By Our Reporter

Opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) internal crisis has reached a “dangerous bend” following the supreme court’s split judgement upholding the nullification of its Ibadan convention.

PDP regretted that, “This leads the vehicle of our party towards a dangerous bend, which, if not carefully navigated, may not only affect the party but also multi-party democracy in our country.”

In the statement issued Wednesday signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, its spokesperson, further described its group as the “Uncompromised PDP.”

Continuing it said, “Today, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, through a five-man panel presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba, in a split decision (3–2), upheld the judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, wherein the convention held in Ibadan was nullified.”

The party noted that the majority decision, delivered by Justices Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Stephen Adah, and Mohammed Garba, was based on what the court described as disobedience to an existing court order.

The statement further added: “The three Justices (Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Stephen Adah, and Garba) hinged their judgments on the disrespect of a valid, subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court and therefore held that, being in contempt, the appellants cannot be accommodated in the apex court, thereby dismissing the appeal.”.

It added: “However, the minority judgments by Justices Haruna Tsammani and Abubakar Umar held that the two appeals emanate from matters which are internal affairs of the PDP and are therefore non-justiciable.”

The dissenting justices also faulted the majority for raising issues not originally argued by the parties.

The PDP added: “Furthermore, they held that it is not the duty of the court to fish out matters to execute the case for the respondent, because the majority judgment undertook the duty of raising matters suo motu without calling on the parties to address them.”

But despite the uncertainty, the party expressed confidence as its internal structures would respond appropriately. “To this end, we are certain that the existing organs of the party will take the necessary steps to salvage the party and confer leadership on it going forward.”

The party warned that the implications of the judgment could extend beyond the party, potentially affecting Nigeria’s democratic system.

By Saint Mugaga

A former Kaiama local government chairman, Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat to represent Kaiama/Baruten federal constituency of Kwara State, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a letter intent addressed to both Chairmen Kaiama and Baruten of the PDP, and made available to the media, on Sunday, he said “I Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed of Bani ward, Kaiama LGA, hereby formally notify the leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), of my intention to contest for the House of representatives seat, to represent Kaiama/ Baruten federal constituency in the forthcoming general elections”.

Sadiq, a grassroots politician, served the party and the good people of Kaiama in various capacity, as councillor Bani ward, Vice chairman and subsequently the executive chairman of of Kaiama LGA and as member 2014 National conference.

“In each of these roles, Hon Sadiq has worked closely with the grassroots to deliver democracy dividends and strengthen the PDP at all levels”.

He also assured the leadership and the good people of the constituency that if given a chance, he would advocate for good and quality education, healthcare, and youth empowerment as well as policies that would improve the lives of the ordinary people.

Sadiq, while pledging total loyalty to the party, promise to abide by the rules, guidelines and decisions of the leadership of the party, “I therefore humbly seek the support, blessings and nomination of our great party to fly the PDP flag in the forthcoming general elections, he said”.

…Stresses Unity, Accountability

Stakeholders in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday declare support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ekong Sampson, and the Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.

The Stakeholders, who made the declaration at a Town Hall Meeting, resolved to focus on unity of purpose, sustainable development and social democracy.

The meeting, attended by political leaders, entrepreneurs, elders, women and youth groups, emphasised collective responsibility in advancing the collective interest of Esit Eket to enhance growth and opportunities.

The gathering also encouraged indigenes of Esit Eket to embrace Arise Agenda and Renewed Hope by mobilising support for the Second term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ekong Sampson and Rt Hon Okpolobom Etteh.

Setting the tone, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Barr. Bassey Dan Abia Snr. described the gathering as community-driven, noting that participation in such engagements remains a civic responsibility and progressive politics.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this is the Esit Eket Stakeholders meeting. Regardless, we are overwhelmingly APC in Esit Eket and part of the ruling party in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria. Our agenda is how to move Esit Eket forward and recalibrate its growth paths. We must also be conscious of what happens to our community and its people,” he said.

Also speaking, a former member and spokesperson for the House of Representatives and currently, Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, called for accountability and transparency in the management of the PIA commonwealth, particularly the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT)fund, urging relevant authorities to interrogate the several governance breaches and misrepresentations in the management and implementation of the Host Community Development Trust Fund. Be it is a community development interventionist fund, we must not rest on oars but keep our eyes on the ball.

“We are here to provide a platform for everyone to ask questions,seek answers and participate in every acts of civil and political rights unimpeded,” he stated.

A former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Bassey Essien, also addressed the gathering, while ex-lawmaker, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh urged the council chairman to convene a broader stakeholders’ meeting. He maintained that zoning remains critical in political stability and expressed confidence that the state government would uphold the principle in every circumstance.

Akpanusoh reaffirmed support for Hon. Etteh in the House of Representatives, noting that the zoning favours Ibeno, while backing Senator Sampson for the Senate. He further advised that a delegation be sent to the paramount ruler to formally convene a broader Stakeholders’ meeting to address series of development concerns of the Local Government.

The meeting featured contributions from representatives of the three zones in Esit Eket.

Speaking for Zone A, Prince Godwin Peter commended the unity among stakeholders and pledged alignment with community decisions, stressing that Hon. Etteh should be given the opportunity for the second term.

For Zone B, Dr. Victor Dan Ikott described the political direction as “a straight path,” affirming support for Tinubu, Akpabio, Sampson and Etteh, while noting that the State House of Assembly position would be decided by the zone.

Representing Zone C, Senior Christ Servantl, Martins Umoyo endorsed a second term for Governor Umo Eno alongside Tinubu, Akpabio and Etteh, urging continued confidence in the current leadership in the State and our Nigeria nation..

Speaking on behalf of women, Mercy Sam called for increased development efforts and inclusion of women in governance, emphasizing the need for visible impact in the community.

Youth representative, Comrade Bassey Bassey Abia, pledged the support of young people for the decisions of the elders, while urging that indigenous interests be protected.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity, transparency, and inclusive leadership as stakeholders seek to chart a common political path for Esit Eket ahead of future elections.