In a strong critique of the current state of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives, has attributed the party’s challenges to its failure to accommodate the diverse interests of its members.

Ugochinyere, speaking at a conference titled “Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria” in Abuja, said that the party’s symbolic umbrella was “no longer wide enough to cover” its stakeholders, leading to a mass exodus of lawmakers and key figures.

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The lawmaker expressed disappointment over the PDP’s diminishing role as Nigeria’s main opposition, stating, “We are not even up to 10% as an opposition political party.”

He lamented the party’s inability to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pointing to internal divisions and leadership issues as major obstacles.

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Ugochinyere highlighted the ongoing crisis within the PDP leadership, singling out Amb. Umar Damagum’s tenure as Acting National Chairman as a major source of discontent.

He criticized the party for failing to adhere to its constitution in selecting a new chairman, referencing Articles 45 and 47 of the PDP constitution.

“The NWC is like a judge. You are not only supposed to do justice but must be seen to be doing justice,” he said, urging the party to resolve its leadership struggles.

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He also acknowledged that the party’s inability to unite its members had resulted in significant losses, referencing Peter Obi’s emergence as a strong contender in the last election.

“We have been so decimated that Peter Obi left just a few days ago and now controls the same 12 states as we do,” Ugochinyere noted, warning that the new generation of voters is drifting away from the PDP.

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The conference, themed “Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria,” emphasized the need for internal reforms to rescue the party from its current state.

Ugochinyere called for the PDP to fix its internal issues before it could effectively play its role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

He also pointed to former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s role in the party’s decline, criticizing his handling of the 2023 election and his strained relationship with key governors.

Ugochinyere argued that Atiku’s indifference to the grievances of five PDP governors ahead of the election was a major misstep, further weakening the party.

While acknowledging that some of the problems were inherited by the current leadership, Ugochinyere stressed the need for immediate reforms, urging party members to stop avoiding the hard conversations and to prioritize unity and leadership integrity if the PDP is to regain its strength.

The Labour Party and it’s chairmanship candidate for Awgu Local Government area in the just-concluded Enugu local government election, Hon. Cajetan Aganigbo, has filed a suit against the Awgu local government Council Chairman, Hon. Uche Okolo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) at the Local Government Council Election Tribunal, seeking the cancellation of the election.

In petition number EPT/02/2024, the petitioners told the tribunal that the PDP candidate did not secure the majority of lawful votes cast during the election, which was held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Counsel to the petitioners, Chief Sir O.A.U. Onyema, argued that the results announced by ENSIEC were inaccurate, as the PDP candidate did not receive any valid votes.

He maintained that ENSIEC, based on erroneous recorded votes, wrongfully declared Hon. Uche Okolo as the winner.

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The petitioners told the court that the election was marred by irregularities, which include; over-voting, non-compliance with electoral guidelines, and manipulation of results in favor of the PDP candidate.

The petitioners among other things are seeking an order of the Honourable Tribunal declaring the 2nd Respondent not qualified to contest the elections into the Chairmanship position of Awgu Local Government Council.

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“AN ORDER setting aside the declaration and return of the 2nd Respondent as Chairman Awgu Local Government Council for non-compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended), the Electoral Act, 2022; the Enugu State Local Government Law 2020, and the ENSIEC Guidelines for the Conduct of the Local Government Election 2024.”

“A DECLARATION that the 21st September 2024 Local Government Election in Awgu LGA, failed in all ramification and any result or award or return emanating from same is incorrect, illegal, null and void and of effect.”

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“AN ORDER of this honourable Tribunal declaring as INVALID the unlawful votes ascribed to the 2nd Respondent, and directing the 1st Respondent to immediately withdraw the Certificate of return issued to the 2nd respondent, within 7 days of this Order.”

“An Order of Tribunal declaring as illegal and unlawful all acts performed, or purported to have been performed by the 2nd respondent, while relying on the Certificate of return, and the following oath of allegiance to the Office of Executive Chairman, subscribed by him.”

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“An Order of Tribinal commanding 2nd Respondent to return to the Awgu Local Government Treasury under oath, all salaries, allowances and emoluments collected under the guise of the winner of the Chairmanship of Awgu Local Government Council purportedly held on 21st day of September, 2024; and under the guise of the elected Chairman.”

“AN ORDER directing the 1st respondent to CONDUCT a fresh credible and transparent Local Government Election in Awgu LGA, of Enugu State, with 30 days of this order.”

Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu has upheld the judgment of the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, which nullified the victory of Hon. Simon Atigwe, member representing Udenu/Igboeze North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that after the 2023 general election, Labour Party candidate, Hon. Dennis Agbo, was declared winner and returned elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, APC candidate, Dr. Oby Ajih, approached the tribunal seeking the nullification of Agbo’s victory on the grounds that her party’s logo did not appear on Form EC8A.

The tribunal dismissed her petition for being vague, generic, nebulous, and lacking in merit.

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At the Appeal Court, her petition was sustained, and the victory of Hon. Dennis Agbo of the Labour Party nullified. The court ordered a fresh election within 90 days.

On February 3rd, the court-ordered fresh election was held, and Hon. Simon Atigwe of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner by INEC.

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Not satisfied with the outcome, Hon. Dennis Agbo and the Labour Party went to the tribunal with allegations of rigging, falsification of figures, wrong computation, multiple thumb printing, substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, among others.

The three-man trial tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, nullified the victory of the PDP candidate, Simon Atigwe, and declared Dennis Agbo of the Labour Party the winner of the polls.

However, Simon Atigwe of the People’s Democratic Party appealed the judgment.

DAILY GAZETTE correspondence, who was in court today, reports that the Appeal Court agreed with the judgment of the trial court.

It declared the 2,000 votes added to the PDP candidate invalid, null, and void, and restored the original votes of February 25, 2023.

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“That Atigwe Simon Chukwuemeka was not duly elected by the valid votes cast.”

“That the first petitioner won with 23,221 votes, and the PDP came second with 21,863 votes,” the court held.

“That the tribunal judgment is hereby upheld,” the Court ruled.

The court ordered that the certificate of return issued to Atigwe be withdrawn and issued to Hon. Dennis Agbo.

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The Labour Party Caretaker Committee has announced its intention to appeal the court ruling delivered on Tuesday, which recognized Barrister Julius Abure as the party’s legitimate chairman.

Senator Nenadi Usman, Ph.D., Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, made this known following a meeting with former Presidential candidate Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Secretary of the Caretaker Committee.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Usman clarified that while the legal case predates the formation of the Caretaker Committee, they decided to get involved after being fully briefed. Following their discussions, the committee resolved to appeal the judgment.

“I urge all party members to remain calm and maintain peace as we continue our efforts toward reconciliation,” Usman stated, reaffirming the party’s dedication to peacefully resolving internal conflicts.

Barrister Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party has announced a renewed commitment to unity and forgiveness following a landmark ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, upheld the legitimacy of the party’s leadership and recognized the outcome of the Labour Party convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, effectively validating Abure’s position.

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In a heartfelt statement, Abure expressed gratitude for the ruling, which he described as a victory not only for the party but also for justice and democracy in Nigeria.

He emphasized that the ruling confirms the prevailing rule of law and restores legitimacy to the party’s leadership.

“I must first and foremost thank Almighty God for guiding us through this challenging period,” Abure said, acknowledging the judiciary’s role in the proceedings.

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He praised Justice Nwite for his courage and integrity in delivering a judgment that resisted external pressures, asserting that this ruling has renewed faith in Nigeria’s judicial system.

Abure also extended his appreciation to Justice Omotosho, who previously validated the Labour Party’s convention, and Justice C. K. Nwankwo of the Abia High Court, who resisted attempts to issue restrictive orders against the party.

He highlighted the efforts of these judges in upholding justice amid significant pressure.

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With the court’s ruling now established, Abure expressed a spirit of forgiveness towards those who had previously undermined the party and engaged in character assassination.

He referenced the teachings of Jesus Christ, stating, “I forgive them for they do not know what they are doing,” but emphasized that true reconciliation must involve reflection, repentance, and restitution.

Abure called on Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to help unite the party as they move forward into a new era.

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He acknowledged the need for restructuring and healing within the party but assured members that they would work together to reconnect with grassroots supporters and strengthen their organizational structures.

“This judgment marks the beginning of a new era for the Labour Party in Nigeria,” Abure stated.

“With the collective efforts of all members, we will continue to fight for the interests of the common man and the betterment of Nigeria.”

Abure reaffirmed his appreciation for the judiciary’s commitment to justice and the steadfastness of Labour Party members and supporters during a tumultuous period.

He expressed hope that the recent victory would serve as a foundation for building a stronger, more united Labour Party dedicated to serving the Nigerian populace.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stated on Tuesday that he has no regrets about his decision to work against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 presidential election.

In an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Wike denied accusations of engaging in anti-party activities by choosing not to support the then PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

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He justified his actions, claiming they were motivated by a commitment to justice and fairness.

“For the presidential election, I decided to advocate for equity, fairness, and justice. In other instances, I supported my party, which is why we succeeded in the gubernatorial and National Assembly elections,” Wike explained.

“I stand by my decision regarding the presidential election; I owe no apologies because I oppose injustice. People are calling for my discipline for supposedly acting against the party, but I did not engage in anti-party behavior,” he asserted.

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Leading up to the 2023 elections, Wike, then the governor of Rivers State, collaborated with four other dissatisfied PDP governors: Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).

Together, they opposed Atiku’s presidential ambitions, insisting that Senator Iyorchia Ayu resign as the PDP national chairman as a condition for their support.

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Ultimately, Atiku lost the presidential election to Bola Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under whose administration Wike is currently serving as a minister.