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N45m Form For Buhari Fraud, Violates Electoral Act -PDP …Moves To Reduce Number Of Presidential Aspirants
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed that it is concluding discussions with more state governors and members of the National Assembly elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of their decampment to the PDP.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said it has already concluded discussions with six APC governors and 27 APC members in the National Assembly, who have also drawn their consultations and secured the mandates of their constituencies to move to the PDP ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“The PDP verifies that discussions on control of party structures in the affected states and senatorial zones have also reached advanced stage, and will be completed in a couple of weeks after which the governors and lawmakers will announce their defection to the PDP.
“However, in line with decisions reached at the discussions, the members of the National Assembly decamping to the PDP would cross-carpet at the reconvening of session in the two chambers, which will increase the PDP majority in both chambers.
“The party assures that all grey areas of the agreement, including issues of waivers and accommodation for participation in primaries, are being smoothened out by the former Governor Liyel Imoke-led PDP Contact and Integration Committee, which has been galvanizing our alliances among stakeholders across other parties, including those from the APC.
“The PDP also commends the spirit of tolerance, dialogue, accommodation and oneness of purpose that pervade the alliance among members”, the party said.
The party expressed its readiness to take back control of power at the centre as well as its traditional states of Plateau, Niger, Adamawa, Kano, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Jigawa, Zamfara, Imo, Edo as well as South-West states of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos states.
“The PDP, therefore, charges all members and supporters to remain steadfast and wary of the gimmicks of the deflated APC, which has resorted to sponsoring spurious publications filled with deceptions, fabrications and lies against our party.
“The PDP also commends Nigerians across board for their overwhelming support and solidarity with the repositioned PDP as expressed in the unprecedented interest in our tickets for various elective positions, particularly the presidency, governorship and National Assembly positions, in addition to spirited public discourse at all levels of political engagements across our country.
“These interests and movements from the APC to the PDP are indicators of the consensus by Nigerians to rally on the platform of the PDP to end the economic hardship, bloodletting, violence and infrastructural decay that have become the hallmark of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, and return our nation to the path of unity, national cohesion and economic prosperity, which the PDP is known for,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said that the purchase of N45million presidential nomination form for President Muhammadu Buhari to re-contest in the 2019 election violates the stipulations of the electoral laws of Nigeria.
The PDP also said that the purchase of the form for Buhari by a group it said was not registered smacks of fraud because, according to it, “Buhari can no longer play the pro-poor gimmick which his followers have always presented to Nigerians.”
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday, PDP said section 91 (9) of the electoral laws of Nigeria stipulates that “no individual or other entity shall donate more than One million naira (N1,000,000) to any candidate.”
It, therefore, held that, for a group to purchase a form of N45million for President Buhari amounts to violation of the country’s electoral laws.
The PDP said, “Since President Buhari has not publicly disowned the purchase of the form by the group, the PDP charges INEC to, within the next 24 hours, hold him culpable and make him to face the appropriate sanctions for the violation of electoral laws.”
Below is the full statement: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the use of a shadowy group as a front to purchase the N45million All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination form for President Muhammadu Buhari as a worn-out stunt, smacking of fraud and worsening the already battered image of the President.
“The party said President Buhari can no longer play the pro-poor gimmick which his followers have always presented to Nigerians.
“Already, our people are daily confronted by the flaunting of affluence and material wealth by the President and those around him, while betraying and abandoning millions of poor Nigerians who, unfortunately, put their trust in him in 2015.
“Nigerians are aware that the very expensive personal effects, including posh jewelleries daily paraded by his close relatives betrayed the gimmick of using an unregistered group, pieced together to execute another failed pro-poor stunt to sway Nigerians.
“Moreover, the PDP urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to note that the purchase of the N45million form by the group directly violates section 91 (9) of the Electoral Act which provides that ‘no individual or other entity shall donate more than (N1,000,000) to any candidate.’
“Since President Buhari has not publicly disowned the purchase of the form by the group, the PDP charges INEC to, within the next 24 hours, hold him culpable and make him to face the appropriate sanctions for the violation of electoral laws.
“Finally, it is unfortunate that President Buhari and his handlers, in their desperation to hang on to power, even when they have been rejected, have reduced themselves to objects of public ridicule with their many bloopers ahead of the 2019 general elections,” the statement added.
Similarly, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido has described as questionable, the integrity credentials of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Lamido, who addressed journalists after submitting his nomination forms at the party’s headquarters, yesterday, said the party would be coasting home to victory if he is given the ticket of the party.
He said, “There have been integrity before Buhari, there have been honesty in Nigerian before Buhari. So, integrity is not an invention of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“Before Buhari, even our anthem says the labour of our heroes past. Before Buhari, we had Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kano, Tafawa Balewa and these are people of integrity. And Buhari has never for once, paid tribute to them.
“Wherever he goes, he destroys history, reinvent it, re-write it and say he is the only person with integrity. Before Buhari, there have been integrity, honesty and he is going to leave all these behind. Beyond and after Buhari there will be Nigeria. So, Buhari integrity is a fraud.”
On his chances at the polls if given the ticket, Lamido stated that his consistency stands him out among other aspirants.
“I am not bragging. This party has gone through hell. In 2015 hell was unleashed on us. So, here in this house we have been brothers and sisters, consistent, steadfast and we are ready to do everything to save Nigeria.
“And so in picking the Presidential candidate of the PDP, the choice is beyond PDP, it is also a choice of Nigerians,” he added.
In a related development, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disclosed of plan to reduce 13 presidential aspirants of the party.
The BoT Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, made this known in Abuja yesterday.
Jibrin, however, assured that no aspirant would be forced to withdraw from the race, adding that the BoT would set up a committee to work on the aspirants with the view to convincing them to reduce their number.
He said: “We are recommending that we have to manage the situation very well to ensure that it does not lead to crisis. The presidential aspirants are 13 in number so we are trying our best to ensure a reduction in the number.
“But we are not going to force anybody to withdraw from the race, as consultations among party elders are still ongoing. We are going to bring out a committee that will work in the best interest of Nigerians.
“We are forming a committee to meet with the aspirants. After that, we will decide on what to do. We have decided to form a special committee to advise the National Working Committee ((NWC) of the party.
“We will ensure free and fair elections during the upcoming presidential primaries. There should be no impunity.”
Reacting, Segun Sowunmi, spokesman of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation, hailed the development.
He told newsmen that “It is not surprising and we commend the wisdom of the party. We are confident of the chance of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar beating his mind his pedigree.
“However, it is general knowledge that all contenders in PDP for the presidental ticket are far better than President Buhari”.
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JUNE 12: Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Strongest Path To Unity, Progress, Says Fubara ….Extols Abiola, Wife
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, given the country’s rich diversity of ethnic, religious, and cultural identities.
In a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara said June 12 represents far more than a historic date; as it embodies the enduring struggle, sacrifice, and collective aspiration of Nigerians for freedom, justice, and representative governance.
The Governor extended warm felicitations to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of the democratic struggle, particularly Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and countless others whose courage and sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
According to him, “June 12 is a reminder of the price paid for the democracy we enjoy today. The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and many other patriots who laid the foundation for the democratic journey we continue to enjoy today. Their commitment to the principle that power must ultimately reside with the people remains a source of inspiration for every generation of Nigerians.”
Governor Fubara noted that thirty-three years after the historic June 12, 1993 election, Nigeria’s democratic experiment has continued to evolve despite challenges and setbacks.
“Our democratic journey has not been without difficulties, but the resilience of our institutions and the determination of our people have kept the nation moving forward. The ability to express differing opinions, engage in constructive debate, and peacefully choose leaders through the ballot remains one of the greatest achievements of our nation,” he said.
Governor Fubara stressed that democracy provides the best framework for managing Nigeria’s diversity and transforming it into a source of national strength.
“Nigeria’s diversity should never be seen as a weakness. Properly harnessed, it is our greatest asset. Democracy offers us the opportunity to build consensus, promote inclusion, strengthen national unity, and create the conditions for sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he said.
Governor Fubara commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing efforts aimed at economic revitalization, strengthening security, and deepening democratic institutions across the country.
He reiterated the readiness of Rivers State to continue partnering with the Federal Government in advancing policies and programmes that improve the lives of citizens through infrastructure development, job creation, enhanced security, quality education, healthcare delivery, and good governance.
The Governor further called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, or religious belief, to use the occasion of Democracy Day to renew their commitment to the Nigerian project and the ideals that underpin democratic governance.
“Democracy must not be viewed merely as a periodic electoral exercise. It must be reflected in our daily commitment to accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice, respect for the rule of law, and responsible leadership. As citizens and leaders, we all share a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to remain united, hopeful, and committed to the values of peace, dialogue, and national development.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” he said.
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marked its 59th anniversary, last Wednesday.
In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.
The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.
He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.
Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.
He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.
Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.
Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, by General Yakubu Gowon.
