Politics
SDP Marks June 12, Cites Leadership Failures As Nigeria’s Bane
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has described June 12 as a defining milestone in Nigeria’s democratic history, while lamenting that the country remains hindered by entrenched leadership failings and political betrayal.
In a statement marking the 2024 Democracy Day, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rufus Aiyenigba, said June 12, 1993, would forever stand as a pivotal moment that reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape and national consciousness.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates yet another national anniversary of the pride of place in our political history and the indelible marks that June 12, 1993, made in our national life, particularly as a historic watershed and being emblematic of our democracy, and shaping our collective efforts at nation-building,” Aiyenigba said.
The SDP paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, widely regarded as the symbol of Nigeria’s democratic rebirth, praising his ultimate sacrifice for the restoration of civil rule.
“The SDP notes the date with fond reminiscences and great reverence to the memory of the immortal symbol of our nascent democracy, the late business mogul and African icon, Bashorun Moshood Abiola, who treaded the heroic path of the uncommon sacrifice of becoming a martyr, so democratic rule could take firm roots in Nigeria,” the statement read.
Reflecting on the events of June 12, 1993, when Abiola won what is still considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest election before the result was annulled by the military, the SDP described it as a crucial turning point.
“June 12, 1993, was quite a defining moment in our journey towards democratic rule, and the date has become an eternal reference point in our journey towards nation-building,” Aiyenigba stated.
“Today, as always, we celebrate the great sacrificial exertions of the late generalissimo of the Yoruba, whose fame, impact and influence transcended his exalted noble title, as he became a national symbol of true service and the torch-bearer for national redemption,” the statement continued.
However, the SDP expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s current state, warning that the dreams of Abiola and the sacrifices made by many pro-democracy heroes were being squandered by a political class disconnected from the people.
“As we mark this great day, Nigeria is sadly bogged down by the yoke of leadership conspiracy and the country is not appreciably moving towards attaining the lofty dreams and great vision Abiola had for Nigeria and the people.
“It is an understatement that our nation is today, faced with arrested development in all areas that matter.”
“Going by what currently obtains, and beyond political arguments, tokenism in mandate delivery, vacuous grandstanding, and the shenanigans of the political elites, our nation is not anyway near the true ideals of the democracy for which Abiola fought and died.
“We do not appear to be on the desirable path of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of our people.”
“The government, today, is far detached from the noble cause of banishing poverty; engendering a sane society and safe Nigerian landscape; of committing to making life truly meaningful for all Nigerians; of enthroning equity, social justice, and of building a good Nigerian society for all.”
Ripplesnigeria.com
Three political parties failed to submit their presidential and vice-presidential candidates on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, which closed at 11:59 pm on Tuesday.
This was confirmed by an INEC official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter.
Daily voice understands that the affected parties are the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Nyesom Wike, and the Labour Party (LP) faction led by Nenadi Usman.
“As of now, only about three political parties are yet to upload the names of their presidential and running mate candidates. They are APGA, the PDP (Wike faction) and the LP (Nenadi faction). Virtually every other party has filed its candidates,” the official said as quoted by Daily Trust.
The commission had warned that no further extension would be granted.
Apart from the three parties said to have missed the deadline for uploading their candidates, the INEC official said almost all registered political parties have successfully uploaded the names of their candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The 2027 presidential election is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 16th January.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has officially confirmed that he will retain his Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, putting to rest speculation surrounding the composition of his re-election ticket. Government
Governor Bago made the announcement on Tuesday during a gathering at the Government House in Minna, where he declared that Garba would remain his deputy on the 2027 ticket. He further disclosed that Garba’s name would be submitted alongside his to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law.
The governor explained that the Nigerian Constitution mandates every governorship candidate to nominate a deputy when submitting nomination forms to INEC. He noted that recent rumours had created uncertainty over his choice of running mate, prompting him to publicly reaffirm Garba’s position.
Bago stated that the decision was intended to end months of speculation and reassure party members and supporters that Yakubu Garba remains his preferred deputy for the next electoral cycle.
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has dismissed reports that he plans to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Naija News reports that Dogara described the reports as false and politically motivated, insisting that he remained a loyal member of the ruling party.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Dr Dominic Alancha.
According to the statement, the former Speaker is committed to working for the victory of the APC and the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Alancha said reports suggesting that Dogara was considering leaving the party were deliberately fabricated to create tension within the APC.
He said, “We wish to state categorically that these claims are false, baseless, and deliberately intended to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.
“Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara remains a committed and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress. He has neither resigned from the party nor expressed any intention to do so.”
The spokesperson accused unnamed individuals of attempting to exploit the reports to cause division among members of the party.
“Reports suggesting otherwise are the handiwork of mischief makers seeking to sow division within the APC,” the statement added.
Dogara Committed To APC Victory
Alancha said Dogara was already working with party leaders and members to strengthen the APC ahead of the next general election.
The statement read, “As a statesman and experienced democrat, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara remains steadfast in his commitment to the unity, growth, and success of the APC.
“He is fully dedicated to working with party leaders, members, and supporters across the country to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
The statement stressed that Dogara’s political focus remained on supporting the ruling party and contributing to its electoral success.
Dogara also pledged his support for Tinubu’s bid for a second term, according to the statement.
“Furthermore, Rt. Hon. Dogara is committed to supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ensuring the victory of the APC in the 2027 general election,” Alancha stated.
He added that the former Speaker remained focused on promoting good governance, national unity and development under the APC-led administration.
Alancha urged members of the public and the media to disregard unverified reports about Dogara’s political future.
He added, “We urge members of the public and the media to disregard the fake reports and rely only on verified information from credible and official sources.
“Those behind these unfounded allegations should desist from spreading falsehoods capable of undermining the unity of our great party
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