionaries in the state.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Non-Assent To Electoral Act Bill Could Cause Crisis – PDP

By Web News 584

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed disappointment over the non-assent to the electoral act amendment bill by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the situation as a grave danger to the nation’s democracy.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba said the situation could trigger a political crisis in the country.

The PDP spokesman drew the attention of Nigerians and the international community to the development and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to do whatever it takes to stand with Nigerians by using electronic means to ensure a free and credible election.

The president had earlier explained that he withheld assent to the bill due to Section 84 which provides for only direct primary for getting party candidates in elections, a section that has now been amended by the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, the PDP has constituted campaign councils for Cross River, Ondo and Imo States bye-elections.

Victorson Agbenson

Politics

Gov. Diri’s Aide, Oredipe, Registers As PDP Member In Ogun State

By Web News 745

A media aide to the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, Dr. Kolawole Oredipe, has formally declared for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Ogun State. 

Dr. Oredipe, a renowned broadcaster and Director, New Media to the Bayelsa State governor while speaking in Abeokuta said the decision to join active politics was borne out of his desire to serve.

The former Radio Nigeria Bayelsa State correspondent who hails from Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State disclosed that he had spent over twenty years in journalism practice and had become an authority on coverage of Niger Delta region.

Dr. Oredipe explained that his decision to join active politics as a journalist was to contribute his quota to national development by being part of the decision making.

He stated that his political ambition to contest in the future had however not been decided.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Speak out when those you elected are not meeting your expectations – Alhaji Aborode

By Web News 1292

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and former Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Oyo State, Alhaji Majekodumi Aborode has thrown his weight behind the mandatory direct primaries for political parties in the country.

Alhaji Aborode made his position known while featuring on Political Space, a Premier FM audience-participatory programme.

Former Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in Oyo State, Alhaji Majekodumi Aborode (l) with the anchor for Political Space, Mr. Akinyinka Akintola (r) during the programme

It would be recalled that the National Assembly recently passed the Electoral Amendment Act Bill which makes direct primaries mandatory for political parties.

According to Alhaji Aborode, direct primaries would give every member the expected opportunities to have a say in the affairs of their political parties, as well as, check the alleged excesses of some state governors.

While speaking on the alleged crisis rocking the PDP in Oyo State, he admitted that some members of the party were aggrieved because they were yet to be rewarded for their labour which brought the party back to power in 2019.

The PDP chieftain was, however, quick to express the optimism that the crisis would soon be resolved.

Alhaji Aborode also used the medium to call on Nigerians to always speak out whenever their representatives in government were not living up to expectations.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Crime

Fatai Aborede’s Murder: Police Detain PDP Chieftain

By Web News 768

A chieftain of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Pa Olawuwo has been detained by the Oyo State police in connection with the gruesome killing of Dr. Fatai Aborode.

The suspect, Pa Olawuwo was detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Iyaganku Ibadan.

The  party chairmen for Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North LGAs, Alhaji Yisau Tapa, former caretaker chairman Iliasu Ololade as well as  one Mr Obey from Igboora were spotted at the police station.

Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier said herdsmen were not responsible for the killing of Dr. Fatai Aborode.

Though, many people believed that the PDP chieftain was killed by suspected herdsmen, Makinde, however, said that that herdsman were not responsible for the killing.

The father of the deceased had also insisted that the death of his son was political. 

The Police Public Relations Officer, Olugbenga Fadeyi said though he got the hint of the arrest but could not ascertain the reason for the detention as he was outside Ibadan yesterday.

He however promised to update Radio Nigeria as situation unfold

Politics

PDP Screens Aspirants Ahead Of May 15 LG Polls

By Web News 727

Screening exercise for aspirants under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to contest in the May 15 Local Government election in Oyo State is ongoing at the party’s state secretariat, Molete, Ibadan.

The aspirants who will be vying for chairmanship and councillorship tickets to contest in the May 15 Local Government Election stormed the premises of the party’s secretariat with credentials and expression of interest in the company of their various supporters.

They were, however, called according to their local government area for an interface with the screening panel set up by the party to avoid overcrowding and also maintain COVID-19 protocols.

Some of the aspirants, Messers Sarafat Onijo, Omotosho Abiodun and Olanrewaju Adepoju who spoke with Radio Nigeria on the exercise said the process was transparent and expressed optimism that credible candidates would emerge.

Oyo State Chairman, PDP, Oyo State, Alhaji Omokunmi Mustafa, explained that aspirants from Ibadan and Ibarapa zones were screened today while that of Oke-Ogun and Ogbomosho would be attended to tomorrow.

Alhaji Mustafa who stated that about one thousand councillorship aspirants and one hundred and fifty aspirants would be screened for during the exercise noted that the governor had no anointed candidates.

He, however, assured members of the PDP and the general public that the process of selecting candidates for the local government election would be transparent.

Funmilola Obagbayegun/Temidayo Adu

Politics

I am fine and not dying – Chief Babatope

By Web News 958

A national leader of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Ebenezer Babatope says he is healthy and full of life against the speculation making the rounds about his health.

Chief Babatope stated this while reacting to his purported relinquishing of power as the chairman of Ijesa PDP Elder Caucus on health ground.

Our correspondent Isaac Haastrup completes the story.

Isaac Haastrup

Politics

INEC Clears Air on Ondo Guber Primary

By Web News 1269

The Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) has laid to rest the rumour over the mode of the primary that will be used by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the July 20 governorship primary in Ondo State.

INEC confirmed that indirect primary would be used by the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Ondo governorship election.

PDP holds its primary on July 22 while INEC had allocated 2nd to 27th July for holding primaries by political parties to pick candidates for the October 10, 2020 governorship polls in Ondo State.

The mode of primary to be adopted by the APC had generated a lot of controversies as majority of the 12 aspirants preferred direct primary while the incumbent Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said he would be ready for any mode of primaries either direct or indirect.

However, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Ambassador Rufus Akeju told newsmen in his office in Akure during an interview, that the indirect mode of primary was communicated to INEC through a letter from the APC National Secretariat.

Ambassador Akeju noted that all the seventeen political parties would adopt indirect primary system.

Leke Adegite

Politics

Osun PDP Wants Adagunodo Reinstated

By Web News 742

Members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun state want the National Working Committee of the party to reinstate the embattled chairman of the party, Mr Soji Adagunodo.

The coordinator PDPUnity Group in Osun state, Mr Gbemi Onifade made the demand at a press conference in Osogbo.

Mr Onifade noted that the process leading to Mr Soji Adagunodo suspension did not follow the party constitution.

He hinted that none of the members of the party’s Board of Trustees in the state was consulted before the order to suspend the chairman was taken.

Also speaking, another youth coordinator, Mr Moses Adeleye who said infighting had always been one of the major factors robbing the party of victory, called on the leadership of the party to resolve the issue amicably.

Mr Adeleye urged the party to be wary of some unscrupulous members who were hell-bent on destabilizing the party.

He called on party leaders, and other critical stakeholders to intervene to save the party from imminent collapse.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Politics

Oyinlola, Akinbade, Oseni, Others Defect to PDP

By Web News 1322

Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP with the Secretary to the State Government during his administration, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade.

Prince Oyinlola officially announced his intention to pitch his tent with the PDP alongside scores of others across the Southwest region at a unification rally of the Peoples Democratic Party held at the ancient Mapo Hall, in Ibadan.

  • From left, Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde; his Bayelsa counterpart, Mr Duoye Diri; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Minister for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, National Vice Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South West, Dr Eddy Olafeso and former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayodele Fayose during the PDP South West Zonal Unification Rally held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo State Government.
  • A cross-section of the PDP Members at the rally.

The former governor who spoke in Yoruba said it was time to restructure politics in the Southwest to enhance the development of the region.

Prince Oyinlola stressed the need for unity among the PDP family to take the party to greater heights.

To a one-time ADP governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Gbadamosi, he explained that he returned to PDP after realizing the strength of the party.

In a remark, Former National Vice Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George said the rally was a beautiful beginning for the party ahead of 2023 General elections.

In an interview, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State expressed gratitude to all for the unity that has prevailed in PDP, maintaining that the party was ready to accommodate more people.

Others that defected to PDP include former deputy governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, Former Oyo State African Democratic Congress, ADC governorship aspirant, Remi Oseni, and Senator Gbenga Babalola.

Dignitaries at the event include Bayelsa State governor, Diri Douye, former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, former Minister of Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada and former Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Hosea Agboola.

Our correspondent also reports that the venue was filled to the capacity with PDP loyalists who clad in different Ankara fabrics.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

We are still committed to the Coalition Agreement – Governor Makinde

By Web News 808

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde says his administration is still committed to coalition agreement reached with some opposition parties before the March 9 governorship election in the state.

He stated this during a People’s Democratic Party, PDP stakeholders meeting held at the party’s office, Molete, Ibadan.

While lauding the efforts of the coalition during the last general election, Governor Makinde maintained that his government has been carrying everybody along in the governance of the state.

The governor said there were various opportunities in government which could still be beneficial for them to contribute their quota to the development of the state.

Governor Makinde, however, called for unity among PDP members in the task of bringing good governance to every nook and cranny in the state.

The governor expressed the readiness of his government to employ a private sector-led economy to engage unemployed youths.

Earlier, Chairman of PDP in the state, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha enjoined party faithful who have benefited from the government to extend love to others.

The meeting availed the PDP members the opportunity to express their minds on issues bordering on the development of the party and the state.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Breaking: Bayelsa Governor-Elect, Lyon Sacked by Supreme Court

By Web News 785

…orders fresh certificate of return issued to the governorship candidate with the highest votes cast and widest geographical spread.

The Supreme Court has sacked the governor-elect of Bayelsa State, David Lyon, and his Deputy, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Ejembi Ekwo, the court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Mr. Lyon.

The Apex Court also ordered a fresh certificate be issued to the governorship candidate with the highest votes cast and wide geographical spread in the governorship election held on November 16, 2019.

Mr. Lyon was sacked for presenting a running mate with a fake certificate in the said election.

With this judgment just delivered, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diri Duoye with the highest lawful votes and with wide geographical spread will eventually become the next governor of Bayelsa.

Channels TV

Politics

Caretaker Chairmen Resume Work amidst Uncertainty

By Web News 926

Following the court injunction secured by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State which restrained the sixty-eight sacked council chairmen and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs from illegally taking-over the councils some caretaker chairmen have assumed the office.

Our correspondent who has been monitoring the situation reports that at Ibadan Southwest Local Government, Aleshinoye, a large number of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, loyalists were on ground discussing in groups.

In an interview, the caretaker chairman, Mr. Olumide Balogun noted that as at the time he assumed duty some thugs who allegedly to belong to the opposition party came to disrupt the peaceful environment had been handed over to the police.

  • Caretaker Chairmen, Ibadan Northwest Rahman Adepoju and Okebadan LCDA, Ganiyu Omotosho at their office in Onireke
  • A thugh found distrupting the peace, already handed over to the police

Caretaker Chairman, Ibadan North West Local Government, Mr. Rahaman Adepoju who was found in his office said he had begun work to meet the needs of the people.

Similarly, caretaker chairman, Okebadan North LCDA, Mr. Ganiyu Omotosho said there was no cause for alarm.

In all the councils visited, workers were yet to assume duties in compliance with the directives of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees.

Lillian Ibomor

Politics

Ours Remains the Best Political Brand in Nigeria – PDP Spokesman

By Web News 719

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has ruled out the possibility of changing its name ahead of the 2023 general election.

Spokesman of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said the decision not to alter the party’s current name was part of the discussion at the party’s 88th National Executive Committee, NEC, in Abuja.

Addressing the media at the end of the meeting, Mr. Ologbondiyan said the party insisted that the PDP brand remained the best in the political firmament of the country and as such, those canvassing for a change of name should forget it.

He added that the PDP had constituted a committee to review the conduct of the 2019 general elections with a view to unraveling what transpired during the polls.

According to Mr. Ologbondiyan, the decision will guide the PDP in pushing for electoral reforms ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Adewumi Faniran

Yoruba

APC ati PDP fesi si idajo ile ejo kotemilorun gbekale lori idibo Gomina ipinle Oyo

By Web News 1730

Awon alatileyin egbe oselu Peoples Democratic party, PDP, ati All Progressives Congress, APC, lo n sope oludije awon lo jawe olubori nibi eto idajo t’ile ejo kotemilorun to fikale s’ilu Ibadan gbe kale lori awuyewuye tosuyo nidi eto idibo sipo Gomina n’ipinle Oyo.

Oludije sipo gomina labe asia egbe oselu APC, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu nibi eto idibo to waye l’ojo kesan, osu kefa, lo pe ejo kotemilorun leyin ti ile ejo to ngbo awuye-wuye eto idibo daa ejo won nu, to si fidi ijawe-olubori Gomina Seyi Makinde mule.

Ile-ejo kotemilorun sope, ijawe olubori Gomina Seyi Makinde eyi ti igbimo to ngbo awuye-wuye esi idibo gbe kale kun oju osuwon too, pelu alaye pe, oye katungbeyewo ejo naa waye amo ti gbedeke ogosan ojo tofin la kale fun igbimo naa ti koja.

O wa sope ki nkan wa bose wa, saaju idajo igbimo ton gbo awuye-wuye esi idibo leyi to nfidi Onimoero Seyi Makinde, mule gege bi Gomina.

Nibamu pelu idajo naa, awon ololufe egbe oselu APC lawon agbegbe kan nilu Ibadan, nsajoyo lori idajo naa, tawon ololufe egbe oselu PDP miin naa sit un ndunnu pea won lawon jawe olubori ninu eto idajo ohun.

Nigba to nfesi Gomina Seyi Makinde sope mimi kan omi ohun gege bi Gomina toripe, kosi idajo kankan to tako iyansipo oun.

Ewe, atejade eyiti oluranlowosakowe ibaralusoro f’egbe oselu APC n’ipinle Oyo, Omooba Ayobami Adejumo fisita sope egbe oselu naa yoo pejo losi ile-ejo togajulo lati le fidi ijawe olubori won mule.

Oluwayemisi Dada/Kemi Ogunkola