PRP Warns Against Power Perpetuation As Party Holds Convention In Kano

The Peoples Redemption Party has held its National Convention and primaries in Kano, warning members to remain vigilant against what it described as alleged attempts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to perpetuate himself in power.

Speaking during the convention, the party’s National Chairman, Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu, alleged that the political tactics used to undermine the June 12 election during the aborted Third Republic had been perfected under the current administration.

“We call on our people to be vigilant because the mercenary politics that the nation’s generals used to undermine the June 12 election in the botched Third Republic has been perfected by the Tinubu regime,” Daudu said.

Daudu, whose cabinet members were returned unopposed, stated that the PRP remained committed to politics as a service to the people rather than a means of personal enrichment.

According to him, many opposition parties are allegedly facing internal crises fuelled by individuals working to weaken opposition forces and entrench what he described as a dominant-party system.

“Therefore, under President Tinubu, Nigeria has receded from consolidating democratic gains to enthroning autocracy under dominant-party rule; the APC, as the ruling party, is above the law,” he alleged.

The PRP chairman further claimed that the separation of powers had weakened, alleging that the legislature now functions as an extension of the executive arm, while the judiciary is increasingly perceived as being pliant to the government.

He also accused public office holders of personalising state resources and weakening anti-corruption institutions.

Daudu expressed doubts over the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission to function as an independent electoral umpire under its current leadership.

He, however, said the party’s newly elected representatives and candidates would continue to champion the struggle for freedom, social justice and development in Nigeria.

APC Lawmaker Denies Sponsoring Thugs In Ekiti Primary

A member of the House of Representatives, Davidson Akinlayo, has denied allegations that he sponsored hoodlums to disrupt the All Progressives Congress primary election held on Saturday in Ekiti State.

Akinlayo, who represents Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido-Osi Federal Constituency and is seeking re-election, described the allegation as politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his image.

The lawmaker was reacting to reports that the police arrested 11 suspected political thugs armed with dangerous weapons at a hotel in Ikun Ekiti, alleging that they were linked to him.

Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Akinlayo said only two of those arrested were known to him and identified them as members of his media team.

“It is only two people that I know from that group, the head of my media team and the assistant media aide, who are well known in Ekiti State. They are media gurus and they have never been involved in any criminality,” he said.

The federal lawmaker insisted that the other suspects were government appointees and not members of his campaign structure.

“They are appointees of government, we all know them. All of them are on government payroll. So how are they working for me?” he queried.

Akinlayo maintained that he had no reason to engage in violence, insisting that he remained popular within the constituency and had continued to enjoy support due to his charitable activities and grassroots connection.

He also accused his opponent of attempting to manipulate the primary process rather than engaging in open competition.

“My opponent is only eager to write results. He is not ready for the primary, he is not ready for real contest,” he alleged.

The lawmaker called for a level playing field for all aspirants, stressing that democracy should be driven by the will of the people rather than imposition.

“I’m the candidate to beat. I am popular. A popular candidate doesn’t need anything; he only needs the masses and support from God,” he added.