Politics
21 Senators Storm APC Secretariat, as Bamidele Picks Ekiti Governorhip Forms
No fewer than twenty one senators on Tuesday accompanied Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele to the All Progressives Congress, APC Secretariat in Abuja to pick his nomination and expression of interest forms for Ekiti Governorhip Elections scheduled for June 18, 2022.
The senators, who arrived the secretariat in a coaster bus at about 3:30pm said it was a show of solidarity with one of their own in the upper legislative arm.
Bamidele is the current Chairman of the Southern Senators’ Forum and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Right and Legal Matters.
The senators accompanied Bamidele to the office of the APC Director of Administration, Abubakar Suleman, who supervised the purchase of the forms.
In separate interviews, the senators described Bamidele as a man who had paid his dues in the political climate of Ekiti, therefore deserving the governorship.
They said the state would benefit immensely from his wealth of political experience from the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government in the last two decades.
Bamidele on his part said, if given the opportunity, he would take the state to the next level and build on the legacy of Gov. Kayode Fayemi.
“His administration deserves to have a worthy and well focussed successor who will not only protect the legacies of our party and the administration in Ekiti, but will also build upon, and take the state to the very next level of development.
“I am not contesting this election because I feel I am the only one who can add value in Ekiti.
“I am in this race because I’m convinced that more than anyone else, I know Ekiti like no one does among those of us who have indicated interest in being governor.
“I know the workings of government in the three arms like no one does among those of us that are aspiring.
“I have what it takes to lead a state like Ekiti at a time like this when everyone who has a scientific understanding of what is wrong and what needs to be done, needs to come forward and present himself.
“As a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and as an Attorney and council at law in the state of New York in the United States.
“All of these in the last 30 years have given me the opportunity to network extensively within the judicial arm of government.”
Some of the senators who accompanied Bamidele to the event are: Tokun Abiru (Lagos), Smart adeyemi (Kogi) and Abdullahi Sabi(Niger).
Others are: Abdullahi Barkiya (Katsina),
Ahmed Baba Kaita (Katsina),
Bashiru Ajibola (Osun),
Adeyemi Oriolowo
(Osun), Bello Mandiya (Katsina), Ibrahim Oloriegbe, (Kwara),
Bola Ashiru, (Kwara) and
Sadiq Umaru
(Kwara)
Politics
Atiku, Obi Reunite Over Breakfast in Adamawa: A Taste of Unity?
In a notable display of camaraderie, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar hosted 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for breakfast at his residence in Adamawa State.
Atiku shared the encounter via a video on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, captioned: “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty.’” The video featured both leaders, along with other guests, seated around a dining table, enjoying a meal and conversation.
This meeting is the latest in a series of post-election engagements between the two political heavyweights, following a similar gathering in May 2024.
Earlier this year, Obi also met with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, sparking speculation about renewed alliances.
Obi’s meetings marked his return to dialogue with former PDP colleagues after his defection to the Labour Party in 2022.
With this latest reunion, political observers are left wondering: Is a new alliance brewing, or is this simply a friendly meal between old rivals?
Politics
Labour Party Denies Alliance with Tinubu, Challenges Defamation Claims
The Labour Party has dismissed allegations of a partnership with President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The accusations were made by lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who claimed that the party’s leadership, including its National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, is collaborating with the ruling party.
In a statement issued by the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party described Adeyanju’s remarks as defamatory, baseless, and harmful to its reputation.
The party affirmed its commitment to its role as the leading opposition, citing its continuous critique of government policies and its push for reforms in Nigeria’s political system.
“The Labour Party has remained visible and vocal in interrogating system failures and proposing solutions. Our National Chairman, Barrister Abure, has been at the forefront of this effort,” the statement read.
The Labour Party highlighted key initiatives, including the formation of an Electoral Reform Committee to advocate for transparent elections and the introduction of e-membership registration to promote participatory democracy.
The party called on Adeyanju to provide evidence to substantiate his claims or withdraw his statement and issue a public apology.
It also warned against actions that could harm the party’s reputation and undermine its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Politics
NASS caucus assures PDP Will Bounce Back, insists Party is greater than Wike, Damagun
Senate minority Leader and key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, Senator Abba Moro, has reiterated the party’s commitment to restructuring and regaining its electoral strength.
Speaking after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Assembly caucus meeting on Wednesday, Moro addressed concerns about the party’s recent setbacks and ongoing efforts to prepare for future electoral challenges.
Moro emphasized that the PDP remains resilient despite recent losses, including gubernatorial elections, and is strategizing to strengthen the party.
“We discussed the affairs of the party, particularly as we approach a critical meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC)to take vital decisions on the state of the PDP,” Moro said.
“We are intensifying efforts to ensure the party grows stronger and prepares for subsequent elections without distractions.”
Addressing allegations of vote buying in recent elections, Moro expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Everyone is worried about Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “INEC has faced criticism, but every failure is a lesson. We must ensure that mandates stolen from the people, like in Edo State, are restored. Failure should become a mechanism for future success.”
Responding to criticisms of PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, Moro dismissed claims that his leadership has been detrimental to the party.
“The PDP is not just about one individual,” he stated. “Damagun is the acting chairman, but PDP is about all its members. We are working round the clock to return the PDP to its winning ways.”
He also downplayed the influence of PDP members like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been associated with the APC.
Moro likened such political dynamics to bipartisan endorsements seen in the United States, emphasizing that PDP remains focused on rebuilding.
“Anyone working against the PDP today will have to contend with the resilience of PDP members,” he warned.
Highlighting the party’s long-standing reputation, Moro described the PDP as a resilient brand that has always bounced back from challenges.
“PDP is a brand,” he declared. “Despite temporary setbacks, we will bounce back. Once our electoral laws are strengthened, future election results will not be the same.”
When asked who should be blamed for the party’s challenges, Moro refrained from finger-pointing, stating:
“The most important thing is that something is not right. We are working to fix it, and we will get it right.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the PDP Senate caucus to revitalize the party and ensure better outcomes in upcoming elections.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News11 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu