February 9, 2013

Press Release 

PDP Governors not planning to join APC - Metuh.

Says PDP ‘ll win more States in 2015 

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has debunked reports by opposition parties that some of its state governors were planning to join the yet to be registered All Progressive Congress (APC). 

Describing the reports as false and intended to deceive Nigerians, the PDP said all its governors are working with the party leadership and the President. It said there is no cause for any one of them to contemplate leaving the ruling party for the APC that is yet to have an operable structure. 

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said the fact that the PDP took the high moral ground of decency to congratulate the opposition on the formation of the APC does not cover the new party's inadequacies and its destiny to fall apart in no time. 

“Nobody leaves a moving train to join an inoperable one. That the PDP took the high moral ground of decency that we are known for, to congratulate the opposition parties on the formation of their new party does not cover its inherent inadequacies. 

“So there is no PDP governor that will leave a stable and national party such as the PDP to join the APC. All our governors are working with the National Chairman and the National Working Committee and the President and there is no reason for anyone of them to contemplate leaving PDP for APC”, the statement said. 

The PDP also dismissed claims by the opposition that there is disunity in its ranks. Instead, the statement said PDP governors have been paying courtesy calls on the leadership of the party and have been making public statements that they are with the party leadership and the President in his transformation agenda.

February 7, 2013

 Press Statement

PDP overjoyed by Chime's return

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received with great joy, the news of the return of His Excellency, Barr Sullivan I. Chime, Executive Governor of Enugu State from medical treatment.

We welcome the Governor back and we thank God almighty for restoring the Governor to good health in order to continue with the excellent work he is doing in Enugu State.

We sincerely thank all the functionaries of the Enugu State government and the state PDP officers for their loyalty and commitment to the ideals of the Party and the PDP Chime-led administration.

Furthermore, we thank the good people of Enugu state and indeed all Nigerians whose prayers ensured the successful return of the Governor.

We daresay that the love shown to the Governor by all and sundry during his period of absence is a clear indication that our people appreciate the good work of the Governor. 

We are confident that the Governor shall consolidate on the tremendous achievements of his administration now that he is back to work.

Thank you.

Chief Olisa Metuh.
National Publicity Secretary

February 7, 2013

PRESS STATEMENT

Merger: PDP congratulates opposition
Says it remains the party to beat

In a rare demonstration of the spirit of sportsmanship, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the opposition parties for their successful merger and formation of the new All Progressive Congress (APC).

The ruling party said as the biggest party in West Africa, it welcomes the development as an indication that the nation's democracy has come of age and is deepening.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said with the formation of the APC, the PDP and indeed all Nigerians expect to see robust debates on the economy and other issues of governance in the general interest of the country.

"We congratulate the opposition for their successful merger and the formation of the All Progressive Congress. This is yet another victory to our democracy. It shows  that our democracy has come of age. We hope that from now we will see robust debates on the economy and other issues of governance," the party said.

The party charged the opposition to use the vehicle of their new party to challenge PDP elected and appointed officers to debates on government projects and achievements so that at the end of the day, Nigerians will be the utmost beneficiaries of the nation's political developments.

It said it is ready and willing at anytime to debate on any issue pertaining to the economy or any other issue that will bring out positive suggestions to move the nation forward.

February 5, 2013

 Press Release 

Nigeria/ Mali Match: PDP urges more Prayers for Super Eagles 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the Super Eagles as they take on Mali in the semi finals of the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday. 

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said the party has not stopped praying for the team adding that it is very optimistic that Nigeria will win the cup at the end of the day. 

“We urge all Nigerians to continue to pray for our players. The PDP has been praying for the team and we will continue to pray for them. The party is very optimistic that we will win the cup at the end of the day”, he said. 

The PDP said the team’s qualification for the semi final stage was an indication that God answers prayers. It however charged the players to put in their best saying they have all it takes to overwhelm the Malian team and move to the finals.  

The party also urged them not to leave anything to chance and to remember that millions of Nigerians are expecting them to bring the cup home. 

Chief Olisa Metuh

National Publicity Secretary

February 5, 2013

Press Release

Stop Politics of Deceit, PDP tells ACN, CPC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained as fallacious and wicked, media publications by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and its co-traveler, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)  aimed at discrediting the PDP-led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed.

The two political parties in their absurd releases accused the FCTA of budgeting the sum of N7billion for the construction of two Abuja City Gates; N5 billion for the rehabilitation of commercial sex workers and N4 billion for the construction of First Lady's Office. They also claimed that the FCTA padded the budget for the construction of the Vice President's official residence.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh described the ACN and CPC as disparate coalition seeking to wrestle power through deceit, lies and deliberate misinformation. 

" It is however clear that this coalition of disparate forces are at their usual  homage to deceit and bare-faced lies aimed first at misleading Nigerians and whipping up public anger against the PDP. It is unfortunate that the leadership of these political parties among whom are elders whose 'silver hairs' we thought, would avail the nation virtues to paraphrase Shakespeare in Julius Caesar, have turned to merchants of cheap lies in an attempt to slur the integrity of our leadership of the nation."

"For the avoidance of doubt," the statement continued, "there is no provision for the construction of the Abuja City Gate in the FCT 2013 budget and there is nowhere the FCT earmarked N5 billion for the rehabilitation of commercial sex workers in the said budget. We challenge the parties to prove us wrong."

"The truth is that the FCT administration has nothing to do with the proposed Abuja City Gates. The project is one of the items making up the Centenary City to be financed by the private sectors  in earnest of  corporate social responsibility towards the Centenary Celebrations. Neither is the FCTA connected to the Centenary City nor to the City Gate, as such does not exist in its budget."

It added, "  the FCTA did not provide the sum of N5 billion for the rehabilitation of commercial sex workers in the 2013 budget. What is public knowledge however that is the overall budget of the Social Development Department of the FCTA is N4.7 billion out of which the FCTA

February 4, 2013

Press Release

Kano bye elections: Nigerians not fooled by opposition alliance- PDP

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the party’s sweeping victory in the last Saturday’s Kano state Assembly bye elections as a sign that the people still strongly believe in the PDP despite the much talked about alliance by opposition parties.

The PDP had in landslide victory in Gaya and Garko Local Government Areas of the state swept over 80 percent of the total votes cast in the two areas respectively, leaving the opposition parties to collectively scramble for the remaining less than 20 percent  of the votes.

Savouring the victory, the PDP said it was a sign that the people still have confidence in it and are not fooled by the said opposition alliance.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement in Abuja yesterday said the victory in the bye elections, is a clear indication that PDP is still the party to beat and a sign of weakness on the part of the opposition despite their alliance and much talked about mega party.

He said the victory clearly indicates that the PDP is still very popular among Nigerians including the people at the grassroots in spite of the unnecessary attacks against its image by the opposition elements.

“The sweeping victory in the two bye elections is a clear indication that the people still have faith in the PDP. It shows that the PDP is still the most popular party among Nigerians despite the much touted alliance and mega party.

“The results of the bye elections show that the PDP won over 80 percent of the total votes in the two areas respectively leaving the other parties to collectively scramble for the remaining 20 percent. It shows that the PDP is still the party to beat”, he said.

February 3, 2013

Press Release

Super Eagles Victory, a Sign of Good Things to Come-PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the Super Eagles' victory over the Elephants of Cote D' Ivoire as a good omen and a sign that the nation will soon surmount all its challenges under the present dispensation.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said the party was overjoyed that the players did not let Nigerians down adding that the victory was an indication that Nigeria is already coming out of the woods in all spheres of life.

The party said the victory over the Elephants, who had in the past stopped the Eagles in the tournament, was an indication that nothing is impossible for Nigeria and that the doors have been opened for the nation to achieve other goals.

"The victory of the Super Eagles is a good omen. It is a sign of good things to come. The PDP sees it as a sign of a new beginning. It shows that we, as a nation can surmount all our problems. It is an indication that there is nothing impossible and that collectively we will overcome all the challenges we are facing as a nation. We will surmount all of them the way we surmounted the Elephants", he said.

Stating that the victory did not come to it as a surprise, the party called on Nigerians to always believe in the potentials of the nation and urged pessimists to turn a new leaf especially as it has become clear that the country has already started experiencing a new dawn.

The PDP reminded that as a party that has the interest of the nation at heart, it had joined other well meaning Nigerians in praying for the Eagles. It said the victory showed that God answers prayers.

It however charged the team not to relax at this moment but to increase their zeal as they meet their next opponent in the semi final stage.

February 2, 2013

Press Statement

Nigeria vs Cote D' Ivoire: PDP prays for Super Eagles

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the Super Eagles to keep their eyes on the trophy as they take on Cote D' Ivoire in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash on Sunday.

The Party, which congratulated the Super Eagles for getting to the quarter-finals stage after beating Ethiopia on Tuesday, hinted that it has been praying for the team to get to the final stage and lift the coveted trophy.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said the ruling party is proud of the players and charged them not to leave anything to chance but to do their best and make the nation proud by winning the cup.

“The PDP is proud of the Super Eagles and we commend them for qualifying for the quarter-finals. We have been praying for them to get to the finals and win the trophy. So we charge the players to keep their eyes on the cup as they go into their next matches especially as they take on Cote D' Ivoire on Sunday”, he said. 

The Party also charged Nigerians to continue to pray for the team adding that it is optimistic that the team will emerge victorious at the end of the tournament.

Signed
Chief Olisa Metuh

National Publicity Secretary (PDP)

 RESOLUTIONS OF THE 59^TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) HELD ON WEDNESDAY 29^TH FEBRUARY 2012.

  Gentlemen of the Press, 

The 59^th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held today, here at the National Secretariat of our great Party. 

2.         The meeting which was a validectory session for the current National Executive Committee

February 27, 2012

 NOTICE OF NEC MEETING 

Notice is hereby given of the 59^th Meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as follows:- 

DATE:  Wednesday 29^th February, 2012, VENUE: PDP National Secretariat,  Plot 1970 Michael Okpara Street,                                            Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. TIME: 12 Noon.

 All members are strongly advised to attend unfailingly as crucial party matters shall be deliberated upon.

Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali

National  Publicity Secretary

February 27, 2012.

AGAIN, CROSSRIVARIANS SPOKE WITH ONE VOICE!

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the entire members of the Party nationwide wishes to felicitate with the Cross River State Governor elect, Sen. Liyel Imoke and his Deputy, Mr. Efiok Cobham,

February 24, 2012.

 Press Statement

 The Peoples Democratic Party has received with great shock the verdict of the Supreme Court, which nulified the election of our Governor in Kebbi State, His Excellency, Alh. Saidu Usman Dakingari. 

2.While our faith in the judiciary remains unwavering, we are deeply concerned with the trend of judgments some of which breed unnecessary tension and instability.

RESOLUTIONS OF THE 58^TH EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD ON THE 20^TH FEBRUARY 2012.

Gentlemen of the Press,

The 58^th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held today in an emergency session at the National Secretariat.

 2.         The meeting which witnessed a record attendance of NEC members had the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, (GCFR), the Vice President, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, (GCON), the Senate President, Senator David Mark, the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, numerous State Governors, and other distinguished members of NEC in attendance.

  February 13, 2012.

  AND BAYELSANS SPOKE WITH ONE VOICE!

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the entire members of the Party nationwide wishes to felicitate with the Bayelsa State Governor elect, Hon Seriake Henry Dickson and his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), on their well deserved victory at the last Saturday’s Bayelsa state governorship election.

The Vice President and Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Committee for Sokoto State, His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON, invites Members of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, National Assembly Memebrs, PDP State Governors and Members of the PDP Nationwide to the Grand Flag-off of the gubernatorial campaign of His Excellency, Alh. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Alh. Muktari Shagari, PDP Gubernatorial Candidate and running mate respectively for the February 18^th 2012 elections in Sokoto State.

The PDP National Campaign Committee for the 2012 gubernatorial election in Sokoto State shall be inaugurated by the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje at the National Secretariat of the Party on Tuesday, 7^th February 2012 at 3pm. Members of the Campaign Committee are:

February 5, 2012.

 EID-EL-MAULUD:

PDP NATIONAL CHAIRMAN PREACHES PEACE AND UNITY, CONDOLES ADE DOSUNMU OVER MOTHER’S DEATH. 

Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje has urged all Muslim faithful and indeed all Nigerians at large to pray for the peace, harmony, unity and stability of the nation.

He gave the charge yesterday in Abuja in a message on the occasion of the Eid-el-Maulud anniversary celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

According to him, the developmental challenges currently confronting the nation called for fervent and urgent prayers of all Nigerians. He expressed absolute faith in the ability of the Almighty Allah to keep the nation strong and united in spite of her challenges.

He further enjoined the Muslim community to continue to abide by the lessons and preachings of the Holy Prophet such as peace, truthfulness, love, selflessness and humility which the Maulud typifies while eschewing all vices which the Holy Prophet preached against.

In another development, the national chairman has expressed condolence to Dr. Ade Dosunmu, the PDP candidate in last year’s Lagos governorship election over the death of his mother, Alhaja Raliat Omosalewa Dosunmu.

The Chairman said he received the news of the death with shock, noting however that she lived a worthy and remarkable life filled with her good work and humanity. He urged the Dosunmu family to take solace in the assurance that the Almighty Allah, the ultimate Comforter will grant her a befitting place in Aljanah.

SIGNED

Office of the Acting National Chairman

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

February 5, 2012.

 PRESS STATEMENT

The Acting National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje on behalf of members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the entire Party heartily congratulates His Excellency, Admiral Murtala Nyako, the Governor-elect of Adamawa State and his Deputy, Barrister James Bala Ngilari on their historic victory in the gubernatorial elections in Adamawa State which held on the 4 th of February 2012. 

2.     This significant victory in the keenly contested election, which has been adjudged free and fair by observers confirms the People's endorsement of Admiral Nyako's gigantic achievements in his previous term in office. It also puts a final seal on the PDP as the most accepted political Party in Adamawa State and beyond.

3.     Now that the people of Adamawa have spoken and clearly expressed their choice for Admiral Nyako, we call on all those who contested the election to join hands with him and consolidate the development of the State for the benefit of all citizens.

4.     The Acting Chairman also congratulates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, Election Monitors and all those who contributed to the peaceful conduct of the elections.

Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali

National Publicity Secretary

 February 2, 2012

 Press Statement

 The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held an emergency meeting on the 2^nd of February 2012 and considered a number of issues relating to the postponement of Congresses and the National Convention which were earlier scheduled to hold this month.

  2.       Nigerians may recall that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP had earlier approved a timetable for Congresses and National Convention which was unfortunately derailed due to the recent strike action by Labour and the serious security challenges the Nation had to contend with.

3.       A slight adjustment to the Timetable was made to allow for Congresses to commence on the 4^th of February 2012 and terminate an the 25^th of February 2012 with the National Convention.

 4.       However, following the Supreme Court ruling on Tenure of the Governors of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Cross-River, Kogi, and Sokoto States, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced an election timetable which clashed with our time table in the same month of February 2012.

  5.       This unforeseen action by INEC necessitated a postponement of our earlier programme in order not to complicate preparations for elections in the four States where elections were ordered by the Supreme Court.

6.       However, in order to ensure a smooth transition, the National Working Committee resolved to call for a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party mid-February to consider and approve a new time table for Congresses and National Convention.

 7.       The National Working Committee (NWC) also resolved that, subject to ractification by NEC, all Congresses shall commence from the first week of March 2012. This clarification had become necessary in order to clear all doubts raised as a result of the postponement of Congresses.

 Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali

National Publicity Secretary

February 1, 2012.

 PRESS STATEMENT

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its meeting held on Wednesday 1^st February 2012 approved the postponement of Ward, Local Government, States and Zonal Congresses as well as the National Convention earlier scheduled to hold this month.

2.     This postponement has become neccesary because of the INEC timetable for Gubernatorial elections scheduled to hold in four States of the federation which spread accoss the entire month of February.

3.     The posponement also has become even more compelling in order to avoid double dating and to enable our party members to concentrate on campaign mobilization and elections in their various States.
 

 4.     Similarly, the meetings of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) earlier scheduled for February 1^st and 2^nd respectively have also been postponed. New dates shall be announced in due course.

5.     The NWC regrets all inconveniences arising from this action and calls on Party members to come out enmass to ensure the success of the Party in the forthcoming elections.

Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali

National Publicity Secretary

 The Vice President and Chairman of PDP National Campaign Council for Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo invites Members of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, National Assembly Memebrs,

 January 31, 2012

 Condolence

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) and members of the Party nationwide wishes to express his heartfelt condolence to the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji M. D. Abubakar over the sad demise of his wife, Hajia Maryam Abubakar after a protracted illness.

 
 
 2.     The death of Hajiya Maryam, at a time her husband has just been given a national responsibility to contain emerging security threats is no doubt a devasting blow but we are confident in his ability to overcome this shock and discharge his duties with distinction.

3.     May her gentle soul rest in peace and may the Almighty Allah grant members of her family and all those left behind to mourn the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen.

Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali

National Publicity Secretary 

 January 31, 2012

  Press Statement

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the swift resolution of the confusion that arose in Kogi State and other states as a result of last week’s judgement of the Supreme Court on tenure of State Governors.

 2.     The timely intervetion of the Electoral Umpire has no doubt doused the raging tension and uncertainty that citizens of the affected States were thrown into. We wish to particularly applaud INEC for the directive given for the immediate swearing in of Captain Idris Wada as Governor of Kogi State whose election was already concluded before the judgement.

3.     INEC’s decision to quickly fix new dates for the Gubernatoral elections in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Sokoto and Cross River States as well as the endorsement of candidates dully nominated by the various political Parties has also gone a long way in calming frayed nerves, reducing tension and bringing back confidence to our democratic process.

4.     We therefore call on all our members to fully cooperate with INEC and ensure that they come out enmass to elect our candidates in the affected States.

Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali

National Publicity Secretary