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PDP Begs Jonathan Not To Dump Party

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PDP Begs Jonathan Not To Dump Party-Crystal News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is pleading with ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan, not to dump the party.

On Tuesday, August 31, 2021, the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Yemi Akinwonmi, led a delegation of party leaders to visit the former president in his Abuja residence.

Those on Akinwonmi’s delegation were Daisi Akintan, former caretaker secretary of the PDP in the South-West and the secretary of ex-officio forum, and a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Helen Taiwo.

Although the three-member team met with the former President behind closed doors, it was gathered that the visit was designed to acquaint Jonathan with current happenings within the party and seek his advice on how best to find an amicable solution to the crisis.

“The South West team were with the former President to appeal to him not to abandon the party.

“They also appealed to him to show more than a passing interest in the affairs of the party by becoming more actively involved in the activities of the party. The former President assured the team that he would not abandon the party,” a source privy to the meeting was quoted as saying.

In another news, former vice president Atiku Abubakar saluted the PDP for its tactics in resolving internal crises.

In his talks ahead of the PDP’s NEC meeting that was recently held in Abuja, Atiku made it known that the ruling-All Progressives Congress (APC) stood no chance against the opposition party when it comes to the management of crises.

According to Atiku, who contested in the last presidential election under the umbrella of PDP, the opposition party could efficiently manage its internal crises compared to the APC.

“Therefore, PDP’s internal crisis management is far efficient and far better than APC and even the APC government itself.”

While blaming the APC for the country’s setback, Atiku thanked the PDP leadership for resolving the party’s recent crises.

Meanwhile, Nigerians debated which political party was better between APC and PDP.

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LG Elections: Senator Yayi Criticises Governor Abiodun Over Alleged Imposition of Candidates

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Senator Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Senator Yayi, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, expressed strong concerns over the upcoming local government elections in Ogun State. His remarks followed the heated discussion on the Benue LGA elections, which Senator Abba Moro described as a “sham” on the Senate Order Paper. Yayi drew parallels between the situation in Benue and what he termed “undemocratic practices” in Ogun State.
Speaking on the matter, Senator Yayi highlighted the increasing interference by state governors in local government elections, specifically pointing fingers at Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for allegedly handpicking candidates for the upcoming local government polls without conducting proper primaries. According to Yayi, all candidates vying for the 20 chairmanship positions and 236 ward councillor seats in Ogun State’s LGAs were selected based on their loyalty to the governor rather than their competence or popular support.
The senator further alleged that the chosen candidates, all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were required to swear an oath of loyalty to Governor Abiodun and the candidates reportedly submitted letters of resignation, effectively surrendering their positions even before assuming office, ensuring that they would remain under the governor’s control, all these alleged to have happened at Mitros Hall, located opposite the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta.
Senator Yayi expressed his frustration over the exclusion of party members who maintained ties with other influential political figures in the state, including former governors and himself. “This imposition of candidates and deliberate sidelining of legitimate party members is not only undemocratic but also dangerous for the future of local governance,” Yayi remarked, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Governor Dapo Abiodun is not the first Ogun State leader to face accusations of manipulating local government elections. Former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had similarly been criticized during his tenure for allegedly imposing candidates in local elections, sparking tensions within the state’s APC structure. Other governors in Nigeria, such as Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue and Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, have also faced similar accusations, raising concerns about the broader issue of state interference in grassroots democracy across the country.
One of the key issues raised by Senator Yayi, and echoed by several other senators during the debate, is the negative impact of not granting local governments full autonomy. Local government autonomy is seen as a vital aspect of democracy, ensuring that grassroots governance is effective, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. However, the current practice in most states, where governors exercise disproportionate control over local government elections, undermines this principle.
Critics argue that when state governments handpick local government candidates, it leads to a breakdown in democratic processes at the grassroots level. Local government officials, often mere extensions of the governor’s political machinery, become unresponsive to the electorate’s needs. This top-down control stifles innovation, hampers development projects, and creates an environment where local government executives are more loyal to the state governor than the people they were elected to serve.
Senator Yayi stressed that the situation in Ogun State is emblematic of a larger national problem. “If we continue to allow state governments to hijack the local government electoral process, we are undermining democracy itself,” he warned. “Local governments must be allowed to function independently, free from the political manoeuvrings of state governors.”
As Ogun State prepares for its local government elections, the growing dissatisfaction among stakeholders like Senator Yayi raises important questions about the legitimacy of the process. The allegations of candidate imposition and demands for oaths of loyalty represent a significant challenge to democratic norms, and they highlight the urgent need for reform in the relationship between state and local governments in Nigeria.
With tensions rising within Ogun’s APC structure and the local government elections looming, all eyes will be on Governor Dapo Abiodun to see whether the elections will reflect the true will of the people or remain another example of state-level control over grassroots governance.

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APC chieftain Akinterinwa felicitates Adejoke Orelope Adefulure on 65th birthday

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Wale Akinterinwa, has extended his warm congratulations to the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, on her 65th birthday anniversary.

In a statement on Sunday, Akinterinwa described Orelope-Adefulire, the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State as an iconic woman whose remarkable leadership traits continue to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians and humanity.

Akinterinwa maintained that Orelope-Adefulire has displayed exemplary leadership and compassion both in her private and official capacities.

He praised her for her ‘unforgettable’ contributions to the growth and development of Ile-Oluji community in Ondo state.

The statement reads, “On behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Ile-Oluji, I celebrate an iconic woman, the Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

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Senator Gbenga Daniel Congratulates Edo Governor-Elect Monday Okpebholo

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Otunba Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East senatorial district and former governor of Ogun State has extended his congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo following his victory in the Edo State Governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In a message on behalf of the people of Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Daniel commended Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their success in the polls.
Daniel highlighted Okpebholo’s previous role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, where he earned a reputation as a standout leader. He praised Okpebholo for his contributions to the committee, noting his leadership and strong relationships with fellow members.
“Your campaign efforts in towns and villages, combined with your humility and respectful engagement with voters across party lines, have paid off,” Daniel said. He described Okpebholo as a “deep thinker” and “highly responsible strategist,” adding that his election marks a victory for Edo State.
In his closing remark, Otunba Gbenga Daniel concluded by offering his best wishes to Okpebholo as he embarks on his new role as Governor of Edo State, assuring him of his highest regards.
The congratulatory message underscores the unity within the APC and the shared optimism for the newly elected governor’s administration in Edo State.

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