Political parties and governorship candidates across the states are intensifying their campaigns and mobilising prospective voters ahead of Saturday’s election, reports by correspondents
LAGOS: Nine parties endorse Sanwo-Olu
Nine political parties under the aegis of the Alliance of Registered Political Parties (ARPP) have endorsed the candidature of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for a second term.
The parties are the All People’s Party (APP), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), the National Rescue Movement (NRM), the Young Progressives Party (YPP), the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP), the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Peoples’ Redemption Party (PRP).
A statement signed by the governorship candidates — Ajayi Adebayo (YPP), Chief Mrs Adeyemi Abiola (APP), Adenipebi Mode Adekunle (ZLP), Kupoluyi Funmi (APM), Braithwaite Akinwynmi (NRM), Olanrewaju Kamal (NNPP) and Ishola Bamidele (ADP) – said: “This support is born out of love and desire for a greater Lagos which BOS has set the pace and deserves to drive it to fruition”.
The parties said they arrived at the decision after a careful examination of the good works of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration because they desire continuity and realisation of the greater Lagos dream of the administration. The statement reads: “We reached this decision sequence to our thorough analysis of all the good works and rapid development in Lagos.
“We cannot sacrifice the various landmark achievements of the present administration scattered all over the state on the altar of bitter politicking. The governor’s consistency as a progressive democrat is worthy of due commendation and continuity is key.
“We observed at a close range his energetic campaign through the nooks, corners and crannies of the state. He has delivered on his social contract with the good people of Lagos through the famed THEMES mantra.
“It’s worthy of note that he literarily saved the country from the scourge of Covid 19 through proactive measures that underscored his responsive and responsible attributes. Among others, massive road construction, investments in education, healthcare services, the environment, youth empowerment, tourism, public transportation, housing, science and technology need to be consolidated during his second term.
“It makes a whole lot of sense for Lagos State to be in tune with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency at a time like this to achieve our age-long desires and lofty aspirations. His message of Greater Lagos Rising reverberated with all and sundry and we can safely conclude that we have in Sanwo-Olu a governor who is resolutely committed to taking our state to greater heights in the years ahead.”
They urged all their members and supporters across the state to come out massively on Saturday and vote for the APC flag bearer and his deputy, Quadri Obafemi Hamzat on Saturday.
PDP protests alleged intimidation by monarchs
Members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) staged a protest against alleged intimidation by the traditional ruler of the Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos yesterday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the mammoth crowd of protesters carried placards with different inscriptions like “Election is not war” and “Stop cursing residents voting for other parties”.
They enjoined leaders and elders of the community to tread cautiously because Imota PDP has brought development to the community, adding “why will the Oloro traditional ruler curse PDP members and many others?”
The protesters who gathered in their numbers moved around the community displaying their placards. They also visited the palace of the traditional ruler to express their grievances.
Mr Adewale Oyebo, the PDP candidate for the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), Ikorodu Constituency 2, appealed to the community leaders to allow residents to vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming election.
Oyebo assured the residents of his support and appealed to the electorates to go out en masse and exercise their franchise as directed by the constitution of Nigeria.
He said traditional rulers are not supposed to be political “but in this area of Imota, the ruler is intimidating voters with charms and cursing those who will want to vote for other parties apart from the All Progressives Congress (APC)”.
Also speaking, Mr Adedolapo Arowolo, Chairman, Ward B1 Imota, appealed to party supporters and electorates to disregard the intimidation and concentrate on canvassing people to vote to avoid voters apartheid.
“This is the usual attitude of our traditional leaders in this area, especially during the election period. Eventually, it will cause voter apathy because they have instilled fear into the electorates,” he said.
Responding, the traditional ruler, Oba Ajibade Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, said that he directed other traditional leaders to perform rituals to the gods to ensure peace and avert any form of violence that may occur during the election in the community.
NASARAWA: I am still in the race, says APC candidate
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Lafia Central State Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly election, Alhaji Abdullahi Angibi says he is still in the race.
Speaking with the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia yesterday, Angibi said he has not stepped down from the election scheduled to take place this weekend. He denied negotiating with any candidate to withdraw from the race.
Angibi, who is a member representing Lafia Central Constituency, said he is seeking re-election to continue to attract development to his constituency and the state at large.
He said: “The rumour going around in some quarters that I have stepped down from the race is false. I urge my constituents to disregard the rumour in its entirety and totality as it is not only false but fake.
“I am in the race and by God’s grace, I will win my re-election come March 18. I have done well and still doing well in the area of provision of infrastructure such as water, health, education, employment, and empowerment among others.”
ADAMAWA: Six candidates unite for Fintiri
Governorship candidates of six political parties in Adamawa State yesterday directed their supporters and members to vote for Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday’s governorship election.
The candidates gave the directive when they paid a solidarity visit to the governor. They are Malam Bello Babajo of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Malam Yahaya Chulde of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Mr Emmanuel John-Yerima of the National Rescue Movement NRM. Others are Mr Ambrose Zenith of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Mr Babangida Furo of the Action Democratic Party (ADC).
Mr Babajo who spoke on behalf of the candidates said their decision to support the incumbent governor came after due consultation among stakeholders and parties’ supporters.
He said they observed that Gov. Fintiri’s administration was result-oriented, especially in the development of critical infrastructure, and enhancement of workers’ welfare and security. He added: “Our resolve to join the result-oriented administration of Fintiri is a call to service of humanity and we will support him to emerge victorious at the election.”
Responding, Fintiri appreciated the courage of the candidates, saying “you will not regret your actions”. He urged them to be law-abiding and enjoined their supporters to turn out en masse to vote for the PDP on Saturday.
KWARA:APC elders make case for Abdulrazaq
Elders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State yesterday urged the electorates to vote massively for the re-election of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections.
The re-election of the governor as his deputy, Kayode Alabi, according to the APC stalwarts would enable the administration to continue its good work. They added that the administration of Governor Abdulrazaq has helped to remove shame hitherto associated with the party in the state.
Their spokesperson, Chief Job Kolawole Buremoh said that the governor has done well in close to four years and has not disappointed the people. He said: “We were literarily under political slavery before now. But, now, we’re politically independent because anyone in the local government can come out and be something in the area now.
“The present administration has helped to provide electric transformers to our communities, upgraded the School of Nursing at Oke Ode to a degree-awarding institution, provided water, renovated schools and constructed the Oro Ago bridge. Indeed, all the 18 wards in the local government area have benefitted from one development project or the other since his assumption of office.”
PDP, LP join forces to battle Abdulrazaq
The Labour Party (LP) yesterday indicated that it has joined forces with the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State ahead of the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections against the re-election bid of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
The LP governorship candidate, Basambo Abubakar told reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, that the coalition is aimed at forming a unity government after the governorship election victory.
He said that the union was expected to birth a collective dream for a prosperous Kwara State. LP flag bearer said that the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration led by Governor Abdulrazaq has performed below expectations and that it could not “deliver that greater Kwara of our dream”.
He added: “Therefore, having seen the situation in our dear state so far, I and my supporters, including my political structure, have decided to align our ambition with a party that represents greater prospects; form a unity government and birth a working Kwara State in order to rescue our today as well as our tomorrow from further decadence.”
RIVERS: PDP candidate releases policy on healthcare
The Director of New Media for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Campaign Council in Rivers State, Mrs Ibim Semenitari told reporters yesterday in Abuja that the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has released a policy document on healthcare.
Semenitari was quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the PDP candidate put together a well-researched policy document outlining his plans to introduce various reforms in the health sector. This, she said, would improve access to quality healthcare, improve infrastructure and increase funding for healthcare providers.
She said the PDP governorship candidate was committed to improving healthcare in the state, both at primary and tertiary healthcare levels when elected on March 18.
Semenitari assured Rivers indigene and residents of Fubara’s commitment to providing universal health care while sustaining the legacy of Governor Nyesom Wike in the sector.
She said the candidate would improve access to quality healthcare in underserved communities, reduce prescription drug costs, expand mental health services, and invest in preventative health.
She said Fubara plans to increase the health budget to manage the state’s primary healthcare system efficiently, and establish the Rivers State Healthcare Intervention Fund.
GOMBE: Eight candidates endorse Yahaya for second term
As preparations for this weekend’s governorship and state assembly elections in Gombe State reach its climax, the re-election bid of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday received major a boost as eight candidates from the opposition parties endorsed his candidacy, pledging their support and allegiance towards his success in the contest.
The Gombe State chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), who is also the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, Muhammad Gana Aliyu made the pronouncement while addressing reporters at his office in Gombe, the state capital.
He explained that the endorsement was made after a long and careful deliberation on the present government’s achievements under Governor Yahaya’s leadership.
He said: “We arrived at this logical decision after carefully assessing Governor Inuwa’s general performance, especially in the areas of peace, security, education, health, infrastructure and humanitarian services across the state.”
The candidates that endorsed Governor Yahaya are Muhammad Gana Aliyu (ZLP), Sulaiman Abubakar Sunusi (NRM), Sadiq Abdulhamid (BP) and Adamu Muhammad (APP). Others are Sulaiman Jibrin (ADP), Adamu Aliyu ?anmakka (AAC), Kelmi Jacob Lazarus (SDP) and Muhammad Bello Abubakar of (APP).
OYO: Five groups, over 7,000 members abandon PDP for APC
Palpable tension enveloped the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday as leaders and members of five popular groups within its camp abandoned the ruling party for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the build-up to Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.
There has been intense horse-trading between the PDP and the APC in recent times in the state, as the two major political parties engage themselves in a superiority battle, especially as the next phase of the 2023 general election draws closer.
Among the different pro-PDP groups which mobilized their respective members to the Oke-Ado Secretariat of Oyo APC for the defection and official declaration of support for the party’s candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin are the Omititun Youth Vanguard led by Comrade Sanyaolu Adeyemo, the GSM Marines coordinated by Comrade Yemi Oyebamiji, the All Youth Grand Alliance under the leadership of Isamotu Twins, the IBK Vanguard of Mr Ibukun Olu-Afolabi and another group led by Comrade Afolami Afolabi.
Speakers from each of the groups did not mince words to express regret for supporting Gov. Makinde before, during and after the 2019 election which enabled him to emerge as governor in 2019. They also added that they quit the PDP when it was clear that a better alternative existed in the APC which has retained power at the centre and is positioned to dislodge the incumbent PDP government from office through democratic means this Saturday.
OYO: NNPP candidate’s campaign manager backs Makinde
The Director-General of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Governorship Campaign Team in Oyo State, Akintunde Suara has resigned from his position to support Governor Seyi Makinde’s re-election.
Suara made this known in a statement by his Personal Assistant, Mr Cosmas Oni, yesterday in Ibadan. He said his resignation was due to calls by his supporters in Ibadan North Local Government Area.
Suara, a former member of the House of Representatives, representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, lauded the achievements so far recorded by Governor Makinde.
He said these achievements endeared him to support the governor for a second term in office.
He, however, thanked the NNPP governorship candidate, Olukayode Joshua and the elders of the party for giving him the opportunity to serve.
AKWA IBOM: Appointees, monarchs under pressure to deliver PDP candidate
All political office holders and traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State are under intense pressure to deliver the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Umo Eno,it was learnt yesterday.
It was gathered from reliable sources craving not to be named that political appointees and monarchs have been threatened with termination of appointment and revocation of their certificates should they fail to deliver Eno in their various units and wards in the governorship election slated for Saturday.
Sources in the Government House disclosed that the governor is not taking anything for granted and has released various sums of money to individuals and groups to execute what they call ‘The Umo Eno Project’.
The source said, “As a result of the governor’s marching order, some aides, commissioners and appointees have gone home to summon meetings with women, youths and traditional rulers where they have threatened to deny them access to government amenities and also sack traditional rulers if they fail to vote unanimously for Umo Eno on Saturday.”
A Royal Father who attended the meeting said the tone used to address them was not conciliatory but was laced with threats of revoking their certificates if they failed to comply with government directives.
He disclosed that those of them who held contrary opinions based on the mood of the people towards the government was tongue-lashed by the convener of the meeting while others were ordered to leave the meeting venue.
DELTA: ‘Ibori’s support for Omo-Agege not a challenge’
Delta Stat Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, said he was unperturbed over Chief James Ibori’s support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege in the forthcoming governorship election.
According to Okowa, Ibori is at liberty to support any candidate of his choice despite Ibori being a member of the PDP.
Okowa, who spoke during an interactive session with reporters at the newly inaugurated Press Centre Government House in Asaba, said he was not worried at Ibori’s open romance with the opposition APC.
He claimed that many persons in the opposition party were rooting for the PDP governorship candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori.
“If Ibori is supporting somebody else, it is his choice, I cannot criticise him or approve of it. Just as many people in the APC are also supporting our candidate, so many of them, it is a matter of choice. Even those who have decamped and several others who have not decamped are supporting us. That is the beauty of democracy; it is a matter of choice.
He said his support for Oborevwori was total because he emerged through a credible democratic process.
Okowa also revealed that in the almost eight years of his administration, over 2000 kilometres of roads and 1,000 kilometres of storm drains were constructed across the state.
ObiDatti group backs Ogboru for governor
The Obidient movement in Delta State has directed all supporters of Peter Obi to vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru in governorship and houses of the assembly elections on Saturday.
The group, which said it had to change its name to Obidabtti/APGA/Ogboru Movement, said it decided to support Ogboru’s ambition because he, among other candidates in the state, shares close similarities with Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last presidential election.
The Head of the group under the umbrella of Nigeria National Progressive Forum, (NNPF), Nina Atalor, gave the directive when the APGA campaign train moved around the nooks and crannies of Isoko South and Ika South local government areas of the state on the need to vote Ogboru for the transformation of Delta State.
The group noted that only Great Ogboru shares the same political ideology as Peter Obi in their struggle to liberate Nigeria and Delta stare from bad administration.
Welcoming Delta APGA governorship candidate, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, Atalor reminded Deltans that it was Ogboru who brought the Labour Party to Delta State and that Obidatti and APGA share a lot in common in order to better the lives of Delta.
She said: “We are voting APGA, we are voting Ogboru in this governorship election, and that is what every voter in Delta is voting for this Saturday.”
CROSS RIVER: Student leaders okay Otu’s governorship bid
Forum of Past and Present Students’ Union Leaders in Cross River State have declared their support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Senator Bassey Otu in next Saturday’s election.
They said Out remains the most credible and reliable option in the race.
Speaking at a news conference at the NUJ Press Centre in Calabar, yesterday evening, leaders of the Forum in a statement read by Comrade John Inaku and jointly signed by Comrade Jerome Egbe and Castro Ezama among many others that accompanied them, said after much evaluation and consultation, “they have resolved that the only candidate who has the character, the competence and tracks record to deliver is Senator Prince Bassey Otu”.
They added that they are not only convinced of the choice of Otu but “have taken upon ourselves through the leadership of our mother and facilitator whom we have christened Sweet Prof. Francisca, Ime Bassey to organize ourselves, galvanize support for and provide services to the extent of campaigning, promoting and canvassing constituents to vote for our interest being Senator Prince Bassey Otu.”
Speaking further on the forum’s endorsement of the APC governorship candidate, Prof. Francisca Bassey said, Otu is a problem-solver with a track record.
She said that the candidate is accessible and not difficult to sell to the people, adding that Otu is a man of his word who will stand by his promises.
ABIA: PDP disowns member as Mbaka urges caution
The leadership of the Abia State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from the video of a PDP member calling for violence in the Governorship and House of Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday.
The Nation reports that the video of a man wearing a customised T-shirt of the PDP governorship candidate in the state, speaking at the popular Osisioma junction off Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway threatening violence in March 18 elections in the state has been generating controversy since it appeared on the social media.
But the PDP, in a statement yesterday through its acting Publicity Secretary and Vice Chairman, Abia North, Abraham Amah, said that the party condemns the act of the said member.
“The Abia PDP condemns the inciting video in its totality and hereby distances herself from such unruly behaviour. We state in very clear terms that the individuals involved were acting on their own accord and not on the authority of the party or our governorship candidate, Sir Okey Ahiwe.
“The peaceful character of PDP under the leadership of our Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu and the State Chairman of the Party, Rt. Hon. Dr. Alwell Asiforo Okere is known to all and they will not for any reason resort to such acts of desperation just to win an election.
“Similarly, our governorship candidate, Sir Okey Ahiwe, a Knight of the Church, is a man of peace who will not for any reason torpedo the peace that has existed in this State after having signed a Peace Accord just last week.
In an unrelated development, the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka urged the electorates to ensure they vote for a governorship candidate that deserves to be the governor of Abia.
The priest appealed to voters to look very well before making any choice of a new governor.
Mbaka said that he is not after the name of any leader, but is only interested in anyone who will use the opportunity to serve to bring joy to the people.
KANO: ‘APC will sweep Saturday’s polls’
Alhaji Garba Yusuf, Deputy Spokesman, APC Governorship Campaign Council in Kano State has assured that the party would sweep the Governorship and State House of Assembly election with a landslide.
Garba told reporters yesterday in Kano that the credibility of APC governorship flag bearer, Nasiru Yusuf-Gawuna and his running mate, Murtala Garo, outshines other contenders in the race.
“We wished the election was held as scheduled on March 11 so that people can see the outcome but the shift in date has given us much more time to further perfect our winning strategies.
“I am optimistic because of the integrity of our candidates who are sellable enough to the electorate.
According to him, the party is prepared to win Saturday’s election as it has delivered on its mandate and campaign promises to the people of the State.
While urging supporters of the party to eschew violence and adhere strictly to the electoral guidelines, Yusuf warned against acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.
Reports by Raymond Mordi, Deputy Political Editor Uja Emmanuel (Makurdi), Adekunle Jimoh (Ilorin), Sola Shittu (Gombe), Yinka Adeniran (Ibadan) ADAMU SULEIMAN, Sokoto; BASSEY ANTHONY, Uyo; OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE and ELO EDREMODA, Asaba; POLYCARP OROSEVWOTU, Ughelli; NSA GILL, Calabar; SUNNY NWANKWO, Umuahia
