₦airaland Forum

6th October 2018


PRESS STATEMENT


Our attention has been drawn to some disingenuous propaganda to the effect that Senator Ahmed Makarfi is stepping down from the PDP presidential nomination race at the on going convention in Port Harcourt.

We wish to make very clear that not only is Senator Makarfi very much in the race, he is also doing very well and expects, at the end of the day, to get the nod of majority of the delegates to fly party's flag in forthcoming elections.

Delegates and the general public are advised to ignore this vile rumour and remain focussed.


Sgd
Mukhtar Sirajo

Sen Makarfi has alot of antecedents: Dr. M.D Dogara

Dr. Matoh Dary Dogara, was a formal Commissioner and Deputy Speaker Kaduna State House of Assembly (KSHA).

*Sir, What is the essence of this gathering?*

Well, the essence of this gathering is to inform you about the processes involved in the political activities and one of the processes is primary elections.

The People Democratic Party (PDP), will be having one of its most delicates primaries which is the presidential primaries alongside its Convention on 6th and 7th of October, 2018. I am calling on all the Kaduna delegates on this note, numbering 123 to come together and take a position regarding who they should vote.

*Considering the fact that there are many contestants in your political party. Did you see the possibility of the former governor of Kaduna State, Sen Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi clinching this ticket?*

You see, Sen Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has done a lot to the people of Kaduna amongst which is the peace Kaduna people enjoyed, security and infrastructure during his regime as the governor of Kaduna and he exhibited his political prowess and sagacity at the Senate when he was a Senator, going by these antecedents we believe that giving the opportunity he will bring about lasting peace in this country Nigeria, he will bring about infrastructural development in this country Nigeria both in private and public sector.

*Lastly, what is your advise to all the PDP's delegates?*

My advise to all PDP's delegates is to come together and vote for Sen Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi to become the flag bearer of the People Democratic Party (PDP). I will also advise delegates to make right choice of voting the right and credible candidate and to forget about money bags and instead vote for the future of the youth and for the man that will do the job in 2019.

read the article again please

Makarfi promises loans, job opportunity ‎if elected President


As electioneering activities climaxes ahead 2019 general elections, presidential aspirant under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former National Chairman of the Party Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has vowed to if elected, provide interest free loans to students wishing to further their education.

Makarfi who made the promise at the weekend when he visited the Bauchi State chapter of the Party to solicit support of delegates for the upcoming presidential primaries said beneficiaries of the loans would repay when they get employed.

According to him today’s leaders had enjoyed free education in the past but have now failed to provide same to their subjects, hence his resolve to give the education loan if he emerges president.

Aside from the education loans, the one-time governor of Kaduna State promised to create jobs to teeming youths in the nation through agriculture and mining if elected.

Makarfi who stated that he is in the race to rescue the country bragged that he was not desperate to rule the country noting that he would have succeeded Obasanjo in 2007 when he was anointed by him but sacrificed his ambition to late President Umaru Yar’adua.

“And when Yar’adua died I was endorsed by Senators to be Jonathan’s Vice-President but I also discarded my ambition and allowed Namadi Sambo to be his vice. So the interests of the nation and my party are greater than my personal interest”. He noted.

Responding, the State PDP Chairman Hamza Akuyam represented by his vice Haruna Shitu said Makarfi as former Governor and National Chairman of the Party is qualified to be next president of the country in view his leadership prowess.

DELEGATES: HOPE FOR 2019 PRESIDENTIAL VICTORY
Delegates remain the custodians of trust and hope of the people they represent.
They are the conscience of the party, the vanguard of our heritage.
Their wisdom in selecting the best candidate among the lots will shape the part to victory at the general elections come 2019.
The best fit for the position may not be the richest, the strongest, the fastest, the most popular, but the one person who has the character, the loyalty, the experience to harness all these talents.

Everything rises and falls on Leadership.
Leadership turns ideas into reality

Sen. Makarfi has the experience as Twice Kaduna state Governor,
Twice Senator, Past Chairman PDP.
He remains the MOST credible candidate we can trust and give the mantle to lead us to Victory at the polls.

We call on our esteemed delegates to do the needful by Voting SEN. MAKARFI.
We know they see beyond the smoke screen.

Give us MAKARFI and see this Nation get back on track...

Toba Owojaiye
Director Online Media
North Central Coordinator
Makarfi Presidential campaign

*PDP Presidential Convention: When The Push Gets To Shove*


The PDP Presidential Primary election coming up on the 6th and 7th October will be the toughest in the history of Nigeria.

The stage is set, however, the intriques will bring about the emergence of one of the finest political statesman on the Nigerian political landscape.

The man, i foresee will come from the NorthWest, a well tested and trusted former governor, former Senator and former national party chairman. He has a track record of unifying people and is federally inclusive in nature.That man is Sen Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi.

In the words of Alfred Adler, -“Men of genius are admired, men of wealth are envied, men of power are feared; but only men of character are trusted”.

*Senator Ahmed Makarfi is the man we trust..*

-Dr. MD Dogara

PDP Presidential Primaries: North-West leaders settle on Makarfi as consensus candidate.



Political leaders and elder statesmen of the North West under the aegis of the North West Progressives Forum (NWPF) have adopted Sen. Ahmed Makarfi as the region’s consensus candidate going into the PDP Presidential Primaries scheduled to hold on Saturday the 6th of October, 2018.

Giving reasons for the adoption of Sen. Makarfi, spokesman for the group Mal. Isa Saleh Funtua, argued that the North West has the highest number of registered voters in Nigeria, and exerts the most influence on the outcome of presidential elections, so must play an active role in deciding which way the 2019 contest goes. Mal. Saleh Funtua said the NWPF dispassionately considered all the talented NW aspirants hoping to run against Buhari in 2019, and initially managed to narrow it down to four candidates who could not only win the Primaries but more importantly defeat Buhari in the Presidential Election next year.

“We considered Lamido, a fine gentleman with the political sagacity to defeat any challenger. Unfortunately the man has an ongoing EFCC case against him, and you know how brutal these APC people are, so he was a few people’s first choice but we could not risk it”, Alhaji Saleh Funtua said.

“We then looked at Kwankwaso. No doubt he is the most popular NW candidate, and perhaps the only one who can actually defeat APC in the NW, but let us tell ourselves the truth – we did a poll among our brothers and sisters in the South and his candidacy was surprisingly the most resisted. We believe people misunderstood his style of governance when he was governor, and now incorrectly think he is a fundamentalist. Some Yorubas are also unhappy with the vocal positions he took in Ile-Ife during an ethnic clash there. He is a gentleman, but the South has formed a biased opinion against him and will not support him, that is the truth.

“The third aspirant we considered was Governor Tambuwal. It is unfortunate that this gentleman has allowed his candidacy be hijacked by Governor Wike. Yes, he enjoys immunity, but Tambuwal hasn’t managed to galvanise widespread political support. Even worse, it appears Wike wants to impose him and the North West cannot allow Wike from his parlour in Port Harcourt decide what is best for us, and for Nigeria. That is not democracy! We think it was very politically naïve of Tambuwal to have allowed this happen. We are not the APC that has godfathers like Tinubu who single-handedly decide what happens within the Party.

“So we have settled for Sen. Makarfi as the man whose candidacy best protects and promotes the interests of the North West and of Nigeria. He was a governor of Kaduna state; he has been a Federal Senator, and he showed his political dexterity when he held the PDP together as its National Caretaker Chairman. Sen. Makarfi is seen by Northerners and Nigerians as a man of integrity and perhaps more importantly he is a unifier. Nigeria has never been this divided before, and just as Sen. Makarfi united Kaduna during his tenure as Governor, we expect him to unify Nigeria once he becomes President.”

The NWPF say they are currently communicating their decision to prominent leaders of the country like Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Edwin Clark, Tony Anenih, Ango Abdullahi, Goodluck Jonathan, Ayo Adebanjo, TY Danjuma, Bishop Kukah, the Emir of Kano and the Sultan of Sokoto, including groups such as Afenefere, Ohaneze, PANDEF, and ACF.

“This is not a selfish decision we have reached. We believe the 2019 elections will be a contest for the very soul of Nigeria, and that we cannot afford personal ambition to get in the way of rescuing Nigeria. Buhari must go, and even though he is a dark horse, we 100% believe that Sen. Makarfi is the only candidate able to galvanise the national support from North to South needed to remove Buhari in 2019.” Isa Funtua

I’m aspirant APC fears most – Makarfi


People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, spoke with newsmen in Kaduna explaining why he cannot leave the PDP, what the party needs to do to win next year’s election, and other issues. Excerpts:

It is alleged there are moles among the presidential aspirants in your party, how do see this?

Well, I didn’t make the statement, but in politics, even when the PDP was in power, I know the PDP tried to infiltrate other political parties. So, don’t expect that the party in power now will not try to infiltrate the opposition parties, that is a normal thing in politics. If you are the opposition, you try to infiltrate the party in power to at least have firsthand information on what is going on, same way the government will try to infiltrate the opposition to know what the opposition is planning. A mole may be one that is given a specific task to sabotage, I can’t say for sure that there is any aspirant that has been given a task to sabotage. But, espionage even among governments take place, not to talk of among other political parties or groups. They are things we should expect actually, that is why everybody has to be doubly careful about the way they go about doing their politics, you don’t leave your flanks open. Cast your mind back, in 2015, how did APC come to power? Openly, key members of the PDP left and joined them, but that was not the fatal blow, the fatal blow was those who actually remained in PDP but worked for APC. So, don’t rule out that people can also remain in APC, not because they like it, but because they may wish to work for us, don’t rule out that. It happened in 2015 against the PDP, and it can happen in 2019 against the APC. So, I don’t want us to overplay this, because we may even be throwing away issues which can end up benefiting the party one way or the other. It all depends on how look at it, PDP votes alone cannot make us win election, we need the votes of everybody irrespective of political parties, including APC, and how we get those votes does not necessarily have to be a conventional way of politicking or relationship or association. I don’t want to go further than that, but winning election is not a clear defined line, it is a way of politicking and a lot of activities if you really want to win election, especially to take away power from an incumbent in an African country, you need much more than conventional politics to achieve that. If you just stick to the conventional politics, I’m sorry, you may never succeed in actually taking away that power.

So, we should not be worried about that, the issue we should be concerned about more is, what are we doing to keep us one?

Is the PDP going for consensus or not?

Well, I have been asked this question before. Consensus is meeting of the minds of the aspirants. Consensus may mean, everybody agreeing to one person, it may mean, a number of persons coming together to agree among themselves and form a block. Look, the convention I conducted was not a universal consensus, but it was the consensus of the majority; a consensus of majority means, some majority came together, settled among themselves and returned the people elected, that is how convention occur. Some people say, you don’t go to convention with a predetermined outcome, you can go to convention with predetermined outcome, provided that it is an outcome you people willingly sat down and agreed upon. So, 100 per cent consensus may be impossible, but you have actualised a consensus of the majority, and it may be that everybody might go to convention on his own, anything can happen, because this is a developing situation, it develops over time. The fact there is no clear position on the consensus now does not mean that there will not be tomorrow and I am not saying tomorrow there must be, so just leave it a possibility, but not an issue to be forced by anybody.

PDP convention: Poll predicts Makarfi's emergence as party's 2019 candidate


All is set for the PDP special national convention this week in Port Harcourt, Rivers state

- A presidential candidate of Nigeria's main opposition party will emerge

- A poll has predicted that Senator Ahmed Makarfi will win the contest

A poll has predicted that a former governor of Kaduna state and immediate past interim national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Mohamed Makarfi, will emerge as the party’s presidential candidate on Saturday, October 6.

An interim situation report on 12 PDP presidential aspirants by an independent group, Presidential Mediation Committee showed that Makarfi was the early favorite before the primary election.

The report was signed by the committee's protem-chairman; Honourable Samaila Kankia, acting secretary; Dr. Amos Goje and facilitator, Malam Muhammad Tasiu Hassan, Daily Trust reports.

According to them, the poll ranked each candidate’s potentialities and pedigree on a scale of 1 to 20 with 20 being highest. In all, the group said Makarfi scored 15 marks to beat the rest in the analysis.

The committee also revealed that they had submitted the report to PDP national cchairman, Prince Uche Secondus.

Meanwhile, a development expert; Dr Adesina Fagbenro-Byron, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the KOWA party.

Fagbenro-Byron, 59, a former member of the PDP, emerged the candidate of the party during the party's special national convention presidential primary in Abuja on Saturday, September 29.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE NEWLY ELECTED PDP GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE


All said and done, the will of God is done and the voices of our esteemed delegates have spoken. It is with much delight that, we the members of the Nigeria Youth Project 2019(NYP) and PDP Social Media Support Group @PDP SMSG congratulate Hon.Isa Ashiru Kudan on his emergence as the Gubernatorial Candidate of our great party (PDP) to lead us to victory in the crucial 2019 general elections in Kaduna

 

 

In view of the tension that characterized the events leading to the primaries, we have been able to see through a successful conclusion. We salute all the aspirants, Hon Dr Felix Hassan Hyat and the entire PDP state Exco , discerning delegates, members and sympathizers of our party, for conducting themselves in a manner that depict, the rich democratic values and ideals laid by our amiable leader ;The Unifier Distinguished Senator Mohammed Ahmed Makarfi our Presidential Hopeful.

 

 

However, we must be mindful of the things that bind us together as a big elephant family rather than our own individual interest. The curtains have been drawn and the battle has just begun, we must therefore eschew any form of sour grapes and vendetta, and throw all our support, energy and intellect to the newly elected candidate Rt.Hon.Isa Ashiru Kudan to ensure unity, responsiveness and efficacy for a massive victory in the 2019 general elections.

 

 

To the newly elected guber candidate, we say to him, the unity of the party is our prime determining factor to wrestle back political power from the incumbent APC in the 2019 general elections, therefore we urge him to do everything within his arsenals to bring all factions together, so we can soldier on to victory as a united front. Kaduna people all over, are yearning for the comeback of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to salvage them from the shackles enormous hardship, we dare not fail them.

 

 

UNITY!!! UNITY!!! UNITY!!!
Long Live the PDP and God Bless our leader Sen.Mohammed Ahmed Makarfi.

 

 

 

 

Signed

Hon.Victor Mathew Bobai

National Coordinator

Nigeria Youth Project 2019

&

PDP SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT GROUP(@PDP SMSG)

PDP DELEGATES AND THE QUEST FOR A CREDIBLE PRESIDENTIAL FLAG BEARER FOR THE 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS

BY
ASHEN M.J
NYP, Plateau State
The nomination of gubernatorial candidates by the PDP is over and the environment is fully charged for the nomination of the Presidential flag bearer of the PDP against the general Presidential and other elections come 2019. In advanced democracies, though one cannot rule out the role of money, fundamental issues and blueprint for development always come first in the minds of true representatives of the people. This afford delegates or electorates the opportunity to gauge aspirants and what they proposed if elected into office, and then of course, the money aspect, but usually not in exchange for votes.
In preparation for the presidential primaries, most aspirants are garnering endorsements and adoptions from varied organizations and groups with a view of having the upper hand over their opponents and subsequently, picking the PDP Presidential ticket. The road to societal failure vis-à-vis flawed election at this point begins with the decisions and activities of delegates, from the State to the Presidential level. When the wrong decisions are made at the primary level, the resultant effect is failure at the general Presidential elections.
The role played by delegates, their sponsors and PDP officials will determine the readiness of PDP to take over government or not in 2019. Millions of Nigerians have bestowed their trust, lives and hopes on these delegates with the expectation that their representatives would examine each of the Presidential candidates with credibility and good developmental blue print and apply wisdom in voting the most qualified candidate among equals. Voting a candidate has never change platform from the PDP and has good verifiable credentials with no record of financial misappropriation is key to the success of PDP at the general Presidential elections.
Indeed, Sen. Makarfi, the unifier possesses these rare requirements that will position the PDP at an edge over other political parties in winning the votes of Nigerians. Sen. Makarfi has prepared a strategic development blue print that will translate our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities through a well thought out process. Sen. Makarfi remains the prospect for effective leadership, economic growth, improved infrastructure, human and material development among other attributes. He has been tested and found honest, credible, and committed in leadership.
PDP delegates must not be complacent, rather they should vote unanimously for Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, the Unifier as the most credible PDP Presidential Flag bearer that Nigerians are yearning to vote and replace Buhari and his APC government come 2019 May. The destiny of Nigerians lies in your hands as delegates today. Your decisions on the day of PDP Presidential primaries will define PDP stake in 2019 general elections.

Makarfi Condoles with The People of Plateau State Over Killings


It is with deep pain for the families who lost loved ones, and a greater concern about the level of violence in our country that I condole with the people of Plateau State over another round of needless spilling of innocent blood.

As a people, we cannot grow or progress if we continue to waste human lives. The lives of every single Nigerian is valuable and one loss, affects us all. We must strive for peace and unity in order to reach our true potential as a nation.

I pray that Plateau State which is also known as “The Home of Peace and Tourism”, returns to a place of peace and may the souls of our departed brothers and sisters Rest In Peace.

Ahmed Makarfi: I’ll carry out devolution of powers if elected president


Former governor of Kaduna State and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Makarfi, has promised to operate a system of government where there would devolve power in the country in order to make the task of governance easy at the central level.

Makarfi stated this, on Friday, when he met with delegates and other stakeholders of the party in Bauchi State.

He maintained that power was too concentrated at the federal level which, according to him, was responsible for the challenges the country was experiencing.

His words, “Under my watch, if elected as president of the country, we will make sure that devolution of power takes place.

“We will devoid power down to the centre in such a way that both states and local governments will be able to manage their own resources.

“We need to restructure, by restructuring, I mean that the states and the local governments will be so empowered to generate their own revenue, instead of relying solely on the federal government for allocations.

“All the stakeholders in the country will be carried along by looking at previous reports, remove what is obsolete and bring what is new.”

The presidential aspirant said that he would operate an open government that is approachable 24 hours of the day. He said that he would give a listening hear to the priorities of the citizens in order for it to be reflected in government programmes.

He promised to tackle security challenges bedeviling the country, saying that he had achieved a record of restoration of peace in an issue of conflict when he was the governor of Kaduna State.

“I have a record of restoring peace in Kaduna State during a conflict. At that time, I was able to arrest the situation that should have engulfed the whole state in a crisis” he added.

He said that if elected as president, he would sponsor the education of the underprivileged children via loans which they will pay back when they start working and earning salary.

The presidential aspirant said that he would operate a system of government whereby there would be devolution of power at the centre in such a way that the task of governance would not be cumbersome.

In his address, Vice Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Harun Shitu appealed to the delegates to vote for Makarfi during the presidential primaries, saying that the time has come for power to shift back to the party in order to address the challenges bedevilling the nation.

Nigerians will trust me in 2019-Makarfi


Makarfi
Senator Ahmed Makarfi tells JOHN ALECHENU that he has the experience needed to win the 2019 presidential election

What makes Makarfi stand out from the other PDP presidential aspirants in the 2019 election?

All members of the party aspiring to fly the flag of the party are eminently qualified to be President of this country. But then, when you have a crop of eminently-ualified Nigerians, there is somebody among them that is the most qualified because they all have their antecedents. I have been a lecturer, a banker, an accountant, commissioner, governor, senator and above all, national chairman of a major political party. Part of the problem the current government has is the lack of harmony between the parties, the legislature and the executive. I am not a stranger to the executive; I am not a stranger to the legislature; I am not a stranger to party management. In fact, I managed the PDP at a very turbulent time but, with the support of other committee members, I was able to stabilise the party to make it the beautiful bride it is today.

How do you hope to defeat others in the primaries?

To the delegates of the PDP, Makarfi has remained a loyal, committed member of the party who has never known any other identity. As far as the party is concerned, my antecedents speak for me. At the time I became governor of Kaduna State, the problems bedevilling Kaduna were not different from the problems bedevilling Nigeria today — problems of disunity, distrust among the component parts, the agitations for self-determination because people felt they were marginalised. Kaduna was divided; Kaduna is a mini Nigeria. There is no segment of Nigeria that is not represented in a substantial proportion.

Do you have faith in the PDP’s ability to conduct a free and fair primary?

Yes. We believe the PDP has turned a new leaf. This is a brand new PDP that has no impunity; one where we have decency and compliance with procedure is now the order of the day. We believe when these are in place, a free, fair and credible primary will be in place. We have always said it is not a do-or-die affair. We will be comfortable with the outcome of a credible process and we will support whoever emerges just as we expect that they will support us when we emerge.

What should Nigeria expect in the presidential election if you win the primary?

Nigerians should expect the PDP to bounce back. We hope to win the election because we believe Nigerians will trust Makarfi with the leadership of the country, having been tried and tested in the administration of a state like Kaduna which is referred to as a mini Nigeria.

2019: I remain PDP’s best presidential candidate, says Makarfi


A former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Presidential aspirant, Alhaji Ahmed Markafi, has said he is the right candidate for the party in the 2019 presidential election. Markafi, stated this during his visit to PDP Secretariat, Birnin-Kebbi to seek delegates’ support ahead of the party convention. While not condemning the other presidential aspirants, Markafi said that: “What I know is that I am qualified as they are. I have some experience some of them don’t have. Some of them have the experience I don’t have. But in all, there is one experience that I have many of them don’t have.

“That experience is managing a political party in a democracy. I was able to manage a political party under an extreme political difficulty and I managed it successfully. That is why we are where we are today.” He said further that despite the number of the aspirants for the forthcoming presidential primary of the party that it will not lead to crisis as the party is capable of handling her affairs.

The PDP presidential aspirant noted that all the aspirants, National Working Committee (NWC) and the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) were working diligently to address identified issues and grievances of members. He said: “We are having series of meeting with the BoT and National Working Committee meeting with all aspirants, listening to all issues, and grievances of members while trying to address their complaints so that we can have free and fair convention. So, our party is capable of handling the affairs of the primary.”

is that your way of thinking or assuming

PDP presidential aspirant Sen. Ahmed Makarfi visit Governor Ishaku Taraba, seeks delegates Support.

A call for restructuring of Nigeria can not be swept under the carpet ~Ahmed Makarfi

The former National chairman of the PDP Senator Ahmed Makarfi today visited Taraba state to canvass for the delegates support ahead of the PDP National Convention.

We must close ranks and work together else we created problems we don't anticipate ~Makarfi

Governor Ishaku speaking described Makarfi as an astute leader, a peace maker and a conflict resolution manager. Ishaku said the visit is historic because he is more of a brother to Makarfi than a political ally. Makarfi is a man who makes decisions and stands by it as it were. Governor Ishaku said he believes that if it was Makarfi on seat he will have no troubles of asking who is what in the country.

Darius said to be a leader you need to be calm and his calmness brought PDP out of the tublence. Ishaku said though is not a decision for Taraba alone but of it were him he would just hand over the mantle to him. Ishaku charged every aspirants to believe in the will of God on the outcome of the convention. Darius said it is his prayer that the upcoming convention gives the party the best candidate.

Governor Darius said PDP government is the only nationalistic party in the country. He plead with parry members to put aside differences and embrace one another for the success of the party. He said he will stand on his feet together with other party leaders on making sure that the convention is transparent as possible.

The Governor advised other aspirants to note that it is not the venue of the convention that produces the candidate but the people who moves to the venue. He urge every delegate to have it behind his/her mind that the election in Porthacout is that which will change this country or mare the country and ask them to elect the best base on merit.
Makarfi while speaking said that PDP has proven to be the only party which can lead Nigeria to a better end, he said for the 16 years reign of PDP everyone could compare and give results of how it is with the three years of APC in power.

Makarfi congratulated Governor Darius Ishaku for all the strides undertaken in Taraba and said if it was allowed he would have awoken Ishaku into office for the advanced victory. He described Governor Darius as a peace maker because even before the PDP came back to Life he did everything possible to restore peace amongst the membere. Makarfi said he is not an opportunist but knows that he has the capacity and capability to to lead this country to the promise land.

Makarfi said Nigeria is more divided than it has ever been, unsecured than ever, poorer than ever and lawless than ever. He said Nigerians must rise and change the negative change been displayed by the incompetent Buhari government before it ruins our country. He however said he is the right person for the job adding that if he is mandated to fly the parties flag in the 2019 general elections he will not only deliver the country to PDP but deliver the country from the shackels of hunger and poverty.

Nelson C. Len
SA New Media Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku

​GET IN TOUCH WITH DELEGATES: YOUTH TELL KADUNA  PDP ASPIRANTS

PDP SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP 28th SEPTEMBER, 2018.


In what seems to be an indication of a last minute breath by those spreading rumour of endorsed candidates in the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections in Kaduna. 
A chieftain of the party Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai, who was APDA State Chairman and now in PDP warned those involve to be mindful of the implications of their actions on the party’s image and destiny ahead of the general election.
Speaking with some journalists at the State Party Secretariat in Kaduna. Bobai debunked claim of some candidates endorsement by some party leaders. In addition, he said such act is a deliberate attempt directed at misleading the public, especially the delegates to produce their preferred candidates against interest of the party’s members.
Beside misleading their target audience, Bobai  maintained that,  It was borne out of desperation to gain control of concerned delegates. He further said, the leadership of our party are too sensitive to do that.
 

He said a level playing ground has been created for all aspirants in Kaduna State, urging delegates to disregard such information has ever existed. Saying such instruction does not emanate from our peace loving leader and his executive members. 

Bobai finally stated that these are critical times where every reasonable political leader including the party’s exco and party’s faithful needs to thread with caution. Bobai urged them to braze up to the challenges of clinching the party’s ticket through fair contest. He also said the aspirants should get in touch with delegates involve in their category of elections for support.

*Kaduna State PDP National Delegates Adopts Makarfi Ahead Of National Convention*

*<Quotes>* Wednesday 26th September, 2018



"We know Makarfi long before 1999, he's been supportive to PDP all through, I believe every delegate in kaduna state has a course to nominate Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi"
*-Bashir Zubairu Birnin Gwari*
*(For Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly)*



"I believe no one is more qualified to grab the party's ticket than Ahmed Makarfi.. He rebuilt and nurtured the party "
*-Hon. Elias Manza*
*(Executive Chairman, Zangon Kataf LGA)*



"If we are to tell of MAKARFI'S antecedents and records, we will never come to an end -most importantly in Kaduna state, we will support him with everything"
*-Hon. Yakubu Bityong*
*(Minority Leader, KSHA)*



"MAKARFI'S style of leadership is one that I cannot explain, He is a leader with no ethno-religious sentiments. He is my leader"
*-Amb. Nuhu Bajoga*
*(Former Deputy Governor, Kaduna State)*



"Makarfi gave a common sense of belonging to all sides irrespective of religion or tribe"
*-Hon. Joseph Gumbari*
*(PDP Sec, North West)*



"Makarfi is a visionary leader, PDP delegates must nominate a bridge builder and a unifier.. Delegates from Kaduna state have no other choice"
*-Alhaji Yaro Makama*
*(Ex PDP Chairman, Kaduna State)*



"With Ahmed Makarfi as Presidential candidate, PDP will definitely form government come 2019"
*-Yaro Makama*
*(Ex PDP Chairman, Kaduna State)*



"We in kaduna will not woe our own delegates to vote Makarfi. They know exactly what to do, which is to woe fellow delegates from other state's to nominate Makarfi"
*-Alhaji Yaro Makama*
*(Ex PDP Chairman, Kaduna State)*

Kaduna State: PDP Youth passes vote of Confidence on Hyat

Prior to 2015 general election our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suffered simultaneous defection of party members who formed alliance with the ruling party and that caused our great party a terrible defeat at the polls.

After the elections, the party suffered yet another fate as members left to join force with their new bride at the expense of the party. It was the timely intervention of the Unifier, Bridge builder and the game changer, Sen Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi who against all odd stood and unified all the party members for a formidable force aimed at rescuing the state.

This task wouldn't have been achieved without the doggedness and steadfastness of our focus driven party leadership who withstand all intimidating forces of the APC and the government of El-rufai who has brought untold hardship to the good people of our state Kaduna.

Haven undergone through the turbulence period. it is to the best interest of our party, which the electorates are looking at for succor and refuge to be more united and ready to fight a common course of unseating the present government of recklessness, that can only be achieved by the tireless efforts of our aspirants.

We therefore reaffirm our unalloyed support and solidly stand behind Dr. Hassan Felix Hyat and his team as any attempt to distract them by perpetual agents of disunity will be resisted, considering the level at which the party is at the moment.

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party Social Media Support Group (PDP SMSG), on Wednesday at Command Guest House Kaduna unanimously pass a vote of confidence on the state party’s leadership headed by the Chairman, Dr Hassan Felix Hyat.

The group made this move after a review of the preparations for the state congresses and party primaries and the leadership under Dr. Hyat is demonstrating.

The Publicity Secretary of the group Barr Aminu Musa signed the statement he obtained from the official website of Kaduna Youth Project (KYP2019).

The group called on all party members, friends and well wishers to continue in their support of the state chairman.

He said, “The entire representatives of the PDP, SMSG and other stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), today being Wednesday, 26th of September, 2018 at a Meeting in Command Guest House Kaduna, unanimously pass a ‘Vote of Confidence’ on the Kaduna State PDP Chairman and the entire leadership.

Haven previewed and reviewed the activities of our party which is on steady path of progress, we therefore pass vote of confidence on our party leader, Dr. Hyat and his entire team who has the sagacity to stir our party to victory come 2019.

25th September 2018


Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade has said that of all the people aspiring to fly the flag of the PDP in the 2019 presidential election, none was more qualified than Senator Ahmed Makarfi, because of his legendary sense of justice, inclusiveness, human as well as resource management.

Professor Ayade who got emotional and shed tears while recounting how Senator Makarfi, as National Chairman of PDP, stood for Cross River State in its hour of need in spite of huge temptations, spoke earlier today in Calabar while welcoming Senator Makarfi to his office. He said that part of the positive omens of the Makarfi aspiration apart from inspiring the confidence of Nigerians, was the opportunity it presented the delegates and people of Cross River to say "thank you" to the distinguished Senator.

The Governor said that even though he had known Makarfi so well as a man of honour, his insistence on treading the path of fairness and doing the right thing, even in the face of mouth watering offers, stood him out as a leader to be trusted. This, he added was apart from the fact that he remained a loyal member of the PDP, who actually led the process that had transformed the party into the beautiful bride that was now being wooed by all serious minded politicians.

Governor Ayade further stated that Senator Makarfi had come into the race with such intimidating credentials that were difficult to match,having been a successful two-term governor of a very complex state, which he tamed, legislative experience as a two-term Senator and party successful Chairman during very turbulent times, apart being an accomplished accountant and banker, amongst many other experiences.

Similarly, Cross River Chairman of the party, Ntufam Edim Inok Edim, described Senator Ahmed Makarfi as the 'rescuer-in-chief of PDP, without whose efforts the party would have sunk into oblivion, adding that Cross River delegates were no ingrates and knew how to pay back kind gestures.

Senator Makarfi had earlier told the governor and delegates of the state that he was in the race because he believed in his own capacity to offer the kind of leadership that would not only lead the PDP to victory, but also lead the country out of the quagmire of economic stagnancy, infrastructural decay, unemployment, disunity, insurgency, banditry, kidnappings and so many other evils bedevilling the country.

He reaffirmed His support and commitment to the restructuring of the country and its institutions, emphasising that he was not a latter day convert to the issue having led the committee that drew up the agenda of the Obasanjo administration's constitutional conference, the report of which recommended substantial tinkering of our structures to reflect realities of the moment as well as make them stronger and more efficient.

Senator Makarfi also reaffirmed his commitment to the establishment of a student's loan scheme to arrest the unfortunate incidents of indigent students withdrawing on account of inability to afford tuition fees, insisting that such loans would be repaid only when such student got gainfully employed, thereby forcing the government to intensify efforts at creating the enabling environment for job creation.

Makarfi also promised to work hard at reuniting the country describing its current situation of mutual suspicion and disunity as not so dissimilar to what obtained in Kaduna State when he became governor in 1999, which he successfully reversed.

God will not allow such bad thing bad to happen

Diversification key to economic development – Makarfi


Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State and presidential aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has said that to arrest the endemic poverty in Nigeria and return the country on the path of growth, government must be seen to be serious with the programme of economic diversification.

Makarfi said that diversification must not be made a political stunt to hoodwink the citizens, adding that government must ensure that all impediments to realizing the dream are removed.

The former national chairman of the PDP made the observation during an exclusive interview with BDSUNDAY.

“The key to economic development is diversification. We can’t continue to rely on oil and we keep on talking about diversification and not heading anywhere. The insecurity that has pervaded many parts of the country is also reducing agricultural output. We can do a lot here to make agriculture a year-round venture and not seasonal as it has been in this country,” Makarfi said.

“The issue of regulations which inhibit small and medium enterprises must be looked into. There are too many of them; and it is not in the interest of our economy. We must create a friendly business environment in our nation. We must drastically reduce these regulations and double taxation so that businesses can thrive.

“There is so much molestation going on by different government institutions that also hinder growth in this sector. We must improve infrastructure for businesses to grow, not just the road; the rail, the airport, seaports. They must work efficiently so that you don’t lose the returns you are expected to make. The margin can be lost through demurrage accumulation,” he said.

Makarfi, who promised to recognize the role of the private sector in his administration if voted into power, recommended possible lowering of taxes.

“Taxes are disincentives. As a matter of fact, you can lower the taxes and get more revenue. Efficient assessment and collection mechanism must be put in place to ensure that government does not lose genuine revenues.

“We will collaborate with the players in the private sector. We should be partners; sit down with them; they have their own input to make. We would not say that we know it all or we know it more than they do. We would sit down with them and come out with programmes that will make them real active players in our government,” he said.

wait till then and see the power of God towards Innocent people that herdsmen are killings always

Why I will beat other aspirants for presidency — Makarfi


One of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirants and former national chairman of the party, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, said at the weekend that he would beat other aspirants in the primaries to pick the PDP presidential election ticket because none of them possessed what he has.

While addressing party members in Birnin Kebbi, during his visit to the state, the former Kaduna State governor noted the other presidential aspirants were of course qualified to be the party candidates but he was more qualified.

He said: “What I know is that I am more qualified. Some of them have the experience but there is one experience I have that many of them don’t have. That experience of managing the PDP successfully in a democracy under an extreme political difficulty. That is why we are where we are today.”

He told the gathering of political supporters in Kebbi that he had worked with many of the governorship aspirants in the state at both party and Senate levels, noting that he was in Kebbi State to familiarize himself with the PDP supporters and not to campaign.

Makarfi, who was also in Sokoto, said it was possible to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in a free and fair contest.

He said the National Working Committee and BOT of the PDP were working diligently to ensure the primaries of the party held without any rancour.

OsunDecides2018: Be patient your sufferings will soon be over ― Makarfi


THE immediate past National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Presidential hopeful, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has implored the people of Osun state to be a little patient as their seven years sufferings will soon be over.
In a statement issued to TribuneOnline on Sunday and signed by his spokesman, Muktar Sirajo, Makarfi also congratulated the people of Osun State for the orderly and peaceful manner they conducted themselves during the inconclusive gubernatorial election.

The former governor of Kaduna state conveyed his most hearty congratulations to the PDP candidate in the election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, PDP members and supporters in Osun State as well as all over the country over the success of the party at the polls.

He said even though some technicalities have been deftly deployed to declare the election inconclusive, he said “the long-suffering people of Osun State, who have had to endure a harrowing more than seven years in the hands of the current APC administration, more than three of which were spent with either half salary or no salary by the workforce, will soon end.”

“Until the recent deceitful election-period bailout, have grown wiser and will rally round to ensure that such horrible experience is consigned to the dustbin of history by successfully completing the task they started yesterday.

He also congratulates the national leadership of the party under the able leadership of Prince Uche Secondus for guiding us towards this victorious path.

He appealed to the members and supporters of PDP in Osun State, especially in those areas where elections are to be repeated, to remain resolute and steadfast by coming out in larger numbers to inflict maximum damage on the party that has brought so much untold hardship to them in the course of these more than seven years.

With the kind of commitment and enthusiasm shown, Senator Makarfi believes that victory is eventually assured for the PDP in this and all subsequent elections.

“Even though there is a lot more improvement needed, Senator Makarfi commends the security agencies for being, for the large part, professional in their handling of the Osun election.

“This is not to say, that they were perfect; but at least the level of impunity and brazen partiality was relatively less than experienced in previous exercises.

“The Senator urges the security agencies as well as the INEC to up the ante in this regard to inspire greater confidence in the voters, as well as the larger national and international communities, the statement concluded.

23rf September 2018

PRESS STATEMENT

Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, wishes to congratulate the people of Osun State for the orderly and peaceful manner they conducted themselves during yesterday's gubernatorial election. The Senator also conveys most hearty congratulations to the PDP candidate in the election, Senator Ademola Adeleke, PDP members and supporters in Osun State as well as all over the country over the success of the party at the polls yesterday, even though some technicalities have been deftly deployed to delay the declaration of the PDP victory.

The Senator also congratulates the national leadership of the party under the able leadership of Prince Uche Secondus for guiding us towards this victorious path.

It is the belief of Senator Makarfi that the long suffering people of Osun State, who have had to endure a harrowing more than seven years in the hands of the current APC administration, more than three of which were spent with either half salary or no salary by the workforce, until the recent deceitful election-period bailout, have grown wiser and will rally round to ensure that such horrible experience is consigned to the dustbin of history by successfully completing the task they started yesterday.


Senator Makarfi appeals to the members and supporters of PDP in Osun State, especially in those areas where elections are to be repeated, to remain resolute and steadfast by coming out in larger numbers to inflict maximum damage on the party that has brought so much untold hardship to them in the course of these more than seven years. With the kind of commitment and enthusiasm shown, Senator Makarfi believes that victory is eventually assured for the PDP in this and all subsequent elections.

Also, even though there is a lot more improvement needed, Senator Makarfi commends the security agencies for being, for the large part, professional in their handling of the Osun election. This is not to say, that they were perfect; but at least the level of impunity and brazen partiality was relatively less than experienced in previous exercises. The Senator urges the security agencies as well as the INEC to up the ante in this regard to inspire greater confidence in the voters, as well as the larger national and international communities.


Sgd Mukhtar Zubairu Sirajo

PDP is Party to Beat in 2018, Says Makarfi

23/9/2019

Ahmed Makarfi
Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Senator Ahmed
Makarfi, Sunday said PDP is a party to beat in the forthcoming 2019
elections in the country.

Makarfi made the assertion at the weekend while addressing party
supporters at the PDP Secretariat in Sokoto.

He maintained that PDP would win the presidential election because the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had failed to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

The former Kaduna governor posited that the APC promised to bring change only to worsen the living conditions of the people.

He said all the PDP presidential aspirants had resolved to work
together and do whatever it takes to wrest power from the APC.

“We have been talking to one another and also trying to put our house in order. This is a family affair and anyone who gets the presidential ticket after the primaries, we will all support the candidate to ensure the party wins.

“We are all working with a common purpose and resolved to join hands
together to rescue Nigeria from the yoke of bad leadership and poor governance. I am confident that PDP will win the presidential election,” he said.

Makarfi therefore called on party supporters to redouble their efforts
towards ensuring the party’s victory in the 2019 elections.

In his remark, the PDP Chairman in Sokoto State, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, described Makarfi as a political icon, who had made giant strides in the development of Kaduna State.

He noted the efforts made by Makarfi to revive the PDP, despite efforts by enemies to create division in the party.

Milgoma assured the presidential candidate that the members of the PDP
in the state were solidly behind his presidential aspiration.

“We know the battle you fought to revive the PDP despite machinations by enemies to destroy our party. I want to assure you that PDP is united in Sokoto and we are solidly behind your presidential aspiration,” Milgoma added.

2019: Makarfi Considers All Kaduna PDP Gubernatorial Aspirants As Potential Winners

 

 

The attention of Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has been drawn to rumours going round to the effect that he has anointed some aspirants for some offices, including the governorship ticket of the PDP in Kaduna State.

 

 

We wish to make it very clear that the distinguished has not anointed anybody. Senator Makarfi’s only preference is for the party to win all available positions in the forthcoming elections.

 

 

This is the more reason why he still encourages the coming together of all the aspirants with a view to forging a common understanding that will pave way for a smooth and successful campaign for whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate. It will be a big boost if they are able to come to an agreement among themselves so that they can save energy and resources to channel towards the general elections.

 

 

Where however they fail to come to an agreement, the Senator believes that the democratic rights of all of them must be respected by the party providing a level playing field for all to participate in a free and fair primaries at which party members will freely take a decision.

 

 

Senator Makarfi wishes all aspirants the best and urges delegates to freely exercise their rights.

 

 

Sigd

Mukhtar Z Sirajo

RE:KADUNA STATE PDP PRIMARIES CRISIS

PDP is an organised political party that has procedures in handling issues that has to do with aspirations and party activities without necessarily throwing tantrums at her leaders.

Written paid articles from road side bloggers is evident that certain external forces are desperate to undermine the collective resolved of the party to unseat the failed leadership currently in power.

How can the author dragged Yero, Hunkuyi, Sani Sidi and Maina Zazzau who are gubernatorial aspirants of the PDP to a cheap blackmail against an institution that is organizing same election.

Makarfi is a selfless leader, a unifying factor and a democrat that provided enabling environment for most politicians within and outside the PDP for the party's success and progress. Evidently, we cannot ignore the fact that the likes of Arc Namadi Sambo and his loyalists enjoyed such democratic gestures.

It will be rather unfortunate to read from an alcoholic whose senses were controlled by a group of paid psycophants, ranting where nothing serious suggest divisiveness.

Well, in politics you never can undermine power play no matter how tiny the elements are.

The four PDP aspirants are product of sound morals and can't gang up against Sen Ahmed Mohamed Makarfi and Kaduna State PDP party's chairman, Mr Hassan Felix Hyat, because of insinuations culpable of making their aspirations ruined.

While the author informed his readers that Dr. Muktar Ramalan Yero, Sen Hunkuyi, Alh Sani Sidi and Muhammad Sani Bello (Mainan Zazzau) are holding close door meeting, we can only wait to affirm wheather the author was really paid to blackmail same institution that shoulders the responsibility of managing the process of electing a candidate to fly the party's ticket.

We will advise that PDP remain focused and determined to return power to the people without giving to any cheap blackmail.


Signed :

Comrade Isah Rabiu
Spokeman of PDP Social Media Support Groups

*WITH SEN AHMED MAKARFI AS PRESIDENT NIGERIA IS SECURED*

If I should throw up a question concerning who among the Presidential aspirants can be able to secure Nigeria, the supporters of President Buhari re-election would shout in chorus, "President Buhari!" because as a one time solider he should have all it takes to fight terrorism, but the security of lives and property Buhari promised us (Nigerians) during his 2015 "change" champaign promises has turned to a big mirage as Fulani herdsmen still massacre innocent citizens of Nigerian. He who understands the problem of Nigerians problem can easily solve it, that Buhari was once a solider doesn't mean that he understands the problem of Nigerians ( problems of crises and terrorism) and that is why he can't solve the problem of Fulani herdsmen and also can't proscribe them (Fulani herdsmen) because of his second term ambition as the president.

When I said SEN AHMED MAKARFI can solve the problems of security in an argument with my friends , they never believed me because SEN AHMED MAKARFI is not a soldier and may not have experience to fight terrorism in Nigeria as soldiers should. what people don't know is that the Governor of Kaduna state in 1999 when Kaduna state was deeply hot with MAITASIN CRISIS, that claimed thousands of life. This crisis is one of the most deadly crisis that broke out in Kaduna since 1980s but got managed well by SEN AHMED MAKARFI in 1999-2002 as the then Governor of Kaduna with his Anti terrorism Platform, which is the globally acceptable system, to intelligently gather, to establish mechanism to avert,discourage, discover, dislodge every criminality against human peace, life and properties. The anti terrorism was successful because Kaduna enjoyed peace and this was because the Anti terrorism was against individual suicide, organized terror group and decedent that cause sensational criminal tendencies.

Many may claim that SEN AHMED MAKARFI securing Kaduna state from the deadly crisis doesn't mean that he can secure Nigeria but Anybody that stays or have been to Kaduna state during this crisis would tell you that *"If Kaduna catches cold, then Nigeria freezes"* this is because Kaduna is indeed a melting pot of Nigerian politics and a mini Nigeria as a result of people of different kind, religion and ethics groups found in Kaduna states, just as Nigeria is also mixed with people of different backgrounds, religions and ethnic groups across the states of Nigeria

No politician would do what SEN AHMED MAKARFI did in 2002, just barely few months to his second term election, knowing fully well that Kaduna is a mixed state (different ethic groups & religions) he did not enforce the Sharia law, that guides Alcohol, Muslims (youths) forced down his campaign bill boards and his campaign poster but before this second term election they realized that All he did was for peace and unity to reign among Christians and Muslims and they (Muslims and Christians) all voted him in for second term.

SEN AHMED MAKARFI knew the problem of his state which is lack of peace among Christians and Muslims, he never allowed any Muslim to marginalize the Christians even when he is a Muslim. He sacrificed his ambition for the sake of justice and peace and that peace and justice he seek as a Governor, gave him a bigger chance to serve as the Governor for second term and also a senator for two terms too.

How many of the presidential aspirants have records of maintaining peace and order barely few weeks to their elections, only SEN AHMED MAKARFI did that.

I stand with *SEN AHMED MAKARFI* for the unity of Muslims and Christians in Nigeria and for the maintenance of peace and order in Nigeria.

I am fabulous
Anthony Chidi Ibeugwu
#fabulousidealmagazine

Makarfi Says Northerners Not Afraid Of Restructuring
Sep 20, 2018


Senator Ahmed Makarfi
A presidential aspirant on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Ahmed Makarfi has dismissed claims that northerners do not want the Nigerian state to be restructuring.

The former interim chairman of the PDP said the issue had more to do with those promoting it from his zone, the North.

According to the former Kaduna state governor, it was important for Nigeria to discuss the way the country is restructured to promote fairness and equitable allocation of resources for the good of all.

He said: “It is not that northerners don’t want restructuring addressed, it is the issue of who in the north is talking about it. There are people they (northerners) trust, and there are people they don’t trust. There are people they think can say anything to get power, and so it is important to northerners to listen to people they trust because when they do so, they will have no concerns.”