2023: Dogara, Babachir, Muslim leaders adopt consensus candidate – Newstrends
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2023: Dogara, Babachir, Muslim leaders adopt consensus candidate

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The fight over the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a twist, yesterday, as northern Christian leaders resolved to work with their Muslim counterparts in the north to adopt one of the presidential candidates .

The group led by former Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal have stoutly resisted the APC same faith ticket insisting it does not reflect the religious plurality of  the country and should not be allowed to fly.

In recent weeks, the group has held series of consultations with key stakeholders in the party, the northern region and country demanding  withdraw of support for the ticket.

On Saturday, the group held a consultative meeting and dialogue with Northern APC Christian leaders and Northern Muslim political leaders at NAF Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting, yesterday, said those in attendance agreed not to support the Tinubu/Shettima ticket, but to work together and jointly adopt a pan-Nigerian political platform that would  engender unity, inclusiveness and a sense of belonging among Nigerian citizens.

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The communique was jointly signed by former deputy governor of Sokoto State, Yakubu Dogara and former Minister of Water Resources, Mukhari Shagari.

It read in parts: “Conscious of multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural configuration of Nigeria we believe a same faith ticket and voting along religious lines may trigger dangerous dimensions of negative consequences among our disparate peoples in ways that will hamper nation building.

“Consequently, we have agreed to channel our energies on matter that unite us more as a people instead of encouraging attacks on sensitives issues bordering on religion in the name of politics. In view of the above, we have agreed to set up a committee with the mandate to fashion out strategies for advancing the objectives set forth in this resolution.”

It listed tose present at the meeting to include Boni Haruna, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Yakubu Dogara, Lawal, Damishi Sango, Idris Ahmed Umar, Yomi Awoniyi and Simon Achuba.

Others are Ummara Kumalia, Baba Shehu Agaie, Monday Morgan, Ishaya Bauka, Mohammed Sani Sidi, John Bawa, Iliya Stephen Msheliza, Sarah Allabeh-Nanpon, Shina Ibiyemi and Auwalu Anwar, among others.

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Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election

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Senator Monday Okpebholo

Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election

Ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 governorship election in Edo State, nine political parties have announced their merger with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision, revealed by Chief Sam Arase, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), marks a significant political shift in the state.

The political parties involved in this coalition include the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Peoples Party (APP), Accord (A), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Action Alliance (AA), and the National Rescue Movement (NRM).

Chief Arase, speaking on behalf of the Assembly of Registered Political Parties in Edo, highlighted their collective endorsement of APC’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

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“We believe Senator Monday Okpebholo is the best choice for Edo State,” Arase said, adding that they are confident of his victory in the forthcoming election.

The coalition also called for a peaceful and violence-free election, urging the people of Edo State to vote in large numbers for the APC candidate.

The merger of these parties strengthens Okpebholo’s chances as the state heads to the polls on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

This unification under the APC banner is seen as a strategic move to consolidate political strength and ensure a competitive edge for the party in the governorship race.

Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election

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BREAKING: PDP BoT, national assembly caucus hold closed-door meeting amid party crisis

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BREAKING: PDP BoT, national assembly caucus hold closed-door meeting amid party crisis

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to address internal turmoil as members of its Board of Trustees (BoT) meet with the party’s National Assembly caucus behind closed doors.

The meeting, which took place at the PDP office, Legacy House in Abuja, comes amid growing concerns over the state of the party since the lead-up to the 2023 elections.

The PDP has been embroiled in internal conflicts, with several party stakeholders voicing frustration over the failure of Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to introduce significant reforms.

Tensions escalated further after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, openly criticized Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, and the PDP Governors Forum concerning the party’s leadership structure.

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According to reports, the PDP BoT, led by Chairman Adolphus Nwabara and Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, had earlier held a private meeting with Wike in Abuja on Tuesday.

The following day, the BoT also met with Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, in an effort to resolve the party’s ongoing challenges.

The current meeting is seen as an attempt by the BoT to gauge the perspective of the PDP National Assembly caucus regarding the party’s issues.

In attendance are key figures such as Senate Deputy Minority Leader Lere Oyewumi, House of Representatives Minority Whip Hon. Ali Isa JC, and Hon. Pastor Ojema Ojotu.

The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but it is expected that the BoT will propose recommendations aimed at steering the party back on course.

BREAKING: PDP BoT, national assembly caucus hold closed-door meeting amid party crisis

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Edo poll: Set back for PDP as ex-deputy speaker dumps party

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Edo poll: Set back for PDP as ex-deputy speaker dumps party

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has suffered a significant setback following the exit of Omon Ezomon, a three-time member and former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Ezomon, who represented Owan West Constituency from 1999 to 2007, announced his decision to leave the party ahead of the crucial September 21 governorship election, which Governor Godwin Obaseki has termed a “do or die” affair.

Ezomon attributed his departure to the deepening internal crisis within the PDP. According to him, the unresolved conflicts and infighting have weakened the party’s position, particularly in his area of influence.

His exit is expected to further diminish the party’s control in the Owan West constituency, where the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku, claims leadership.

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In a letter dated September 16, 2024, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 5, Avbiosi, Iuleha, Owan West LGA, Ezomon explained that after “considerable reflection” and consultations, he could no longer tolerate the alienation he faced within the party.

Despite his long-standing service as a foundation member and a two-term representative, he lamented that the party’s leadership had sidelined him from important decision-making processes at the ward, local government, and state levels.

Ezomon expressed deep frustration over what he called the rise of “neophytes” controlling the local party machinery, undermining his political legacy, which included serving as Deputy Speaker during his tenure.

He highlighted the disunity and lack of leadership within the PDP, warning that it could severely impact the party’s chances in the upcoming governorship election.

“For my own peace of mind and mental health, I have made the painful decision to leave,” Ezomon stated, while also acknowledging the opportunities the PDP had provided him and wishing the party well.

His departure has sent shockwaves across Edo’s political landscape. Although his next political move remains uncertain, there are speculations that Ezomon may align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

His exit from the PDP underscores the internal struggles that may shape the party’s future in the state.

 

Edo poll: Set back for PDP as ex-deputy speaker dumps party

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