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2023: Don’t sell your votes, Timi Frank warns PDP ad-hoc delegates

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Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, warned Adhoc delegates billed to elect a Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its special national convention on Saturday not to sell their votes to the highest bidder.

Frank in a statement in Abuja, urged the Adhoc delegates to put the progress and development of Nigeria above all parochial, selfish and mundane interests by voting for a candidate with track record of performance, providing solutions, good governance, experience, competence, impeccable character and a strong political will to deliver.

According to him, the clarion call has become necessary to make for the process of national rebirth and development beginning from 2023.

He insisted that the PDP Adhoc delegates now have the sacred duty to reverse the dwindling fortunes of the country caused by a directionless All Progressives Congress (APC), where confusion, lack of internal democracy and imposition of candidates has become the principles and directive policies of the party.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said: “We have observed with utmost disappointment that during the primary elections for House of Representatives, Senate and Governorship of the PDP, political office holders, especially outgoing Governors, hijacked the processes by imposing their lackeys on the people.

“We have also seen how political office holders intimidated, harassed and used huge sums of apparently looted funds to bribe delegates to have their way.

“This action by the Governors will definitely not lead to the kind of leadership Nigerians desire in the next dispensation beginning from the 2023 general elections.

“Therefore, we passionately and strongly urge Adhoc delegates to the Special Convention of the PDP to pick the party’s presidential candidate on Saturday to shun all manner of bribes but should be courageous to vote for a candidate that is competent to lead our dear country out of the woods.

“Our country is in dire straits due to insecurity and economic collapse and only a capable, experienced and knowledgeable aspirant in tune with modern political dynamics and socio-economic trends should be voted as the presidential flag-bearer of the party.

“Adhoc delegates must not because of one day’s enjoyment or gain, arising from huge monetary inducements, elect a questionable and incompetent character who will eventually ruin their very future and that of the entire country.

“Good enough, Nigerians know the names and addresses of these Adhoc delegates and they will surely mark them out after the convention either as those who voted to salvage the country at a time of immense chaos and anarchy in the land, or those who voted for their pockets and threw the country back into the abyss of hopelessness, joblessness, insecurity, hunger, despair, disease and unbearable societal decay.”

He attributed the precarious and parlous state of the country under the Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) led APC’s administration to poor choices made by APC delegates in 2014 during similar national convention to select presidential candidate for the party.

He added: “We are where we are today because delegates in the past sold their votes for money, religion, ethnicity and bigotry.

“It is clear that the challenges of economic collapse, unmitigated insecurity, hunger, joblessness, frequent power grid failure and educational morass now bedeviling the country are direct function of poor choice of candidates especially for the office of President by political party delegates since return to democratic governance in 1999.

“Delegates today stand at the threshold of history to pick a candidate who if voted into office as President will roll up his or her sleeves and wholeheartedly work for this country and not a section of it.

“These Adhoc delegates must really put Nigerian first. In the past they were directly responsible for foisting bad leadership on the country, because those they selected during primary elections eventually became the only options Nigerians had to choose from during the general elections.”

He urged the Adhoc delegates to bravely resist any form of intimidation, manipulation and misdirection by outgoing Governors who facilitated their emergence as delegates by patriotically voting to elect suitable and competent candidates that would ultimately provide answers to the prayers of Nigerians if elected during the general election.

He reminded them that the Governors now prodding them to satisfy their myopic and selfish desires would not suffer with them should a bad leader again emerge from their choice as the outgoing state chief executives already amassed enough wealth both legally and illegally to sustain them and their families for a long time.

“Otherwise, the Adhoc delegates would also suffer the harsh repercussions of selling their votes to the wrong candidates for money which is ephemeral.

“This is an opportunity for Adhoc delegates to make history. Let it be said that they came to the nation’s rescue with their votes at such a critical era in her Chequered evolution. They must avoid saying ‘had I know’ in the near future,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to mark delegates to the PDP convention and hold them responsible should they choose a presidential candidate that would worsen an already terrible and unbearable life situation or one with whom the country can breathe a sigh of relief after eventual emergence as president.

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Kogi State PDP applauds Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s milestone in office

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has celebrated the achievements of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as she marks her one-year anniversary in office. The party praised her dedication to transformative leadership and her efforts to uplift the lives of her constituents.

In a statement issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Umoru, the PDP highlighted Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s commitment to good governance and the delivery of democratic dividends.

“Senator Natasha exemplifies the values of the PDP through her dedication to the welfare and development of her people,” said Tijani. “In just one year, her work has shown how effective representation can positively impact the lives of her constituents.”

Tijani described her as a “distinguished leader” who has brought meaningful changes to the Kogi Senatorial Zone. He noted that her service has reaffirmed the PDP’s role as a driver of progress and prosperity in Kogi State, adding that her leadership promises a new era of development for the entire state.

The party also expressed its confidence that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts will continue to foster hope and progress across communities, reinforcing the party’s vision for a brighter future.

The PDP concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and good governance, as well as its belief in a prosperous future for Kogi State under its leadership.

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Atiku Abubakar outlines what he would have done for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

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Atiku Abubakar

***Calls for Strategic Planning and Empathy

Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Atiku Abubakar has shared his vision for a reformed Nigerian economy, detailing what he would have done differently to address the country’s current economic challenges.
Responding to public interest in his approach, Abubakar outlined a detailed strategy focused on economic stability, institutional reforms, and social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.

Speaking through his chief spokesperson Mr. Paul Ibe, the former vice President emphasized the need for better planning and strategic reform implementation.
“Rather than focusing on me, Nigerians should be asking what President Tinubu can do now to alleviate the pain caused by his economic policies,” he stated. However, he expressed hope that some of his ideas might inspire solutions for Nigeria’s economic struggles.
Reeling out his strategy that included Comprehensive Economic Planning and Sequencing of Reforms, Abubakar underscored the importance of a well-coordinated reform strategy.
He argued that implementing major fiscal changes, such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, all at once was too abrupt for Nigeria’s economic environment. “We would have sequenced our reforms to achieve fiscal and monetary alignment and avoid overwhelming the economy,” he explained.
He also dwelled on the need for transparent communication and public engagement highlighting the need for open communication with the public, stressing that public trust is essential for successful reforms. “Transparent communication with the public is essential to build public trust, which is important to ensure that citizens understand what the government is doing,” he said.

“One of Abubakar’s priorities would have been to establish robust social protection programs to shield low-income Nigerians from the impact of economic reforms. “Our reforms would have a human face,” he stated, outlining plans for a social safety net that would provide financial support and economic opportunities for the most vulnerable.
On specific Measures to Boost Economic Development Abubakar proposed the creation of $10b Economic Stimulus Fund to support small businesses across Nigeria.
The fund, he said, would empower MSMEs and support youth employment through targeted skills-to-job programs.
Abubakar’s plan included creation of an Infrastructure Development Unit directly under the presidency to coordinate infrastructure projects across the country.
“The IDU would work with ministries to oversee a $25 billion Infrastructure Development Fund to speed up projects in transportation, energy, and communication.
“To address Nigeria’s currency challenges, Abubakar advocated for a managed-floating exchange rate, rather than a fully flexible rate.
He argued that such an approach would help maintain currency stability while avoiding the pitfalls of a fixed rate system.

Abubakar reiterated his stance on subsidy removal, arguing for a gradual, phased approach that would allow the economy to adjust. He proposed reinvesting the funds saved into healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure, while increasing domestic refining capacity to reduce dependency on fuel imports.

In conclusion, Abubakar expressed hope that President Tinubu’s administration would consider some of these ideas to address the nation’s economic issues, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritizes their well-being. “I believe that our sacrificial investments today will form the foundation for tomorrow’s development strides,” he said, affirming his commitment to a vision of “a New Nigeria.”

Culled from Everyday.ng

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Obi Congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump, Hails Democratic Process

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Donald Trump

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has sent a message of congratulations to Donald Trump on his recent election as the 47th President of the United States.

In a statement by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POM Spokesman Ibrahim Umar Obi expressed hope that Trump’s victory would serve to strengthen democracy worldwide and foster greater peace and stability across the globe.
He commended both American electoral officials and the citizens for their role in ensuring a successful election process.

“Your victory is a testament to the resilience of democracy and the collective voice of the people,” Obi stated. “We look forward to seeing how your leadership will contribute to deepening democratic values and promoting peace.”

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