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I’ve not Left PDP, Says Shekarau

Published

7 years ago

September 5, 2018

Eric

A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, has refuted a claim by his spokesman, Sule Ya’u, that he has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In an audio clip repeatedly aired on some radio stations in Kano on Tuesday, Mr Shekarau, a presidential aspirant, said he is still making consultations with his political associates on the next line of action.

He said his followers know he has a tradition of consulting political associates before taking any critical decision, and will make his position known to the public, himself, at an appropriate time.

He therefore appealed to his followers to remain calm, and wait further direction.

“People are aware with the current trend in PDP Kano State. The national leadership has announced dissolution of Kano state executives of PDP. We have challenged this decision in court, because it contradicts the constitution of the PDP. We are still making consultation with PDP leaders in Kano for next line of action.

“You are aware in my political history, before I take any decision, I consult my political associates. I am still making such consultation. I am appealing to my supporters to exercise patient. I will make my position known to public myself at an appropriate time,” Mr Shekarau said.

When PREMIUM TIMES correspondent visited the residence of Mr Shekarau, he was told that the politician will meet with his loyalists on Tuesday night, and will make his position known on Wednesday.

On Monday, Mr Ya’u told BBC Hausa that his boss has dumped the PDP due to the dissolution of Kano PDP state executives and formation of a caretaker committee under Rabiu Bichi, former Secretary to Kano State Government and a close political associate of Rabiu Kwankwaso, another presidential candidate and ex-governor of the state.

Following the dissolution of the Mas’ud Doguwa-led executive, the members obtained an interim court judgement setting aside its dissolution.

Earlier on Tuesday, the public relations officer of the dissolved state executive, Musa Danbirni, told Premium Times that they are still the authentic leaders of PDP in Kano

“We are against the decision of National leadership of PDP for dissolving Kano state executives. Let me tell you, yesterday (Monday) the PDP leaders in Kano, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Ambassador Aminu Wali have sent their representatives to pay a solidarity visit to state secretariat in support of our leadership,” Mr Danbirni said

Meanwhile, perhaps as a move to placate some of the parties, the PDP has resolved to expand the caretaker committee to accommodate all interests “in line with its adherence to the principles of all-inclusiveness.”

The party made this known in a statement on Tuesday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to expand the Kano State Caretaker Committee to accommodate all interests in line with its adherence to the principles of all-inclusiveness.”

The party in its statement said it is open to opinions and suggestions from party members in ensuring reconciliation and accommodation for all interests within its fold in the state.

The NWC assured no stone will be left unturned in the overall quest to bring good governance to Kano State.

The party leadership further assured it is prepared to engage with all in Kano provided all matters in court against the party are withdrawn, “as all members work together to build a united PDP that can confront and send out incompetent and insensitive people in governance in Kano State and Nigeria at large.”

Premium Times

Featured

MC Awilo Brings Laughter, Joy to “The King of Street Joke” Event

Published

2 days ago

April 23, 2025

Eric

Nigeria’s comedy king, MC Awilo, reignited the nation’s laughter quotient with a spectacular performance at the “King of Street Joke” event. Held at the RickRex Event Center in Benin City, the show was a masterclass in humor, entertainment, and unforgettable moments.

The evening kicked off with an all-star lineup, featuring comedic geniuses like King James, Kaduna 1st son, and Brother Ifeanyi. However, the night’s pièce de résistance was MC Awilo’s dramatic entrance, which left the audience in awe. Accompanied by a troupe of men in black and a giant gorilla mascot, MC Awilo’s arrival sparked a frenzy of excitement.

With his razor-sharp wit and clever wordplay, MC Awilo delivered a string of side-splitting jokes that had the crowd in stitches. His performance was flawless, and the audience’s infectious laughter filled the room. The comedian’s ability to read the room and tailor his jokes to the audience’s mood was truly impressive.

The event also featured a memorable performance by gospel sensation Brother Ifeanyi, who treated the crowd to his hit single “Jump and Pass.” The audience sang along, reliving cherished childhood memories. The Easter-themed celebration added to the festive atmosphere, making the night even more unforgettable.

Fans raved about MC Awilo’s show, with attendee Lucky Otono describing it as “world-class.” “I had an incredible time, laughing nonstop throughout the event,” he said. “The music, comedians, and ambiance were all top-notch. I’m already counting down to next year’s event.”

With its winning blend of comedy, music, and entertainment, “The King of Street Joke” event was a triumph, solidifying MC Awilo’s position as one of Nigeria’s most beloved comedians.

Featured

Lagos Hotelier Slumps, Dies During Wife’s 60th Birthday Thanksgiving

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2025

Eric

A prominent Lagos hotelier, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, tragically passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a church thanksgiving service held in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday.

The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos State, leaving family, friends, and well-wishers in deep shock.

In a now-viral video shared on Facebook by Ayoade Ojeniyi on Sunday, the late businessman appeared visibly distressed, gesturing frantically—apparently requesting water or an inhaler—moments before slumping while delivering his testimony.

The thanksgiving service had been organised to celebrate his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele, with a grand reception scheduled to follow immediately after at Noble Castle Events Centre, Igando.

However, those plans were abruptly halted when news broke that Akinyele had collapsed in church. Despite frantic efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

One of the event vendors, who shared their experience via Facebook, said they had arrived at the reception venue as early as 10 am for the party, which was set to commence by 2pm.

The vendor wrote: “The celebrant, her husband, their children, and guests had all gone to church for the thanksgiving, intending to proceed to the reception afterwards. Varieties of foods were ready, decoration set, cocktails, emu oguro, and more. The live band had already mounted about 25 speakers. This is how people die? I can’t even think of asking for my balance for the job.”

Featured

Easter: Glo Urges Christians to Embrace Christ-like Virtues

Published

4 days ago

April 20, 2025

Eric

Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has charged Christians to embrace the virtues that Christ preached as the 2025 Easter celebrations hold this weekend.

While congratulating Christians in Nigeria in a goodwill message released from its Lagos Head Office on Thursday, Globacom admonished them to imbibe the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.

According to Glo, “Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”

Globacom charged all Nigerians to espouse the lessons of selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society and called on all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all.

The company praised their perseverance through the 40-day Lenten period which comes before Easter as it emphasized the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.

Easter comes yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The company assured its customers of unhindered voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.