Connect with us

latest

‘We Are Not Afraid’ – Turaki-Led PDP Hits Back Hard At Wike’s Warning.

Published

on

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki has responded to remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, concerning the group’s plans to open bank accounts for party operations and the sale of nomination forms.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wike had earlier cautioned that the faction should publicly demonstrate its legitimacy by opening accounts in the party’s name, warning that financial institutions involved could face consequences. He also threatened that any premises used by the group for party activities could be sealed.

In its reaction, the Turaki-led faction dismissed Wike’s comments, insisting that he is already aware the party operates official accounts used for its legitimate activities. The group described his statements as unnecessary and driven by frustration over ongoing internal party developments.

It maintained that the sale of nomination forms and preparations for party primaries are still ongoing and will not be disrupted, stressing that no individual has the authority to halt the party’s activities under its current leadership.

The faction further argued that Wike’s claims about sanctioning banks were unrealistic, noting that the party already maintains operational accounts for its affairs. It also suggested that party-related funds are not managed in the manner he alleged.

In a strongly worded statement, the faction said:

“As the legitimate leadership of our political party, we sympathise with Wike for the pain concomitant with the realisation that he will not and can never be the National Leader of our party, as no such office exists in our constitution; and even if it did, he, by conduct and speech, would be grossly insufficient to assume such an exalted office.

“We understand his frustration about the commencement of the sale of forms and activities to hold primaries and eventually a national convention where a credible Nigerian will emerge as the Presidential Candidate.

“This will mean that he has failed in his promise to ‘hold down’ the party for his principal. The sale of forms is ongoing, and there is nothing Wike can do about it.

“His delusional boast of dealing with banks that will open accounts for us is delusional, as he is already aware that we are operating accounts of the party, which is why his group of friends are receiving money through private accounts,” the statement added.

Advertisement

latest

“I Feel Guilty” – Datti Baba-Ahmed Claims He Engineered Obi–Kwankwaso Alliance.

Published

on

Former vice presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has revealed that he played a significant role in encouraging the political understanding between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an interview with Punch, Baba-Ahmed said he now feels a sense of regret, explaining that he was the one who initially advised Obi to consider an alliance with Kwankwaso.

He admitted that he did not fully take into account certain political realities before making the suggestion in January.

Baba-Ahmed also expressed doubts that voters in the North would strongly support an Obi–Kwankwaso ticket.

According to him, “It is very unlikely that the North will rally around the O-K ticket. And this is my personal opinion. I still have an excellent relationship and much respect for both of them.

“I did say that I feel guilty because I was the one who told Peter Obi to run with him on the 31st of January 2024 at JohnWood Hotel.

“After asking him a few things, I told him, Your Excellency, from this point, there is Kwankwaso, there is (Nasir) El-Rufai, there’s another person. I would like to suggest you approach them.

“The business that I do now, which started around 2011, I was planning it as far back as 1996. If in 2024, you cannot plan ahead of 2027, I’m sorry, I cannot continue to be with you.

“I recommended the option. So the coming together of Obi and Kwankwaso was my idea.”

Speaking on the chances of the alliance defeating President Bola Tinubu in 2027, he said it remains uncertain.

“Will it work? I think it’s a big question. We just have to wait and see. However, remember, why didn’t we get Kwankwaso to support Peter Obi in 2023? What changed between 2023 and 2026?”

He further questioned the political balance of a potential ticket, pointing out differences in experience, influence, and regional strength between the figures involved.

Baba-Ahmed also noted the ambitions of key political actors, especially Kwankwaso, and how such dynamics could affect any partnership.

“How will Kano think that their champion, who has serially wanted to be the president, is now going to serve as deputy? I know we got nearly 25 per cent in Kano before the results were changed. That doesn’t play out well in any political contest,” he added.

He concluded by saying that although he once suggested the alliance, he later realized he did not fully consider all the underlying political factors at play.

Continue Reading

latest

PDP Power Struggle Explodes As Wike And Makinde Camps Clash Over Party Control.

Published

on

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Wednesday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the faction aligned with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, exchanged sharp words over control of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Wike challenged the Kabiru Turaki-led group to substantiate its claim to party leadership by opening a PDP secretariat and bank account in Abuja, warning that any such move within the FCT would be shut down.

During a media chat, the former Rivers State governor accused the rival faction of fraud, disobedience to court rulings, and deliberate misinformation.

He said, “When will people stop being fraudulent? You cannot disobey court judgments and then turn around to deceive Nigerians that you have a legitimate structure. That is not how democracy works.”

Wike maintained that the group had no legal authority to run the affairs of the party, insisting they should prove their legitimacy.

“If they are sure they are the authentic leadership of the PDP, let them open an official PDP account and tell party members to pay nomination fees into it,” he said.

He directly challenged Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kabiru Turaki, saying, “Let Turaki open an account for the PDP. Let them announce it publicly… That day, you will see what will happen. He will lose his silk.”

Wike argued that no bank would proceed with such an arrangement without proper documentation and recognised party leadership.

On the idea of a parallel secretariat, he warned that he would not tolerate any unauthorised office operating in Abuja.

“I will not allow any breach of peace because my duty is to maintain law and order in the Federal Capital Territory,” he stated.

He also dismissed the caretaker arrangement being proposed by the faction, describing it as unlawful and contrary to court decisions, which he insisted already defined the legitimate leadership of the party.

Wike further criticised interpretations of Supreme Court rulings by the rival camp, accusing them of misrepresentation. He also faulted moves by the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees to establish an interim structure, calling it part of what he termed “illegality.”

He additionally accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of reneging on agreements reached during a peace meeting mediated by President Bola Tinubu.

Wike also defended his actions on land administration in Abuja, particularly around Jabi Lake, saying they were necessary to enforce the city’s master plan and prevent long-term neglect of government property.

Makinde-Backed Faction Responds

In response, the PDP interim leadership aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde dismissed Wike’s remarks, insisting that its planned primaries and national convention would proceed without disruption.

In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the faction described Wike’s comments as inappropriate and politically motivated.

He said, “Nigerians today witnessed what can only be described as an unsolicited display of political rudeness, moral emptiness, crass opportunism, and post-defeat trauma.”

The group said it was not responding directly to Wike but addressing Nigerians over what it described as his past political influence.

“This statement is not a reply to his tirade… but an apology to Nigerians for having enabled a public figure whose conduct has become a national embarrassment,” Ememobong said.

The faction insisted that Wike could not determine the leadership of the party, adding that no such position as “National Leader” exists in its constitution.

It also confirmed that the sale of nomination forms had commenced and would continue as planned.

According to the group, the PDP continues to operate its official bank accounts, dismissing claims that financial institutions would be pressured to act otherwise.

On the legal dispute, the faction said it was awaiting certified court documents and maintained that no amount of pressure would stop the party’s processes.

Continue Reading

latest

DSS Breaks Silence: “We Did Not Sue SERAP” – Agency Blames Operatives for Personal Action.

Published

on

The Department of State Services (DSS) has clarified that it did not file the defamation lawsuit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the agency, the case was initiated by two of its operatives who sought legal redress in their personal capacity after claiming they were defamed.

Naija News reports that on Tuesday, a Federal Capital Territory High Court awarded ₦100 million in damages to the two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, against SERAP.

Justice Yusuf Halilu also ordered SERAP to publish a public apology, pay ₦1 million in legal costs, and comply with a 10 percent annual post-judgment interest on the damages until full payment is made.

The case stemmed from SERAP’s September 2024 statement accusing DSS operatives of unlawfully entering its Abuja office, an allegation the organisation said violated its rights. SERAP has since criticised the ruling, describing it as a setback for civic freedoms.

DSS Clarifies Position On Case

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS explained that the lawsuit was not instituted by the agency itself.

Dozie said the two operatives involved obtained approval from the Director-General of the DSS before taking legal action.

He stated that the agency has a duty to protect officers who perform their responsibilities lawfully.

According to the statement, “The Service hereby reiterates that, the suit was not between DSS as an organisation and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

“Rather, it was a case filed by two of our operatives, who in the course of their lawful duty, felt defamed by SERAP, claiming that they, on September 9, 2024, unlawfully invaded their Abuja office and harassed their staff.”

The DSS added that it had conducted an internal investigation into SERAP’s allegations before the operatives proceeded to court.

It continued, “An investigation into the claims by SERAP against the operatives was immediately initiated.

“Following the outcome of the investigation, the said operatives felt the need to seek redress in their personal capacity and subsequently sought and obtained the approval of the Director-General, State Services, to approach the Court. The Court granted their reliefs and awarded the sum of ₦100m to the duo.”

The agency further stressed its commitment to protecting law-abiding officers while also disciplining personnel who violate regulations.

“As an Agency, DSS has an obligation to protect its staff who carry out their duties in a lawful manner. At the same time, sanction erring operatives found to have breached the Nigerian laws and our extant regulations.

“We have demonstrated this time and again by prosecuting some of our staff for various offenses in competent courts,” the statement added.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 NIVONEWS