..as Turaki warns against defection
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday urged candidates produced by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2027 polls not to be jittery over their fate.
Wike said he was confident that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would grant the party access codes to upload the names of its candidates on its portal on June 26.
The minister, who addressed party faithful at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at Wadata Plaza National Secretariat, assured the candidates that rather than express fear, they should “fight” and defend themselves by campaigning vigorously to confront any opposition that might come their way.
“As far as I am concerned, June 26 is when they will give access codes to political parties to upload results.
“Don’t worry; we are good to go. Nobody is afraid. We will see who INEC will give the code,” he said.
“It is not about going to collect money from people and saying we are in court. Nobody is afraid of court; courts are meant for human beings, not ghosts. So we are here, we are not afraid; let them continue going to court while we continue to prepare for our own election.”
Wike urged the candidates to see his own political journey and struggles as an example, reminding them that political power is never given on a platter of gold.
ALSO READ:Insecurity: Troops kill IPOB/ESN operatives, recover weapons in Anambra
“As a governorship candidate, believe that you will be governor. The way you carry yourself, people will see whether you will be governor or not,” the minister stated.
The National Chairman of the party, Abdulrahman Mohammed, commended stakeholders for their commitment and support, which ensured that the PDP successfully concluded its primaries for the next general elections.
“With the successful emergence of our candidates across various elective positions, the Peoples Democratic Party approaches the forthcoming elections with renewed optimism, confidence and determination.
“We remain committed to conducting issue-based campaigns and presenting Nigerians with a credible alternative for effective governance. Our objective is not merely to win elections but to offer visionary leadership capable of addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation and delivering tangible benefits to all Nigerians,” Mohammed stated.
“We have absolute confidence in the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue strengthening the electoral process and providing a level playing field for all political parties in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.”
Meanwhile, the Interim National Working Committee (INWC), led by Tanimu Turaki, has warned PDP candidates against defecting to other political parties after winning the party’s ticket.
Turaki gave the warning at a separate venue where he presented certificates of return to governorship candidates.
According to him, candidates will sign undertakings to commit themselves to the party.
“Nobody, moving forward, will take our mandate to another political party and get away with it. Before we take your names to INEC, you will sign an undertaking. What happened before will not happen again,” he said.
“PDP would not want a situation where, for any reason, we win the election and that victory is taken away from us at the tribunal.”
Those presented with certificates of return were Lawal Mohammed Umar (Kaduna State), Hassan Oladimeji Ali (Kwara State), Zanna Gadama Mustapha (Borno State), Ibeabuchi Ihenechukwu (Abia State), Effiong Eyamba (Cross River State), Sherrig Abdullahi (Yobe State), Donatus Nwogbo (Enugu State), Eze Alexander (Ebonyi State), Etenabene Benedict (Delta State), Taofeek Arapaja (Oyo State), and Caleb Maigbadani (Adamawa State).
The list also included Mohammed Ahmed Yayari (Gombe State), Victor Richard (Rivers State), Senator Joel Ikenya (Taraba State), Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kebbi State), Mohammed Ja’afaru (Nasarawa State), Oladelipopu Adebisi (Ogun State), Mohammed Kabir (Kano State), Emmanuel Agbo (Benue State), Adetokumbo Pierce (Lagos State), and Sunday Garba (Plateau State).