The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming local government elections in Benue State, set for October 5.

At an event held on Wednesday in Makurdi, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, AVM Napoleon Bali, represented by the Secretary, Mr. Osita Ogene, presented party flags to the chairmanship and councilorship candidates, urging them to ensure victory for the PDP in the polls.

Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, expressed confidence in PDP’s strong presence in the state, stating that the party will be victorious. He also noted that the PDP would seek redress in court if denied victory unjustly.

In a goodwill message, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro called on party members to turn out en masse to vote for PDP candidates, emphasizing that the election would be free and fair, as promised by the Benue State Independent Election Commission (BSIEC).

Representatives from the state’s three senatorial districts—Engr. Dondo Ahire, Mike Uba, and Alex Ogaba—called for unity within the party to secure success in the local government elections.

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Emeka Beke has asserted that former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi remains the party’s leader in the state.

Beke emphasized that despite Amaechi’s current silence, he continues to be a significant influence and active member of the APC.

He dismissed rumours that Amaechi has withdrawn from politics, particularly at the state level.

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Emeka Beke has asserted that former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi remains the party’s leader in the state.

Beke emphasized that despite Amaechi’s current silence, he continues to be a significant influence and active member of the APC.

He dismissed rumours that Amaechi has withdrawn from politics, particularly at the state level.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to newsmen.

“Amaechi is still the leader of the APC in Rivers State. It is impossible to discuss the history of politics in this state, especially regarding the APC, without devoting an entire book to Amaechi’s contributions,” he stated.

During the presentation of party flags to candidates in the 21 local government areas ahead of the October 5 local government elections, Beke confirmed that Amaechi is fully aware of the party’s participation in the polls and supports the candidates.

Reiterating the APC’s commitment to the upcoming elections, Beke noted that all candidates have been screened and deemed qualified by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Emeka Beke has asserted that former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi remains the party’s leader in the state.

Beke emphasized that despite Amaechi’s current silence, he continues to be a significant influence and active member of the APC.

He dismissed rumours that Amaechi has withdrawn from politics, particularly at the state level.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to newsmen.

“Amaechi is still the leader of the APC in Rivers State. It is impossible to discuss the history of politics in this state, especially regarding the APC, without devoting an entire book to Amaechi’s contributions,” he stated.

During the presentation of party flags to candidates in the 21 local government areas ahead of the October 5 local government elections, Beke confirmed that Amaechi is fully aware of the party’s participation in the polls and supports the candidates.

Reiterating the APC’s commitment to the upcoming elections, Beke noted that all candidates have been screened and deemed qualified by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

He called on security agencies to maintain neutrality and ensure free, fair and credible elections.

Additionally, Beke criticized former governor Nyesom Wike but praised the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

He said, “These candidates have been screened by RSIEC and are qualified for the election. Some believe the election will not take place, but that is just a fantasy.

“I urge security personnel to be vigilant and deter anyone looking to disrupt the peace. Rivers State has faced turmoil under former Governor Wike, but our current governor is God-fearing. Anyone causing trouble will be dealt with by the security forces.”

Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has proposed a significant change to Nigeria’s presidency. He suggests introducing a six-year single-term rotational presidency between the southern and northern regions of the country. This proposal was made in a letter to Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, dated August 29, 2024.

Atiku’s plan aims to rotate the presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with each zone getting a single six-year term. He wants to add a paragraph to Section 130(1) of the 1999 Constitution to achieve this. Additionally, he proposes amending Section 135(2) to ensure the president vacates office after six years, starting from their election date.

The former vice president, who lost the 2023 presidential election to Bola Tinubu, has contested for the presidency six times in the last 30 years. His proposal seeks to promote constitutional democracy in Nigeria, especially as the National Assembly reviews the 1999 Constitution. Atiku’s recommendations also address educational qualification standards for political office seekers, internal democracy in parties, and reducing violent takeovers of parties.