Politics
Task Before PDP National Deputy Chairman
There is a popular Igbo proverb which aptly captures the imperative of stocktaking after a major occurrence.
Since the recently concluded national convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), party loyalists and Nigerians have been reflecting on the event.
The PDP convention has received critical reviews from stakeholders and Nigerians at large because of the party’s stature as the largest party in Africa.
However, what cannot be taken away from the party was the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the convention and election of its national officers.
At the election, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja from Rivers State was elected Deputy National Chairman of the party, an achievement that has brought the state into the centrestage of the party’s and Nigeria’s politics.
The reverberations of this landmark achievement continues to be felt since the conclusion of the election as appreciative party men, associates and people from the South-South geo-political zone continue to send congratulatory messages to the newly elected PDP Deputy National Chairman.
Clearly, the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, deserves commendation for throwing his enormous weight behind Dr. Jaja, an articulate and experienced administrator who promises able representation for the South South zone at the centre.
A golden fish, they say, has no hiding place. Since he admirably pioneered the establishment of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), conducting an election that was applauded by all across party divides, Dr. Jaja had moved on to various other state and national assignments including being National President of the Nigerian Referees Association.
Over the years, he had built a reputation as a stakeholder in the development of Nigerian sports, being a board member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
He had also made tremendous contributions to the development of the nation’s commerce and industry as a respected member of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA).
Dr. Jaja also shares the concerns and aspirations of leaders and elders of the South-South zone, being a member of the South-South Leaders and Elders Forum.
Therefore, for those who know his endowments and antecedents, it was just a matter of time, for him to get to this centrestage.
Dr. Sam Sam-Jaja has come on board the national PDP executive at a time the party is at a cross-roads, where many issues critical to its continued viability need to be resolved.
Some of these challenges include the following.
a. Unity in Rivers PDP: Since charity must begin at home, the Deputy National Chairman would be expected to work with Governor Amaechi, the leader of the party in Rivers State and others, to ensure that the state chapter remained a reference point for others in the South-South zone in issues of party discipline, cohesion and unity.
b. Internal Democracy: The spate of discordant tunes within the PDP prior to the party’s just-concluded national convention is not altogether unexpected in a political party as large as the PDP. Afterall, freedom of speech and right to hold divergent views are core ingredients of a democratic culture.
However, it is obvious that at National, State and Local Government levels, incidences had repeatedly occurred which rubbished discipline, due process and constitutionality in the party. Thus, the call for the entrenchment of internal democracy had become louder within the party in the recent past.
The Deputy National Chairman has his job cut out here, as he, working with the Chairman and other officers and organs of the party, would be required to put back the party on the path of discipline and constitutionality.
c. Ideology/Identity: Many political analysts have argued, right from the inception of the nation’s current democratic dispensation on May 29, 1999 that there were very little to choose from the present political parties in terms of ideology and strength of character.
Indeed, 12 years down the democracy lane, the PDP still cuts the image of an assemblage of politicians united by the common quest for power because of its dividends than a party built on ideology that would enhance social development.
With Dr. Sam Sam Jaja and other egg-heads and experienced men at the helm, it is expected that, like other popular political parties world-wild, the PDP will evolve a unique and refreshing identity anchored on ennobling ideology.
d. Equity and Justice: These may not clearly be divorced from the issues of internal democracy. But it is pertinent to highlight them because any human relationship or assemblage not anchored on equity and justice is bound to fail.
In political parties across the country, the process of the selection of candidates for party offices and national general elections had, in most cases, devalued equity, justice and due process, resulting in prolonged litigations and even casualties at elections which turn violent.
Therefore, incidences of candidate imposition, favouritism, thuggery among others, are undemocratic tendencies which the new PDP national leadership, of which Dr. Jaja has become a key actor, must be deleted from the party’s lexicon.
e. Fiscal Federalism: it is no longer in doubt that, for Nigeria to make speedy progress in its quest to become one of the world’s greatest economies, the principle to apply is fiscal federalism. The South-South Governor’s Forum has also thrown its weight behind the principle.
Indeed, states must be encouraged to generate and manage their resources as well as develop at individual paces while contributing appropriate quota to the federal coffers, as was the case in the early post-independence era.
The largest party in Nigeria must show patriotism and commitment to national development by accepting this reality and encouraging its structures at all levels to bring fiscal federalism to fruition.
f. 2015 Polls: For most political parties and politicians, the end of one election marks the beginning of preparations for another. The recent convention and election of PDP national executive should be seen in that context.
The party has at different times described itself as a “moving train” “One Big Family” and the party destined to rule Nigeria for 50 years.
While this is arguable, what is important is how the more than a decade of sustained democratic experience and electioneering had impacted and refined the election process in Nigeria.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to improve on its past performances as electoral umpire, the political parties, especially the ruling PDP, would also be looked upon to display democratic ideals worthy of emulation.
As the party prepares for the 2015 general elections, its leaders would be expected to sensitise officials and members across the country on the need to win fair and square. It is the only way to remain the popular and respected party in Nigeria.
g. President Jonathan’s Programme: President Goodluck Jonathan has initiated a number of policies to promote the welfare of Nigerians and the economic growth of the nation. He had also adopted a number of interventionist programmes to improve the parlous condition of the people of the Niger Delta who bear the pains of oil and gas exploration and exploitation from which 90 percent of the nation’s revenue is derived.
The Deputy National Chairman of the president’s party (PDP) would be expected to build a fraternal relationship with Jonathan. This will enable him to constantly remind the president of the need to bring his programmes and promises both to Nigerians and the people of the Niger Delta, to reality. A tall agenda it may seem, but the people have chosen the right person for the job.
Congratulating Dr. Jaja on his election in an exclusive interview recently, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ike Chinwo said his (Jaja’s) election is a blessing to the South-South geo-political zone, expressing confidence that the PDP Deputy National Chairman will contribute to the growth of the party and the nation.
“Dr. Jaja, apart from his contributions to politics in Rivers State has contributed to the development of sports in Nigeria and I am sure he will perform creditably in this new assignment”, said Chinwo who represented Obio/Akpor federal constituency in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2011.
Another political stalwart who commended Dr. Sam Sam Jaja’s election is Prince Tonye Princewill, who described the Deputy National Chairman’s election as a good omen and able representation for the people of Rivers State and the PDP in the state.
Princewill, leader of Princewill Political Associates (PPA), who joined the PDP from the Action Congress of Nigeria, ahead of the 2011 general election, said “what we need now in Rivers State is a cool headed, articulate and visionary leader which Jaja represents”.
In his contribution, Dr Imoru Kubor, a political heavyweight from Bayelsa State, said Dr. Jaja’s elction is a welcome development not only for the PDP in Rivers State but also for the people of the South-South zone.
Kubor, who left the PDP to join the Change Advocacy Party (CAP) on which platform he contested the February 8, 2012 governorship election in Bayelsa State, challenged Dr. Jaja to help formulate policies that would build a better and united Nigeria.
Dr. Sam Sam Jaja is the founder of the Vanguard of Opobo Nation (VON), the foremost political association in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State and a platform that had continued to contribute to the victories of the PDP in all elections in the state.
Donald Mike-Jaja
He said he would not hesitate to activate the recall process against any lawmaker found wanting, if he returns for a second term in office.
He stated this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including those who lost out at the recently held national and state assemblies primaries and have become aggrieved and disrespectful to the party.
While emphasizing the supremacy of the party, he said decisions were taken in the overall interest of the party and the state and must, therefore, be respected by all members.
He warned lawmakers against being insolent and arrogant to their people to the extent of shutting them out after each election cycle, saying such would no longer be condoned.
“So I am appealing to all of you. If you were born with arrogance, please just drop that ticket here”, he said.
The governor hinted that after the next cycle of elections, the process of recalling lawmakers who made themselves “tin gods” would be activated.
“Well, they say they don’t recall people from parliament, but this will be the first time.
“Anybody whom the people say they are tired of will be brought back home. Anybody who goes and forgets his people completely and doesn’t care, thinking that during elections he will come and pretend to be a good man, will be brought back.
“And we are making this very, very clear. We will not fail in what we have said. I am working tirelessly; I don’t sleep. If you are going into office during this period, there will be no sleep for you”, he said.
He advised politicians not to ignore their people who hold the power, insisting: “You cannot overlook them and become so arrogant and pompous that you don’t know your people.”
Gov. Otu also advised members of the ruling APC, who lost at the just-concluded party primaries in the state, not to defect to opposition parties like the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) or the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that they would suffer untold hardship and would not make any political headway, if they did.
“There are some kwashiorkor parties that are registering people. Such parties are wasting their time and not even my time. They cannot do anything.
“I don’t want anybody to suffer the fate I suffered. That’s why I’m warning those aggrieved aspirants who lost not to go the way of those parties to avoid unnecessary suffering.
“I don’t want anybody to go that route. It’s an absolute waste of time, energy and people’s future, because at the end of the day, you will drag people into that bottomless pit.
“And when you drag them there and can’t take care of them, you begin to rot, you begin to die. May God give me the energy and power to sustain.”
He appealed to the aggrieved APC members, saying: “There’s nothing that we cannot settle. God’s time is the best. Whatever we’ve done is for the common good of all of us.”
2027: INEC APPEALS JUDGMENT ON ELECTION GUIDELINES
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which nullified aspects of the Commission’s 2027 General Election Guidelines.
The appeal, filed before the Court of Appeal, seeks to overturn the judgment delivered on May 20, 2026, by Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The trial court had nullified the provision in the guidelines directing political parties to submit their membership registers and databases by May 10, 2026, as part of the conditions for participation in the 2027 General Election.
The suit challenging the directive was instituted by the Youth Party, which argued that the Commission’s timeline was inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
In his ruling, Justice Umar held that INEC could not lawfully shorten the timeline stipulated under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 regarding the submission of party membership records and candidates’ particulars.
However, INEC, through its counsel, Chief Alex Izinyon, SAN, filed a notice of appeal dated May 25, 2026, asking the appellate court to set aside the judgment.
The Commission also filed a motion seeking an order staying the execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
INEC raised nine grounds of appeal, arguing among others that the trial court failed to determine the jurisdictional issue concerning whether the suit was hypothetical and academic in nature.
The Commission further contended that the respondent lacked the locus standi to institute the suit and urged the Court of Appeal to strike out the case accordingly.
INEC maintained that its actions were in line with its constitutional mandate to ensure the orderly conduct of elections and effective electoral administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
WHY I ENDORSE TINUBU’S SECOND TERM BID — ADELEKE
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has explained that his decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027 was influenced by moral responsibility and the need to sustain developmental progress.
The governor said his endorsement was not based on political calculations alone but on what he considers appropriate in view of the relationship between Osun State and the President, as well as ongoing projects benefiting the region.
The position of the governor was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, Gov. Adeleke spoke on Sunday after conducting an inspection of the ongoing construction work on the Ibadan–Ile Ife–Ilesa Expressway.
During the visit, the governor reportedly commended President Tinubu for embarking on major infrastructure projects across Osun State and other parts of the South-West.
Gov. Adeleke noted that infrastructure development remains essential to economic growth and improved connectivity among communities.
He acknowledged the significance of road projects currently underway, stressing that such investments are expected to contribute to easier transportation, commercial activities, and broader development outcomes within the region.
The governor also highlighted the importance of leadership support in facilitating projects that have direct effects on residents.
He indicated that recognition should be given where efforts are being made to improve public infrastructure, particularly projects capable of enhancing movement between states and strengthening economic interactions in affected areas.
According to the statement, Gov. Adeleke’s remarks came while assessing the progress of the expressway project, which has continued to attract attention due to its strategic role in linking major cities within the South-West.
The governor reportedly used the opportunity to express appreciation for federal involvement in projects impacting Osun State.
His comments further reflected his view on political and regional ties, especially considering Osun State’s historical connection to President Tinubu.
Gov. Adeleke suggested that such considerations, alongside visible developmental initiatives, shaped his decision to openly support the President’s anticipated re-election effort in 2027.
He said, “I am the governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President. How can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him?”
IPAC specifically said that INEC guidelines cannot supersede constitutional provisions or extant electoral laws.
The Council, which stated these while appraising the judgement of the Federal High Court, stressed that the court judgement specifically addressed exclusionary conditions capable of disenfranchising aspirants and party members during primaries.
This is contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of IPAC, Mr Martins Egbeola, stating that the judgment was a reaffirmation of constitutional supremacy, democratic principles and the rule of law within Nigeria’s electoral process.
IPAC said that even though INEC possesses powers to issue election guidelines, such powers must however, operate strictly within constitutional provisions and electoral laws.
It noted that the court judgment represented a major victory for democracy, political parties and citizens participating in Nigeria’s electoral process.
IPAC also said that the court judgement had restored the constitutional rights of political parties to manage their internal affairs democratically without unlawful interference through administrative directives.
“The judgment would ensure equal opportunities for eligible members to participate in party primaries without discriminatory or exclusionary conditions.
“The INEC Chairman should deepen engagement and consultation with political parties on issues concerning electoral administration and reforms.
“Greater dialogue and collaboration between INEC and political parties would help prevent avoidable disputes and litigation arising from controversial guidelines,” IPAC stated.
Prof. Yilwatda stated this while speaking on a live television interview programme.
According to him, the ruling APC was not focused on fighting opposition parties, claiming that the political battle was currently between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
He said, “In the last three weeks, the APC has not been fighting ADC or NDC. It is NDC versus ADC or ADC versus NDC.
“Actually, I watched with fun all the insults that the ADC is raining on the NDC and the NDC is returning those fireworks on the ADC.
“I watched the videos, and I laughed. The self-implosion is in the opposition rather than in the APC.”
When asked whether he was orchestrating the crisis in the opposition, Prof. Yilwatda denied the allegation but said weakening the opposition was part of politics.
He said, “No, I can’t. But I will be happy if I can do it. That’s my job.
“If you are opposing me, should I be happy? If you oppose me because you are in the opposition, what’s my job? Of course, to stop the opposition.”
The APC chairman also said the ruling party had stronger conflict resolution mechanisms than other political parties.
According to him, the party had committees at national and state levels to resolve internal disputes arising from congresses and other activities.
Speaking on the APC membership register and the votes secured by President Bola Tinubu during the party’s presidential primary, Prof. Yilwatda said the party relied on data from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for its registration process.
“To register as a member of the APC, your name and primary data are sourced from NIMC. That’s the same primary data that is used across the country to open a bank account, get a driver’s licence and secure an international passport.
“So we’re the only political party that sources our primary data from NIMC. This is why people have seen the APC as one of the most politically viable and stable parties. We are a data-driven political party,” he stated.
RIVERS ADC PRIMARY: ASPIRANT REJECTS OUTCOME, ACCUSES AMAECHI OF IMPOSITION
The governorship primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has been thrown into turmoil after aspirant Mr Allen Idaso Ezekiel-Hart rejected the outcome and accused former governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi of imposing a candidate.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart described the exercise as a “shambolic charade” and said it had produced three separate governorship primary “winners” within the same party.
“Right now, we have three governorship candidates in one party, all thanks to Amaechi’s high-handedness,” he told journalists in Abuja on Monday.
He warned that the situation could plunge the opposition party into crisis ahead of the 2027 elections if the national leadership fails to intervene.
According to him, while the party’s timetable fixed May 23 for the primary, aspirants were informed late Friday that the exercise had been moved forward.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart said he was mobilising supporters across the 23 local government areas when fellow aspirant, Hon. Farah Dagogo, informed him that a parallel process had already been conducted.
He accused the state party chairman, Mr Chukwudi Dimkpa, of inviting only five aspirants loyal to Mr Amaechi while excluding himself and Hon. Dagogo. The arrangement, he alleged, was designed to clear the path for Dr Gabriel Pidomson, whom he described as Mr Amaechi’s preferred candidate.
He further alleged that three aspirants were persuaded to step down for Dr Pidomson in what he described as a disguised consensus arrangement, despite the party’s public stance against consensus.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart claimed Hon. Dagogo later approached him to jointly resist Mr Amaechi’s camp but asked him to publicly congratulate him as the winner.
“He told me to go on air and congratulate him, saying we are from Atiku Abubakar’s political family and should unite. I told him to stop rubbishing Atiku’s name. Atiku will not be part of this nonsense,” he said.
The aspirant said he rejected the offer and subsequently declared himself winner after Hon. Dagogo made a similar announcement.
“As it stands, Farah declared himself winner, Thompson was declared winner by the state exco, and I also declared myself winner. Three winners in one primary that never held. This cannot stand,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart accused the Rivers ADC leadership of sidelining him despite being the only aspirant who formally notified the party in writing of his intention to contest.
He also faulted Mr Amaechi for allegedly imposing candidates while demanding transparent presidential primary at the national level.
“How can someone who is demanding transparent presidential primaries at the national level turn around and impose a governorship candidate in Rivers?”, he queried.
He urged the ADC National Working Committee to nullify the exercise and either conduct a fresh primary or adopt a lawful consensus arrangement in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The most pragmatic thing now is for the NWC to order a rescheduled primary or quickly adopt a lawful consensus option. Time is running against us,” he said.
Mr Ezekiel-Hart said he would pursue all grievances within the party’s constitution and warned Hon. Dagogo against invoking Atiku’s name to bolster his claim.
“We will exhaust every legal channel within the party. I will not rock the boat unnecessarily, but the party must recognise that I won the primaries,” he said.
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