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Police Seal Off Rivers PDP Secretariat Over Leadership Dispute

Hassan Saheed
Hassan Saheed

In Port Harcourt, tensions heightened as the police sealed off the PDP headquarters on Aba Road.

This action came after allegations that the recently appointed Acting Executive Committee, established after a court ruling invalidated the 2024 congresses, planned to take control of the building.

Although the planned takeover was postponed, conflicting party factions held separate media events to establish their dominance, emphasizing the escalating leadership crisis within the organization.

The court ruling had nullified the ward, local government, and state congresses, further fueling the dispute.

The charged atmosphere saw crowds of party supporters gather at the secretariat, with restrained executive leader Aaron Chukwuemeka criticising the rising number of court cases and urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prioritise peace.

State Legal Adviser Kingsley Chuku (SAN) disclosed that while the party had not received the court ruling, plans were underway to appeal once the records were made available.

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Peter Obi visits Afe Babalola to Apologize on Behalf of Dele Farotimi

Abduljelil Issa
Abduljelil Issa

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Monday evening visited the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, in his office located at the campus of the institution, to plead on behalf of Dele Farotimi.

Farotimi faces defamation and cybercrime charges in an Ekiti State Magistrates’ Court and the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti.

The defamation charge stems from allegations in Farotimi’s book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” that accused Babalola of influencing Supreme Court judges.

While the Magistrates’ Court had earlier remanded Farotimi and adjourned the case until December 10, the Federal High Court granted him bail on Monday, setting the terms at N50 million.

Sources in Ado Ekiti said that Obi was with Babalola to appeal to the senior advocate on the matter of Farotimi.

A source said, “After Obi made his case for Farotimi, Babalola asked whether he had seen Farotimi that he had come to appeal on his behalf to know whether he has been remorseful.

“Babalola told Obi that everything depended on whether Farotimi was remorseful for his actions or not.

Another source, who corroborated him, added, “From what I saw, Babalola would be willing to forgive Farotimi, except he decided to choose the path of perdition.

“I think that as it is, he (Farotimi) has to plead for forgiveness before he can be forgiven. We told Obi to go and talk to Farotimi, but if he is not ready for apology and says that he has evidence to prove that Babalola corrupted Supreme Court judges, let him go and prove that in court.

“So, consequent upon that, Obi went to the correctional centre to meet with Farotimi. But I cannot say yet what transpired there. But I can tell you that Obi went there to meet him.”

Meanwhile, a social activist, Moses Paul, shared video and pictures of Obi visiting Afe Babalola and the correctional service in Ado-Ekiti.

Mr. Paul wrote, “Today, Mr. PeterObi traveled from Lagos to Ekiti State, dedicating the entire day to meaningful engagements. He visited Aare Afe Babalola at his office within the Afe Babalola University, where they had in-depth discussions on critical issues, including the situation of activists and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

“Following this, Mr. Peter Obi proceeded to the prison facility where Dele Farotimi was being held. In a private meeting, he expressed solidarity and engaged in a candid exchange aimed at addressing the prevailing challenges.”

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PDP Governors Resolve NWC Crisis, Reunite Feuding Factions

Usama OLAGUNJU
Usama OLAGUNJU

The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Work­ing Committee (NWC) has been resolved by the governors on the platform of the party.The crisis had created factions in the NWC.

The governors affirmed Amb. Umar Damagum as the Acting National Chair­man, pending when other organs of the party will sit and resolve issues in the party.

The governors, who are not too sure whether the National Executive Commit­tee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24 will still hold, has, however, told the leadership of the party to re­turn to the status quo.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday at the Abuja airport before leaving for Ondo State for PDP governorship campaign, the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Fo­rum and Bauchi State govenror, Bala Mohammed, said that sus­pension of some members of the NWC has been lifted.

The governor, who said that there’s no faction in PDP, urged members to bury the hatchets and make sacrifice for the party.

He said: “I want to inform you on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Chairman of the Senate Caucus, and the representative of the BoT, we had a family meeting, and we wish to reaffirm that there is no faction in the PDP.

“All the suspensions you heard about have been resolved by the governors, the NWC, the caucus of the National Assembly, and the BoT. There is no faction; ev­erything has reverted to the sta­tus quo under acting Chairman Damagum, pending the time the governors and other organs of the party will sit down and resolve all the issues.“

There is no party that does not have problems. Some of them are legal, and we do not want to preempt the outcome of legal procedures.

“So whatever speculations and perceptions have gone out are wrong. Both parties have agreed that, in the interest of the party and Nigeria, we should return to the status quo before the suspen­sion and counter-suspension.“

These suspensions have been lifted; there are no more suspen­sions. That is the resolution of the PDP Governors’ Forum.“To members of the party, they should remember that it is the PDP we have, and it is the most experienced party that has produced government and good governance since 1999.

We should make sacrifices and come togeth­er. Yes, we may have ill feelings here and there, but we should bury them.“Our personal feelings should not be allowed to create percep­tions that seem to divide us.”

Speaking on the NEC meet­ing, Governor Mohammed said, “The governors, BoT, and NWC will sit down and discuss the sac­rosanctity of the October 24 NEC meeting.”

Also speaking, the Acting National Chairman of the party, Amb. Damagum, said, “There is no crisis in the party as far as I am concerned, but some people want to take advantage of the situation.“I urge the press not to esca­late things even where there is no crisis.“

As far as I am concerned, the governors are our leaders and critical organs of this party, and when they speak, we must look at it holistically and also abide by it.

”Explaining the suspension of the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunag­ba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, Damagum said, “

They are still in the party.”The governors, in their com­munique after their virtual meet­ing on Monday and Tuesday, said, “Based on the decision of the Fo­rum and in meeting and consulta­tions with the Board of Trustees, NWC and other organs of the party, we hereby resolve as follows:“

That the organs of the party were careful in addressing issues particularly those over which there were pending legal dispu­tations.

“That the NWC should revert to the status quo and remain unit­ed in the interest of the party and the nation.“

That all suspensions issued on officials across the parties within the NWC have been lifted forthwith.“

That there are no factions in the party and minor issues should not be blown out of proportion.“

We also urge that occupants of positions of responsibility should be mindful of their vow to serve and grow the party from strength to strength, consolidat­ing on the dreams of our founding fathers.”

The virtual meeting, accord­ing to the communique, was at­tended by 11 governors.

PDP Demands Removal Of REC Ahead Ondo Guber PollMeanwhile, the PDP on Tues­day expressed lack of confidence in the Resident Electoral Com­missioner (REC) in Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Babalola.

The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, therefore called on the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Yaku­bu Mahmoud, to remove the com­missioner ahead of the governor­ship election slated for November 16 in the state.

Makinde made the call while addressing a crowd of party sup­porters in Akure during the offi­cial flag-off ceremony of the 2024 Ondo State PDP governorship election campaign.

The Oyo State governor, who is also the PDP South-West lead­er, said the removal of the REC would prevent what happened during the last gubernatorial elec­tion in Edo State and ensure a free, fair and credible election in Ondo.

He warned that the opposition party would not fold its arms and allow a repeat of the drama that characterised the Edo election in Ondo.

Makinde asked Mahmoud to deploy another REC that will be fair and allow a level playing field in order to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

He said: “This message is for the INEC National Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud. You must remove the REC in Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.“

The last governorship elec­tion in Edo State was a fraud and we don’t want that in Ondo State. The current REC is from Ondo State.

We don’t want her to conduct this election. We will not condone injustice.

“What they did in Edo will not succeed in Ondo. We will protest until she is removed. Bring anoth­er REC that will be fair, that will allow a level playing field. We as PDP aren’t afraid of any contest. Remove her or else, we will contin­ue to protest.”

Also, the PDP governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, asked for the deployment of Babalola from the state, saying the REC would not be fair if allowed to conduct the poll.

“Ondo REC must be rede­ployed. She was born here. Her parents live here. She can never be fair in this election. We don’t want her in Ondo State. Babalola must leave,” Ajayi said.

Agboola promised to diligently implement his seven-key agenda for the state which include infra­structure, agriculture and health development.

The Chairman, Ondo Nation­al Campaign Council, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, described the PDP candidate, Ajayi, as a tested hand.

The PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, said: “We don’t want what happened in Edo State in Ondo State.“

We want free, fair and cred­ible elections in Ondo State. Our governorship candidate, Agboo­la Ajayi, is a well tested candidate that can deliver dividends of de­mocracy for the good people of Ondo State.”

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JUST IN: Court affirms Abure as LP national chairman

Usama OLAGUNJU
Usama OLAGUNJU

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, October 8, affirmed Julius Abure’s position as the national chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

The court, in a judgment that was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to accord the LP under Abure’s leadership, all the rights and privileges accorded a political party duly registered in Nigeria.

The court also validated the March 2024 Nnewi national convention of the party that produced the Abure-led executive.

Justice Nwite said: “I am of the view that, based on these cogent verifiable documents, the defendants’ attempt to impeach the validity of the leadership of the plaintiff fails.“

The plaintiff has proved his case, and I hereby make an order compelling the defendant to accord the plaintiff’s political party, under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure, all the rights and privileges accorded to a political party duly registered in Nigeria.”

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We’re restoring sanity to our state, Kwara gov replies Saraki

Usama OLAGUNJU
Usama OLAGUNJU

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has responded to Senator Bukola Saraki regarding the former Senate President’s criticisms of the current administration’s urban renewal program.

The governor emphasized that efforts are underway to restore sanity in the state.This was according to statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

He said, “The urban renewal programme of the Abdulrazaq administration, which includes restoring or upgrading the original plan of the capital city as much as possible to fit the current realities, was long due.“

It is what a responsible government should have done many years ago when the first Ilorin master plan expired in the early 2000.“

The chaotic and unplanned slum that our great capital city had become until recently is a dirty relic of the Bukola Saraki years when just anyone in the corridors of powers or their cronies could patch on any available land to erect structures with scant regard for any urban planning code.

“The result is the environmental disaster seen in many parts of Ilorin and environs and its consequences for lives and properties.“The Governor has no history of cornering public properties for himself or his family.“

What he has done so far within the law is to courageously reclaim for Kwarans what rightly belongs to them, but were taken away or dubiously converted for private use during the reigns of Saraki and his cronies.

“From the alleged sales of lands at the judges quarters to the Amusement Park, Galadimawa Estate, Kwara Liaison Offices in Kaduna and Lagos, Flower Garden, and Ile Arugbo, which they allegedly sold to themselves or mismanaged, the list is endless.“

The next time Mr. Saraki is in the state, he should have the courage to see what the government has made of the Flower Garden and the Ile Arugbo land that was stolen from the people.

“Sprouting right there is a multi-storey building that will house a one-of-its-kind hospital to improve the quality of healthcare delivery for the people and strengthen economic prosperity.“

The reform has once again recovered for the people a land whose approval was for a car park, per the signature of his own successor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, but was wrongly converted to another thing entirely.

“Reckless behaviours such as this were the features of the Saraki years, and we expected nothing less from him.“

Restoring sanity in a growing capital city like Ilorin requires courageous leadership that will not be stonewalled by the blackmail of the likes of Saraki.

“The urban renewal of Governor Abdulrazaq is being done with full regard for the law, pragmatic empathy, and our context as a people — just as we saw in the years of the late Major General George Innih who took Ilorin to the next level in urban renewal and physical development.”

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2027: Obi, Kwankwaso alliance proposal will fail – APC

Usama OLAGUNJU
Usama OLAGUNJU

The ruling All Progressives Congress has said it is not losing sleep or threatened by the proposed alliance between the New Nigeria People’s Party’s Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi of the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview on Monday, the National Publicity Director of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, declared that the touted Obi-Kwankwaso alliance would fail again as it did ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, a lack of trust will always be an issue between Obi and Kwankwaso, and neither of them will be willing to concede their ambition to become President.

iDeemlawful earlier reported that Kwankwaso, in a recent post, said he would not mind being Obi’s running mate in 2027 if certain conditions, which he did not disclose, were met.

Responding to this on Sunday, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Umar Farouk, described Kwankwaso’s offer as welcome, saying the merger could work if Kwankwaso would be humble enough to work with Obi.

However, when asked to react to the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance against President Bola Tinubu in 2027, the APC National Publicity Director, Ibrahim, asserted that the proposed alliance would not see the light of day.

He argued that the factors that collapsed the proposed alliance in 2023 were still very much alive.Ibrahim said, “The underlying and most important factor in that permutation is the word trust, which will be the bane of their agreement.

These are experiments that have been conducted several times, and the results cannot be expected to change unless the factor responsible for that result changes. If you don’t change the factor and you carry out the same experiment under the same condition, expecting a different result, you are only deceiving yourself. This is a scientific procedure.

“Now, Kwankwaso and Peter Obi have tried forming an alliance in the past on several occasions, but their romance didn’t last beyond the bedroom. This is because they are strange bedfellows who can’t sleep in the same room. Both of them have one ambition—to lead the country at all costs—and neither is willing to surrender the seat to the other simply because there is this superiority complex between them.“

As long as that complex exists, and it is not likely to diminish, there is not going to be any change to warrant the APC having sleepless nights. What they are proposing now is just rhetoric because they are seeing the progress the APC is making and the changes happening in the political scene.

They know that come 2027, the victory of the APC is fait accompli. All they are making is just noise to survive. It is also the ranting of a party destined for doom.

So, there is nothing there to give the APC any worry at all. It is a merger that won’t come to pass.”However, the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party , Abdullahi Ibrahim, described the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as a welcome development.

It was reported that the PDP would support any talks on an alliance or merger that would liberate Nigerians from the current hardship and the grip of the APC-led government.

He said, “It is a welcome development. We were the ones who started the discussion at the instance of the PDP, when the major opposition figures met to review the state of the nation. If there is anything we expect from the opposition going forward, it is for them to close ranks and ensure they chart a common cause, whether it is the Peter Obi-led Labour Party, Kwankwaso’s NNPP, or the PDP that is prepared to lead the direction.“

At least, we are the major opposition and have been in power before at the center for 16 years. Presently, we have 13 governors including the FCT (under Nyesom Wike), making it 14. As of the last count, Wike has still not declared his intention to leave the PDP. So, on account of these things, we are still the major opposition party in the country and for that reason, we are charting the course.

“As earlier said, it is commendable regardless of the fact that it is not our political party. It is in the interest of this country for those who have the wherewithal to ensure they salvage the people from despair and despondency, which seem to have taken over the land. Of course, Nigerians no longer want these people in power and can’t wait to see the back of the APC because of the insensitivity that characterizes their way of doing things.”

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