Welcome to the round-up of the latest political news in Nigeria, political gist, highlights of political events, and happenings in Nigeria for today Monday, 15th August 2022.
Read all the major political news, political event highlights, and happenings in Nigeria for today on a single page right here.
2023: Four Things Gov Wike Expected Before PDP Presidential Primary – Dele Momodu
The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu on Monday disclosed four things the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike wanted before the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Momodu listed the four things Governor Wike expected while speaking on the crisis rocking the party in an interview with Channels TV.
According to Momodu, Governor Wike expected that the presidential ticket of the PDP is shifted to the South.
He further stated that Wike thought the main opposition party will honour its zoning principle ahead of the 2023 election.
2023: Olusola-Eleka, Ekiti PDP Chieftains Gang Up Against Fayose
A former Ekiti Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka and some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have condemned former Governor Ayo Fayose over his leadership style.
The PDP chieftains under the aegis of Ekiti PDP Stakeholders said the current leadership style of one-man-show by the former Ekiti Governor is ineffective, totally primitive and utterly rejected.
In a communique issued on Sunday by the state PDP Spokesman, Raphael Adeyanju, the stakeholders demanded a new leadership style to move the party forward in the state that will unite members.
The chieftains also expressed concerns over the party’s dismal performance in the June 18 Ekiti governorship election, urging party members to go back to their units and wards to begin serious mobilisation for the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Ayu Says Atiku Is A Unifier That Will Liberate Nigerians
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu says the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar is a unifier and the only person that can liberate Nigerians from the problems facing the country.
He stated this at a mega rally on Monday to welcome the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar home for the first time after winning the party’s primaries in Ribadu square, Yola.
He said, “with the number of people across various parties I see here today, I have no doubt that our party will reclaim power in Nigeria come 2023”.
Noting that Abubakar has what it takes to lead Nigeria, “even though we are here receiving decampees, the turn out here today is very impressive.”
Peter Obi: Speak For Yourself When You Say You Can’t Vote For Him – Fulani Group Slams Miyetti Allah
The Coalition of Fulbe Professionals in Africa, COFPIA, has dissociated itself from a Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore’s statement, claiming not to vote for the labour party, LP, presidential candidate Peter Obi in the upcoming 2023 elections.
Naija News recalls that the National Secretary of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Alhasan Salah, had earlier stated that they would not be voting for Obi because he represents Biafran interests.
Al-Hassan had described Obi as a tribal bigot who hates the North and the Fulani tribe.
Reacting, the Fulbe professional group in a statement on Monday, signed by Prof. Mohammed Gidado, National President and Hajiya Mairo Modibo, National Secretary, respectively said that while they acknowledge the group’s right to freedom of speech they would like to remind them that they do not speak for all the Fulanis in Nigeria.
Osun: Aregbesola’s Ally Dumps APC For PDP
A former Commissioner in Osun State, Wale Bolorunduro who served during the administration of Rauf Aregbesola has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Naija News understands Bolorunduro served as the Commissioner of Finance during Aregesola’s tenure but has now dumped the APC.
He was a member of The Osun Progressives (TOP), a faction of the APC in Osun State loyal to Aregbesola and led by Rasaq Salinsile.
In announcing his defection, the former commissioner described the APC as a party of deceit that has nothing to offer to the people of Osun.
He added that his glory was been covered in the party and his contributions are not recognized.
Speaking at his official defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ijebu-Jesa on Saturday, Bolorunduro said the PDP is a progressive party and that is why he and his supporters are joining the party.
2023: El-Rufai Mocks Proposed Two Million March For Peter Obi
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has mocked the proposed two million march for Peter Obi in Kaduna state.
Naija News reports that in a post on his Twitter handle on Monday, El-Rufai ruled out the possibility of millions of Kaduna state residents staging a march for the Labour party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
This comes after a supporter of the Labour Party presidential candidate claimed that two million people will march for Obi in Kaduna, following similar marches for the presidential candidate in Cross River and Nasarawa State.
The user with the nickname Abdullahi Umar Zarma wrote, “Kaduna Two Million March for Peter Obi.”
Pope: ‘Your Show Of Remorse Is Not Enough’ – Catholics Give Lalong Conditions
A group loyal to the Catholic Church in Nigeria has issued conditions regarding the apology of Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong over his utterances on the Pope.
Naija News earlier reported that Lalong had tendered an apology over comments he made referencing Pope Francis.
In a letter to the Catholic Church through the Bishops’ Conference, Lalong admitted making an error when he linked Pope Francis with Nigeria politics and begged for forgiveness.
Embark On A 40-Day Fast
Amidst Lalong’s apology, the group, under the aegis of Mass Servants Association of Nigeria (MSAN), has said his show of remorse is not enough but must prove it in action.
In a statement on Monday, the MSAN said Lalong must publicly condemn the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which it said could destroy the nation.
The group added that the governor must prove his apology by embarking on a 40-day fast and stepping down from his role as the Director-General of the APC presidential campaign council.
Fayose Reacts As PDP Members Reject His Leadership Style
Former Ekiti Governor, Ayodele Fayose has reacted to the rejection of his leadership style by some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Naija News earlier reported that the PDP chieftains under the aegis of Ekiti PDP Stakeholders said the current leadership style of one-man-show by Fayose is ineffective, totally primitive and utterly rejected.
In a communique issued on Sunday by the state PDP Spokesman, Raphael Adeyanju, the stakeholders demanded a new leadership style to move the party forward in the state and will unite members.
However, in a chat with The Punch, media aide to the former governor, Lere Olayinka, said the stakeholders have the right to define the type of leadership they want.
He added that the chieftains are allowed to pursue interests within the party, adding that the party will harmonise positions that would move the party forward.
2023: Everyone Knows PDP Is Not A Violent Party – Melaye
The Spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, Senator Dino Melaye has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not a violent party.
Melaye was reacting to a warning sent by the Nigeria Police Force to all the presidential candidates to caution their supporters ahead of the start of campaigns.
The Police Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had asked the candidates to caution their supporters against violence and other unlawful practices.
He also advised all politicians to eschew violence and stop threatening voices of dissent and opposition in the run-up to 2023 general polls.
The police spokesman pointed out that the Electoral Act is clear on the appropriate punishment prescribed for election-related crimes. He stressed that the police would not take lightly the violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Speaking to The Punch over the weekend, Melaye advised the Police to arrest anybody found fomenting trouble, saying that the PDP is a peaceful party.
2023: What Shall It Profit Wike If He Joins APC – Dele Momodu
The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, on Monday, spoke on the possibility of the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Momodu, while speaking on the crisis rocking the main opposition party, said the Rivers State Governor would not dump the party.
The former presidential aspirant described Wike as a very principled man, adding that defection to the All Progressives Congress might not profit Wike.
He claimed that Governor Wike is currently playing mind games, and has some demands he wants from the party.
‘Peter Obi Will Never Respond To Atiku’s ‘Attack Dog’, Dino Melaye’ – LP
The media office of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi has slammed former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, as it urge Nigerians to ignore his recent comment.
Naija News earlier reported that Melaye during an interview on Channels TV last week testified that Obi is a brilliant Nigerian but he does not have what is needed to lead the country at this time.
Melaye, the spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council, stated that it’s just social media noise that is making Obi feel like he has a chance in the 2023 election.
The former lawmaker however added that even on social media, many of those clamouring for the Obi presidency is not following the handle of the former Anambra State Governor, hence their loyalty is still in doubt.
In a statement on Monday, the camp of the former Governor of Anambra State described Melaye as the ‘attack dog’ of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar.
Obi’s camp noted that the LP candidate is issue-driven in his journey to Aso Rock to serve the masses and rescue the country.
PDP Governors To Reconcile Atiku, Wike As Ex-northern Gov, Ex-military Officer Frustrate Peace Moves
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set to meet over the feud between Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar.
Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, chairman of the reconciliation committee, is set to host governors that would intervene in the rift.
Speaking to Vanguard, a source disclosed that the PDP governors will meet this week in Adamawa State to resolve the protracted rift between Atiku and Wike.
2023: ‘Tinubu’s Presidency Will Amount To Buhari’s Third Term’
A group in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has claimed that a Bola Tinubu presidency would amount to giving President Muhammadu Buhari a third term in office.
The group, PDP ACTION 2023, said electing the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, in 2023 means an extension of the Muhammadu Buhari government.
In a statement by its chairman, Hon. Rufus Omeire, the group declared that APC represented an existential threat to Nigeria in all critical areas of nationhood.
The PDP group also berated former APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, for trying to distance Tinubu from the present government.
It said Tinubu has given crucial support to the Buhari government and repeatedly publicly praised the policies and direction of the APC government.
PDP Crisis: David Mark Is With Ayu’s Resignation Letter – Wike’s Camp
The camp of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has called on the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorchia Ayu to resign from office.
The supporters of the Governor, over the weekend advised Ayu to fulfil the promise he made before the presidential primary of the party.
They claimed Ayu agreed to resign from office if the presidential candidate of the party comes from the north, which is the same region he is from.
A source who spoke on the issue with ThisDay alleged that Ayu had already signed a resignation letter.
He further stated that the resignation letter is with former President of the Senate, David Mark.
The former member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) who spoke on condition of anonymity charged Mark to speak out on the call for Ayu’s resignation.
APC Crisis: Abdullahi Adamu Discloses When Situation Will Be Resolved
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu has said that the crisis in the party will soon be resolved.
Adamu stated this during an interview with Daily Trust.
Naija News recalls that the party was thrown into turbulence after it’s presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose former Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
Some party stalwarts had condemned the former Lagos governor’s decision to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket while others had gone as far as dumping the party.
Speaking on the internal crisis, Adamu stated that reconciliation was in progress and it would be achieved before the commencement of the 2023 elections.
Ebonyi: APC Is Desperate, Umahi Is Afraid – Agom-Eze Reacts To Her Suspension
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, Princess Ann Agom-Eze has condemned her purported suspension from the ruling party.
Agom-Eze in a reaction on Sunday said the move shows the desperation of the APC and the fear of Governor David Umahi about losing the Ebonyi South Senatorial ticket to a woman.
She insisted Umahi had lost the opportunity for the senatorial ticket after unsuccessfully pursuing the party’s presidential ticket.
Naija News reports Umahi and Agom-Eze are locked in a running battle on who becomes the authentic candidate of the APC for the senatorial ticket.
The APC maintained Agom-Eze had voluntarily withdrawn from the race but she claims otherwise, with the matter pending before a court.
However, the Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended her from the party.
But in a swift reaction, Agom-Eze denied all the allegations against her, wondering why the party was in a hurry while the matter was pending before the appeal court in Enugu State.
2023: Wike Will Not Leave PDP Because There Is An Agenda He Needs To Achieve – Babajide Otitoju
Popular Nigerian Journalist, Babajide Otitoju has said that Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike will not be leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, despite the current crisis rocking the party.
Naija News recalls that the rift in the party began after Abubakar Atiku polled 371 out of the 767 accredited votes to defeat his closest rival, Wike, who polled 237 during the presidential primaries held on May 27, 2022.
After the primaries, there were speculations that Atiku would offer Wike the vice presidential position to placate him over his loss.
However, things took a turn for the worse after Atiku picked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.
Efforts to reconcile the two politicians have remained impossible as Wike and other party stakeholders are demanding that the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, give up his position for peace to return.
Wike has recently being meeting up with All Progressives Congress Chieftains which have led to speculations that he will be dumping the PDP.
Speaking during the most recent edition of “Issue with Jide”, Otitoju said that Wike is simply playing mind games and will not leave the PDP.
Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Refund Of Nomination Fees, Other ‘Crimes’ Threatening Adamu Abdullahi’s APC Chairmanship
Moves to unseat the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Abdullahi, barely six months after assuming office have heightened.
Indications emerged over the weekend that some stakeholders are plotting to unseat Senator Abdullahi Adamu to appease the APC Christian bloc angry with the decision of the ruling party to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Speaking to Vanguard, an APC leader said a Christian National Chairman can placate those aggrieved with the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
That will be all for today. You can read more political and other Nigerian news on Naija News
This article was originally published on Naija News
