Barely 24 hours to its presidential primary, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) and National Vice Chairman, Northwest, Malam Salihu Moh. Mustapha has alleged that most NWC decisions have been laid fallow as the party’s National Chair, Abdullah Adamu has refused to implement them.
He accused Adamu of using President Muhammadu Buhari as a cover up for the former’s inability to make a headway regarding the screening of the party’s presidential aspirants.
Mustapha alleged in spite of the multitude of challenges afflicting the party, Adamu has remained largely inaccessible, hence his (Mustapha’s) decision to write him a letter.
APC presidential primary is scheduled to hold from May 29 – 30 in Abuja.
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.
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.
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.”
