Politics
PDP State Assembly, Reps Primaries In Enugu Peaceful, Transparent- Electoral Committees
The Electoral Committees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the conduct of the State House of Assembly and Federal House of Representatives Primary Elections in Enugu State have described the exercise as peaceful.
The two electoral committees which gave their separate verdicts when they supervised the conduct of the primaries in the state, on Sunday.
Mr Uche Igbokwe, the Chairman of the PDP National Electoral Committee, for the state House of Assembly primary elections in the state, said the exercise was transparent and orderly.
They lauded the Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led leadership of the PDP in Enugu State for ensuring that the delegates and party members displayed commitment, discipline and comportment during the peaceful exercises.
Speaking at Udenu Local Government Area, where Mr Solomon Onah was unanimously elected as the Party’s candidate for Udenu Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Igbokwe lauded the electoral process of the primary election.
Igbokwe expressed delight at the presence of the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the event.
In Nsukka LGA, where the primary elections for Nsukka East and Nsukka West constituencies were conducted, Igbokwe, on behalf of other members of the electoral committee, also commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise.
Led to the venue of the primary election by the State Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Mr Innocent Ezeoha, and the State Organising Secretary of the Party, Dr Christian Iyiani, the Committee applauded the delegates for their sincerity of purpose and decorum.
The expressed satisfaction with the electoral processes put in place by the State Working Committee of the party.
According to him, we have gone to several LGAs and we have seen that everything is going on perfectly well in Enugu State.
They appreciated Governor Ugwuanyi for his uncommon leadership role in state in particular and the PDP South East zone in general, revealing that the governor is the one that has kept state chapters of the party in the zone going.
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.