Politics

PDP threatens sanctions as Wike-led G-5 govs meet Tinubu in UK

Published

3 years ago

December 29, 2022

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The five aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party governors have met with the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu in London, the United Kingdom.

The APC standard bearer was said to have lobbied for the endorsement of the five governors during the marathon meeting which was held on Tuesday.

Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu states and some political heavyweights from the South had vowed not to support the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over the refusal of the party’s National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, to resign after Atiku obtained the presidential ticket of the party.

But hours after the governors meeting with Tinubu, the PDP said it was not aware of their parley with the ruling party’s presidential candidate, noting that as far it was concerned, the governors were in the UK on vacation.

The main opposition party, however, threatened to punish the governors for any anti-party activities, stressing that it had the capacity to discipline the recalcitrant governors.

Shedding light on the London meeting, a source stated, “Tinubu met with the aggrieved governors yesterday (Tuesday) along with a delegation that included (Kayode) Fayemi, (Babajide) Sanwo-Olu, one other governor and an ex-governor. For now, we are only waiting for the G-5 governors to make the official pronouncement in January.”

On what the demands of the aggrieved governors were, the source declined speaking, saying he wouldn’t want to speculate.

“I don’t have details about that. What I know is that they have met and declared their indication at the meeting that they are not supporting any other candidate,” he stated.

Commenting on the governors’ reported alliance with Tinubu, a member of the PDP National Working Committee, Timothy Osadalor, said the party has what it takes to impose the necessary sanctions on the governors should they make real their threat of dumping the party’s presidential candidate.

PDP threatens sanctions

Osadolor, who is the Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, further dared the governors to endorse their preferred candidate so the party could take appropriate steps against them.

He said, “These governors know the party they belong to; they know what the party can do. Should they take this step they have been working on for a while now and the party will do what is necessary.

“We want to believe that they are in the United Kingdom for vacation and so reacting to speculations is not what we should be doing now. We want to assure Nigerians that if they take that decision and support a candidate other than ours, the PDP will act. Let me put it straight: this party has the capacity to discipline them and any member who tries to undermine its will.’’

When contacted, the PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba said the party would apply relevant provisions of its constitution when the need arose. According to him, all members, including the governors are aware of this.

He stated, “The PDP is a party of constitution, rules and procedures. We don’t react to speculations. In taking decisions, we look at the our party constitution in relation to issues. Whatever happens, it is the constitution that will guide the action we will take.

“These governors are conversant with the PDP constitution having sworn to uphold it. If they take that action (endorse a rival presidential candidate), we will take a decision in line with the provisions of the constitution.

“They have contributed to the success of the party and they have also benefited immensely from the party. They should know that the provisions of the constitution are applicable to every member of the party.

“Reconciliation is not 100m dash but a marathon. We hope they will realize this and embrace the party for good,” Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP.

Another party chieftain, who confided in The PUNCH said the governors could face sanctions in line with section 58 (1) of the party constitution, which states “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the party shall have power to disciple any member who says or does anything likely to bring the party into disrepute, hatred or contempt, or engages in anti-party activities.”

A PDP chieftain and member of the party’s Board of Trustees, Chief Eddy Olafeso, expressed the conviction that a workable solution can still be found to reconcile the governors with the PDP presidential candidate.

When asked if the party would sanction the governors over their alleged romance with the APC standard bearer, he said, “I cannot act on rumours; there is nothing before the party to consider. We are still thinking that we will be able to have a common ground for this election, but if those things happen, then it will take a position of issue of discipline. That is when we will be talking about that.”

PCC speaks

On his part, the Director of Strategic Communications, National Election Management Committee of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Chief Dele Momodu, said there was nothing new in the governors’ threat to endorse a presidential candidate of their choice.

He, however, urged the Wike-led group to make good its promise to enable the election management committee to react appropriately.

He noted, “There is nothing new in this speculation. The party has done its best to resolve these issues all to no avail. So, what I can say now is that they should make their position official.

“We can’t continue like this. They have been issuing this threat since Governor Wike lost the primary election to Atiku Abubakar. As a party, we did our best to reconcile and forge a way forward. Atiku embraced the peace option but you can’t say the same of the other group.

“Talk of Iyorchia Ayu, the chairman of the party is an old story. Nobody is listening anymore. We are preparing for a major election and we are confident of victory. The PDP is too big to be distracted.

“We can’t respond to ‘ifs’. They should come up with their position on who they are supporting and then, we can address the issue. Let us wait for them and see what they come up with.”

Reacting to Olafeso’s optimism that the reconciliation could still be worked out, a source in Wike’s camp insisted that it was too late for the governors to embrace Atiku.

“It is too late in the day to go back to Atiku. Tinubu’s chances are brighter,’’ he declared, noting that the agreement with the APC flag bearer would be ‘fool-proof.’

Speaking on the reports that the PDP governors favoured his principal, the spokesman for the Tinubu-Shettima presidential campaign council, Festus Keyamo, said there was high expectation in the APC camp.

Keyamo, who is presently vacationing abroad, told our correspondent that the doors of the party are open to the Rivers State governor and other members of the Integrity Group.

Keyamo, who frowned on the manner the G-5 was treated by the PDP’s presidential candidate, stated that the governors were simply fighting to restore geo-political balancing in the country.

He said, “Regarding Wike, the PDP has treated him very badly and every right thinking person can see that. Even from the opposite side, we can say that what is unjust is unjust. They may say that some people like us are not competent to speak on the internal affairs of that party.

“The truth of the matter is that the struggle of the G-5 governors is not based on the internal issues of the PDP alone. It is based on matters regarding geo-political balancing in the country. So, it goes beyond matters within the PDP. You will agree with me that these are grave matters of national concern.

“They may quickly point to our issue too that might have to do with religion. Let me tell you that in matters of rotation and balancing in the country, what has always existed and been of paramount importance is the geo-political balancing, not religious balancing. The injustice in the PDP is far deeper and more fundamental than anyone can think. So, the struggles of Wike and others are very genuine in our mind and we sympathise with them.”

The Minister of State for Labour also stated that though the APC is focused on consolidating its stronghold, it won’t mind exploiting the festering crisis rocking the opposition PDP.

According to him, politics is all about interests and he is optimistic that the G-5 will almost certainly count their costs before deciding to support any presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 elections.

He added, “On our part, we continue to move forward as a party. Without making a specific comment on whether the G-5 governors will join us or if they are in talks with us, you should know that our party is big enough to accommodate different interests.

“We have proven that before in different states of this country. I don’t think there is any fear at all if Wike decides to extend an olive branch to us and if he decides to make rapprochement or overtures to the APC. The APC is large enough to accommodate and even make him happier that he was when he held sway in the PDP.

“We are not belly-aching or closing our doors against anybody in the APC. Our doors are wide open. The G-5 knows that as proper politicians, what is paramount to them is their interest. That’s why they are looking outside the PDP, knowing that there is no other way than the APC.’’

Dismissing reports that the governors may endorse the Labour Party standard bearer, Peter Obi, Keyamo said, “The Labour Party that you claimed many of these G-5 governors are looking at is untested and cannot be trusted. It has no electoral value for now because it has not been tested.

“It is a known fact that anybody who has been tested has already gone through the ballot box and the LP, as presently constituted, has not done that. As proper politicians, there is no other place to take a chance outside the APC.”

A source in Obi’s camp said the former Anambra State governor was hopeful of securing the support of the governors with the backing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Punch

Politics

2027: Thousands defy downpour to rally for Gov. Mbah’s re-election

Published

2 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Enugu Gov, Dr Peter Mbah

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…Insist 8-year tenure tradition stands

Thousands of supporters from Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday defied a heavy downpour at the Amankanu Development Centre, Owo, to declare their unalloyed support for the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah in 2027.

The crowd, which surged for the grand finale of inauguration of Ward and Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow is Here Movement across the 17 local government areas of the state, described their action as a clear demonstration of confidence in the governor’s performance across key sectors, saying Enugu State had never had it so good.

They said the tradition where each governor got eight years on the saddle would continue with Mbah, whom they said his achievements in less than three years were towering.

The supporters said their resolve was anchored on what they termed visible transformation in infrastructure, effective security response system, education, healthcare, human capital development as well as the robust revamping of moribund assets under the present administration.

Welcoming the crowd, the Coordinator of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Alhaji Friday Sani Nnaji, expressed delight at the massive turnout, noting that the it reflected people’s confidence in the governor’s leadership.

He urged them to sustain the support and ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards to secure victory in 2027.

“There is no better alternative to Governor Mbah,” he said, assuring that the Movement would continue to mobilise support across the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, described the gathering as a consolidation of existing support rather than just an attempt to win new followers.

He noted that the administration’s projects were evident across communities, adding that the government would continue to deliver more dividends of democracy.

He expressed optimism that the governor would record even higher votes in the coming election.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Chimaobi Okorie, said the scale of infrastructure development under Mbah was unprecedented, citing the construction of roads, bridges, and other critical projects.

He described the governor as “an inspirational leader whose work had earned the trust of the people,” expressing confidence that residents would overwhelmingly reciprocate his uncommon transformation of the state in 2027.

Traditional rulers also endorsed the governor’s continuity. Chairman of Nkanu East Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, said the governor had exceeded expectations, noting that improved road networks had enhanced connectivity across communities. He called on residents to sustain their support.

“Before now, there was no road from this venue, Owo, to Ubahu, Amankanu, Neke, and Ikem. But today, a world class, virgin dual carriageway runs from here in Owo all the way to Neke with over 30 bridges and culverts, and it’s connecting our brothers from the northern senatorial district.

“Before now, we in this part of Nkanu East must go through Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South and Nkanu West LGA to be able to access our Council Headquarters at Amagunze. Today, we have a brand new Amechi Idodo to Amagunze road with three bridges,” Edeani added.

In the same vein, the Patron, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Abel Nwobodo said the people of the state had already resolved to back the governor’s re-election, describing him as a beacon of progress and hope.

Convener of G17 for Peter Mbah, Hon. Chinedu Mbah, as well as founder of Solidarity Alliance for Peter Mbah, Hon Paul Nnajiofor, stated that the governor’s achievements had set him apart, adding that all parts of the state had benefitted from his leadership.

According to them, although the governor’s re-election appeared certain, stakeholders would continue to mobilise support to ensure a resounding victory.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the council area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, said the governor had lived up to his promise to transform the state, urging continued support to enable him complete his development agenda.

Commending the Tomorrow Is Here leadership, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwuweike, said the group is known for its grassroots mobilisation, declaring that the governor’s re-election would be a walkover and that there would be no vacancy in Lion Building in 2027.

The member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Hon. Okechukwu Mbah, said he was deeply impressed by the level of development across the state, noting that the governor’s projects had significantly improved the lives of the people.

Presenting gifts to the winners of the open quizzes conducted among citizens at the rally ground, the Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Movement, Hon Ezenta Ezeani, said the mammoth crowd had challenged them from the Nsukka zone to further mobilize for the re-election of the governor, stressing that it’s going to be a competition of which local government and political bloc deliver more votes to the governor.

On his part, the Convener of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement, Hon. Tony Okonkwo, expressed appreciation for the widespread support the group had received across the state during its inauguration of coordinators.

He declared that the enthusiasm shown by the people reflected their belief in the governor’s vision and performance, adding that the movement would continue to expand its reach.

Okonkwo highlighted key achievements of the administration, including extensive road construction, establishment of smart schools, upgrading of healthcare facilities, investments in security and economic growth and the revitalization of moribund industries that have continued to provide employment.

He described the projects as innovative and far-reaching, stressing that they had set a new standard for governance in the state.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of ward coordinators of the movement, who were charged to take the message of continuity to every household.

Wheelchairs as well as scholarships were also presented to persons living with disabilities from Igboeze South Local Government Area and other beneficiaries, underscoring the movement’s commitment to inclusiveness.

Politics

Atiku says 2027 presidential election will be his last outing

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Atiku Abubakar

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that the 2027 presidential election will be his final outing, citing his age as the primary reason.

The former Vice President made this commitment on Wednesday during an appearance as a guest on the Arise Television programme, Prime Time.

Speaking during the interview, he said, “The 2027 election will be my last outing.”

When asked why Nigerians should vote for him after so many attempts, especially considering his age, Atiku explained that since Nigeria faces a leadership crisis, he represents both the past and the future of the nation.

He recommended leadership training for young Nigerians, asserting that the country was in dire need of it.

Atiku has made multiple attempts to become Nigeria’s president since entering partisan politics.

He took his first shot at the presidency in 1993 during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries, before stepping down for the late Moshood Abiola.

He later ran in 2007 under the Action Congress (AC) banner, losing to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

In 2011, the former Vice President contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries but lost the nomination to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He subsequently returned to the PDP to contest the 2019 presidential election, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Most recently, in 2023, he again emerged as the PDP candidate but lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Politics

ADC won’t surrender to tyranny — David Mark

Published

4 days ago

April 15, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

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• ADC will win 2027 election —Atiku

•We need viable candidate to defeat Tinubu —Amaechi

•Nigeria heading to disaster with huge debts —Obi

•Renewed Hope is a scam —Aregbesola

NATIONAL Chairman of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, on Tuesday, said the party would not surrender to attempts being made to silence the voice of the people and destroy democracy in the country.

He stated this while speaking at the eighth national convention of the ADC held at Rainbow Events Centre, Abuja.

Mark said since the beginning of the current journey, the ADC had faced many challenges and hurdles as well as fierce and unprecedented betrayal.

He noted that recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have raised fundamental questions about the process that govern our democracy.

However, he told those who orchestrated the obstacles before the ADC that they have not weakened them but rather welded them together, stressing that “Every attempt to suppress this party has only deepened the resolve of our members, widened our coalition, and reminded Nigerians why a strong opposition is not optional; it is essential to democracy’s survival.”

He said, “Forces that feared what a united ADC represents came for us; through the courts, through institutions, through bureaucratic obstruction. They sought to stop this convention from happening. They removed our names from official portals. They denied us preferred venues. They deployed every instrument available to them to ensure that you – the delegates, the members, the owners of this party – would never gather. But we are here.

“At our recent press briefing, we made it clear that the integrity of democratic institutions must be protected at all times. We also made it clear that in an ever shrinking democratic space that is orchestrated by those in the ruling party, the ADC will not bow, we will not cower, and we will not retreat.

“Dear party members and leaders, let me remind all of us that strong political movements are not built in moments of ease and in comfort. They are built in times like this, when a broken nation cries out for change and the people look for those who would lead with commitment and honesty.

“We will not surrender, because what is at stake is not just about the ADC or the opposition. It is the very survival of our democracy. To surrender therefore is to yield to tyranny and therefore become complicit in the destruction of our democracy.

“And let us here be the answer to every doubt, every threat, and every shenanigan designed to keep Nigeria trapped in a one party future. The ADC cannot be wished away. The ADC cannot be litigated into silence. The ADC belongs to the Nigerian people – and the Nigerian people have spoken by showing up today.”

Mark, who said he accepted the responsibility to lead the party with an unshakable commitment to reposition the ADC as the platform through which Nigeria will be rescued and rebuilt, described the convention as one of the most significant gatherings in recent Nigerian democratic history because it represented the unyielding survival of opposition democracy in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the National Convention Central Coordination Committee, and a former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, urged party leaders and members to be united and resilient amid escalating political pressure.

He described the gathering as defining moment, noting that the convention represented not just a meeting but a convergence of purpose to rebuild Nigeria.

ADC will win 2027 election – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed optimism that the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) will win the forthcoming general elections in 2027.

The Waziri Adamawa stressed the need for all leaders in the party to bring genuine change to tackle all challenges facing the country.

He said, “Every issue, every challenge, every problem confronting us as a country and as a people has been stated on this platform “What I would like to appeal to Nigerians, and particularly members of the ADC, is to make sure that this time around, we really need to change the situation in the country.

“I remember when the APC was being formed, the entire political leadership in this country came to my house. They said, “If you don’t come into the APC, this is not going to be possible.” They literally compelled me to join the APC. Only for us to enter the APC, our economy is gone, our sovereignty is gone, our security is gone, our education is gone, our infrastructure is gone. The healthcare is gone.

“Now, people like me, we must rise and make sure that there is change, genuine change, a serious change to rectify all these challenges that are happening in the country. I am in this game. We are going to win. Because of you, the young men and women, our children and our grandchildren, this country has been good to us.

“And we don’t believe that this country is being good to the current generation, to the youth, to the women, and to the future of this country. That is why we are here today”

ADC needs viable candidate to defeat Tinubu – Amaechi

Also speaking, a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said only a viable candidate can defeat Tinubu in 2027.

He said the economic situation in the country was so bad that the citizens might find it difficult to buy fuel and eat food with the collection of annual company tax.

He said, “June is here. When they start collecting annual company tax, you will see what will happen. Nobody can buy petrol. Nobody can feed. Let me repeat for those who attack me. If you Nigerians are not hungry, I am. You can attack me as much as you want. The situation is bad. It’s terrible.

“And if you think President Tinubu will give you power, you are wasting your time. ADC must come together, decide on a viable candidate. It must be a viable candidate. We did it in APC. When we joined APC, we looked for a viable candidate and we stopped them. No ethnicity, no religion. We are back to square one. It’s ethnicity and religion that brought you here. It’s religion, religion. Today, we are here, no Muslim market, no Christian market. The market is Naira. This is up to you.”

Nigeria heading to disaster with huge debts – Obi

Also speaking, the ADC chieftain and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, Peter Obi, underscored the need for unity among critical stakeholders for the sake of the country.

He criticised the government for Nigeria’s ranking in terrorism, increased debts profile, borrowing amidst subsidy removal, and non funding of 2025 budget.

Renewed Hope is a scam – Aregbesola

While presenting the statutory Secretariat Report titled “ADC is Unstoppable because It Is the Son of Nigeria”, the ADC National Secretary and a former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, described President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as a scam.

Aregbesola said President Tinubu ought to have stepped aside for failing to provide steady electricity supply. (Tribune)