Politics
CRISIS IN LEADING POLITICAL PARTIES***PDP’S Ayu Battles To Survive Bribery Allegations
CRISIS IN LEADING POLITICAL PARTIES
***PDP’S Ayu Battles To Survive Bribery Allegations
***Adamu/NWC Disagree on Memo Over Campaign Council composition.
Both chairmen of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Adamu and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Iyorchia Ayu are battling to survive divisions amongst their members of the National Working Committee, NWC.
While Iyorchia Ayu is fighting hard to defray allegations of bribing his Committee members with large sums of money under the guise of paying them accomodations allowances, Abdullahi Adamu is battling to own up or disown the memo written to the party’s Presidential standard bearer, Bola Tinubu, accusing him of sidelining the party hierachy in his campaign structure.
Iyorchia Ayu did not deny authorizing payments of between N36million and N28 million to each member of the working Committee, even when some of them who rejected the pay; but defended same, as having followed due processes.
Abdullahi Adamu on the other hand is denying the authorship of a memo sent to Bola Tinubu.
Both leaders have been trying to explain the true situation of things and their individual roles, but members of the National Working Committees in both parties do not appear impressed.
The trouble in the PDP appears weightier as it borders on integrity: more so that, it is coming amidst internal wranglings amongst key stakeholders of the party.
Iyorchia Ayu’s spokesman Yusuf Dingyadi in a statement on Thursday maintained that, the payments made to the principal officers of the party was deliberated upon and duely approved, but the explanatory notes attached to the refunds made by six of the officers did not agree with the explanations.
Each one if them denied knowledge of the circumstances leading to the payments.
Our correspondent who spoke to some of the officers reports that,the party did not give them any notice of the payments and none of them got incident alerts from their banks: making the issue even more controversial.
Coming at a time the National Chairman of the party is being prevailed upon to vacate office, the payments look even more suspicious, promoting some if them to quickly check their bank balances and made refunds.
Some party members argue that, the party did not seem it necessary to clarify to the affected officers prior to the publication which made public the controversial payments leaves more questions than answers.
As at time of going to press, the crisis seems to be deepening, as those calling for Iyorchia Ayu’s ouster seem to have gained more grounds pushing for their demands, even as the party leadership has been running from pillar to pole trying to placate agitated members.
For the APC, the controversy over the memo sent to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is yet causing divisions between the Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu and members of the National Working Committee.
Our correspondent reports that, while Adamu denied authorship if the controversial memo, some members of the National Working Committee insist that, the content of the memo was their collective position, even as they allege that Adamu was denying it because he has been given his own dues in the campaign Council.
The ranging controversy is coming at a time the standard bearer of the party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu hurriedly left the country last week: ostenssibly on health grounds.
But in a deft move to accommodate the warring interests, reports indicate that, the APC campaign council has been further expanded, by 2000 additional posts, with the creation of zonal and state offices.
The expansion seems to have addressed the grievances of the National Working Committee members, although it is subject to final ratification by the Presidential candidate: sources within the party confirmed.
This is even as some party members have expressed worries over Tinubu’s absence for full take off of the campaigns, having hurriedly departed the country, ostensibly on health grounds.
The worries became manifest following his absence at the signing of the National Peace Accord on Thursday, heightening fears over his physical fitness for the Campaigns.
CRISIS IN LEADING POLITICAL PARTIES
***PDP’S Ayu Battles To Survive Bribery Allegations
News
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a condolence visit to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast Youth Forum, Haruna Adamu Sardaunan, over the passing of his beloved father, Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, at Potiskum.
During the visit, President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, prayed for the repose of his soul.
Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, urged his son, Haruna, to draw strength from his father’s memory and continue along the path of dedicated services to our people.
Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, until his demise, was the chairman of the Yobe State Hunters Association.
Senator Lawan extended his deepest condolences to Haruna and his family and prayed that Allah (SWT) grants them the fortitude to bear this great loss.
“May the soul of Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama rest in Aljannatul Firdaus Amin, Sardaunan prays.
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
News
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called for the prosecution of those that were involved in electoral fraud in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State
A statement on Thursday by the NGO Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said:
“it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices.”
Mamedu said: “For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT, although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
“We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action.
“Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable.”
He added that: “The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire.”
Mamedu said: “A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity.”
He called for more roles for civil society organisations and international observers in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that: “Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct.”
He added that: “The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud.
“Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act.
“The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritising electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes.”
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
News
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
By: Michael Mike
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has extended his warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa on his election as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. In a congratulatory message, Ize-Iyamu praised Idahosa’s victory as a reflection of his dedication to public service, noting that the people of Ugboko in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Idahosa’s maternal hometown, are particularly proud of his achievement.
Ize-Iyamu highlighted that Idahosa’s success represents not only his hard work but also his deep connection with the aspirations of the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence in Idahosa’s ability, alongside Governor-elect Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to drive significant progress in the state, given his wealth of experience and passion for development.
He further prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage for the newly elected leaders as they take on the challenges ahead, emphasizing the hope that Edo State would experience peace, unity, and prosperity under their leadership. Ize-Iyamu also expressed optimism about the positive impact the duo would have on the advancement of Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Ize-Iyamu wished Idahosa success in his tenure as Deputy Governor and looked forward to the transformative leadership he would bring to Edo State.
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
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