The leadership crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is deepening, as top officials appear divided over whether to remove the party’s Acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum.

On Tuesday, members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) met with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who indicated that Damagum’s position had become untenable and that the Northcentral zone should fill the leadership vacancy.

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This followed the party’s practice after the resignation of Bamanga Tukur, when another leader from the Northeast, Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu, took over as PDP National Chairman.

The NWC delegation, led by National Legal Adviser Kamaluddeen Adeyemi, included National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Vice Chairman Emmanuel Bovao.

Their discussions with Mohammed revolved around the constitutional appropriateness of Damagum’s continued stay in office and the need for the Northcentral zone to assume the chairmanship.

Meanwhile, another faction of the NWC, led by Damagum, met with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan, where Makinde expressed strong support for the acting chairman.

He affirmed that he was “100 per cent” behind Damagum and the NWC’s efforts to reposition the PDP, emphasizing the need to focus on unity and the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.

Makinde dismissed speculation that he did not support the party’s candidate in Edo, Asue Ighodalo, asserting his full backing for Ighodalo’s bid.

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Governor Bala Mohammed also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately planting moles within the PDP, particularly in Rivers State, to fuel internal divisions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Mohammed expressed confidence that the party would overcome its challenges and restore unity.

The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) is working to mediate in the internal conflicts, with Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara praising Governor Mohammed’s efforts and committing the BoT’s support in resolving the issues.

The BoT has also indicated plans to meet with the two factions in Rivers to address the ongoing leadership dispute.

Footage from the meeting

Some political parties in Enugu have signed a peace accord ahead of the local government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024.

The signing took place during a “Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Enugu State 2024 Local Government Elections” organized by ActionAid Nigeria.

Notably, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP) were absent from the event.

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All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) declined to sign due to the absence of the ruling party.

Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, highlighted the need for political parties to participate in the peace accord to ensure a peaceful election.

Speaking through the Head of Programme, Mr. Celestine Odo, Mamedu stated that efforts were being made by stakeholders like the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and the Justice Development Peace Commission (JDPC) to have the remaining parties sign the accord before Friday.

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“This initiative is essential to address issues like low voter turnout and the marginalization of women and youth in local elections. Our goal is to create a more inclusive and accountable governance system,” Mamedu explained.

Prof. Christian Ngwu, Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), assured participants that the commission is fully prepared for the election, with materials ready and collaboration with security agencies in place to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.

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The State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, also guaranteed that law enforcement agencies would provide adequate security to protect voters and ensure a smooth electoral process.

In response, Mr. Udochukwu Egwim of the South Sahara Social Development Organization (SSDO) said IPAC is committed to ensuring all political parties sign the peace accord before election day.

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has announced the immediate dissolution of all 44 local government caretaker committee chairmen.

This decision was confirmed in a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature.

The move comes just a week after the Kano State House of Assembly approved a two-month extension for the caretaker committees, which were originally set to end on September 8.

The extension was intended to ensure the continuity of local governance until the upcoming local government elections on October 26.

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Governor Yusuf has instructed the outgoing caretaker chairmen to transfer their responsibilities to their respective Directors of Personnel Management.

The dissolution also includes vice chairmen, secretaries, and councillors across all local government areas.

In his statement, Governor Yusuf thanked the caretaker chairmen for their service and contributions to local development and indicated that there may be opportunities for future collaboration.

The Nigerian Police have stepped up efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election in Edo State by conducting raids on criminal hideouts.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Frank Mba, who is leading the police contingent for the election, stated on Wednesday that officers have been targeting dark spots in the state capital, Benin City, to apprehend miscreants ahead of the election.

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Mba confirmed that the Edo State Command, with the support of visiting officers, has successfully arrested individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities.

This comes after earlier reports that plainclothes officers had been combing areas known for harboring miscreants.

He reassured the public of the police’s readiness for the election, noting that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has deployed a sufficient number of officers.

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The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, will provide comprehensive security coverage throughout the election.

“Our task is to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for a free, fair, and credible election,” Mba said. “We are working alongside sister agencies, including the Army, Navy, and other security organizations. The Army will secure border areas, the Navy will monitor waterways, and the police will oversee the state.”

In addition to the police presence, Mba announced the availability of a dedicated phone number—07025000383—where the public can report any incidents of violence or breaches of peace during the election.

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This number will be personally monitored by him or his personal assistant.

He emphasized that the ongoing raids are intelligence-driven and aimed at isolating criminal elements in the state.

Ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, security agencies, including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have issued stern warnings to any individuals planning to cause disruptions during the polls.

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, visited troops in Edo State and emphasized the military’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and credible election.

He urged security personnel to remain neutral and professional, adding that there would be zero tolerance for violence or intimidation.

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Similarly, the Nigerian Police, led by Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) Frank Mba and Daniel Pedro, have deployed around 35,000 officers to monitor the election.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that covert operations were already underway, with plainclothes officers deployed to high-risk areas.

He also warned that there would be strict restrictions on movement, with only those in possession of a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) allowed outside on election day.

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has also airlifted sensitive election materials to Benin, in coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The NSCDC, meanwhile, has deployed 6,433 personnel to safeguard public assets and maintain order during the exercise.

Addressing soldiers at the 4 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, General Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ dedication to securing the election, cautioning that no unauthorized groups, such as vigilantes or hunters, would be allowed to carry weapons on election day.

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He stressed that all movement would be restricted and no convoys would be permitted, with voters expected to walk to their polling units and return home peacefully.

Musa underscored the importance of the election, highlighting that the global community would be watching closely.

He expressed confidence in the security agencies’ ability to maintain order and prevent violence, adding that their goal was to make the Edo election a model for peaceful voting in Nigeria.

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Meanwhile, Benin City remained calm as security personnel in plainclothes were seen patrolling key areas, including dark spots, bars, and lounges, to ensure preparedness ahead of the election.

Barely two days to the Enugu state local government elections slated for September 21, 2024, the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu East Local Government Area has officially announced its withdrawal from the election.

The decision was made following a stakeholders’ meeting held on September 17, 2024, where party officials and representatives expressed concerns over the integrity of the election process.

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In a press release signed by Chief Sunday O. Nome (JP), the Labour Party Chairman in Enugu East LGA, the party accused the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) and the ruling party of undermining the credibility of the election.

The statement raised alarms over the apparent disregard for Labour Party’s primary election results, claiming that ENSIEC replaced its legitimate candidates with names not approved by the party.

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“Our party held ward congresses across the 12 wards of the local government to elect councillorship candidates and a chairmanship candidate, Ibezim Denis Ekete. Despite submitting these names to ENSIEC on August 6, 2024, the electoral umpire chose to publish other names, which were not approved by the party,” the statement read.

The Labour Party also highlighted a legal challenge it had filed at the Enugu State High Court, contesting the actions of ENSIEC.

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However, according to the statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE, the court failed to assign the case to a vacation court, meaning it would not be heard until after the election, preventing the party from seeking timely justice.

The party leadership, while urging its members to boycott the election, expressed dismay at what it described as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the Labour Party’s efforts to participate in a fair election.

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They reassured supporters of their commitment to building a society based on fairness and transparency, despite current setbacks.

The statement also addressed the party’s internal challenges, noting that infiltrators with differing agendas were trying to disrupt the Labour Party’s vision.

The leadership pledged to root out such individuals and emphasized the importance of remaining united.

“We remain committed to picking out all the bad eggs that have infiltrated the party through the back door,” the statement continued. “We also wish to highlight the resolutions from the Labour Party’s expanded stakeholders’ meeting held in Abia State, where a caretaker committee was appointed to organize ward and state congresses, as well as the National Convention to birth new leadership capable of guiding the party to greater heights.”

The statement called on party members to stay peaceful, resilient, and focused on the future, despite the current political climate in Enugu State.

The decision to withdraw was endorsed by key stakeholders, including Hon. Prof. Paul Nnamchi, member representing Enugu East and Isi Uzo federal constituency, Hon. Osita Hyginus Okoh and Hon. Raymond Ugwu, both representing Enugu East constituencies in the Enugu State House of Assembly.

The opposition Action Alliance, AA, has approached the Federal High Court in Enugu through an Originating Summons, requesting that the local government council election in Enugu State, scheduled for September 21, 2024, be halted until certain constitutional prerequisites have been met by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), DAILY GAZETTE reports.

In the suit Action Alliance v. Independent National Electoral Commission & Anor, FHC/EN/CS/157/2024, the opposition party contends that ENSIEC failed to meet its constitutional duty by not notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the upcoming local government elections.

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This failure, according to the party, has prevented INEC from displaying or publishing the updated Voters’ Register for the 17 local government areas of Enugu State—compiled after the 2023 general elections—as required by the Electoral Act of 2022.

The Act mandates that this register be made available no later than 90 days before the election.

Action Alliance also argues that ENSIEC cannot conduct the election without INEC first reconfiguring the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) machines.

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These machines, according to the party, must be used concurrently by both INEC and ENSIEC to ensure accurate voter accreditation in the 2024 local government council election, as stipulated by the Electoral Act.

The party is seeking a court declaration that ENSIEC cannot lawfully conduct the elections without first complying with the constitutionally mandated requirements.

It also prays for an injunction to stop the elections from taking place until these requirements, as laid out in Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022, are met.