Politics
PDP Defends Convention Legitimacy, Cites Constitutional Powers to Discipline Wike, Others
By Our Political Reporter
Amid heated political debates and a flurry of online arguments, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved to clarify what it describes as “deliberate misinformation” surrounding its recent National Convention and the disciplinary actions taken against some of its prominent members.
Party loyalists and officials have cited specific sections of the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Act to counter claims that the convention was illegal or that the suspension and expulsion of certain members — including a former minister from Rivers State — were unconstitutional.
PDP Constitution Places Supreme Authority on the National Convention
According to the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), the National Convention remains the party’s highest decision-making body. The clarification references Article 33(1), which states that “the National Convention shall be the supreme authority of the Party.”
Further, Article 31(2)(e) empowers the party to “formulate and implement policies on the organisation, finance, administration and activities of the Party,” while Article 12.87 gives party organs the authority to handle internal matters without outside interference.
The takeaway, according to party insiders: once the National Convention takes a decision, no lower organ or external force can override it.
INEC Presence Not Mandatory — Electoral Act Explains Why
Public arguments have also focused on whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the convention. Critics claimed that the absence of INEC delegitimized the gathering.
But Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022 tells a different story.
The law requires political parties to give 21 days’ notice before holding any convention, congress, or meeting. But INEC attendance is optional — not compulsory. The provision uses the word “may,” giving INEC the choice to attend, not the obligation.
This legal interpretation was further strengthened by a Federal High Court judgment concerning the Labour Party’s 2024 National Convention, which was not monitored by INEC but was still upheld as valid by the court once due notification was proven.
According to party officials, the PDP fulfilled the statutory notice requirement, making the convention legally compliant irrespective of INEC’s physical presence.
Convention Has Full Power to Discipline Any Member
The party also addressed concerns surrounding the suspension or expulsion of certain high-profile members accused of anti-party activities.
The constitution gives the National Convention sweeping powers under Article 59(1)–(4) to discipline, suspend, or expel any member — regardless of status — who violates party rules or acts in a manner deemed injurious to the PDP.
Insiders emphasized that the Convention’s decisions on such matters are final within the party hierarchy.
“We Acted Within the Law” — PDP Supporters Fire Back
Supporters say the opposition is attempting to “weaponize misinformation,” insisting that the party acted strictly within its legal and constitutional boundaries.
One party stalwart, Osoniyii from Ibadan North, whose post has now gone viral, remarked that critics are only helping the party gain more publicity, while “we continue to give them free civic education.”
Political Temperature Rises Ahead of Elections
The developments come at a time when political tensions are already high, with major parties recalibrating ahead of upcoming national and state-level contests. Analysts believe the PDP’s firm stance signals a new drive to enforce discipline and reclaim organizational cohesion.
While reactions remain mixed, the party’s clarifications have triggered fresh conversations on internal democracy, party discipline, and the legal framework guiding political parties in Nigeria.
One thing is certain: the PDP is making it clear that it intends to wield its constitutional powers decisively — and critics will have to read the fine print.
Politics
Aliyu Kombat Declares Total Support for Dr. Jamilu Gwamna’s Governorship Bid
Aliyu Kombat Declares Total Support for Dr. Jamilu Gwamna’s Governorship Bid
By Our Political Reporter
Engineer Aliyu Mohammed Kombat has officially declared his support for the governorship ambition of Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna, describing him as a visionary leader with the capacity to transform Gombe State.
In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Kombat said his decision followed a series of consultations and meetings held with Dr. Gwamna, during which he carefully examined the aspirant’s vision, policies and development agenda for the state.
According to him, the discussions convinced him that Dr. Gwamna possesses a clear roadmap for the development of Gombe State and is committed to improving the welfare of its people.
Kombat stated that Dr. Gwamna’s plans focus on expanding infrastructure, empowering communities, creating educational opportunities, equipping young people with vocational skills, and improving the overall standard of living across the state.
He noted that these objectives align with his own aspiration for a more prosperous and progressive Gombe State.
“After extensive discussions and careful assessment of his vision and programmes, we are convinced that Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna has the leadership qualities, commitment and developmental agenda needed to move Gombe State forward,” he said.
Based on this conviction, Kombat formally announced his endorsement of Dr. Gwamna’s governorship aspiration and pledged his full support ahead of the next gubernatorial election.
He also called on his supporters, political associates, friends and the people of Gombe State to unite behind Dr. Gwamna by supporting and voting for him, expressing confidence that his leadership would bring sustainable development and good governance.
Kombat expressed appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty, trust and cooperation, assuring them that he would continue to uphold the confidence they have placed in him.
He concluded by praying for Allah’s guidance and blessings throughout the political journey, asking for success and what is best for the people of Gombe State.
The endorsement is expected to strengthen Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna’s political support base as preparations intensify ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Gombe State.
Politics
Hamma Saleh Felicitates Muslims, Rejects Pantami’s Alleged Imposition as PDP Candidate in Gombe
By Our Political Reporter
A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, has felicitated with Muslims across the state while also expressing strong opposition to what he described as the alleged imposition of Dr. Isa Ali Pantami as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement made available to journalists, Hamma Saleh called on his supporters and political associates across the state to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding despite growing tensions surrounding the party’s internal affairs.
According to him, the principles of justice, fairness, and due process must be respected within the PDP, stressing that no individual should be imposed on party members against their collective will.
He stated that every loyal party stakeholder deserves equal opportunity and fair participation in the democratic process, adding that attempts to sideline aspirants or manipulate the process could threaten unity within the party.
“Justice must prevail. Democracy is built on fairness, consultation, and respect for the wishes of party members,” he reportedly said.
Hamma Saleh further assured his supporters that he would challenge any action capable of undermining internal democracy within the PDP in the state, insisting that the party must remain committed to transparency and credible leadership selection.
The PDP stalwart also used the opportunity to extend warm greetings to Muslims in Gombe State, urging them to continue praying for peace, unity, and progress in the state and the country at large.
He appealed to party supporters not to engage in violence or acts capable of disrupting public peace, emphasizing that political disagreements should always be handled through legitimate and democratic means.
Political observers believe the development may signal fresh political tension within the PDP in Gombe State as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
The party leadership in the state is yet to officially react to the allegations surrounding the reported endorsement or imposition of any governorship candidate.
Politics
2027 Gombe Race: PDP Aspirants Reject Pantami, Warn of Legal Consequences
By Our Political Reporter
Governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State have cautioned the party leadership against what they described as an alleged attempt to “smuggle” former APC governorship aspirant, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, into the party’s ongoing governorship primary process ahead of the 2027 elections.
The aspirants, in a communiqué issued on Sunday, argued that Prof. Pantami, who participated in the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on May 21, 2026, could not lawfully defect to the PDP and contest another governorship primary within the same election cycle.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Usman Aliyu Garry, and Monica Kaltho.
The development comes days after Prof. Pantami announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary, citing alleged irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.
The PDP aspirants disclosed that, in the interest of party unity and cohesion, they had unanimously agreed to allow the leadership of the party in Gombe State to select a consensus candidate among them for the 2027 governorship election.
According to the communiqué, the decision was taken “in respect and deference to the leadership of our great party,” particularly the PDP leader in the state, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, alongside members of the State Executive Committee, the 11 Local Government Chairmen, and the Elders Committee.
The aspirants stated that they had already signed a written undertaking pledging to abide by the final decision of the party leadership regarding the emergence of a consensus candidate.
“We therefore condemn in the strongest terms the alleged attempt to smuggle into the PDP primaries an aspirant who, by law and established democratic principles, is ineligible to participate, having already contested in the APC governorship primaries held on 21st May, 2026,” the communiqué read.
They further argued that the law does not permit a candidate to defect from one political party to another and subsequently participate in the same election process after votes had already been cast and counted in another party’s primary election.
While affirming that the PDP remains open to welcoming new members, the aspirants maintained that such individuals should not be allowed to join a primary process already at an advanced stage.
“We strongly object to any attempt to involve such a person in the ongoing PDP gubernatorial primaries,” they stated.
The aspirants also warned the party leadership against taking actions capable of exposing the PDP to avoidable legal disputes and internal crisis.
“We therefore call on the leadership of the party to be properly guided and to desist from promoting any action capable of undermining the rule of law or exposing the party to avoidable litigation,” the communiqué added.
They warned that any violation of due process could trigger serious legal challenges from aggrieved party members and even opposition parties.
The statement concluded with a cautionary note, saying, “As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine.”
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