The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered immediate provision of adequate security in and around university campuses nationwide.
This is contained in a statement issued by CSP Frank Mba, the Force Public Relations Officer, on Thursday in Abuja.
The statement said the measure was designed to secure life and property in the institutions and provide enabling environment for lecturers, students and other members of staff to go about their lawful businesses without hindrance.
“The directive is a proactive and confidence-boosting measure designed to ensure that nothing untoward happens in our academic communities,” it said.
The statement directed all Command Commissioners of Police to personally oversee the intensification of surveillance in universities in their states.
It ordered them to “take all necessary security measures needed to provide for the safety and security of members of staff and students as well as property within the various Campuses”.
It urged lecturers, students and Nigerians within the institutions to remain law-abiding and go about their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation or intimidation from any quarters.
It will be recalled that the Federal Government on Thursday gave universities lecturers, who had been on strike since July, one week ultimatum to resume academic activities.
Meanwhile, the I-G has urged officers and men of the force, who would be involved in the supplementary election in Anambra supplementary election on Saturday to remain steadfast.
He said they should be focused and neutral, as well as exhibit the highest level of professionalism.
He reassured the people of adequate security in the state during the election, promising that the force would continue to maintain optimal presence in Anambra till the end of the election.
The police boss called on the people to cooperate with the police and other security agencies in ensuring an atmosphere of peace and order throughout the election.
Abubakar also urged politicians, traditional rulers, and opinion leaders in the state to play by the rules and help in educating their followers on the need to allow INEC and other government agencies to conclude the election. (NAN)
Thursday 28 November 2013
STRIKE: Beg FG not ASUU – ASUU President tell Nigerians
Dr Nasir Fagge, National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has urged Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government to honour the agreement it signed with the union.
Fagge told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone in Lagos that Nigerians should stop appealing to the union to call off its strike.
Fagge stressed that rather than prevailing on ASUU to call off the strike, Nigerians should look at its demands and see their relevance to national development.
“Why is it that when issues like this come up, Nigerians will start begging ASUU to call off strike in the interest of the children and the country in general, rather than prevailing on government.
“I want to state here that we have a lot of respect and appreciate the concern of all Nigerians who have prevailed on ASUU to reconsider its stand and call off the strike.
“But sincerely, I think if people really care about this country and want to move it forward, they should refocus their thinking to government and prevail on them to implement the agreement and then we can start from there.
“The National Assembly had in the time past appealed to us to bend over and we did in the interest of the country– while negotiations lasted– but look at what is happening now!“ he said.
The ASUU president noted that when the union embarked on strike in 2011 over the same demands, the same appeal came from concerned Nigerians, with the assurance that the matter would be looked into urgently and its demands met.
He said that because of the need to respect the views of these Nigerians and to keep the system going, the union called off the strike and that, unfortunately, nothing was done about it.
“We shall no longer be coerced into calling off the strike and returning to classes because the last time we had such a strike was in 2011– when I was the Vice-President– and two years after, we have embarked on another strike over the same issue.
“I think as a nation, there is need for us to try and do the right thing by way of extracting commitment from our leaders because we cannot continue this way.
“Our system is getting bad every day to the extent that when we go out with our certificates, it no longer commands the respect it ought to, and that is why we must do all we could to re-engineer the system.
“You know that if products from our universities continue to study with little or non-existent infrastructure in place, as it is obtained today, they will fail to deliver and the entire responsibility falls back on our shoulders, “ Fagge said.
According to him, ASUU is committed to deliver on its mandate in order to produce students who are well equipped and see them contribute positively to national development.
He noted that it was on this premise that Nigerians must prevail on government to do the right thing once and for all.
“Everyone knows that our universities cannot compete, even with universities within Africa, let alone those in the larger world.
“Today, we witness brain drain from the system on the part of lecturers, thereby exporting values to other countries’ economy.
“We should ask ourselves why Nigerians before now did so well abroad in different fields of endeavour and these are products from the same system that currently produces graduates who are largely seen as unemployable.
“We must show commitment and be proactive in addressing the rot in our university system, so that at the end of the day, our products will be able to compete favourably with their counterparts in other climes, “ he said.
The ASUU boss then appealed to the Federal Government to implement the agreement in order for the country to move forward.
NAN reports that ASUU had on June 30, embarked on what it described as “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike“ in public universities across the country.
The lecturers were agitating the non-implementation of some sections of an agreement they entered into with the Federal Government in 2009.
Fagge told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone in Lagos that Nigerians should stop appealing to the union to call off its strike.
Fagge stressed that rather than prevailing on ASUU to call off the strike, Nigerians should look at its demands and see their relevance to national development.
“Why is it that when issues like this come up, Nigerians will start begging ASUU to call off strike in the interest of the children and the country in general, rather than prevailing on government.
“I want to state here that we have a lot of respect and appreciate the concern of all Nigerians who have prevailed on ASUU to reconsider its stand and call off the strike.
“But sincerely, I think if people really care about this country and want to move it forward, they should refocus their thinking to government and prevail on them to implement the agreement and then we can start from there.
“The National Assembly had in the time past appealed to us to bend over and we did in the interest of the country– while negotiations lasted– but look at what is happening now!“ he said.
The ASUU president noted that when the union embarked on strike in 2011 over the same demands, the same appeal came from concerned Nigerians, with the assurance that the matter would be looked into urgently and its demands met.
He said that because of the need to respect the views of these Nigerians and to keep the system going, the union called off the strike and that, unfortunately, nothing was done about it.
“We shall no longer be coerced into calling off the strike and returning to classes because the last time we had such a strike was in 2011– when I was the Vice-President– and two years after, we have embarked on another strike over the same issue.
“I think as a nation, there is need for us to try and do the right thing by way of extracting commitment from our leaders because we cannot continue this way.
“Our system is getting bad every day to the extent that when we go out with our certificates, it no longer commands the respect it ought to, and that is why we must do all we could to re-engineer the system.
“You know that if products from our universities continue to study with little or non-existent infrastructure in place, as it is obtained today, they will fail to deliver and the entire responsibility falls back on our shoulders, “ Fagge said.
According to him, ASUU is committed to deliver on its mandate in order to produce students who are well equipped and see them contribute positively to national development.
He noted that it was on this premise that Nigerians must prevail on government to do the right thing once and for all.
“Everyone knows that our universities cannot compete, even with universities within Africa, let alone those in the larger world.
“Today, we witness brain drain from the system on the part of lecturers, thereby exporting values to other countries’ economy.
“We should ask ourselves why Nigerians before now did so well abroad in different fields of endeavour and these are products from the same system that currently produces graduates who are largely seen as unemployable.
“We must show commitment and be proactive in addressing the rot in our university system, so that at the end of the day, our products will be able to compete favourably with their counterparts in other climes, “ he said.
The ASUU boss then appealed to the Federal Government to implement the agreement in order for the country to move forward.
NAN reports that ASUU had on June 30, embarked on what it described as “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike“ in public universities across the country.
The lecturers were agitating the non-implementation of some sections of an agreement they entered into with the Federal Government in 2009.
Wednesday 27 November 2013
Why I joined All Progressive Congress – Amaechi
PORT HARCOURT: GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi has said he joined the All Progressive Congress, APC because President Goodluck Jonathan failed to address issues raised by the G 7 governors.
Amaechi who spoke Wednesday at the Port Harcourt international airport, Omagwa assured that the APC would protect the interest of all Rivers state people, adding that the state had suffered untold neglect in the government of President Jonathan.
“Rivers State must know that for me to have taken that decision, I had looked at the general interests of Rivers people. I was not elected to lead Nigeria, I was elected to lead Rivers State and I had looked at the interests of Rivers people and have seen that these interests were not protected in PDP. I have seen the fact that we are losing our oil wells in Etche, in the Kalabari areas and that the more they continue to pilfer these oil wells, the more we will continue to lose our wealth”, he said
The governor who denied any face off with President Jonathan said he did not join the APC to spite the President but to further the interest of the state.
Amaechi who spoke Wednesday at the Port Harcourt international airport, Omagwa assured that the APC would protect the interest of all Rivers state people, adding that the state had suffered untold neglect in the government of President Jonathan.
“Rivers State must know that for me to have taken that decision, I had looked at the general interests of Rivers people. I was not elected to lead Nigeria, I was elected to lead Rivers State and I had looked at the interests of Rivers people and have seen that these interests were not protected in PDP. I have seen the fact that we are losing our oil wells in Etche, in the Kalabari areas and that the more they continue to pilfer these oil wells, the more we will continue to lose our wealth”, he said
The governor who denied any face off with President Jonathan said he did not join the APC to spite the President but to further the interest of the state.
PDP’s loss, APC’s gain
JOHN ALECHENU examines the political implications of Tuesday’s defection by five aggrieved governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress on the PDP’s fortunes as the nation braces for the 2015 elections.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
PDP’s loss, APC’s gain
JOHN ALECHENU examines the political implications of Tuesday’s defection by five aggrieved governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress on the PDP’s fortunes as the nation braces for the 2015 elections.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
PDP’s loss, APC’s gain
JOHN ALECHENU examines the political implications of Tuesday’s defection by five aggrieved governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress on the PDP’s fortunes as the nation braces for the 2015 elections.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
PDP’s loss, APC’s gain
JOHN ALECHENU examines the political implications of Tuesday’s defection by five aggrieved governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress on the PDP’s fortunes as the nation braces for the 2015 elections.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
PDP’s loss, APC’s gain
JOHN ALECHENU examines the political implications of Tuesday’s defection by five aggrieved governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress on the PDP’s fortunes as the nation braces for the 2015 elections.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
PDP’s loss, APC’s gain
JOHN ALECHENU examines the political implications of Tuesday’s defection by five aggrieved governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress on the PDP’s fortunes as the nation braces for the 2015 elections.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
PDP’s loss, APC’s gain
JOHN ALECHENU examines the political implications of Tuesday’s defection by five aggrieved governors of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress on the PDP’s fortunes as the nation braces for the 2015 elections.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
The civil war within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party boiled over on Tuesday when five out of the seven aggrieved governors and some of their followers carried out a threat to dump the party and pitch their tent with the opposition All Progressives Congress.
This decision, some analysts argue, has been long in coming because attempts to broker peace between President Goodluck Jonathan and the aggrieved PDP members since September were largely unsuccessful.
The five aggrieved governors who have defected are: Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).
However, Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) have for now, elected to remain within the PDP family.
Signs that the peace process would not succeed were made public by the Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako on November 12 when he pronounced the peace process “dead and buried.”
He was reacting to the suspension of the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, National Vice Chairman Sam Jaja and a former National Vice Chairman (North-West), Senator Ibrahim Kazaure by the Alhaji Bamanga Tukur-led PDP.
He explained that the PDP under the leadership of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur shot itself in the foot by ignoring a legitimate court order to reinstate Oyinlola and taking actions which “killed and buried” the peace process.
Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, said he had always known that nothing good would come out of the discussions with a PDP where Tukur remained the national chairman.
He said, “We always knew there was no peace process. The peace process is dead and buried. The court had given them a soft landing but instead of obeying the court order, look at the step they have taken.
“It’s an ill wind that will blow nobody any good. We know that they are not committed to peace; Bamanga Tukur will lead this party to destruction.”
President Jonathan’s decision not to meet with them when he returned from the United Kingdom last Sunday and a charge by the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum Mr. Godswill Akpabio; daring them to leave the party barely 24 hours later, obliterated gains made during earlier meetings.
The decision to leave the PDP almost two years before the 2015 elections is considered by some observers as a gamble which has the capacity to go either way in favour of or against the interests of the governors concerned in particular, and the PDP in general.
Without doubt, this decision has far reaching implications for the fortunes of the ruling PDP especially in the North-West geo-political zone where three out of the seven aggrieved governors hold sway.
Governors Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Musa Kwakwanso (Kano) who enjoys a considerable following may join forces with opposition elements in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi states, if things work in favour of the APC to give the PDP a fight for votes.
Statistics of the voting population released by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the voter registration exercise in 2011 show that a little over 73 million persons were registered.
Of this number, the North-West accounts for 18,900, 543 out of which Kano has 5,135, 415 and Jigawa has 1,852,698, Sokoto accounts for 2, 065,508 voters.
Kwara State accounts for 1,115,665 voters out of a total of 7,675,369 registered voters across the North-Central states.
Rivers State where Amaechi is governor accounts for 2,419,057 voters out of the 8,937,057 registered voters in the South-South geo-political zone.
These figures are likely to rise or fall depending on the number of deaths and the number of persons who will attain the voting age of 18 by 2015.
Pundits are of the view that the trio of Kwankwaso, Wammako and Lamido are critical to the survival of the PDP as a political force in the North-West.
Lamido and Kwakwanso for example, have been on the Nigerian political scene since the Second Republic.
During the aborted third republic for instance, Kwankwaso, who was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was elected governor of Kano State in 1999 but lost re-election in 2003 only to regain the seat in 2011.
On his part, Lamido was a pupil of the talakawa brand of politics championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, before emerging as National Secretary of the defunct SDP.
He, along with the likes of late Chief Solomon Lar and ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were founding-fathers of the PDP.
He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure (1999-2003).
Wamako was for the most part a civil servant before joining full time politics.
It may be recalled that a decision by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP to suspend him backfired when the then North-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, led other zonal executives to dissociate themselves from the suspension.
The party was forced to swallow the humble pie when it lifted the suspension.
This singular act sent a message to some party supporters in the zone that some of their leaders were being victimized for holding opposing views.
Wamakko’s supporters across the zone joined their counterparts in Sokoto to welcome him back to the state capital after a trip abroad perhaps to demonstrate the level of acceptance he enjoys.
It is instructive to note that Wamakko’s political calculations have always included his political godson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwual.
Tambuwal has remained faithful to his benefactor as both of them were members of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party before defecting to the PDP.
New political re-alignments are expected to unfold within the coming days as members of the House of Representatives and senators are likely to rise up to be counted when push comes to shove.
As things stand, the majority enjoyed by the PDP in the Senate and House of Representatives will be substantially reduced if some of the legislators toe the line of their state governors.
In the House of Representatives for example, the PDP stands the risks of losing at least four key principal offices if some of their members join the APC.
Those whose positions come under immediate threat include: the deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; Majority leader, Mulikat Akande, Chief Whip, Ishaka Bawa; and deputy leader, Leo Ogor.
As at the last count, the opposition APC has 137 out of the 360 seats. The PDP and other smaller political parties such as the Labour Party, Accord and a faction of APGA account for the balance of 166.
The APC enjoyed a boost after the merger of opposition political parties such as the defunct ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of the APGA.
The PDP initially had 208 out of the 360 seats after the 2011 general elections, the internal crisis within the PDP paved the way for 57 out of this number to identify with the new PDP which has now identified with the APC.
If members of the new PDP were up to 100 like a leader of the outlawed new PDP once claimed, the number of APC members in the House could rise to 237 giving the party a clear majority.
The situation is different in the Senate where 20 senators earlier identified with the New PDP before the latest round of hostilities.
Unless something dramatic happens, the leadership structure in the Upper Legislative chamber will remain intact as even members of the opposition political parties have not had cause to complain.
At the national level, the race to occupy Aso Rock is likely to be fiercely contested for, although we no longer have a monolithic north.
The real strength of each of the governors is likely to unfold as 2014 wears on.
A number of the aggrieved governors have been unable to conduct free, fair and credible polls in their states to provide a true test of their individual strengths.
Four zones: North-Central, North-East, South-West and South-South-have six states each. The South-East has five.
However, the North-West has seven. This, some pundits argue, can be a political advantage if gladiators in the region get their acts together.
Since politics is a game of interest as well as of numbers, in the unlikely event that the scenario of the 2011 presidential elections repeats itself, the PDP may as well rest assured that it will have its way in 2015.
Proponents of this theory argue that not much has changed since the second republic.
They argue that the fact that the Peoples Redemption Party held sway in the old Kano State and the Nigeria Peoples Party took charge of the South-East and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria held sway in the South-West and the old Bendel State; did not stop the National Party of Nigeria from clinching the Presidency.
Opponents however noted that times have changed. Irrespective of what individual interests exist, regional interests still play a key role in defining how the people vote.
Those who are conversant with politics in Nigeria contend that it is too early for anyone to rightly predict which political party will carry the day because for most politicians, real politics has just begun.
Sunday 24 November 2013
ASUU Set To Suspend Strike
Academic activities may pick up next week in the nation’s public universities as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would this weekend hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to take a position on the on-going five- month-old strike.
Saturday Sun source revealed that national officers and branch chairmen of ASUU have arrived at the venue of the crucial meeting to deliberate on the industrial action.
The industrial action, which enters 144 days today, took off on July 1, 2013 and has crippled academic activities in federal and state universities.
Ahead of the NEC meeting, some members of ASUU in two universities, Enugu State University (ESUT) and Federal University of Agricultural Abeokuta (FUNAAB) had announced that their institutions would open for academic activities.
Also, the authorities of the University of Lagos despite the on-going strike have started the screening/registration for new students offered admission for the 2013/2014 academic session.
The source told our Correspondent that ASUU is aware of public concern about the situation in the universities and that NEC would do the needful after deliberating on reports from the outcome of the various congress.
According to the source, having mourned and honoured late Professor Festus Iyayi, who died while on his way to Bayero University Kano (BUK) for a NEC meeting by suspending the meeting, ASUU leadership felt it was ripe to hold the crucial meeting.
He refused to give insight to the outcome of the NEC meeting but stressed that the decision would be fair based on the various congress resolutions of the meeting its leaders held with President Goodluck Jonathan.
Expectations were high before the postponed ASUU NEC meeting because of the death of its former national President that the industrial action would be suspended after the Federal Government shifted ground on the demands of the university lecturers.
Recalled that President Jonathan had to intervene after the Vice President, Namadi Sambo and the chairman, Implementation and Monitoring Committee led by the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam failed to produce positive results.
At the crucial November 5 meeting with ASUU leaders in Aso Rock, the government agreed to provide N220billion yearly for the next five years and improve on the amount to be released for the contentious Earned Allowance.
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/52738.html
Saturday Sun source revealed that national officers and branch chairmen of ASUU have arrived at the venue of the crucial meeting to deliberate on the industrial action.
The industrial action, which enters 144 days today, took off on July 1, 2013 and has crippled academic activities in federal and state universities.
Ahead of the NEC meeting, some members of ASUU in two universities, Enugu State University (ESUT) and Federal University of Agricultural Abeokuta (FUNAAB) had announced that their institutions would open for academic activities.
Also, the authorities of the University of Lagos despite the on-going strike have started the screening/registration for new students offered admission for the 2013/2014 academic session.
The source told our Correspondent that ASUU is aware of public concern about the situation in the universities and that NEC would do the needful after deliberating on reports from the outcome of the various congress.
According to the source, having mourned and honoured late Professor Festus Iyayi, who died while on his way to Bayero University Kano (BUK) for a NEC meeting by suspending the meeting, ASUU leadership felt it was ripe to hold the crucial meeting.
He refused to give insight to the outcome of the NEC meeting but stressed that the decision would be fair based on the various congress resolutions of the meeting its leaders held with President Goodluck Jonathan.
Expectations were high before the postponed ASUU NEC meeting because of the death of its former national President that the industrial action would be suspended after the Federal Government shifted ground on the demands of the university lecturers.
Recalled that President Jonathan had to intervene after the Vice President, Namadi Sambo and the chairman, Implementation and Monitoring Committee led by the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam failed to produce positive results.
At the crucial November 5 meeting with ASUU leaders in Aso Rock, the government agreed to provide N220billion yearly for the next five years and improve on the amount to be released for the contentious Earned Allowance.
READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/52738.html
Sunday 17 November 2013
ANAMBRA: APGA claims victory
AWKA — The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA yesterday claimed victory in last Saturday’s Anambra gubernatorial election just as the major opposition political parties in the contest kicked, alleging wide scale irregularities.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, however, alleged sabotage on the part of some staff of the commission who he claimed derailed the commission’s plans for smooth delivery of election materials to some sections of Anambra Central Senatorial district.
Ngige,Obiano,Ubah and Nwoye
Meanwhile, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate in the election, Comrade Tony Nwoye were divided yesterday over the conduct of the poll. While the PDP praised the poll for being well conducted, Nwoye at a press conference in Awka denounced the poll as rigged.
The muttering of the opposition parties nonetheless, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh claimed that the victory of the party in the gubernatorial election was well deserved.
He dismissed allegations by the candidates of PDP, APC and LP that the election was rigged as a non-issue saying APGA won convincingly because the people have absolute confidence in the party and its candidate.
Umeh addressed a news conference in Awka in reaction to the complaints by the three major contestants that the election was rigged by Governor Peter Obi with the support of some corrupt INEC officials who deleted names of their supporters from the voters register among other allegations.
Umeh told newsmen that he was surprised by the three parties’ claims that they were cheated in the election, saying their claims were untrue.
He said that unlike the previous elections in the state, there was no incidence of ballot box snatching, violence or other irregularities to warrant anybody faulting the exercise.
“As far as I am concerned the election is free and fair, those people crying blue murder have inordinate ambition. By tomorrow when the result will be out I will face them. I challenge anybody who cares to analyze the results carefully and they will realize that APGA won in those councils where it had won other elections in past polls. There is no need whatsoever for any of the candidates to fault the exercise,” Umeh said.
He said that APGA “is not scared of their threats to go to court because APGA had been in court since its inception and cannot be afraid of litigation.
“What Ngige is doing now is his stock in trade since he has become a serial gubernatorial contestant and as I speak to you now he is still in court over the 2010 election.
“For Tony Nwoye, he was not even in the race. This is a man whom the Supreme Court revalidated his candidacy in less than a week to the election. He only campaigned for four days in the whole of Anambra state and can not claim to have been rigged out of an election he was not actively involved,” the APGA Chairman who is the party’s State Collatting Officer, said.
Before his address, the three major candidates, Tony Nwoye, PDP; Ifeanyi Ubah, Labour and Chris Ngige, APC; had at separate press conferences denounced the conduct of the poll and called for its cancellation.
Opposition candidates in joint conference
The trio subsequently last night addressed a joint press conference where they made a joint call for the cancellation of the polls. They alleged that they would not accept any result from the election as conducted last weekend.
Ubah faulted the outcome of the election, saying that having won convincingly at his Nnewi North local government, which is the stronghold of APGA (the home of Ojukwus), he was confident that he would have won in the entire state had APGA not rigged the poll.
He alleged that APGA bought votes at N10,000 each within Nnewi and the money was distributed to willing voters by a principal officer of the State House of Assembly.
Rejecting the outcome of the election yesterday, Nwoye told a news conference in Awka that the “the election is far below average and cannot be said to be free and fair” adding that “it was heavily manipulated by INEC in collusion with security agents in favour of Governor Peter Obi’s preferred candidate, Willie Obiano.”
I’ve never seen this kind of rigging — Nwoye
Nwoye said: “I have been involved in many elections in this country since my secondary schools days and particularly in 1993 presidential election where Moshood Abiola emerged, I have never seen this type of rigging. I have never seen an election where the military men and police were harassing and intimidating voters, assisting the INEC and APGA agents to chase away the PDP members at the collation centres to write results.”
Nwoye was, however, countered by his party’s national secretariat which praised the conduct of the election.
A statement released by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh while commending INEC for the good conduct of the election said: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby commends President Goodluck Jonathan for providing adequate security and the enabling environment for the conduct of credible, free and fair governorship election in Anambra state last Saturday in spite of any perceived hitch(es).
“In the same vein we commend the entire people of Anambra state and all stakeholders who played key roles in ensuring peaceful and orderly conduct of the process.
“While we now await the official result, we wish to express our satisfaction that the election was conducted without disturbances, despite the massive importation of political thugs by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as their heinous plots to introduce violence to disrupt and rig the poll having discovered that they have been rejected by the people.
“We also commend the candidate of our great party, Comrade Tony Nwoye for his resilience, grassroots appeal and credible outing which brought him to the forefront in the race despite having only two weeks to campaign. This is evident in the results so far released in which he roundly defeated the candidate of the APC who has been campaigning for four months before our candidate. The PDP is indeed happy with Comrade Tony Nwoye’s performance so far.
“While we charge all our members to continue to remain calm and focused, we wish to state that our final position on the election will be made known when the overall result is declared by INEC.”
The APC meanwhile, in a reaction to the development called for total cancellation of the election result saying that delivery of materials to strongholds of the APC was sabotaged.
In its reaction articulated by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said:
“After consultations with our agents as well as with local and foreign observers, we have discovered that what we earlier complained about was a child’s play, compared to the widespread disenfranchisement that was orchestrated by the same body given the responsibility of ensuring a free, fair and creditable election on Saturday.”
Jega meanwhile yesterday alleged sabotage on the part of its officers during the election.
Speaking on AIT yesterday, the electoral chief said that a particular officer who masterminded the derailment of the distribution of election materials to Idemili North Local Government Area of the state has been identified and would be prosecuted.
He said:
“We made all the preparations and decentralised the process of distribution of materials in order to ensure that they get to the polling units in time for the commencement of the election. That was before Saturday.
“Unfortunately and regrettably – we are humans. We can do all the preparations, but if people are determined to subvert the process, one way or the other they will subvert it.
“So, they used our staff. I think we should be very careful when we have a staff of about 12,000 in INEC, when one person has committed an offence and then you use it to generalise or condemn everybody in INEC.
“Our Electoral Officer in charge of Idemili North Local Government, for inexplicable reasons, messed up the distribution of ballot box papers and result sheets. That was the cause of the delay in the distribution of materials in Idemili.
“All materials were to have been distributed by Friday evening, but for some odd reasons, they made sure that they held onto some of the result sheets, and they also gave wrong result sheets to different polling units.
“For Anambra election, as we did in Edo and Ondo, every polling unit has a unique result sheet. So, you cannot take one result sheet to a different place, because it will not work.
“I assured the stakeholders when we met in Awka that materials must get to the polling units before commencement of election.
“So, when we discovered at about 1am that there was this mix-up, and we tried to reach the Electoral Officer and the supervisor and there was confusion, and we knew something was fishy, we said there would be no deployment until we sorted out the problem.
“As I speak, we have handed over the Electoral Officer to the police because clearly what he did is a sabotage of the electoral process, including the Local Government supervisor.
“It took us until about 1pm to be able to sort out what they had jumbled up. We communicated with the community as at 1pm that we were ready to distribute to all the other wards, and materials were distributed.”
The three opposition candidates of PDP, APC and LP, at a joint press conference vowed to reject whatever result that would be announced by INEC from the elections in AnambraState.
The three candidates had earlier in the day expressed their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the election which is yet to be announced by INEC as at press time last night.
Ngige who was flanked by the other two and spoke on behalf of the trio said: ”Our stand is that Saturday election was characterized by fraud, malpractices and massive irregularities and we call on INEC to put in place another process to conduct a fresh election to enable the people of Anambra elect their governor that will take over from the present governor on March 17 next year.
“The irregularities clearly noticed included the omission of the names of many voters in the registers presented for the election in the over 4,000 polling units.
We were assured that the process will be free and fair during the stake holder’s meeting with the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, but little did we know that they had planned to disenfranchise many of our supporters by deleting their names from the register everywhere in the local government areas. It was so massive and we hereby reject the voters registers used for this election.
“We were assured by the INEC chairman that the electoral process would be transparent but we experienced was to the contrary.
“Thirdly we discovered that result sheets were translocated other than the purpose for which they were meant. For instance some result sheets meant for some polling booths in Idemili were taken to another area even when they were coded.
“There were massive. harassment and intimidation of voters and our party agents. The party agents’ accreditation cards were described as fake and they were hounded out hence we had no agents at most poling booths.
“There was massive deployment of money by APGA through its serving commissioners, party chieftains, contractors and some other individuals who were deployed to pay each voter as much as N10,000 to vote for APGA.
“Having noticed the various flaws …we have come to inevitable conclusion that this commission is determined to go back to its old ways and that the much gains made in 2011 election is being reversed.
“We, therefore, urge the INEC to cancel the charade called election conducted in Anambra and deploy transparent officials including a new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC to conduct a fresh election in the state.
“No election result should be announced as the elections have not been concluded. What they are doing now is an exercise in futility.
“We are peace-loving people in Anambra state and they should not provoke the people to violence. A word is enough for the wise.”
Both Ubah and Nwoye said they all agreed to take a common position on the issue, insisting that the election should be cancelled.
TMG faults calls for cancellation
The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) said yesterday that it would not subscribe to total cancellation of the Anambra Governorship Election.
The TMG is one of the observer groups that monitored the election held on Saturday across the state.
The TMG Chairman, Malam Zikirulahi Ibrahim, who was reacting to the problem in Idemili North where the election did not hold on Saturday and was rescheduled for Sunday.
In a telephone Interview, Ibrahim said that in spite of the problem, INEC performed well in some other areas where elections held.
“From our observation, we know the commission tried, but we also know areas where elections need to be repeated.”
“We, however, believe that INEC could have done better by holding the re-scheduled election on a working day instead of a Sunday, considering the religious belief of the people of the area.
“Our concern is that anything worth doing is worth doing well.”
Ibrahim advised INEC to let the entire World see that the issues arising from the Anambra poll were appropriately addressed.
The details of the results of the election, according to Epoke, lecturer at the University of Calabar is as follows:
Aguata LGA: APC 5275; APGA 11,180; LP 1129; PDP 4,275; PPA 1574. APGA won
Ayamelum: APC 1827; APGA 9121; LP 624; PDP 5,681; PPA 31. APGA won
Anambra East: APC 1418; APGA 15,300; LP 511; PDP. APGA won
Anambra West: APC 2,478; APGA 5,128; LP 321; PPA 148. APGA won
Anaocha: APC 3,174; APGA 14,563; LP 733; PPA 138. APGA won.
Awka North: APC 1,712; APGA: 5,385; LP: 474; PDP 3,943; PPA 122. APGA won
Awka South: APC 6,596; APGA: 9,206; LP 1,648; PDP 5689; PPA 208. APGA won.
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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, however, alleged sabotage on the part of some staff of the commission who he claimed derailed the commission’s plans for smooth delivery of election materials to some sections of Anambra Central Senatorial district.
Ngige,Obiano,Ubah and Nwoye
Meanwhile, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate in the election, Comrade Tony Nwoye were divided yesterday over the conduct of the poll. While the PDP praised the poll for being well conducted, Nwoye at a press conference in Awka denounced the poll as rigged.
The muttering of the opposition parties nonetheless, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh claimed that the victory of the party in the gubernatorial election was well deserved.
He dismissed allegations by the candidates of PDP, APC and LP that the election was rigged as a non-issue saying APGA won convincingly because the people have absolute confidence in the party and its candidate.
Umeh addressed a news conference in Awka in reaction to the complaints by the three major contestants that the election was rigged by Governor Peter Obi with the support of some corrupt INEC officials who deleted names of their supporters from the voters register among other allegations.
Umeh told newsmen that he was surprised by the three parties’ claims that they were cheated in the election, saying their claims were untrue.
He said that unlike the previous elections in the state, there was no incidence of ballot box snatching, violence or other irregularities to warrant anybody faulting the exercise.
“As far as I am concerned the election is free and fair, those people crying blue murder have inordinate ambition. By tomorrow when the result will be out I will face them. I challenge anybody who cares to analyze the results carefully and they will realize that APGA won in those councils where it had won other elections in past polls. There is no need whatsoever for any of the candidates to fault the exercise,” Umeh said.
He said that APGA “is not scared of their threats to go to court because APGA had been in court since its inception and cannot be afraid of litigation.
“What Ngige is doing now is his stock in trade since he has become a serial gubernatorial contestant and as I speak to you now he is still in court over the 2010 election.
“For Tony Nwoye, he was not even in the race. This is a man whom the Supreme Court revalidated his candidacy in less than a week to the election. He only campaigned for four days in the whole of Anambra state and can not claim to have been rigged out of an election he was not actively involved,” the APGA Chairman who is the party’s State Collatting Officer, said.
Before his address, the three major candidates, Tony Nwoye, PDP; Ifeanyi Ubah, Labour and Chris Ngige, APC; had at separate press conferences denounced the conduct of the poll and called for its cancellation.
Opposition candidates in joint conference
The trio subsequently last night addressed a joint press conference where they made a joint call for the cancellation of the polls. They alleged that they would not accept any result from the election as conducted last weekend.
Ubah faulted the outcome of the election, saying that having won convincingly at his Nnewi North local government, which is the stronghold of APGA (the home of Ojukwus), he was confident that he would have won in the entire state had APGA not rigged the poll.
He alleged that APGA bought votes at N10,000 each within Nnewi and the money was distributed to willing voters by a principal officer of the State House of Assembly.
Rejecting the outcome of the election yesterday, Nwoye told a news conference in Awka that the “the election is far below average and cannot be said to be free and fair” adding that “it was heavily manipulated by INEC in collusion with security agents in favour of Governor Peter Obi’s preferred candidate, Willie Obiano.”
I’ve never seen this kind of rigging — Nwoye
Nwoye said: “I have been involved in many elections in this country since my secondary schools days and particularly in 1993 presidential election where Moshood Abiola emerged, I have never seen this type of rigging. I have never seen an election where the military men and police were harassing and intimidating voters, assisting the INEC and APGA agents to chase away the PDP members at the collation centres to write results.”
Nwoye was, however, countered by his party’s national secretariat which praised the conduct of the election.
A statement released by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh while commending INEC for the good conduct of the election said: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby commends President Goodluck Jonathan for providing adequate security and the enabling environment for the conduct of credible, free and fair governorship election in Anambra state last Saturday in spite of any perceived hitch(es).
“In the same vein we commend the entire people of Anambra state and all stakeholders who played key roles in ensuring peaceful and orderly conduct of the process.
“While we now await the official result, we wish to express our satisfaction that the election was conducted without disturbances, despite the massive importation of political thugs by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as their heinous plots to introduce violence to disrupt and rig the poll having discovered that they have been rejected by the people.
“We also commend the candidate of our great party, Comrade Tony Nwoye for his resilience, grassroots appeal and credible outing which brought him to the forefront in the race despite having only two weeks to campaign. This is evident in the results so far released in which he roundly defeated the candidate of the APC who has been campaigning for four months before our candidate. The PDP is indeed happy with Comrade Tony Nwoye’s performance so far.
“While we charge all our members to continue to remain calm and focused, we wish to state that our final position on the election will be made known when the overall result is declared by INEC.”
The APC meanwhile, in a reaction to the development called for total cancellation of the election result saying that delivery of materials to strongholds of the APC was sabotaged.
In its reaction articulated by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said:
“After consultations with our agents as well as with local and foreign observers, we have discovered that what we earlier complained about was a child’s play, compared to the widespread disenfranchisement that was orchestrated by the same body given the responsibility of ensuring a free, fair and creditable election on Saturday.”
Jega meanwhile yesterday alleged sabotage on the part of its officers during the election.
Speaking on AIT yesterday, the electoral chief said that a particular officer who masterminded the derailment of the distribution of election materials to Idemili North Local Government Area of the state has been identified and would be prosecuted.
He said:
“We made all the preparations and decentralised the process of distribution of materials in order to ensure that they get to the polling units in time for the commencement of the election. That was before Saturday.
“Unfortunately and regrettably – we are humans. We can do all the preparations, but if people are determined to subvert the process, one way or the other they will subvert it.
“So, they used our staff. I think we should be very careful when we have a staff of about 12,000 in INEC, when one person has committed an offence and then you use it to generalise or condemn everybody in INEC.
“Our Electoral Officer in charge of Idemili North Local Government, for inexplicable reasons, messed up the distribution of ballot box papers and result sheets. That was the cause of the delay in the distribution of materials in Idemili.
“All materials were to have been distributed by Friday evening, but for some odd reasons, they made sure that they held onto some of the result sheets, and they also gave wrong result sheets to different polling units.
“For Anambra election, as we did in Edo and Ondo, every polling unit has a unique result sheet. So, you cannot take one result sheet to a different place, because it will not work.
“I assured the stakeholders when we met in Awka that materials must get to the polling units before commencement of election.
“So, when we discovered at about 1am that there was this mix-up, and we tried to reach the Electoral Officer and the supervisor and there was confusion, and we knew something was fishy, we said there would be no deployment until we sorted out the problem.
“As I speak, we have handed over the Electoral Officer to the police because clearly what he did is a sabotage of the electoral process, including the Local Government supervisor.
“It took us until about 1pm to be able to sort out what they had jumbled up. We communicated with the community as at 1pm that we were ready to distribute to all the other wards, and materials were distributed.”
The three opposition candidates of PDP, APC and LP, at a joint press conference vowed to reject whatever result that would be announced by INEC from the elections in AnambraState.
The three candidates had earlier in the day expressed their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the election which is yet to be announced by INEC as at press time last night.
Ngige who was flanked by the other two and spoke on behalf of the trio said: ”Our stand is that Saturday election was characterized by fraud, malpractices and massive irregularities and we call on INEC to put in place another process to conduct a fresh election to enable the people of Anambra elect their governor that will take over from the present governor on March 17 next year.
“The irregularities clearly noticed included the omission of the names of many voters in the registers presented for the election in the over 4,000 polling units.
We were assured that the process will be free and fair during the stake holder’s meeting with the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, but little did we know that they had planned to disenfranchise many of our supporters by deleting their names from the register everywhere in the local government areas. It was so massive and we hereby reject the voters registers used for this election.
“We were assured by the INEC chairman that the electoral process would be transparent but we experienced was to the contrary.
“Thirdly we discovered that result sheets were translocated other than the purpose for which they were meant. For instance some result sheets meant for some polling booths in Idemili were taken to another area even when they were coded.
“There were massive. harassment and intimidation of voters and our party agents. The party agents’ accreditation cards were described as fake and they were hounded out hence we had no agents at most poling booths.
“There was massive deployment of money by APGA through its serving commissioners, party chieftains, contractors and some other individuals who were deployed to pay each voter as much as N10,000 to vote for APGA.
“Having noticed the various flaws …we have come to inevitable conclusion that this commission is determined to go back to its old ways and that the much gains made in 2011 election is being reversed.
“We, therefore, urge the INEC to cancel the charade called election conducted in Anambra and deploy transparent officials including a new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC to conduct a fresh election in the state.
“No election result should be announced as the elections have not been concluded. What they are doing now is an exercise in futility.
“We are peace-loving people in Anambra state and they should not provoke the people to violence. A word is enough for the wise.”
Both Ubah and Nwoye said they all agreed to take a common position on the issue, insisting that the election should be cancelled.
TMG faults calls for cancellation
The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) said yesterday that it would not subscribe to total cancellation of the Anambra Governorship Election.
The TMG is one of the observer groups that monitored the election held on Saturday across the state.
The TMG Chairman, Malam Zikirulahi Ibrahim, who was reacting to the problem in Idemili North where the election did not hold on Saturday and was rescheduled for Sunday.
In a telephone Interview, Ibrahim said that in spite of the problem, INEC performed well in some other areas where elections held.
“From our observation, we know the commission tried, but we also know areas where elections need to be repeated.”
“We, however, believe that INEC could have done better by holding the re-scheduled election on a working day instead of a Sunday, considering the religious belief of the people of the area.
“Our concern is that anything worth doing is worth doing well.”
Ibrahim advised INEC to let the entire World see that the issues arising from the Anambra poll were appropriately addressed.
The details of the results of the election, according to Epoke, lecturer at the University of Calabar is as follows:
Aguata LGA: APC 5275; APGA 11,180; LP 1129; PDP 4,275; PPA 1574. APGA won
Ayamelum: APC 1827; APGA 9121; LP 624; PDP 5,681; PPA 31. APGA won
Anambra East: APC 1418; APGA 15,300; LP 511; PDP. APGA won
Anambra West: APC 2,478; APGA 5,128; LP 321; PPA 148. APGA won
Anaocha: APC 3,174; APGA 14,563; LP 733; PPA 138. APGA won.
Awka North: APC 1,712; APGA: 5,385; LP: 474; PDP 3,943; PPA 122. APGA won
Awka South: APC 6,596; APGA: 9,206; LP 1,648; PDP 5689; PPA 208. APGA won.
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APC's letter to INEC chairman submitted Saturday night......read and make up your mind on the situation in Anambra State........
16th November, 2013
Chairman
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent
Maitama District
Abuja
Sir,
COMPLAINT ON THE CONDUCT OF THE ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
Senator Chris Ngige is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Anambra State Governorship Election of 16th November, 2013. We wish to bring to your notice serious breaches of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) in relation to the conduct of the election as reported to us by our accredited agents in areas where the party has overwhelming support.
1. IDEMILI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: As at 2 p.m. when most of the voters ought to have cast their votes, election materials were yet to arrive the local council. Idemili North Local Government has the highest number of registered voters in the State at 173, 832.
2. IDEMILI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: Several qualified voters were disenfranchised, as their names were not on the voters’ register. Indeed, the voters’ registers used in the local council were different from the voters’ registers given to the participating political parties. Idemili South Local Government Area, my home local council, has 85, 731 registered voters.
3. AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: The names of a lot of eligible voters were expunged or missing from the Voters’ Register. The voters’ registers used in the local councils were different from the voters’ registers given to the participating political parties, for instance, Awka South Local Government Area which is my strong hold and has 118,312 registered voters.
4. IHIALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: Massive fraudulent practices at Umuchima Polling Unit 14, Uli Ward I.
Aside from Ihiala Local Government Area, the three local councils above comprise 377,875 of the total 1,784,536 registered voters. Instructively, these are areas where I have very high voter support base.
We note that these developments are very worrisome, and will seriously impact the outcome of the election. Even more instructive is that contrary to assurances by the INEC Chairman at the stakeholders’ forum held in Awka during the week, the numerous cases of disenfranchised voters clearly indicate that voters’ register is far from “clean.”
We recall that these irregularities were recorded massively during the 2010 Governorship Election and to an extent the 2011 National Assembly Elections in the state and for which repeat elections were held in certain areas. We further note that following discovery of a systematic plot to disenfranchise areas where we have strong support base, we called for the removal of the current Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State for his apparent partisanship and lack of grip on the electoral process. Albeit our call was neglected, the Tribunals upturned several of the elections supervised by that same Commissioner. We again repeated this call more recently in the run-up to this election. Regrettably, and for inexplicable reasons, this call has not been heeded. It is therefore not surprising that these irregularities have manifested again.
OUR PRAYER
a. We strongly reject the decision by the Commission, as announced by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, to conduct re-run elections tomorrow (Sunday, 17th November 2013) in 65 Polling Units at Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area as all the electoral wards affected in Idemili North Local Government Area are affected and also in some other Local Government Areas e.g. Okopoko Ward IV in Ogbaru Local Government Area and Wards 8 and 9 of Awka South LGA.
b. The Supervising Polling Officers (SPOs) of nine (9) Wards of Obosi, Abatete, Nkpor I, Nkpor II, Ogidi I, Ogidi II, Uke, Eziowelle and Umuoji that have already affirmed to your National Commissioner (Operations) that no election took place in their wards as we write.
c. We demand that elections be conducted not only in Obosi but also in the entire Idemili North Local Government Area electoral wards, as no election held in all parts of the Local Government Area. We request that this repeat election be held on a date that will be conducive to the voters who are in the main Christians as a Sunday date (tomorrow) is completely unsuitable and will conflict with their religious obligations.
d. We demand that the results for Uli Ward I Poling Unit and Uli Umuchima Polling Unit 14 be cancelled due to obvious gross irregularities and non-compliance with the electoral codes.
Further, we strongly request that your Commission does not declare any results relating to the Governorship Election until repeat elections are held in these areas where these irregularities occurred and in consonance with the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and laid down guidelines of INEC’s Electoral Manual, more so as most of our supporters have been disenfranchised in these areas.
We further implore you to improve on the conduct of the repeat elections so that the true wishes of the people of Anambra State are expressed through the ballot box as doing anything to the contrary will further damage the image of your commission. It is imperative to also let you know that most of the abandoned elections were caused by poor logistics deployment and the fraudulent removal of results sheets by your staff, a situation we regard as criminal and shameful and in total contravention of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
We urge your urgent attention on this matter.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Senator Chris Ngige (OON)
Governorship Candidate
Alh. Tijjani M. Tumsah
National Secretary
Cc: Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anambra State
National Commissioner (Operations)
Chairman
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent
Maitama District
Abuja
Sir,
COMPLAINT ON THE CONDUCT OF THE ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
Senator Chris Ngige is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Anambra State Governorship Election of 16th November, 2013. We wish to bring to your notice serious breaches of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) in relation to the conduct of the election as reported to us by our accredited agents in areas where the party has overwhelming support.
1. IDEMILI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: As at 2 p.m. when most of the voters ought to have cast their votes, election materials were yet to arrive the local council. Idemili North Local Government has the highest number of registered voters in the State at 173, 832.
2. IDEMILI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: Several qualified voters were disenfranchised, as their names were not on the voters’ register. Indeed, the voters’ registers used in the local council were different from the voters’ registers given to the participating political parties. Idemili South Local Government Area, my home local council, has 85, 731 registered voters.
3. AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: The names of a lot of eligible voters were expunged or missing from the Voters’ Register. The voters’ registers used in the local councils were different from the voters’ registers given to the participating political parties, for instance, Awka South Local Government Area which is my strong hold and has 118,312 registered voters.
4. IHIALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: Massive fraudulent practices at Umuchima Polling Unit 14, Uli Ward I.
Aside from Ihiala Local Government Area, the three local councils above comprise 377,875 of the total 1,784,536 registered voters. Instructively, these are areas where I have very high voter support base.
We note that these developments are very worrisome, and will seriously impact the outcome of the election. Even more instructive is that contrary to assurances by the INEC Chairman at the stakeholders’ forum held in Awka during the week, the numerous cases of disenfranchised voters clearly indicate that voters’ register is far from “clean.”
We recall that these irregularities were recorded massively during the 2010 Governorship Election and to an extent the 2011 National Assembly Elections in the state and for which repeat elections were held in certain areas. We further note that following discovery of a systematic plot to disenfranchise areas where we have strong support base, we called for the removal of the current Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra State for his apparent partisanship and lack of grip on the electoral process. Albeit our call was neglected, the Tribunals upturned several of the elections supervised by that same Commissioner. We again repeated this call more recently in the run-up to this election. Regrettably, and for inexplicable reasons, this call has not been heeded. It is therefore not surprising that these irregularities have manifested again.
OUR PRAYER
a. We strongly reject the decision by the Commission, as announced by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, to conduct re-run elections tomorrow (Sunday, 17th November 2013) in 65 Polling Units at Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area as all the electoral wards affected in Idemili North Local Government Area are affected and also in some other Local Government Areas e.g. Okopoko Ward IV in Ogbaru Local Government Area and Wards 8 and 9 of Awka South LGA.
b. The Supervising Polling Officers (SPOs) of nine (9) Wards of Obosi, Abatete, Nkpor I, Nkpor II, Ogidi I, Ogidi II, Uke, Eziowelle and Umuoji that have already affirmed to your National Commissioner (Operations) that no election took place in their wards as we write.
c. We demand that elections be conducted not only in Obosi but also in the entire Idemili North Local Government Area electoral wards, as no election held in all parts of the Local Government Area. We request that this repeat election be held on a date that will be conducive to the voters who are in the main Christians as a Sunday date (tomorrow) is completely unsuitable and will conflict with their religious obligations.
d. We demand that the results for Uli Ward I Poling Unit and Uli Umuchima Polling Unit 14 be cancelled due to obvious gross irregularities and non-compliance with the electoral codes.
Further, we strongly request that your Commission does not declare any results relating to the Governorship Election until repeat elections are held in these areas where these irregularities occurred and in consonance with the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and laid down guidelines of INEC’s Electoral Manual, more so as most of our supporters have been disenfranchised in these areas.
We further implore you to improve on the conduct of the repeat elections so that the true wishes of the people of Anambra State are expressed through the ballot box as doing anything to the contrary will further damage the image of your commission. It is imperative to also let you know that most of the abandoned elections were caused by poor logistics deployment and the fraudulent removal of results sheets by your staff, a situation we regard as criminal and shameful and in total contravention of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
We urge your urgent attention on this matter.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
Senator Chris Ngige (OON)
Governorship Candidate
Alh. Tijjani M. Tumsah
National Secretary
Cc: Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anambra State
National Commissioner (Operations)
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