Politics

PDP Criticizes Tinubu Over GCON Conferment on Indian PM Modi

Published

2 years ago

November 18, 2024

PDP Criticizes Tinubu Over GCON Conferment on Indian PM Modi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to confer Nigeria’s second-highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The opposition party described the move as “misplaced” and questioned the appropriateness of such recognition for a foreign leader, urging Tinubu to prioritize national interests.

On Sunday, the Peoples Democratic Party criticized President Bola Tinubu for awarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Nigeria’s second highest national honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, characterized the President’s action as a case of misplaced priorities.

However, Nze Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, opposed this view by arguing that the President’s actions were not unprecedented.

The PDP’s criticism emerged shortly after Tinubu awarded Modi the nation’s highest honor at the Nigeria-India Bilateral meeting, which took place at the Presidential Residence in Abuja.

The President stated that the award was given to the Indian Prime Minister as a gesture of appreciation for their partnership and bilateral relationship.

He expressed that Nigeria greatly values its excellent relationship with India and is committed to further deepening and expanding this partnership for the mutual benefit of both friendly nations. He acknowledged India’s historical achievements, particularly noting the impressive accomplishment of winning three consecutive elections in a complex society, which garners significant respect from Nigeria.

Tinubu stated, “Today, I will bestow upon you, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s national honor—the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This is to symbolize Nigeria’s gratitude and dedication to its partnership with India.”

Modi expressed his condolences to Nigeria regarding the recent floods that devastated several cities in the country, including Maiduguri in Borno State.

The Prime Minister of India pledged to provide Nigeria with 20 tonnes of relief supplies.

“We had a highly productive conversation with President Tinubu, focusing on accelerating our strategic partnership. There is significant potential for further growth in areas such as defense, energy, technology, trade, health care, education, and beyond,” stated Modi.

Nevertheless, the PDP expressed disappointment with Tinubu, questioning why he decided to award the second-highest national honor in the country based solely on friendship.

The member of the PDP National Working Committee stressed that while the President holds the right and discretion to bestow a national honor upon anyone, there should be specific criteria demonstrating why they merit such recognition.

“It isn’t something you simply give away for the sake of friendship or other reasons. I’m not sure what actions by the Indian Prime Minister have merited such an honor, considering that it is the second highest distinction in our country. This seems like a misplacement of priorities.”

I would have expected the President to inquire with the Indian Prime Minister about how India’s economy transitioned from being known as a center of poverty to becoming one of the fastest-growing economies today. Currently, some of the leading tech moguls worldwide are Indians.

He remarked, “Take a look at Microsoft, Silicon Valley in America, and various startups; they’re all being led and established by Indians. I would have expected Tinubu to acknowledge the gaps within his cabinet and humbly seek advice from the Prime Minister on how to aid his government as well as Nigerians. Instead of giving out unneeded awards just for photos and comments.”

The PDP leader continued to criticize the current administration, claiming it would keep engaging in what he described as performative antics.

Osadolor also speculated whether the President seized the opportunity to ask the visiting Prime Minister and his delegation pertinent questions about investments and how Nigeria might learn from India’s experiences to improve its situation.

He stated, “Tinubu is not serious. He should focus on more important issues rather than trivial matters. With the Indian Prime Minister now visiting Africa and given that Nigeria has a substantial Indian community, how can we effectively maximize and leverage these business opportunities?”

Are we focusing on the appropriate questions, pursuing suitable investments, and advocating for effective policies? The distractions from this administration are becoming overwhelming. President Tinubu needs to step away from these media strategies and concentrate on addressing the real issues.

“Nigerians are facing hunger and mortality issues, but the technologies that Indians are implementing worldwide could significantly address many of these fundamental challenges.”

READ ALSO: Kwankwaso Accuses Tinubu, Lagos of Meddling in Kano’s Affairs

However, Duru, the APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, expressed concerns that the PDP was failing to fulfill its duties as a responsible opposition.

He suggested that the first question to consider is whether there is any precedent for this. After establishing a precedent, it should be determined if Mr. President has the authority to grant such an award. If he does have this power, then it’s important to verify whether the process has been properly approved. Once all these questions are answered positively, it becomes Mr. President’s discretion as to whom he wishes to bestow such an honorary award upon.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that we must move beyond emotional politics to start addressing the issue at hand. Therefore, the PDP is welcome and encouraged to continue its admirable role as an opposition party.

We would prefer to see discussions focused on how we can respectfully contribute to a better and more improved Nigeria, addressing the pressing issues our country faces. This includes strategies for ensuring food security, fostering a conducive environment for business growth, and establishing an equitable playing field. Such concerns should be prioritized over less substantial pursuits.

On Sunday, Dr. Sylvester Okere, a Nigerian security expert based in the United States of America, stated that the partnership between India and Nigeria would help secure people’s assets.

Okere, who is set to be one of the distinguished guests hosted by the Central Association of Private Security Industry from November 21-22, 2024 in India, remarked that CAPSI’s invitation to attend the 19th Security Leadership Summit in New Delhi comes at a pivotal moment coinciding with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria.

Okere will discuss ‘Indian-Nigerian Partnership in Securing People and Assets,’ along with other key security challenges impacting both nations.

CAPSI, the umbrella organization for India’s private security sector, is affiliated with prominent global security education entities such as the World Association of Detectives, International Federation of Protection Officers, the US-based Association of Investigation and Security Agencies Regulators, and UK’s Security Institute. These partnerships focus on training youths and facilitating their placement in international roles.

According to Okere, the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Nigeria will facilitate high-level discussions between both Presidents aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, energy, and education.

#NigeriaPolitics #PDP #Tinubu #Modi #GCON
Meta Description: PDP criticizes President Tinubu for conferring the GCON honor on Indian PM Modi, questioning the appropriateness of the recognition. Read more on the controversy.

Politics

2027: More Than 50 Lawmakers Lose APC Reps Tickets in Major Primary Election

Published

11 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

No fewer than 50 members of the 10th House of Representatives are unlikely to be part of the 11th Assembly after losing out in the All Progressive Congress (APC) primaries held on Saturday.

This marks one of the largest turnovers of sitting federal lawmakers since 2015 and signals intensifying internal competition within the ruling party eight months to the 2027 general elections.

While House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (Kano) and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (Abia) successfully defended their tickets, several ranking and long-serving lawmakers were defeated, exposing strong anti-incumbent sentiment and the decisive role of state governors in candidate selection.

Major casualties

One of the biggest upsets was the defeat of House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere in Edo State’s Owan Federal Constituency. He polled 1,005 votes out of 7,587 cast, finishing third behind Andrew Ijegbia, who scored 3,695 votes. Abdul Oroh placed second with 1,740 votes.

In Delta State, veteran lawmaker Nicholas Mutu, who has represented Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency since 1999, lost his re-election bid. Ngozi Okolie also lost the Aniocha/Oshimili ticket to former House Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu.

Cross River State recorded one of the highest casualty rates, with five of eight incumbents failing to secure re-nomination.

They include three-term member Mike Etaba (Obubra/Etung), Godwin Offiono (Ogoja/Yala), Emil Inyang (Akamkpa/Biase), and Bassey Akiba (Odukpani/Calabar Municipality).

Only Peter Akpanke, Joseph Bassey, and Victor Abang won return tickets.

In Plateau State, conflicting results in Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency triggered early confusion. One returning officer declared challenger John Tongshinen winner with 29,968 votes against incumbent Yusuf Gagdi’s 5,849.

The APC Plateau State primaries committee, chaired by Stella Okotete, later dismissed that declaration as unauthorised and affirmed Mr Gagdi as the authentic winner with 29,207 votes.

At a press briefing, Mrs Okotete stated that Nandom Kura was the recognised returning officer. “The returning officer approved by my committee that has gone to do fake declaration is null and void,” she said.

Other significant losses occurred in Ogun State (at least five incumbents, including Deputy Chief Whip Ibrahim Isiaka and Tunji Akinosi) and Ekiti State (three sitting members).

Politics

PDP to screen Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday as its sole Presidential aspirant For 2027 race

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has scheduled to screen former president Goodluck Jonathan tomorrow, Tuesday, aMay 19, as the lone presidential candidate of party.

According to a statement from the PDP faction backed by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former governor of Plateau State, Jona Jang and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi have been listed among a committee of 14 members to screen Jonathan described as a lone candidate by the party.

Other members of the committee were Chief Olabode George, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenin, Dr. Abdul Bulama, Dr. Esther Uduehi, Edo State PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, Dr. Sunday Solarium and Chief Anicho Okoro, who would serve as administrative secretary of the committee.

Last week, the national Publicity Secretary of the faction, Ini Ememobong, disclosed that former president Jonathan has successfully registered as a member of the party in the fresh digital registration exercise directed by INEC.

The PDP faction also announced that it was set to screen 748 house of representatives aspirants, 198 senatorial aspirants, and 112 governorship aspirants.

The screening committee would screen 2122 states houses of assembly aspirants. The exercise will commence tomorrow, Tuesday in different states.

According to the statement, the screening exercise would take place nationwide on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The statement said the Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) has also released the names of members to serve on the Screening Committees and Screening Appeal Panels.

It added that the publication of the screening details “is in accordance with the party’s guidelines and timetable for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.”

Politics

Oshiomhole wins Edo APC senatorial primaries unopposed

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

A former governor and incumbent Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, along with his counterpart Senator Joe Ikpea, sailed through the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary in Edo unopposed, and securing their tickets without a single vote cast against them.

Also Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama emerged the winner in the APC primary for the Edo South senatorial district.

Ogbeide-Ihama won in the seven local government areas of Edo South in the results announced by the Chairman of APC National Assembly Primary Election, Muhammed Ajana at the Urokpota Hall, Benin.

He polled 27,154 votes while his opponents, Senator Neda Imasuen, got 13,580, and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu got 6785.

The elections were hitch-free in Edo North and Edo Central, where there was no contest against the incumbents, Senators Oshiomhole of Edo North and Ikpea of Edo Central, respectively.

Ajana at the Urokpota Hall said the collation arose from votes cast in the seven local government areas made up of 77 wards where elections were conducted by members of the committee.

He said, “There are seven local governments that make up the Edo South Senatorial District. We have heard from the Returning officers from the seven local government areas. From the collation, the cumulative result we have for Edo South Senatorial District is this; Ogbeide-Ihama with 27,154 votes, Imasuen with 13,580 votes and Ize-Iyamu with 6, 785.

“This is the total reflection of what has transpired from the ward level to the local government and the Edo South senatorial district collation centre. With this we await further directives from the National Secretariat, we have done our best by collating the results which is our mandate, to collate the results and send them to the National Secretariat.”

However, it was gathered that Ize-Iyamu emerged as the APC candidate for Edo South Senatorial race. He claimed to have clinched the party’s ticket after defeating Ogbeide-Ihama and Imasuen.

It was claimed that the Chief Returning Officer, Abubakar Muhammad Kabiru, officially declared Ize-Iyamu the winner after securing the highest number of votes cast.

On his part, the senator representing the district condemned the exercise describing it as a sham allegedly designed to favour a preferred aspirant.

Imasuen spoke while reacting to events at his polling unit in Umagbae North Ward 5, Urhokuosa where he said he was denied the opportunity to vote following what he described as a chaotic and manipulated process.

The lawmaker accused leaders of the party of openly adopting a preferred candidate ahead of the exercise and intimidating members into supporting that aspirant.

He said, “There is nothing satisfactory about this sham of election they did today and it is very unfortunate because as a loyal party member, I expected something better than this.”

He said the warning signs emerged days before the primary when some ward chairmen allegedly informed him that they had been directed not to receive him during consultations.

Imasuen claimed that some ward leaders openly told him the party had already adopted a preferred aspirant, identified as Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, making further consultations unnecessary.