Atiku must not be given 2027 Presidential Ticket – Bode George

  Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has urged party leaders not to consider former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as their presidential candidate for the 2027 election.  He said that allowing Atiku to run again would weaken the party’s chances in the poll. George accused Atiku and his allies of neglecting the South during the 2023 election process, which led to dissatisfaction among southern members of the party.  He recalled how the treatment of the region caused a rift within the PDP, leading some members, including a group of governors, to withdraw their support. He warned that choosing another northern candidate in 2027 would be unfair to the South and could cause many southern politicians to lose interest in campaigning for the party.  He insisted that power should return to the South after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure before the North considers another run. Speaking on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, George stated that Obi would struggle to achieve his ambition with the Labour Party due to its weak structure.  He argued that only the PDP has the necessary support base to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election.  While he acknowledged that Tinubu’s re-election would not be an easy task, he maintained that the PDP could only succeed if it prioritizes fairness and unity. George also addressed Nyesom Wike and others who had opposed the PDP in the last election, urging them to put the nation’s interest first.  He called on Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the country’s current economic state to support the opposition. Expressing concern over the federal government’s involvement in political affairs in states like Lagos, Rivers, and Osun, he warned that such interference could lead to instability.  He further stressed the need for Nigeria to restructure its governance system to operate under true federalism.

Labour Party Rejects Bribery Claim, Challenges Atiku for Proof

The Labour Party (LP) has denied receiving a N50 million bribe from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as alleged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.  The party said it has no knowledge of such payments and has never accepted money from any external source. LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh stated in Abuja that the party was surprised by Atiku’s claim.  He criticized the former vice president for making the allegation without providing evidence, calling it reckless and unfair to opposition parties. READ ALSO: FG gives 10 companies 25-year gas distribution licenses Atiku made the claim during a national conference on democracy in Abuja, accusing the APC of offering financial inducements to weaken the opposition.  In response, LP insisted it operates on internally generated funds and remains committed to its principles despite challenges. The party urged Atiku to back his statement with proof, warning that unverified claims could mislead the public and harm democratic opposition.  LP also emphasized that a strong opposition is essential for democracy and should not be undermined by baseless accusations.

EFCC Siezes Okowa’s Passport 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the international passport of Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State Governor, amid investigations into an alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion.  The funds, linked to the 13% oil derivation allocation from 2015 to 2023, reportedly lacked proper accounting under his administration.   Okowa, who also faces allegations of investing N40 billion in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and acquiring an 8% equity stake in a major Nigerian bank, was taken into custody on November 4, 2024.  He has since been granted bail, with a requirement to submit his travel documents to the EFCC as investigations continue.   The agency is scrutinizing these transactions for potential mismanagement, as they aim to prevent any attempt to evade justice.  Okowa has denied the accusations, attributing them to political motives, and expressed confidence in clearing his name.   The EFCC’s probe into Okowa’s administration has reignited public discourse on the financial accountability of former governors.

2027: No chance for Atiku in PDP, says Wike

In yet another display of his enormous control over the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has ruled out any likelihood of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar clinching the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election, saying it will simply not happen. This declaration further affirms the source of the unrelenting strife that has dogged Nigeria’s main opposing and former ruling party. Speaking during a live media parley on Wednesday evening in Abuja, Wike said Atiku had severally presented his blueprint to Nigerians and he had been serially rejected. Atiku who was the PDP Presidential Candidate in 2023 had recently said if he had won the election, he would have done things differently from President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians would not have been faced with the current level of hardship Wike said; “Did he (Atiku) not present it (blueprint) before Nigerians? Did Nigerians choose him? He is lobbying for another chance. The chance will not be there. In which party? How can we use one man for how many years? “Look at America, I am sure you all did not support Trump saying he is this, he is a racist, he is that, we are crying, Americans were thinking about something else, thinking for the good of their own country made a decision. “You presented your blueprint in 2023, Nigerians heard you clear and said thank you, but it will not work, we will not support you. Criticisms do not mean opposition is working”.

PDP Chairman Lifts Suspensions, Calls for Party Unity

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has lifted all recent suspensions of party members, signaling a move towards greater unity within the party.  This decision comes after a meeting of the PDP Governors Forum held early Tuesday, where key issues affecting the party were discussed. In addressing the gathered governors, Mohammed acknowledged the presence of disputes among members but asserted that such challenges can be resolved through dialogue.  The governors agreed to revert to previous arrangements, urging all factions within the party to set aside differences and work collaboratively for a stronger PDP moving forward. ReplyForwardAdd reaction

Rivers LG Election: Atiku Applauds Gov Fubara

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed strong support for the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for moving forward with the local government elections scheduled for Saturday.  According to Abubakar, Fubara’s actions are crucial in reinforcing the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy. Abubakar encouraged the people of Rivers State to participate in the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of local governance and the rule of law.  He believes these elections offer a valuable opportunity to uphold the principles of democracy and constitutionalism, ensuring that citizens can freely select their grassroots leaders. The former Vice President highlighted the significance of these elections in empowering local communities to shape their leadership, urging peaceful participation and a strong sense of civic responsibility among voters. READALSO: Tribunal: Tinubu, INEC, APC oppose Atiku’s tendered evidences 

Atiku writes National Assembly, seeks six-year term for President

Former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has written to the National Assembly, requesting an amendment to the Constitution to allow for a six-year single term for the President and state governors. In a memorandum to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Atiku also proposed that the presidency be rotated between the North and South. It is noteworthy that during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency, he advocated for a six-year single term for the presidential seat. Following the 2023 general elections, Atiku has continued to support this tenure proposal. He stated, “The office of the President shall rotate among the six geopolitical zones of the federation on a single term of six years, flowing between the North and South on the single term of six years respectively.” Atiku urged the National Assembly to “amend Section 135(2) to read: ‘Subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the President shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of six years.’” Additionally, he proposed the “substitution of an aspirant” in Section 285(14)(a) with “a voter.” The former Vice President also suggested that the minimum educational qualification for a person to run for election should be the Ordinary National Diploma instead of the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. He proposed an amendment to Section 65(2)(a) to read: “He has been educated up to at least Ordinary National Diploma in any recognised academic institution.” Furthermore, he recommended the insertion of a paragraph in Section 65(2)(a)(i) to read: “Evidence of certificates of all educational qualifications of a candidate shall be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission or an affidavit by the candidate in the event of loss of his/her educational certificates, qualifications obtained, and dates, stating the schools attended.” Atiku also advocated for political parties to have more power in the candidate selection process. He proposed an “amendment to Section 65(2)(b) to read: ‘He is a member of a political party whose name is in the register to be made available by his political party to the Independent National Electoral Commission 30 days before the conduct of the political party’s primary and he is sponsored by that party.’”

PDP Suspends Dino Melaye

Presidential Election results’ collation marred by corruption, Dino Melaye tells Tribunal 

While it looked away when the second runner up in the last presidential primary, Mr. Nyesom wike brook every rule in the books, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State chapter has suspended former Senator Dino Melaye, a close ally of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.   The suspension was announced by the Ward executive committee of Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1, following Melaye’s refusal to honour a summon.   Melaye was suspended for engaging in anti-party activities and alleged misconduct, which is said to have brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party.   The Ward exco took the decision during a meeting on Friday, where they reviewed the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate Melaye’s activities.   The resolution, signed by Ward Chairman Abayomi Osamika and Secretary Yodson Dayo, stated that Melaye’s continued membership in the party is no longer tenable.   “The suspension is in line with provisions of Article 59 (1) of the PDP constitution which empowers the Ward party excos to take disciplinary actions against erring members,” it reads in part.   The suspension is effective immediately.  

Its End of the road for the PDP, destroyed by the Acting Chairman, Damagun

Presidential Election results’ collation marred by corruption, Dino Melaye tells Tribunal 

“We will talk about the commercialisation and privatisation of PDP. PDP is now once upon a time.” – Sen Dino Melaye Former outspoken Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has disclosed that three critical stakeholders entrusted with its upkeep have irredeemably destroyed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking via his X account, Melaye accused PDP National Chairman, Iliya Damagum; the party’s Natioanl Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; and Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature of destroying the former ruling party. He also hinted at the commercialisation and privatisation of the party. According to Melaye: “End of the road for PDP as Damagum, Bature and Anyanwu irredeemably destroyed the party. We will talk about the commercialisation and privatisation of PDP. PDP is now once upon a time.” There have been indications that the PDP National Working Committee, (NWC) might sanction Damagum and the National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu for an alleged letter to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt. The letter was seen as an anti-party activity, and some party leaders, including members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) pushed for action against Damagum and Anyanwu. However, Damagum warned that nobody can intimidate him into resigning from his position. He said those calling for his resignation are only enhancing his popularity. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, the acting chairman berated those spreading misinformation about NWC operations