Politics

I’ve no apologies threatening to destabilise PDP states, says Wike

Published

5 days ago

September 14, 2024

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike

I’ve no apologies threatening to destabilise PDP states, says Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has doubled down on his threat to instigate anarchy and unrest in states of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike and Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State have been at daggers drawn over the political control and structure of the state.

Amid the virulent power tussle, the PDP governors forum declared their support for Fubara against the minister.

Exasperated by the governors’ position, Wike had threatened to put fire in the state of any governor who interfered in the political crisis in Rivers State.

However, featuring on Channels TV Politics Today, Wike said he had not changed his position on his threat to the governors, saying heaven would not fall.

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“I said it to the governors forum and I repeat without any apologies to anybody anywhere. Heaven will never fall, in fact; if heaven falls there will be peace.

“You mean as I sit as FCT Minister from Rivers State, the only person I can say I have no relationship with is the governor of Zamfara, I don’t know him; if I see him now I won’t know him.”

He asserted that the governors’ action was tantamount to violation of the constitution, saying he would not stand by and let that happen.

“I know all other governors and they know me and we have a relationship. You mean you want to violate the processes and constitution of our party.

“After your meeting, you came out on national television as chairman of the forum to read a communique that their brother in Rivers state – whether legal or not – and I’m sitting as FCT Minister from that state listening, and you expect me to fold my arms because you are a governor?

“You look at me and tell me that? Expecting me to fold my hand for everything to be well?”

I’ve no apologies threatening to destabilise PDP states, says Wike

Politics

Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election

Published

30 mins ago

September 19, 2024

Trends Admin

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

Politics

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

Published

34 mins ago

September 19, 2024

Trends Admin

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

Politics

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

Published

7 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Trends Admin

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.