The Age Newspaper Online

Some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday, caused massive stirs when they returned over a N100 million paid to them by the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu. The members in their separate letters, accused Ayu of bribing members of the party to gather support over misappropriation allegations against him. The NWC members alleged that the money was given to them as two-year house rent by Ayu. They included Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman South-South; Stella Effah- Attoe, National Women Leader; Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman, South; Olasoji Adagunodo, National Vice Chairman South West. Orbih confirmed that he signed his own letter, saying the six of them had returned the money. In her own letter to Ayu, Attoe said: “If you may recall, the sum of N28,800,000.00 only was paid into my UBA Account Number 2053101024 on the 14th of September, 2022. - Advertisement - “When I enquired from your office, I was told that the

By Nanyah Daman, David Kazi,Yuwana Enoch, Justin Jattim, Michael Nangwang, Anastasia Jatbyen & Vanessa Timbyen. His Excellency,Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections has urged Nigerians to pray fervently for a peaceful and successful 2023 general elections, the total turnaround of the fortunes of Nigeria and Nigerians, the security of all Obidients and supporters of the Labour Party in Nigeria and the diaspora as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair and credible general elections in 2023. Obi made these pertinent calls in Jos when he led his Vice Presidential Candidate,Dr Yusuf Ahmed Datti, the Plateau State Labour Party Governorship Candidate and his Deputy,Dr Patrick Sunday Dakum and Sir Edward Pwajok SAN,KSGG,LB, the Kaduna State Labour Party Governorship Candidate,Hon Jonathan Asake, the popular SOKAPU National President, Senator Victor Lar, the first Board of Trustees Chairman of the Labour P

A fresh crisis is brewing in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s national chairman, Abdulahi Adamu accused Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the party’s standard flagbearer of reneging on the agreement regarding the composition of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). According to reports, Adamu, in a letter, addressed to Tinubu, accused the latter of sidelining the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. Tinubu had on Friday, September 23, 2022, unveiled a 422-man committee comprising political heavyweights and other notable members to pilot the various sub-committees of the campaign council. The campaign council chaired by the President, Muhammadu Buhari has Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, as co-deputy chairmen. Also on the PCC are APC governors, ministers, lawmakers, ambassadors as well as serving and past public office holders. Zonal and state coordinators, advisers, campaign patrons, directors, deputy directors, and secretaries of directorate

By Jatdul Jerry The Supreme Court has affirmed the Governor-elect of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke as authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the gubernatorial election that held in the state on July 16. In a unanimous judgement by a five-man panel of justices, the apex court dismissed an appeal that was lodged against Adeleke by Prince Dotun Babayemi who laid claim to governorship ticket of the PDP, having emerged from a parallel primary election that was held by a faction of the party in the state. Adebayo Adelodun, SAN, Counsel to the Appellant, withdrew the appeal after the panel led by Justice Amina Augie, drew his attention to the fact that the case was statute barred.

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, have arrived in Jos, Plateau State. Obi through his personal handle revealed that they are in Jos and will be first meeting with the Gbong Gwom Jos, HRM. Da. Jacob Gyang Buba, and stakeholders of the Middle Belt Forum. Scooping from his Twitter handle Obi said; “Arriving Jos with Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, to meet with Gbong Gwom Jos, HRM Jacob Gyang Buba and also honour the invitation of the Middle Belt Forum to a solidarity rally." "We continue to call on the FGN to end the ASUU strike and allow our children to go back to school." He further added. More details of the event to come in subsequently...

Governors in the camp of Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike on Wednesday boycotted the official inauguration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council. They include Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Wike. A good number of party leaders perceived to be sympathetic to the Wike’s camp also stayed away from the International Conference Centre, Abuja venue of the inauguration. However, the remaining PDP Governors loyal to the party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar attended the event. They were: Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Diri Duoye (Bayelsa), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto). Also absent from the event was the PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. The Deputy National Chairman (North), Umar Damagum who stood in for him, said Ayu’s absence was as a result of ill health.

By Jatdul Jerry The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has dismissed claims that he is in support of the removal of the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu. Ortom noted that it is impossible for him to advocate the removal of someone he helped to appoint. Ortom’s statement contradicts that of his close friend and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his allies, which he was a part of. Since former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, wike has insisted that Ayu must resign. Wike and his group have persistently insisted that Ayu cannot remain in office since the party’s presidential candidate is also from the North. In a statement issued by Nathaniel Ikyur, his chief press secretary, Ortom said he has confidence in Ayu’s ability to lead the party to victory in the 2023 general election. Ortom, who was reacting to the allegations by Jemgbagh Development Association, Abuja that he was pl

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP, in Plateau State, is enmeshed in a crisis following the announcement by a former governor of the state, Jonah David Jang, that he was pulling out from the campaign council of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Jonah Jang alongside other party members, loyal to Governor Nyesom Ezonwo Wike, on Thursday, pulled out of Atiku’s campaign team, following the refusal of the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, to resign his position, to pave way for someone from the Southern part of the country to replace him. However, soon after Mr Jang’s withdrawal from the campaign council, some stakeholders of the party known as the ‘Plateau for Atiku Group’ disowned the statement credited to Jang asking  Ayu to resign. According to the group, the state chapter of the party did not authorise Jang’s statement and what he said was his personal opinion. They added. In a statement signed by its interim secretary, Shedrack Best, the group frowned at th

Reports had it that Labour Party LP, and its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, have reportedly picked Jos, the Plateau State capital, as the tentative venue to commence its 2023 presidential campaign. This online media platform reports that the date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the start of campaigns, September 28, is already close.   The Labour Party were very impressed by the large followers, they believe the party and the Obi-Datti presidential ticket is enjoying in the state. This, added to the pride of place the state enjoys as a melting pot of a cross-section of Nigerians, informed the choice. A source familiar with the workings of the party told Vanguard: “It’s tentative but Jos is the likely venue. We are aware that the state governor, Simon Lalong, is the Director-General of his party’s campaign but our presence should not be an issue. Every state should and would be open for every party to the campaign.” he said.   When contacted, the party

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has shifted the inauguration of its 422- member Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), earlier scheduled for Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, to Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. The APC PCC, Media Director and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday night, September 25, 2022, in Abuja. “The APC Presidential Campaign Council wishes to inform all members nominated to serve in the various directorates to report at the campaign headquarters on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, at 8 a.m. “Nominated members are expected to participate in the special prayer sessions marking the commencement of the 2023 presidential election campaigns,” Onanuga said. He said that there would be a peace walk immediately after the prayers, saying that all nominees would be issued their letters of appointment on the same day. He congratulated members of the campaign council, saying it was a call to serve the party with total commitment and sacrifice. “We know this is a

 By Shabul Mazadu. It was laughable reading a piece from Hon. Yakubu Dati, Plateau State Commissioner of Lands and Survey as well as the Chief of Staff to the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Director General, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, bashing former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara over his castigation of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Muslim - Muslim Presidential ticket.  The piece was more of the popular adage "black kettle calling black pot black." In the piece titled; "Muslim-Muslim ticket: Deconstructing Dogara" Dati attacked Dogara saying he was only attempting to fan the embers of religious crisis which he failed, and that he was self centered and selfish.  First and foremost, let me remind Dati that Dogara was not the only one that described the Muslim+Muslim Presidential ticket of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as unethical.  The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi made the asserti

By Jerry Jatdul Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerians to avoid voting for people he termed as “killers” into public offices. Jonathan gave the advise while speaking at the special interdenominational service to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday. “In 2023, you must not make the mistake to vote killers. Those who will carry knives, guns, and all kinds of gadgets to go and kill people because of politics, are the enemies of society. If you kill to become a leader, you will continue to kill to remain a leader. “The people will continue to suffer. Make sure that from the House of Assembly to the House of Representatives to Senate to governor, you vote the right people in Akwa Ibom State.” The former Bayelsa State governor further commended Governor Udom Emmanuel over his developmental strides across the state.

By Jerry Jatdul In its quest to improve health sector in the state and preparation for its national convention, the Dengi Old Students Association DOSA, has donated hospital equipments to the Plateau Specialists Hospital Jos, worth millions of naira as part of its programmes of events for their 2022 National Convention to improve medical services in the state. The event took place on Friday September 23rd, 2022, at the Conference Hall of Robert Garlow House, Plateau State Human Virology Research Centre (PLASVIREC) in the Plateau Specialists Hospital Jos. While presenting the equipments, the National President of Dengi Old Students Association, His Excellency, Professor Abdullahi Shehu Yibaikwal, said, "as you know, this is an old students association, but we are very ambitious and we have a vision. Our vision is to impact lives and we recognize what the government has given us and we felt we have a responsibility to give back to the society what government has given us. &quo

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has claimed that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offered him a senatorial ticket when they met in London, United Kingdom. Wike revealed this during a media chat on Friday morning. The governor arranged the chat in a bid to address the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party. According to Wike, he contested the presidential primaries because he wanted to be the candidate, so he didn’t buy a senatorial form. “I didn’t contest so I can become a vice presidential candidate. “I am not like others who were not serious and bought senatorial form alongside presidential form, and that’s why when Tinubu offered me senate slot, I didn’t go for it.”

I am honoured and deeply appreciate the privilege to address you.  This is the culmination of my political consultations with groups and individuals. As a former official of BECO, I am proud to be associated with you and commend you for keeping the flag flying. Some may wonder why I should bother to consult on decisions that are personal. While it certainly is true that each person has personal decisions to make concerning political choices, but the decisions we make have impact on others. This is especially so for myself who is privileged to be counted as one of the leaders in our land having held many leadership positions.  My ‘silence’ has been the subject of speculation. I decided that since I belong to a community, I should share my thoughts and concerns with the same community and hear from them. I have consulted widely, met with Elders, women, youths, students, people of all classes and vocations. The feedback I got was that we are at the crossroads and need to think outside the

 (Shabul Mazadu) It is worthy to appreciate the benevolence and kind gestures exhibited to us by others. Though I am supporting Dr. Patrick Dakum the Governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP, I sincerely appreciate the excellent support given to my principal by Dr. Nentawe Yilwada's boys on social media who brought out his leadership qualities. They thought they are getting even with me, instead they are bringing out the leadership qualities of my candidate. Thank you so much guys. The boys, instead of tackling issues raised, they tried talking tough by casting aspersions which turned out to promote Dr. Dakum in disguise. For instance, one of them called me Femi Fani Kayode, FFK, fine. Obasanjo said whenever Kayode is well paid he does the biddings of the payer very well. This means that I was paid by Nentawe before being bought by Dr. Patrick Dakum with a higher price. This shows that Dr. Dakum rewards labour greatly. One of them said I am a hungry journalist seeking for f

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has ordered the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its ongoing nationwide strike. ASUU has been on strike since February 14 to press home the demand for improved funding for universities, a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues. Several meetings between ASUU and the federal government have ended in a deadlock. Consequently, the federal government went to court to challenge the strike. The government through its counsel, James Igwe prayed the court for an interlocutory injunction restraining ASUU from taking further steps as regards the strike, pending the determination of the substantive suit. Details later…

A Federal High Court in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, has sacked the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the state, Emmanuel Bwacha. Bwacha’s sacking comes after a petition by one of the aspirants, David Sabo Kente. Relying on the evidence before the court that no governorship primary was held in Taraba, Justice Simon Amobeda ordered a fresh primary within 14 days. The judge also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to stop forthwith the recognition of Emmanuel Bwacha as the candidate of the party and that the current senator representing Taraba South in turn should desist from parading himself as the governorship candidate of the APC. He argued that it is not possible for all the primary results to have the same handwriting while the returning officer declared that no primary was held in the state at the police headquarters due to security threats. Justice Amobeda described as inappropriate, the alleged false declaration of results at the Danbaba

...ideally, Muslim-Muslim ticket shouldn’t be an issue •Campaign language now intemperate, inconsequential, Lawan worries •Politicians already violating Electoral Act, Gbajabiamila raises the alarm •NBC warns broadcasters against violence-based electioneering Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, yesterday, said Nigeria did not need a messiah in 2023, but a true leader who would give the whole country, irrespective of tribe, tongue, or faith, a sense of belonging and proper direction. Kukah said Nigerians could not afford another mistake of pinning their hopes on some messiah-like figure. The priest spoke yesterday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at a forum on political communication and issue-based campaign in the 2023 general election, organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the Kukah Centre. Kukah was joined at the event by Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representative