Politics
Bayelsa Poll: PDP Has No Preferred Aspirant – Makinde
Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Screening Committee for Bayelsa State and governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, says the party has no preferred aspirant for its primary election in Bayelsa.
Makinde said this while speaking at the screening of PDP aspirants for Bayelsa State on Monday at Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
Makinde noted that the committee would be fair to all governorship aspirants from the state to ensure that the party went into proper election strong and united.
“We don’t want a situation whereby our party will go into the election with a divided house.
“We want to go into the election as one big family that we are, with a view to retaining the state,” Makinde said.
He expressed optimism that PDP would continue to remain a strong and united party, even after the primaries.
Makinde appealed to all aspirants to cooperate with the committee to make the exercise easy.
A governorship aspirant, Mr Timi Alaibe speaking with newsmen at the venue of the exercise, called on party delegates in the state to think deeply while making decision on aspirants to cast their votes for.
“Delegates should be clear in the decision to ensure that they vote for who will understand the need of the people.
“Those who have experience, those who have capacity,” he said.
Alaibe, who was former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), promised to attract investors in the private sector to Bayelsa State, if he emerges governor.
Another aspirant and incumbent Deputy Governor of Baylesa, retired Rear Admiral John Jonah, expressed satisfaction and confidence in the committee.
“I have the confidence that they will deliver. I am sure of clinching the ticket,” he said.
Mr Joseph Erico, governorship aspirant from Kogi State, also expressed confidence in the committee and the outcome.
Asked if he was sure of success passing through the exercise, Erico said if it was to go by merit he would be the party’s candidate.
Another aspirant in Kogi, Mr Musa Wada, said that from the screening, there was clear indication that PDP had changed.
Wada said if elected, he would change the narrative of governance in Kogi State.
The only female aspirant from Kogi, Grace Adejo, who commended the process, said that being the only female aspirant gave her more motivation in the process.
“I never see myself as a lady, the most important thing is to dislodge the incumbent.
“The woman angle is an added advantage. I have the education, the experience and qualification to bring development to Kogi.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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