Politics
2023: Only Elective Primaries Can Ensure Victory For PDP – Aspirant
Otunba Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal, one of PDP’s founding fathers in Lagos State, says only direct primaries can ensure victory for the party in the 2023 general elections.
Jim-Kamal, at his formal declaration on Tuesday for the governorship ticket of the PDP for the 2023 gubernatorial election in Lagos State, said subversion of people’s will in primary election had been affecting the chances of the party in previous elections in the state.
He told newsmen that he would not subscribe to any consensus arrangement where an aspirant would be made to step down for others or imposition of candidates.
“We have not been winning because Lagos PDP has always promoted imposition but our last elective state congress has brought in the light that we can get it right now.
“The best way to go in stemming all these problems is for the party to go for elective primaries in Lagos state like we did in the congress. I opted out in 2015 when I discovered somebody was to be imposed on us.
“Now that PDP has come to stay and the chances are brighter, we should not spoil it. Our primaries should be one man one vote. It should be a free and fair direct primaries,” Jim-Jamal said.
According to him, the PDP leadership must provide a level playing ground while party members are allowed to choose whoever they want to fly the party’s ticket.
Highlighting his agenda, Jim-Kamal, who noted that he was out to do the right things, said this included discussing issues capable of bringing in the change that would actualise the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
He said that his “governance of dynamism” would replace the outdated “progressivism” that had not brought real dividends of democracy to the masses.
“We are out to tell Lagos residents in particular and Nigerians in general the truth and nothing but the truth and then to discuss issues, debate issues and deliver issues through dividends of democracy.
“We are out to change the tide of events in Lagos state, to reduce the suffering of the teeming masses,” Jim- Kamal said.
The aspirant said he would pursue infrastructural and human capital development to curb most of the ongoing social ills in the society that are threatening security of lives and property.
“Infrastructure without giving the teaming youth free and compulsory education, free health, mass employment for youth, women emancipation, availability of subsidised food to our market women, modern day security network devoid of force and mass killing of innocent souls is a waste,” Jim-Kamal added.
He pledged to ensure automated free and compulsory e- education at all levels, automated free e-healthcare facilities, social security, mechanised food production, sports development, modern transportation system and restructuring.
Jim-Kamal said that teachers and school children’s welfare would be a priority, saying that ICT gadgets would be provided in schools for each teacher and students with free feeding.
According to him, intervention in healthcare would ensure provision of well-equipped health centre in each ward and general hospital in each local government.
He promised to create a ministry of internal security with three commissioners and three deputy commissioners managing each of the senatorial districts.
He said that 75 per cent of his cabinet would be for the youth and women comprising 35 per cent for women and 40 per cent for youths.
The aspirant said that he had mapped out designs for more bridges and 200-300 seaters high capacity buses to address gridlock in the state.
Jim-Kamal, who noted that his chances of winning the party’s ticket was bright, called on every stakeholder and member of PDP to be peaceful and remain united.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the PDP chieftain had made several attempts to contest different elective positions from 1988 when he joined politics.
Jim-Kamal, is a technocrat, former school teacher and the Chief Executive Officer of Arco Petroleum and Petrochemicals, Petroman and Petrochemicals and Nigerturk Construction International Company Ltd,, (A consortium of ten Nigerian and Foreign Companies)
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.
-
News4 days ago
Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Poses Greater Dangers To Niger Delta …. Group Warns
-
Politics4 days agoAPC Resumes Electronic Membership Registration Nationwide
-
Rivers4 days agoCourt Rules Out Interim Administration In Jumbo House, Bonny
-
Business4 days ago33 Banks Raise N4.65tn As Recapitalisation Ends
-
Politics4 days agoAlleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
-
Nation4 days agoNile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
-
Sports4 days ago
Lewandowski Leads Top Stars Missing From W/Cup Roll Call
-
Sports4 days agoPara Games: Team Rivers Wins 53 Medals On Day 5 … Director Praise Athletes