Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM)

For struggle, Solidarity and Socialism in Nigeria

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Socialist Democracy Feb - Mar 2003

 

Gani, Aborishade, Arogundade Elected As NCP Candidates

The National Conscience Party (NCP) has been holding special congresses to elect the party's candidates for the general elections which will take place in the country between March and April 2003.

Lagos State

A special congress of the Lagos State chapter of the party held in Lagos on Monday, 6th January, 2003. The main purpose of the congress was to elect party candidates for the general elections into the offices of the state governor and deputy governor, and members of the state house of assembly. The congress was to also elect candidates for elections into the two chambers of the National Assembly (namely the Senate and House of Representatives).

The congress was attended by about 1500 members and supporters of the party. However, there were only 623 members accredited to vote. Those who attended were predominantly youth. The mood was quite enthusiastic and it reflected the growing confidence among members since the party was given official recognition on 3rd December, 2003. A sum of N5,600 was raised during a financial appeal.

The congress had received wide media coverage. It was reported in at least five national newspapers and three TV channels in Lagos.

The governorship nomination was won by Lateef Abassi, a pro-democracy activist and an officer of the party who was based in the US. Mrs. Teju Abiola, a former member of the National Executive Committee of the party, was elected as the deputy governorship candidate. Richard Akinnola, a journalist and media rights campaigner, was chosen to carry the party's flag in Mushin 2 constituency in the House of Representatives.

Four socialists and members of DSM who stood as candidates in the party primary elections at the congress were successful. Among them is Lanre Arogundade, who was former NANS president and former chairman of the NUJ in Lagos State, who would be the party's candidate in the Lagos West senatorial district, the biggest and most populous in the country. Niyi Adewunmi, a lawyer and former speaker of the Obafemi Awolowo University students' union was elected for Ifako-Ijaiye federal constituency.

Oyo State

The state congress of the NCP Oyo State chapter was held on Monday 6th January, 2003 at Teacher's House, NUT Oyo State wing, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan. About 100 people attended the congress most of whom were students\youths, middle-aged workers and professionals.

The congress received adequate press attention as most of the invited media outfits, both print and electronic turned up to give coverage to the even.

At the congress, some party candidates for the next general elections were elected. Femi Aborisade, the National General Secretary of the party, was elected as the party's gubernatorial candidate. Two of the candidates elected at the congress - one for Federal House of Representatives and the other for State House of Assembly - are women. Two socialist student activists were elected to contest for the State House of Assembly elections in next general elections.

National Congress

The special national congress of the NCP to elect the party's candidate for the posts of president and vice-president took place on 8th January, 2003. A total of 516 party members were accredited for the meeting although about 1000 people were present. The congress elected the party's founder and national chairman, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the human rights activist and lawyer, as the party's presidential flag bearer. Barrister Jerry Gopye, from Plateau State, was elected vice-presidential candidate.

 

 

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