Senate Directs PDP, APC, APGA, Others To Use Direct Primary Mode
The Senate on Tuesday approved that all political parties must use the direct primary mode in picking candidates.
The Nigeria senate approved four clauses in the electoral act amendment bill.
Recall that former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had noted that while Nigerians are concerned about the absence of electronic transmission of results in the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act, there is another potential problem in the Act that may clog the nation’s electoral process.
While identifying this problem in the proposed law as the provision which makes direct primaries compulsory for parties, he urged members of the National Assembly to save the country from the trouble that will be caused by the proposal to make direct primaries compulsory.
Saraki, who stated this in a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman, Yusuph Olaniyonu, observed that many of the political parties lack the necessary infrastructure to successfully conduct direct primaries at all levels, while the attempt would lead to litigations that might jeopardize the general election.
The former Senate President, who urged federal lawmakers not to create a new problem in a bid to solve another, said the direct primaries option will also put pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whose officials must monitor all the primary elections.
BREAKING: PDP BOT Member, Dokpesi Drums support for Tinubu’s 2023 Presidential Ambition
Chairman of Daar Communications Plc and Member, Board of Trustees for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Raymond Dokpesi has expressed support for the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu should he contest in the 2023 Presidential elections.
Dokpesi, in a recent interview with journalists in Abuja, canvassed support for Tinubu even though he also expressed support for the emergence of Northern Candidate as President in 2023.
He disclosed that Tinubu was a childhood friend.
“Let me tell you that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, before he became governor, when he was still in Mobil, you know the Headquarters of Mobil is just directly in front of my house in Lagos. As young men, we ate and drank together; we were close friends before he became governor.”
“He is a philanthropist; he is kind-hearted. He is supportive of the ordinary person available, and he has brought about bringing hope to people. For 2023, I wish him the very best in whatever he puts his hands on. So, it has nothing to do with politics; it is a matter of the good relationship we have always had and I cherish it and I want to keep it.”
POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that the media mogul had earlier criticised plans to field a candidate from the South-East for the 2023 elections.
Real Reason Why Atiku, Saraki Still Oppose David Mark as PDP national chairman
DESPITE widespread support for former Senate President, David Mark, for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, are still opposed to his emergence, The PUNCH has learnt.
It was gathered in Abuja, on Sunday, that although most stakeholders including the PDP-Governors Forum and the Board of Trustees, have endorsed Mark for the position, the two-party chieftains are said to prefer a candidate from the North West.
A new twist was also added to the chairmanship race with news that the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, is soliciting support for another Benue son, former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu.
A usually reliable party source who spoke to our correspondent, on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, said “Politics is about interests either personal or collective.
“It is public knowledge that both Atiku and Saraki, have Presidential ambitions. A David Mark emerging as National Chairman is likely to alter their calculations.
“For Atiku, Mark is seen as too strong willed and will be uncompromising. For Saraki, a Mark coming from the same north central zone may not work in his favour because it will mean the remaining two zones, the North East and the North West will be the only ones in contention for the Presidential ticket.
“They had both worked hard to make the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuayi-led zoning committee to throw open the chairmanship position in their recommendations; but it didn’t quite work out.
“What Mark has going for him is apart from his personal attributes have led the Senate without any major rancour for eight straight years, he has remained with the party since inception.”
When contacted, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, said, “Everybody knows the Waziri Adamawa is a committed democrat and will, as always, respect the sanctity of the ballot.
“The position was zoned to the north and no individual can determine who becomes chairman, it will require a consensus among party members from the zone.
“The former Vice President as an experienced democrat remains committed ensuring that the party gets the best person to lead the party to victory.”
Also, the Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor Nathaniel Ikyur, said, “His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State, is a team player, he is working with his colleague governors and other party stakeholders to ensure that the best man for the job gets it.
“He, like all loyal party members wants a national chairman who can lead the party to victory. If Benue State gets the privilege to provide this leadership, our party and Nigeria will be the better for it.”
Attempts to get a response from Saraki were futile. Calls to his Media Adviser, Yusuf Olaniyonu were neither picked nor returned. A response to a text message sent to him on the subject was still being awaited as at the time of filing this report.
PDP begins sale of forms for national convention, releases timetable
THE People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will commence the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for its forthcoming national convention on October 11.
The party’s national convention, where new national officers will be elected, is slated for October 30 and 31 in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in the revised ‘Timetable and Schedule of Activities for Year 2021 National Convention’ released in Abuja on October 10 by the party’s National Organising Secretary Austin Akobundu.
The revised timetable was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) in line with the resolution of the 94th National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
The NEC had, at its meeting on October 8, adopted the report of the National Convention Zoning Committee which zoned the position of national chairman to the North.
The revised timetable released on October 10 stated that the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for election into any of the national offices would commence on October 11 and round off on October 15.
The deadline for submission of completed forms is October 16.
The forms are to be purchased at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Completed forms are to be submitted to the Directorate of Organisation and Mobilisation, which will process and transmit the documents to the screening committee.
Aspirants seeking election into the national offices are to be screened on October 18. Appeals arising from the screening exercise are slated to be heard on October 21.
The names of all cleared aspirants will be published on October 23.
The NWC is to subsequently meet on October 25 to adopt and publish the delegates’ list.
Chairman of National Convention Organising Committee Adamawa State governor Ahmadu Fintiri had, on October 9, insisted that the convention would go ahead as scheduled on October 30.
According to Fintiri, the date remained sacrosanct in spite the fact that the zoning committee had just concluded its job, which was crucial for the national convention.
Fintiri further explained that the convention would take place at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
Delegates for the convention are to be accredited at the Old Parade Ground, also in Abuja.
Fintiri further disclosed that the convention transport committee would secure vehicles conveying accredited delegates from the Old Parade Ground to the Eagle Square.
About 6,000 delegates are expected at the convention.
Fintiri, in the same vein, said there were no plans to review the zoning formula.
He said the 2021 national convention would be the best in history.
’Be Involved In Who Becomes Your Leader, Get Your PVCs’’ – Governor Yahaya Bello Urges Students
The Governor Of Kogi state, Alh. Yahaya Bello has urged Nigerian students to get involved in politics during the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) International Health Summit 2021 themed ‘Non-communicable disease in the covid-19 era; Cancer as a case study’ held in Abuja on Saturday, 9th of October 2021.
The event had dignitaries that include the governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello ably represented by Honourable Ahmadu Jubril the special adviser to the governor on Youths and Student Affairs, former senate president, Olubukola Saraki, first lady of Kebbi state, Mrs Zainab Atiku Bagudu, proprietor of Baze Univesity, Dr Baba Ahmed, among a host of many others.
Governor Yahaya Bello during his speech explained the importance of a vibrant health sector in any state, making it known that it is one of the most important thing for any country to function well.
He noted that in Nigeria today, the state with the best health system is Kogi state, mentioning the fact that the state has improved in infrastructure, man power and is the highest paying state for medical doctors in Nigeria at the moment.
‘’For any country to function, it is important to set up some things which are very key, they are health, education and security. These are part of the basis we are gathering here today to identify how we can improve the quality of our lives through the quality of medical service our people enjoy. Most times I ask myself why up till date people still pay a lot to access health care in Nigeria.
‘’It is important in this country that we alleviate the lives of poor people but my Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello has all the time identified with the ways we can improve on the health sector by improving man power, infrastructure, and making Kogi state the highest paying state for medical doctors in nigeria’’
‘’My governor out of his love for health care has established three reference hospitals cutting across the three senatorial district we have in Kogi state. Do I have to mention the various general hospitals we have? Or the insurance policy we run as a state that enables civil servants to enjoy medical facilities, these are part of the things we enjoy in Kogi state’’
He lauded NiMSA for thinking out of the box by developing a policy document but urged them to push further by advancing the policy into the national assembly to pass so it can be made a law in Nigeria.
Also, he stressed the importance of them getting involved in governance, support someone who has identified with the medical space to take over the leadership of the country for a smooth passage of the policy document into a law in Nigeria.
‘’I was impressed when I saw that NIMSA developed a policy document. If as students today, you are able to think outside the box to develop a policy document, I want to encourage you the students today to take two more steps. The first is you have developed a policy, the next is follow the policy by advancing it into the bill for national assembly to pass and most importantly is for you to get involved in the process of governance. I’m happy that we have medical doctors that are in politics, we as youths need to get involved in the process of governance in our country, it is only then we can make a change, it is only then we can ensure our polices are brought into law and whosoever is in power accents it and makes it a law in Nigeria, that is solving problem’’
‘’I want to encourage students here today to get Involved, have your PVC, Be involved in who becomes your leader. If you have a medical doctor contesting and you have someone who doesn’t know so much about health, because you have the power of PVC, It is easier now to take your policy documents to the medical doctor and say you want him to pass it.’’
Continuing, He spoke on the plans to ensure that Governor Yahaya Bello answers the many calls for him to run for the presidential seat in 2023, stating that he has identified with the medical sector and was able to manage Covid-19 pandemic miraculously and has done very laudable projects for the health sector in Kogi.
‘’If we have a young person like us, of course there are clamours for my governor, Yahaya Bello to run though he has not said yes but we will keep on calling on him to say yes because he has identified with the medical space. If as a governor he has been able to manage Covid-19 pandemic in a miraculous way that today, we didn’t die as supposed in Kogi state, he has been able to establish three ultramodern reference hospitals, he is working on establishing the largest diagnostic centre in Nigeria and west Africa, he has improved and increased the salaries of medical doctors in the state, how much more if he answers the clarion call to lead Nigeria. Nigeria will always go astray if the good men fail to do something, the time is now for youths and students of Nigeria to rise and take over the leadership of the country to take us to the promise land.’’
Furthermore, Governor Yahaya Bello was honoured by the students body with the distinguished leadership award which was presented by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Innocent Achanya Otobo. Ujah FNMA, mni
Why Osinbajo, Fashola And I Didn’t Visit Tinubu In London – Aregbesola
Former Osun governor now Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has refuted speculation in some quarters that the bad blood between them prevented him from visiting All Progressives Congress national leader, Bola Tinubu while the latter received medical attention in the UK.
It was earlier reported that Tinubu returned to Nigeria Friday evening after spending almost three months in London. The former Lagos governor, in a statement issued by his media office afterwards, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his visit and wishes.
He also commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, governors, APC leaders, northern Reps caucus, Lagos House of Assembly members and others for visiting him while he was in the United Kingdom.
Aregbesola has now educated those dragging him for not paying a visit to Tinubu that since his principal had visited the APC topshot in the UK, presidential protocol forbids members of Buhari’s cabinet from embarking on the same mission.
The Minister, who spoke through his Media Adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, told Osun Defender that, “If the President has gone, no Minister, not even the Vice President (Yemi Osinbajo), can go. Aregbesola’s relationship with Tinubu is mutually beneficial and reinforcing.
“Tinubu and Aregbesola are in constant talk. The last time they talked, it lasted for more than one hour. There is no other reason for him (Aregbesola) not to visit Tinubu than just protocol.
“Anybody or group of persons who wants to make case out of the visitation issue is either ignorant or mischievous. Anyway, I can see ignorance and mischief from some of the posts I read online concerning the visitation.”
Buhari had visited Tinubu on August 12, 2021 when the President traveled for the Global Education Summit on Financing Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 2021 to 2025 hosted by the UK Prime Minister. Babatunde Fashola, a former governor of Lagos, is also serving in Buhari’s cabinet as the Minister of Works and Housing.
It’s A Pity You Have Adeleke As Your Candidate – Osun APC Mocks PDP
The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has described as a pity to see the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) parade, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as their trusted candidate.
According to the nation’s ruling party, the candidate in the 2019 gubernatorial election has nothing to offer the people of the State other than drawbacks and fake promises.
The APC stated this while reacting to the statement credited to Senator Adeleke when he visited Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi on Wednesday.
The senator was quoted to have promised to make his private jet available for travelling by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
Adeleke reportedly said this during a visit to the monarch’s palace during the week. The politician according to reports, also assured he will make all Ooni’s local and international trips easier.
APC has, however, in the statement signed by Kunle Oyatomi, the party’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, described Senator Adeleke as a disgrace to his family and party for insulting the revered monarch.
He said: “It is ridiculous, pedestrian and complete lack of understanding on how a government runs. Lagos State government with its humongous revenue never considered a private jet and helicopter for Oba Akiolu of Lagos.
“Ooni Ogunwusi, as a young successful entrepreneur knows what it takes to have a private jet and should neither be deceived nor insulted by anyone. He can comfortably afford a jet if he so wishes.
“It is now obvious and glaring to the people of Osun that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has no quality aspirants except welfare parasites, treasury looters and harbinger of lazy people without nothing to offer the good people of the state. If Ademola Adeleke is being paraded as a candidate, it is a pity,” Oyatomi stressed.
Oyatomi observed that Adeleke’s statement had exposed the PDP aspirant as a misfit and economic illiterate.
While demanding to know how Senator Ademola Adeleke would buy the private jet as a gift to the royal father, the APC asked if he will approach his elder brother Deji Adeleke for use of his personal funds. He added: “Has he provided one for the Timi of Edeland? How many royal fathers will he give private jets? How much has the Adeleke family provided for the repair of Ede roads and the uplifting of the people of his community?
“This insulting statement further makes Adeleke and his party look childish, petty, irresponsible and unreliable,” Oyatomi added.
While assuring that Osun will never again return to the PDP era of insecurity, treasury looting and underdevelopment, Oyatomi added that Adeleke was welcome to the 2022 guber race since he was desirous to waste more family funds.
Meanwhile, Ooni of Ife has in a statement released earlier, described as mere rumours the reports that Senator Ademola Adeleke had promised to buy him a private jet.
According to the Yoruba monarch, some individuals had only twisted the politician’s comment due to their hidden intentions, including to drag the respected stool of the Ooni in the mud.
Bola Tinubu Returns Back To Nigeria After Long Medical Break In London
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has returned to Nigeria after been away from the country due to medical issues.
The former Governor of Lagos State had taken a medical break to London, the United Kingdom.
Tinubu returned to the country on Friday around 9 pm in a private jet and was driven to his Bourdilon residence in a convoy.
It was gathered that Tinubu was received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, by the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
It was reported that plans to welcome the former Governor were cancelled due to Tinubu’s inability to stand the rigours of a physical rally.
There has been speculation that the APC leader has intentions to take over power from President Muhammadu Buhari when his tenure ends in 2023.
Tinubu while in London had received both politicians and prominent persons at his residence, with some showing their solidarity and charging him to contest in the general election.
Nigerians React To Video Of Lawmakers Dozing Off During Buhari’s 2022 Budget Presentation
The video of multiple lawmakers caught on camera dozing off during President Muhammadu Buhari’s presentation of the 2022 appropriation bill to the National Assembly on Thursday has stirred reactions on social media.
In a live video presentation broadcasted by Channels Television and monitored by FIJ, no fewer than three lawmakers were caught sleeping on duty.
However, the identity of the lawmakers has not been obtained due to the mandatory mask worn by all attendees.
Naija News earlier reports that Buhari submitted a N16.39 trillion 2022 budget proposal to the joint session of the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives for consideration. This includes appropriations for government enterprises.
With a crude oil benchmark price of $57 per barrel and a daily oil production estimate of 1.88 million barrels per day, the proposed total expenditure for the coming year is put at N16.39 trillion.
Watch video below;
Some of the reactions below;
ecolime wrote; “Presentation from a boring old man to the worst assembly in the history of Nigeria. So, what do we expect?” They should rubber stamp it as usual.
ATEAMS wrote; “They still get paid and would still be hailed as honourable members regardless…”
drizslim wrote; ‘‘On Judgement day the Angels will be found sleeping during buhari judging hours”
DropsMic wrote; “We are not patriotic enough to run our own countries… But let’s just continue deceiving ourselves.”
INEC Releases Final List Of Candidates For Anambra Guber
Ahead of the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of qualified candidates.
The electoral body also released the final register of voters for the election at the headquarters of the commission in Awka, the capital on Thursday.
In a statement by its spokesman, Festus Okoye, the commission has uploaded the list of the candidates to the Commission’s website and social media platforms.
Okoye noted that the list has also been presented to the 18 Registered Political Parties participating in the election for verification.
He revealed the commission leadership will on Friday, 8th October 2021 hold an emergency consultative meeting with the leadership of all the registered political parties in Nigeria at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The Commission assures the people of Anambra State of its commitment to conduct a free and fair election, adding that their right to vote in a safe and secure environment will be guaranteed.
