Politics
Top PDP Stalwarts Move To Close Ranks In Osun
Elders of Osun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including members of the party’s Board of Trustees have commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for the delivery of good governance and democratic dividends in the last one year.
Biztellers reports that among such dignitaries are former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Alh Shuaib Oyedokun; former National Secretary of the party and former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the 1999 governorship candidate of the PDP in the state and third republic senator, Dr Oluwole Alabi.
They described the governor’s performance as outstanding, sterling and called for unconditional rapprochement within the party for a more entrenched hold on the state.
This filtered out of a series of strategic meetings Tuesday night, gathered to be ahead of an upcoming stakeholders’ meeting.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke was accompanied by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Right Hon Adewale Egbedun; Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi; Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; South West Zonal Vice Chairman nominee, Hon Kamar Ajisafe, State Chairman of the party, Hon Sunday Bisi and other critical leaders of government and the party.
Former governor Oyinlola expressed his pride in Gov Adeleke’s approach to governance as well as his remarkable records of service delivery since assuming office.
“Mr Governor, we are proud of you. You represent us and the party well. Reports from the streets speak volumes of your good performance”, Oyinlola said.
On his part, Dr Alabi noted that the governor has proved naysayers wrong by his spectacular delivery across the sectors in the last 12 months.
In his words, “Let me be frank. I misjudged you. You proved to me and others that you are up to the task, that you know your onions, that you understand the needs of our people and you can deliver democratic dividends.
“I follow your activities closely. I can confirm that you are performing. Politics apart, you are Mr Performer people are calling you. Your records have rebranded the PDP. Our task is to now close ranks and provide full party backing for your grade A governance.”
The former National Deputy Chairman of the party, Alh Oyedokun said Governor Adeleke has discharged his mandate in the best interest of the people, explaining that “we cannot deny your great performance. On the streets, your positive hands are noticeable.
“As a longtime political actor and as an elder of note locally and nationally, I affirm that you have given the party good records to campaign on. People are thrilled by your person, your brand.
“You dance to deliver democratic dividends. You praise the Lord as you upgrade infrastructure and take care of workers’ welfare. What we need next is to close our ranks and unite behind your government as a true peoples’ government”, Chief Oyedokun who just lost his wife noted.
Gov Adeleke expressed gratitude to the party elders for their positive review of his administration, noting that those kind words coming from the caliber of such leaders further encouraged him to do more.
“I thank our elders for these kind words. Whatever success we have recorded is by God’s grace and peoples’ support. I am encouraged to devote my time to continue to serve the people.
“I am committed to further open the doors of government and party to all party members. We seek the Governorship and God granted our prayers. So the past is gone, the present and the future are the focus. I value all party members, especially our elders. We will do all that is necessary to ensure an inclusive government committed to public service”, the Governor restated.
“I trust our party chairman, Hon Bisi, will do the needful. To all party men and women, be rest assured that as we raise the profile of the party, we will ensure a new PDP where all members have a sense of belonging for collective success”, the Governor noted.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has announced its decision to back Northern candidates in the 2027 general elections, citing the urgent need to address the worsening socio-economic and security challenges facing the region.
In a communique issued after its National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, the forum expressed deep concern over the economic state of Northern Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, attributing the region’s struggles to flawed governance and poor policy decisions.
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The ACF criticized the Federal Government’s economic policies, describing them as detrimental to the livelihoods of Northern citizens.
According to the communique, signed by the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the policies have compounded the already dire economic conditions in the region.
The statement reads, “Arewa people remain at a great disadvantage, being already worse off economically compared to other parts of Nigeria. While economic reforms are indeed desirable, they should not impoverish the same people they are meant to serve. Policies must have a human face.”
The forum noted that the North faces chronic food insecurity, limited educational and vocational opportunities for youth, and a heavy reliance on small-scale economic activities.
“Livelihoods are currently dependent on micro activities. The region faces acute and chronic food insecurity; its youths lack education and skills training. Daunting as these may be, they can be reversed. The time to think big is now,” the communique emphasized.
The ACF also addressed the pervasive insecurity in the North, warning that the situation has begun to erode public confidence in the government.
“Security is an irreducible minimum of human existence. In this regard, insecurity in its various manifestations remains the most worrisome challenge of Arewa people, that has even started to corrosively undermine the authority of government,” the forum stated.
It condemned the government’s response to the crisis, arguing that the Federal Government has failed to meet its primary duty of safeguarding lives and property.
“That those whose responsibility it is to provide security will be saying they are doing their best is unacceptable,” the communique said. “The minimum duty of government is to safeguard life and property, and doing anything less is a failure.”
The ACF faulted what it described as the “flawed leadership selection process” under the Tinubu administration, claiming it has elevated individuals without the requisite competence or experience to key positions.
It urged the Federal Government to “review, reassess, reevaluate, and re-order the direction of its economic policies with a view to giving it the needed human face.”
Looking ahead to the next general elections, the ACF pledged its support for Northern politicians who demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing the region’s challenges and fostering national development.
“Notwithstanding the parlous state of Arewa’s glaring economic conditions, the policies of the current Federal Government have continued to make matters much worse,” the communique stated.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to prioritize completing ongoing projects and avoid leaving any abandoned during his second term in office.
Ganduje made the call on Wednesday at the APC’s national secretariat in Abuja after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented Certificates of Return to Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Adelami Olaide.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s re-election was marked by a sweeping victory in all 18 local government areas of the state during last Saturday’s governorship election.
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Ganduje praised the outcome, describing it as a testament to the people’s confidence in the APC-led administration.
“I am happy about the landslide result. The election is not the effort of the elite and middle class alone; it is also through the effort of the grassroots,” Ganduje said. “Out of 203 wards, APC won 202, losing only one ward. This is a victory embraced by all.”
Ganduje highlighted the importance of continuity and urged the governor to leverage his experience from the previous administration led by the late Rotimi Akeredolu.
“As a deputy, you knew how projects were started by your late governor. You were part of it, also as a governor for 10 months, and now as a re-elected governor. For the next four years, you will continue,” he said.
“You know the terrains, geography, and physical landscape of all 18 local government areas. Use these insights to carve out projects that will improve the lives of the Ondo people.”
Meanwhile, Ondo APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, commended Ganduje’s leadership and strategic direction, which he credited for the party’s success in the election.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support for Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy, despite internal opposition from some party stakeholders.
“We have finally killed PDP in Ondo,” Adetimehin declared. “Most of the leaders of that party have defected to the APC. With the landslide victory in this election, it is clear to the whole world that there is no PDP in Ondo.”
He further described Ganduje as a mentor whose leadership had been instrumental in uniting the party and ensuring victory at the polls.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded Akeredolu and completed his tenure before securing re-election, has pledged to focus on delivering on his mandate and completing critical projects in his second term.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally issued certificates of return to Ondo State Governor-elect Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, following their victory in Saturday’s governorship election.
The presentation ceremony took place on Wednesday at INEC headquarters in Abuja, where the commission’s National Commissioner for Ondo State, Kunle Ajayi, handed over the certificates.
Biztellers reports that Aiyedatiwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent governor, emerged victorious in the election, securing 366,781 votes to defeat his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 117,845 votes.
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The results were announced in Akure on Sunday by the Returning Officer, Professor Olayemi Akinyemi, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja.
Election observers described the polls as peaceful and credible, commending INEC for improved logistical arrangements.
The event was attended by top APC officials, including the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other party members.
Ganduje hailed the outcome as a triumph for democracy in Nigeria.
“Since 1999, we have been enjoying democracy, and we always fine-tune it to ensure it is fair, free, and decent, so that it is the vote of the people that counts,” Ganduje said.
PDP Rejects Results
Despite widespread praise for the conduct of the election, the PDP has rejected the outcome, describing it as fraudulent. Its candidate, Ajayi, vowed to challenge the results in court.
Aiyedatiwa Pledges Better Leadership
Speaking after receiving his certificate of return, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the people of Ondo State for renewing his mandate.
“The mandate you have just renewed via your huge votes across 18 LGAs where we won convincingly has placed a burden on me to serve you better than I did before now,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa initially assumed office in December 2023 following the death of his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
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