Tag: PDP News

  • Former PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate Joins APC in Cross River

    Former PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate Joins APC in Cross River

    CALABAR – The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general election, Dr Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, has joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State.

    Converseer reports that Ambrose-Amawhe was formally received by Governor Bassey Otu on Sunday following the announcement of her defection.

    According to The Paradise News, the former PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate announced her defection to her new party on X (formerly Twitter) before meeting with Governor Otu, her wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, the State Chairman of the APC, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, in Calabar.

    L-R: Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Barr. Alphonsus Eba; Governor Bassey Otu, Dr Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe, and Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo

    Speaking on the phone with this paper, Ambrose-Amawhe said, “I only went to greet His Excellency, the Governor and His Wife, Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu as a mark of respect and to formally inform them of my movement.

    “The day of my formal and ceremonial movement to my New Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with thousands of my supporters and other big names, will be made known soon.”

    Converseer further reports that Ambrose-Amawhe had recently resigned her membership from the Peoples Democratic Party.

    Her resignation letter dated
    28th March 2025 and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State, was with immediate effect.

    She said her decision to leave the PDP was not made lightly, but she remains committed to serving her community and contributing to the progress of Cross River State and the country in other capacities.

    Dr Ambrose-Amawhe was the Deputy Governorship Candidate to Senator Sandy Onor during the 2023 elections in Cross River State.

    She was also an aspirant for the House of Representatives ticket in Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency on the same platform.

  • Cross River PDP Unites with Governors Forum, Rejects Calabar Zonal Congresses Ahead of 2027 Elections

    Cross River PDP Unites with Governors Forum, Rejects Calabar Zonal Congresses Ahead of 2027 Elections

    CALABAR – In a decisive move to rebuild and reposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 elections, the Cross River State chapter of the PDP has unanimously resolved to collaborate with the South South Governors Forum. The decision was reached during a meeting held at the party secretariat in Calabar on Tuesday.

    Presided over by Acting State Chairman, Hon. Denis Nkiri, the gathering saw the attendance of 31 members of the State Executive Committee (SEC). The committee emphasised adherence to the party’s Constitution, as amended in 2017, and reiterated that all zonal congresses should be conducted at the designated South South Zonal Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    “In line with section 50 subsections 2(c), (d), and (e) of our Constitution, the SEC disassociates itself from any purported zonal congresses scheduled to be held in Calabar,” the communiqué stated. “All prior zonal congresses have been held in Port Harcourt, and we remain committed to this practice.”

    The communiqué, signed by members of the SEC, State Working Committee, and Chapter Chairmen present, also called for internal unity and peace. The SEC implored all party leaders to be sacrificial and accommodating of the various opinions, interests, and aspirations that exist within the party. This call to unity is seen as critical in the drive to elect credible officers at all levels of the party’s structure.

    In addition, the SEC confirmed its alignment with the decisions of the South South Governors Forum for the upcoming 2025 Zonal Congresses, which are anticipated to play a pivotal role in securing the party’s victory in the South South zone.

    The move underscores the Cross River PDP’s commitment to not only upholding the rule of law and the operational guidelines of the party but also to maintaining the vision of its founding fathers for stability, growth, and the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.

    As the party gears up for the next election cycle, these strategic decisions are expected to strengthen internal cohesion and pave the way for a united front in the forthcoming electoral battles.

    Cross River PDP Unites with Governors Forum, Rejects Calabar Zonal Congresses Ahead of 2027 Elections

  • PDP Excos Pass Vote of Confidence on National Women Leader

    PDP Excos Pass Vote of Confidence on National Women Leader

    IKOM – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward Exco and Stakeholders of Olulumo Ward in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State have passed a ‘Vote of Confidence’ on the National Woman Leader of the party, Hon. (Mrs) Amina Darasimi Bryhm.

    The party further charged members of the party to rally behind Amina, who is also the Leader in Olulumo Ward, for a transformation of the ward and LGA.

    The motion was moved in a joint meeting of Stakeholders and Ward Exco on Saturday, the 8th day of February 2025. The Party Exco and Stakeholders described those fighting Hon. Amina as ‘political mercenaries’ hired to destroy and divide the peace-loving people of Olulumo ward.

    A statement signed by the Ward Chairman, Mr Innocent Ijoma Ejukwa and the Ward Secretary, Mr Okey Irom, further declared Hon. Amina as one of the pillars of PDP in Olulumo Ward, Ikom LGA, Cross River State and the Country at large.

    They further urged the public to disregard any form of fake news that may come as a suspension or otherwise against Hon. (Mrs) Amina, whom they referred to as their daughter.

    “Hon. (Mrs) Amina Darasimi Bryhm is a strong, committed member of our party who has not only represented us well in the National Working Committee but has also contributed immensely, and we at the ward where she comes from will never have any reason to join the sinister plot to suspend her for their personal interest. Rather, we owe her a debt of gratitude and confidence for her courage in the battle to rescue PDP.

    “We are proud of our daughter, Hon. Amina, and those planning to bring her down stand the risk of falling themselves. We have confidence in our daughter.

    “A Vote of Confidence was passed on Hon. Amina at the end of the emergency meeting. Thank you,” the statement read.

    Converseer reports that the statement, which was addressed to the National Chairman of the party, also copied the South-South Governors, Board of Trustee (BOT), National Working Committee, Cross River State Working Committee, Forum of Chapter Chairmen Cross River State, and Chapter Chairman Ikom LGA.

  • PDP Frowns at Cross River Local Government Amendment Bill 2025

    PDP Frowns at Cross River Local Government Amendment Bill 2025

    CALABAR – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed utter displeasure and dis-affection with the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) for the hasty passage of the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025.

    According to a press release signed by Prince Mike Ojisi, State Publicity Secretary of the PDP on Monday, the party condemned the legislative approach, describing it as a “direct contradiction of the Supreme Court’s judgment on Local Government Autonomy and an orchestrated scheme to arm-twist, emasculate, and misappropriate local government resources.”

    “Despite widespread public condemnation, the House proceeded with the bill, defending her actions by wrongly relying on Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which merely empowers states to enact laws for local government administration, but not to undermine their autonomy or divert their funds.

    “The PDP identifies several draconian and exploitative provisions within the bill, which place an unbearable financial burden on the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River State. These include:

    – Expansion of statutory political appointees under each Local Government Chairman from 25 to 50 persons, thereby increasing the financial strain on already underfunded councils.

    – Unauthorised monthly deduction of 1% for House of Assembly “oversight functions.”

    – 0.5% deduction for the State Community and Social Development Agency

    – 1% deduction for funding the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), despite the state government’s primary responsibility for higher education funding

    – 0.5% deduction for the Office of the State Auditor General, ₦1 million mandatory monthly contribution from each LGA to the Cross River State Reserve Fund

    – 4% deduction for the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency, a responsibility that should be handled by the state government, not the local councils.

    “The Peoples Democratic Party sees this law as an evil plot by the Otu-led APC administration to plunder resources meant for grassroots development. The party categorically states that:

    ~ The financial autonomy of LGAs is sacrosanct and must not be subjected to the manipulative whims of the state government.

    ~ The hasty passage and signing of this law reveal a desperate attempt to siphon local government funds for political patronage ahead of the 2025 local government elections.

    ~ The people of Cross River State must resist this oppressive, anti-development, and unconstitutional law through all legal and democratic means.

    ~ The PDP, therefore, alerts the good people of Cross River State and the entire nation to this daylight robbery of local government funds under the guise of legislative amendments.

    “The party remains committed to protecting democracy, defending local government autonomy, and ensuring that public resources are used for grassroots development rather than political enrichment,” the statement added.

  • Ned Nwoko Makes Shift from PDP to APC in Delta

    Ned Nwoko Makes Shift from PDP to APC in Delta

    The Senator representing Delta North District at the National Assembly, Chinedu (Ned) Nwoko, has formally switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Senator picked up the APC party membership card at his ward in Idumuje- Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday.

    With this development, Nwoko, a founding member of the PDP since 1999, has laid to rest the speculations among diverse groups including journalists in the state on his next political destination.

    Nwoko’s exit from the PDP means the senators representing the three senatorial districts in the state are now in APC.

    In his resignation letter dated January 30, 2025, and addressed to the PDP Chairman in Ward 8, Aniocha North LGA of Delta State, the senator said his defection was informed by the divisions, fighting, and fractionalisation in the PDP.

    He said: “My decision to resign from the PDP is first and foremost due to deep division and fractionalisation within the party.

    “This fragmentation has made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interest of our people.

    “Just this January 29, the top party functionaries degenerated to the lowest levels by physically fighting themselves arising from the stated factions which have become irreconcilable.

    “I also deeply appreciated the platform the PDP provided me to contest the 2023 senatorial election. It was an opportunity that allowed me to engage directly with the people of my constituency and present my vision for a brighter future.

    “After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that stepping away from the PDP is necessary to fulfill my obligations to my people.

    “While I bid farewell to my membership in the PDP, I assure all party members and my constituents of my unwavering dedication to statesmanship, unity, and advancement of Delta state.

    “I extend my gratitude to the party and members for their support and wish the PDP continued success in its endeavours.”

  • PDP Introduces Witnesses at Tribunal Challenge of Edo Gubernatorial Election Results

    PDP Introduces Witnesses at Tribunal Challenge of Edo Gubernatorial Election Results

    The legal battle over the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State took center stage on Tuesday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, presented witnesses to contest the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

    The PDP, represented by its counsel Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, argued before the election petition tribunal that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced incorrect results and failed to accurately reflect the will of the people.

    Witnesses testified to alleged irregularities across multiple local government areas, citing discrepancies between polling unit results and the BVAS accreditation reports accessed through INEC’s IREV portal.

    One of the witnesses, Kennedy Osifo, who served as the PDP’s collation officer for Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, claimed that significant discrepancies were uncovered in 76 polling units within Ward II. He alleged that INEC relied on inaccurate figures to declare the final results.

    Tendering agents’ copies of election results alongside certified true copies from INEC’s BVAS reports, Osifo stated, “The irregularities I observed were clearly documented in my witness statement on oath.”

    He urged the tribunal to adopt his statement as evidence while acknowledging during cross-examination that his testimony was based solely on documents, not direct interaction with polling unit agents.

    Further claims of electoral malpractice came from Adebayo Ogedegbe, who coordinated results for Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. He pointed to irregularities in 45 polling units, alleging that INEC computed incorrect scores contrary to certified results.

    In Owan West Local Government Area, Lucky Aroye presented agents’ copies of results from nine units, alleging cases of overvoting and failure to record sensitive election materials in seven polling units. Like his counterparts, Aroye urged the tribunal to adopt his witness statement as evidence.

    Counsel for INEC, the APC, and Senator Okpebholo—led by Kalu Agabi, SAN; Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN; and Ijala, SAN—objected to the admissibility of the tendered documents but reserved their arguments for final written submissions.

    Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the tribunal chairman, provisionally admitted the documents into evidence, paving the way for further scrutiny.

    The first PDP witness admitted under cross-examination that he was not directly involved in polling activities and relied on a “situation room” to observe results. Similarly, the second witness testified to overseeing results from 241 polling units in Akoko-Edo but acknowledged that sensitive BVAS materials were not inspected in the situation room.

    This tribunal case reflects the high stakes of electoral integrity in Nigeria’s democratic process. If the PDP’s claims of irregularities hold water, they could cast doubt on the transparency and accuracy of INEC’s election management system, including its deployment of BVAS technology.

    Beyond the courtroom drama, the case has broader implications for governance and public trust.

    The tribunal has adjourned until today (Wednesday) for further hearing.

  • APC and PDP Exchange Blame Over Shooting Incident at Edo Tribunal

    APC and PDP Exchange Blame Over Shooting Incident at Edo Tribunal

    BENIN – The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday traded blame over the shooting incident at the Edo State governorship election petition tribunal in Benin.

    Gunmen suspected to be political thugs disrupted the proceeding at the tribunal, shouting “Give us our mandate” while shooting sporadically.

    The shooting created panic with lawyers, members of the tribunal and others at the proceedings fleeing for safety.

    The APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, in a statement described the incident as an “unacceptable act of violence that undermined the sanctity of the judicial process.”

    He accused PDP supporters of carrying out what he described as a dastardly act.

    Tenebe described the tribunal as a sacred space where justice was meant to be administered impartially.

    He said: “Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved.

    “Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable.

    “We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms.

    “Violence has no place in a civilised society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception.”

    However, in a counter-statement, the PDP distanced itself from the shooting incident.

    The PDP chairman in the state, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, described the incident as yet another in the series of clandestine efforts by the APC to frustrate the legal process and tarnish the image of the opposition party.

    He said: “The APC in Edo, who are clearly scared of justice, have continued their devious ploy to frustrate our party from reclaiming the mandate duly given to us by the good people of Edo in the last governorship election at the tribunal.

    “They have now resorted to deploying thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt the legal process while pointing accusing fingers at our party.”

  • PDP NEC Member Defects With Hundreds of Supporters to APC in Cross River

    PDP NEC Member Defects With Hundreds of Supporters to APC in Cross River

    Ogoja, Cross River – Chief Patrick Agbe (PhD), a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) representing Cross River State and leader of the South-South NEC Caucus of National Ex-officio of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with hundreds of his supporters.

    Converseer reports that Chief Agbe and his supporters were officially received into the APC by State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey (Ph.D.), on Friday, January 10.

    Rt. Hon. Odey, represented by the Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon. Christopher Agbeh, described Chief Agbe as a “Big fish caught at the right time,” urging him and his supporters to fully integrate into the APC with all the party’s structure and ideals.

    He assured the defectors that they would enjoy equal rights and privileges within the APC, stressing that the party remains united and without division.

    “You are received as full members, not into any subgroup,” he stated, urging current members to warmly embrace the newcomers. He also highlighted the significant political experience of Chief Agbe, which would prove invaluable to the party.

    In his welcome address, the APC Ward Chairman of Mbube West Ward 1, Mr Jonas Patrick Achong, expressed relief, stating that the political challenges in his ward were over with Chief Agbe’s defection. He assured that the APC would enjoy peace and unity during future electioneering activities.

    The Ogoja Chapter Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Paul Adinye, expressed his delight over the defection of Chief Agbe, a founding member of the APC in 2014. He noted that Chief Agbe had represented the ACN faction in Cross River State during the merger that marked the formative days of the APC.

    Adinye praised the Deputy Governor for successfully convincing a high-ranking member of an opposition party to join the APC, describing the move as a boost in an experience that would yield positive results in upcoming elections.

    The State Chairman of the APC, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, who was represented by the Vice Chairman North, Hon. Emmanuel Ateb, while receiving the decampees, expressed gratitude for the new additions, describing their registration as APC members as an exciting development for the party.

    In his defection speech, Chief Agbe reflected on his political journey, explaining that he was returning to the party he had once helped establish. He promised to work towards securing victory for the APC in future elections.

    Among those present were the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr Chris Ojikpong; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rice Value Chains, Mr Emmanuel Anoh; the Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board Limited, High Chief Godwin Nyiam (PhD); the State Organising Secretary of APC, Mr Joe Isaji; Assistant Financial Secretary of APC in the State, Mr Festus Offum; Executive Secretary of Ogoja Urban Development Authority, Hon. Ama Agboje; a Commissioner in the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Mr Jonas Bullem; the Community Relations Officer, Mr Epass Mgbado; and Women Mobiliser, Hon. Agatha Morphy, among others.

    The highlight of the event was the formal declaration of Chief Patrick Agbe and his supporters as new members of the APC with the presentation of the party’s insignia.

  • Former Cross River Assembly Member Frank Ovat Dumps PDP

    Former Cross River Assembly Member Frank Ovat Dumps PDP

    Calabar, Nigeria – Former Cross River State House of Assembly member, Hon. Frank Ovat, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Ovat, who represented Obubra II State Constituency in the 9th Assembly, said it was a tough decision to leave the party but it has become necessary for him to move on.

    In his resignation letter addressed to the Ofodua Ward Chairman of the Chairman on November 25, 2024, Ovat thanked the party for giving him the platform he used to represent his people.

    “I hereby formally convey my decision to quit my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective November 25, 2024.

    “This decision is tough, as I have invested significant time, energy, and resources into building the party. However, it has become necessary to take this step in order to explore new paths and opportunities that align more closely with the aspirations of my people.

    “I deeply appreciate the opportunities afforded me throughout my time in the party, including the privilege to represent my people in the CRSHA. Thank you for your understanding, and may God bless,” the resignation letter made available to Converseer on December 9, read.

  • With Wike PDP is a ‘Dead Party Awaiting Funeral’ — Deji Adeyanju

    With Wike PDP is a ‘Dead Party Awaiting Funeral’ — Deji Adeyanju

    Owerri, Nigeria – Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as “a dead party awaiting its funeral” following the alleged expulsion of Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a House of Representatives member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State.

    Ugochinyere, who also serves as the spokesman for the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), was purportedly expelled by the Ideato Local Government chapter of the PDP on December 5.

    The expulsion, signed by Hon. ThankGod Okeke, the LGA Chairman, and Onyebuchi Umeh, the Secretary, cited allegations of gross indiscipline, insubordination, and anti-party activities.

    However, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) quickly reversed the decision. Despite this, Adeyanju criticised the party’s leadership, questioning why Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike had not faced similar disciplinary action despite his alleged history of anti-party conduct.

    In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Adeyanju described Ugochinyere as “courageous” and accused the PDP of being manipulated by “APC moles.” He added, “The jokes write themselves daily. The PDP is a dead party awaiting funeral rites.”

    The controversy highlights growing internal tensions within the PDP, as critics question the party’s consistency in handling internal disputes.