Politics

IBB Blesses Female Presidential Aspirant Ahead of 2023 Election

Published

2 years ago

May 21, 2022

A female presidential aspirant on the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Cesnabmihilo Aken’Ova, has gotten the blessings and prayers of former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

The aspirant disclosed this in an interview with newsmen shortly after meeting behind closed doors with former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in Minna, Niger State capital.

“Baba is very excited that there is a woman from Niger state that is running for presidency; he admired the courage, prayed and gave me his blessings” she said.

The Agenda Newspaper is yet to ascertain if any other aspirant has received the blessings of the former leader as at time of filing this report.

Aken’Ova further added that during her meeting with the former military president, they both discussed how she would bring back the Better Life Programme that was aimed at empowering rural women.

“We recalled the past when he was the president, the legacies he left behind and the legacies left behind by the late Maryam Babangida for women and he said “I will support you in any way I can.

“We talked about the legacy Maryam Babangida left behind, her project better life for rural women that the programme coordinated and impacted on women.

“It is that project we are going to revive, we will visit women in rural areas and ensure the programme is back to life and it will be a way of celebrating the memory and legacy of Maryam Babangida,” she said.

She called on women to support her aspirations as their own, to enable revival of the legacy left behind by Maryam Babangida.

Politics

PDP, NNPP, 5 other parties form coalition

Published

4 days ago

December 7, 2023

Web Administrator

On Wednesday, a new coalition consisting of seven opposition political parties was formed with the aim of enhancing democracy in the country. The Coalition of Concerned Political Parties was officially established in Abuja during a meeting of political party leaders held at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The parties involved in the coalition are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Allied Movement (PAM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The formation of this coalition follows concerns raised by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, who, during a meeting with the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) in November, expressed worry about the country heading towards a one-party state. The opposition leaders recognized the need for unity in response to these concerns.

The coalition, while addressing the prevailing insecurity in the country, urged the judiciary to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and maintain its independence from political and governmental influence. Shehu Gabam, the national chairman of SDP, emphasized the importance of a robust judiciary as the last hope for the common man and called for caution in the face of recent developments in states like Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kano, and Plateau.

Gabam clarified that the coalition is not advocating for a merger and expressed opposition to IPAC. Setonji Koshoedo, the acting national secretary of PDP, representing the party’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, highlighted that the coalition aims to provide a strong opposition. Chief Ralph Nwosu, the national chairman of ADC, stressed that the coalition’s objective is to strengthen democracy, citing instances of government officials attempting to stifle viable opposition.

Politics

AA sympathises with Kaduna govt, victims of drone attack

Published

5 days ago

December 6, 2023

Web Administrator

The Action Alliance (AA) has conveyed its astonishment regarding the military drone attack resulting in casualties and injuries in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. In a statement on Tuesday, the National Chairman of AA, Dr. Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje, extended condolences to Governor Uba Sani and the residents of the state.

Expressing deep sadness over the incident, Omo-Aje highlighted the party’s concern about the accidental bombing that claimed the lives of innocent civilians and caused severe injuries to others. He emphasized the need for measures to prevent such incidents in the future, particularly regarding the safety and well-being of civilians in conflict zones.

Omo-Aje urged for a comprehensive investigation into the occurrence, echoing the sentiments of other Nigerians. Additionally, he commended Governor Uba Sani for his swift response to the unfortunate incident, acknowledging the governor’s efforts in addressing the aftermath of the military operation.

Politics

Why I won’t suspend Wike, others – PDP Chairman, Damagum

Published

1 week ago

December 3, 2023

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Umar Damagum, the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that the National Working Committee (NWC) under his leadership will refrain from suspending or dismissing any ‘disloyal’ member. This statement follows recent calls from some PDP stakeholders urging Damagum to take action against individuals, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, for alleged anti-party activities during the recent general elections.

Addressing the PDP Mobilisers Group in Abuja, Damagum dismissed the calls for sanctions and revealed that the NWC had approved the establishment of a committee to review and reconcile all aggrieved members. He emphasized the party’s focus on reconciliation and expanding its membership rather than punishing alleged anti-party activities that could harm the party.

Damagum clarified, “They are always telling you these people are not doing the right thing. But when you are in a position of leadership, you are bound by a set of rules, and these rules, even though they are itching you, you don’t apply them—not because of anything, but so that you don’t destroy the house.”

He also described the 2023 presidential election defeat as “most painful” and cautioned party members against engaging in a blame game. Damagum highlighted the party’s commitment to a thorough review of the 2023 elections and reconciliation efforts, expressing his belief in the strength of the PDP.

Acknowledging that some members were involved in anti-party activities at various levels, Damagum stated, “If I said we should start suspension, I will end up suspending many people because they were involved in anti-party activities. So, please bear with us. We intend to keep this party together and to manage it. This is my mandate.”