Politics

PDP lawmakers, supporters in Kebbi defect to APC

Published

2 months ago

July 27, 2024

PDP lawmakers, supporters in Kebbi defect to APC

Three out of the four House of Assembly members elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kebbi State have defected, along with their supporters, to the All Progressives Congress.

While announcing their defection during the APC flag-off campaign for the Local Government Elections at Koko Besse Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usman Yankwai said the three lawmakers decided to defect to the APC because of the able leadership and performance of Governor Nasir Idris.

He said the three opposition lawmakers are from the Argungu, Bunza, and Yauri constituencies.

“It’s a testimony to the decision of the assembly members to support Governor Idris’s mission and vision for the development and progress of Kebbi and its people,” the Speaker said.

While receiving the defectors and their supporters at the campaign rally, the state chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abubakar Kana Zuru, assured them of the party’s support and fairness.

He said Governor Idris’s decision to develop the state within a year was aimed at transforming the lives of the people of Kebbi State.

In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and former state governor, Atiku Bagudu, expressed happiness over the achievements so far recorded by the present administration under Governor Idris within the last year.

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“The only thing we can do to repay him is to support the party’s policies and programmes,” he said.

Also, the former governor and Director General of the party’s campaign committee for the last governorship election in the state, Saidu Dakingari, urged the electorate to come out en masse and vote for the APC in the local government elections.

He also appreciated the efforts of the governor in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kebbi State.

The former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, said he was excited about the developments that have been recorded in the state under the APC-led administration.

“Let us rally around and support him for the progress and development of our state and its people,” he said.

While delivering his speech at the campaign rally, Governor Idris thanked the party supporters and people of the state for the support they are giving his administration.

He said, “I’m overwhelmed by the huge crowd at this campaign rally. I want you to vote for the APC in the local government elections.

“I assure you of my administration’s commitment towards promoting the economic development of the state and unity of its people.”

PDP lawmakers, supporters in Kebbi defect to APC

Politics

Nine political parties merge with APC ahead of Edo gov election

Published

2 hours 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

2 hours 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

9 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.