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Category: Election

  • Pro-APC group urges Tinubu, Ganduje to caution Lokpobiri

    Pro-APC group urges Tinubu, Ganduje to caution Lokpobiri

    A group within the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, to caution the Minister of State Petroleum (Oil), Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, over his alleged closeness with Governor Douye Diri.

    The pro-APC group under the auspices of the APC Progressive Movement for Good Leadership and Governance (APCPMGLG) claimed the development was hurting the chances of the APC.

    The group noted that it was worrisome that barely two weeks to the governorship election in the state, nothing had been seen or heard about Lokpobiri’s contributions to the election of Chief Timipre Sylva, the APC candidate in the November 11 poll.

    The APCPMGLG pointed out that the oil minister had not attended any stakeholders’ meeting; neither had he attended any of the APC campaigns even when the campaign train went to Ekeremor, his local government.

    The group in a petition to President Tinubu and Ganduje, by its President, Dr. Ebipade Godknows, and Secretary, Mrs Evelyn Dogood, alleged that Lokpobiri’s consistent visit to Bayelsa Government House and frequent meetings with Diri are worrisome and he needs to be cautioned.

    The group said: “The Bayelsa APC Progressive Movement for Good Leadership and Governance, a pro-APC support group in Bayelsa State has raised the alarm about the activities of the Minister of Petroleum Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri in Bayelsa and the danger it poses to the party especially the upcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State.

    “Two weeks to the Bayelsa State gubernatorial elections, it is worrisome that nothing has been seen or heard as contributions from Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, to the election of Chief Timipre Sylva as the governor of Bayelsa State.

    “The alleged anti-party activities of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri are traced back to 2019 when he wanted the ticket to run for the governorship of Bayelsa State but couldn’t as it was given to Chief David Lyon. Since then, Lokpobiri has been fighting the party with so many litigations.

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    “Ordinarily, one would have thought that since he is now holding such a major position as Minister of Petroleum (State) he should use his position to better the chances of the party but the reverse is the case. The consistent visit to Bayelsa Government House and frequent meetings with Governor Diri says It all, is worrisome and he needs to be cautioned.

    “We write this letter in good faith because we are committed members of the APC and we want our party to occupy the Bayelsa State Government House this time around.”

    But the Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has rubbished reports making the round in sections of the media claiming a strong alliance with the PDP-led government in Bayelsa state headed by Governor Douye Diri.

    Media reports had alleged that there is a crack in Bayelsa APC as top leaders, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and David Lyon, engage in talks with PDP’s Governor Diri.

    In a statement, Lokpobiri’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Nneamaka Okafor, debunked the allegations.

    The statement described the allegation as the handiwork of unscrupulous elements and “individuals, groups who do not have Bayelsa State’s best interests at heart, especially threatened by the strong and cordial relationship that exists between Senator Lokpobiri and his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The statement added that the allegations suggest that Senator Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon have formed an alliance with the PDP Governor Douye Diri. “We categorically state that these allegations lack credibility and are merely propaganda. Senator Lokpobiri’s dedication to the APC’s principles and values is unquestionable, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to the party’s success in Bayelsa State,” it added.

  • Sylva’s running mate under fire over inciting comments

    Sylva’s running mate under fire over inciting comments

    The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Bayelsa governorship election, Joshua Maciver has come under attack for inciting violence ahead of the election.

    Maciver, during a political campaign of the party in Twon Brass, Bayelsa State, called on supporters of APC to chase anyone opposed to the emergence of the party into the sea and kill people, as long as victory was secured.

    In a statement, the Bayelsa Women Arise has condemned the comments. The statement by the Publicity Secretary, Ebibaratimi Atani, urged the Inspector General of (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to take immediate and decisive action to reassure voters of their safety.

    The group argued that it was the duty of law enforcement agencies to protect the lives and property of all citizens, adding: “we believe that failure to address this issue promptly would set a dangerous precedent for our state’s political climate.

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    The statement said: “In light of the above, we urge the Inspector-General of Police to launch a thorough and swift investigation into the comments made by Mr Joshua Maciver, as a way of preventing bloodshed, which Mr Maciver and his co-travellers are determined to unleash on our people during the forthcoming election.

    “Recall that a few days ago, our organisation expressed our fears and sensitized the people of Bayelsa for a violence-free Governorship election on November 11, during a Peace Walk where thousands of Bayelsa people participated.

    “During his speech in Twon Brass, Mr Joshua Maciver shockingly advocated for the killing of supporters of opposition candidates, thereby inciting violence and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in our beloved state.

    “Such statements are not only unbecoming of a political candidate but are also a direct threat to the democratic process, which is built on the principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for the rights and choices of the citizens.”

  • Rising insecurity in Kogi cases worries SDP

    Rising insecurity in Kogi cases worries SDP

    • From Gbenga Omokhunu and Sophia Anumaka Abuja

    A head of the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State, the national leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), on Tuesday raised the alarm over what it described as cases of violence and insecurity in the state.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja on the election, its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Gabam urged President Bola Tinubu as a democratic to quickly wade into the cases of fraternising insecurity in Kogi State.

    Gabam who expressed optimism that the candidate of the Party in the poll Muritala Ajaka would emerge victorious despite all odds said that President Tinubu should see the off-season Gubernatorial elections in Kogi Bayelsa and Imo States as an avenue to prove his leadership qualities before the International Community by calling his Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police IGP, the Director General of the Department of State Services DSS and others to rise and restore order In the state to avert anarchy.

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    Gabam who said that Nigeria should learn her lesson from military coups in some West African countries by ensuring absolute security in the country lamented about the State of anarchy in Rivers State where the State Assembly Complex was burnt down, saying that President Tinubu should be concerned about the ugly development and act swiftly.

    Gabam, who was flanked by the members of the party’s National Working Committee, said: “The SDP is worried about the level of growing insecurity ahead of the election. We are not leaving chances, we are going to remain focused, and we will not be distracted, we are calling on all our members to come out in their numbers and cast their ballots, escort the results from the pooling Units to Wards, Loca Government to the final Collection Centre at the State level, they should be law abiding and should not be intimidated.

    “The people of Kogi State are yearning for a change and our great Party is the one they are waiting for we are ready to change the narrative of bad governance in Kogi State, and we are calling on President Tinubu as the father of the nation to restore peace in the state.”

  • Ododo is best man for the job, says Bello

    Ododo is best man for the job, says Bello

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello yesterday described the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Usmsn Ododo, as the best man for the job.

    The governor returned to his native Ebiraland to campaign for the former Accountant-General, who he said will surpass his achievements.

    A large crowd of party faithful and supporters converged on Okene, where Bello raised Ododo’s hand and called for endorsement by the natives.

    Some chieftains of opposition parties defected to the ruling party at the rally.

    Excited at the crowd, thd governor, who also tendered his stewardship, thanked the people for their support.

    He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his quality leadership and unflinching support for Kogi State, adding that the party in the APC chapter will not disappoint him on November 11.

    Bello said:  “This unprecedented crowd is an indication that the APC has won. We have no opposition in Kogi Central and in Kogi State. We did it before, we will do it again come November 11.

    “As an administration, we have done our best by uniting the people of the State. We met, on assumption of office, fault lines of disunity, ethnicity and injustice. But under our administration, we have been able to mend all the fault lines and Kogi State is now united.

    “We have created employment. We built infrastructure. We empowered our women and youth like never before under any administration in the State since creation. We have made fairness, equity, justice our priority.

    “I can assure you that we are leaving Kogi State better than we met it for the incoming administration. Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo is a capable hand. He is competence personified. Let’s support him to build on the legacies we have created.”

    The governor assured that the elections would be violence-free, urging them to come out on poll day to cast their votes for APC.

    He said would his the ground running, provide jobs and foster unity, if elected.

    Bello urged security agencies to continue the good job they had been doing in the state and clamp down on criminals before, during and after the elections.

    The Minister of Steel Development and Director General, Kogi State APC Governorship Campaign Council, Shaibu Abubakar Audu, said APC will retain the state.

    He said: “This crowd gathered here today is unprecedented in the political history of Kogi State. In my years of following the politics of Kogi State, without mincing words, this is a game changer, a final nail on the aspiration of the opposition political parties in the State.

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    “The vision of Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, which has attracted this crowd is to provide agricultural revolution across the State, with massive crops produced across the senatorial district. We are here to pursue a Kogi agenda and not an ethnic agenda. The incoming administration will build on the legacies of Governor Yahaya Bello in massively providing infrastructure and empowerment for the people.

    “The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is interested in the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant. He has asked that Ajaokuta be declared an industrial park. The President is also interested in ensuring that the free trade scheme across Nigeria is reviewed so that Ajaokuta can be declared a free trade zone.”

    Audu added: “Once that is done, it would create massive jobs; 500,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created for our teeming youths. This is the reason the President is concerned and has said we cannot afford to outsource a critical State like Kogi State to a hostile opposition party. Kogi State will remain an APC State.”

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mohammed Jamiu Asuku, said the people of Kogi Central had, by the mammoth crowd, testified to the great achievements of Bello.

    He said:””The mammoth crowd is a testimony that indeed Governor Yahaya Bello has done more than enough for the people of the State. The mammoth crowd is a testimony that indeed the APC has chosen an acceptable candidate.

    “The people of Kogi Central have, by today’s turnout, resolved to vote massively for Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo and Comr. Salifu Joel.”

    A community leader, Hajia Halima Alfa, commended Bello, describing him as a prophet well respected at home.

    She said:”I have never seen this kind of crowd in Kogi State in my entire political life, since I started attending rallies in 1999. Kogi Central is no doubt APC. History will no doubt be made come November 11, as the district will produce the highest vote for the APC.”

    Mohamed Idris, son of former Governor of Kogi State, Ibrahim Idris, who publicly declared his support for the APC candidate, urged the people of Kogi Central, and the state at large, to follow the man and party that know the road, insisting that there was no vacancy in Lugard House for opposition parties.

    Ododo said he would not fail Kogi, urging the people to vote for him.

    He said: “I will continue to deliver on the mandate of our party for the development of Kogi State and the wellbeing of our good people. We are serious about meeting the yearnings and aspirations of our people. We have been doing that under my mentor, Governor Yahaya Bello, and we will continue to do so.”

  • Why Uzodimma should be re-elected, by cleric

    Why Uzodimma should be re-elected, by cleric

    Lagos priest, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi of the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, has explained why Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma should be re-elected.

    The spiritual leader, who hails from Ubulu-Ihejifor in Oru-West Council, Imo State, praised the governor’s exceptional leadership and vision for the state.

    Obi, known for his influence and spiritual guidance for people in the southeast region, spoke passionately about the governor’s achievements and dedication to the well-being of the people.

    The pastor commended  Uzodimma for his commitment to the overall development of Imo State and Igboland in general, especially his intervention during the demolition exercise carried out by the Lagos State government, which affected people of southeast extraction.

    He also praised the governor for his performance in key areas including healthcare, economic development, education, and infrastructure. He particularly hailed him for heeding his cry about the deplorable condition of the road leading to his village.

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    He said: “My interest in the Imo Governorship election is peace. I know that people listen to me and respect me enough because they know I am a man of integrity. I want to use this opportunity to praise Governor Uzodimma because we must praise him when he does well.

    “When Lagos started demolishing houses of Igbo people, Uzodimma was the only governor from the southeast who went to meet the Lagos State Governor. They dialogued, and the demolition was stopped.

    “There was a time I cried out about the road leading to my village, which was abandoned by previous governors, and Uzodimma listened to me and promised that the road would be fixed. He has fulfilled his promises, as the contractors are now set to begin the renovation of the road.”

    “I thank the governor for his intervention in Lagos, for what he has been doing in Imo State, and for what he will continue to do after the election. So, Imolites, go out there, vote wisely, and don’t be deceived.”

    The cleric praised of Uzodimma for his leadership, vision, and achievements underscores the momentum and support that the governor’s reelection campaign is building.

  • Imo governor has done well, APC tells voters

    Imo governor has done well, APC tells voters

    Governor Hope Uzodimma has assured the people of Isi Mbano, in Okigwe zone that his administration will continue the good work it has done so far in its first term.

    He told a gathering of Anglican Communion faithful and their guests at the Third Session of the 10th Synod of the Diocese of Isi Mbano that his administration has done well and will continue to do well in its second term.

    A statement, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachuku

    Said Governor Uzodimma who thanked God for the beautiful edifice said he followed and listened carefully to the sermon by the Bishop on the Lake, the Rt Rev Chijioke Oti on the Synod’s theme.

    The governor acknowledged that at any point in time, God will surely intervene in our situation and life, noting that the church Chief Tony Chukwu, an indigene of the town built for his community is a true manifestation of the sermon.

    He said: “Whatever God has blessed us belongs to God and we should take joy in the works of God.”

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    He congratulated all that contributed to the success of the synod and appreciated the host Bishop, Rt. Rev. Godson U. Ukanwa of the Diocese of Isi Mbano for the strong but encouraging words in his charge.

    The governor granted two major requests by Bishop Ukanwa –  to provide a generating set for the church and to rebuild the road leading to the Bishop’s Court in the Diocese.

    In rounding off his remarks, Governor Uzodimma seized the opportunity to reiterate his call on the young men living in the bush in any part of the State and perpetrating evil therefrom, to come out and be rehabilitated.

    Bishop Ukanwa had earlier eulogized the governor for his numerous achievements in office and prayed that “God will continue to energise and strengthen him to do more”.

    He also called for prayers for Chief Chukwu whom he described as a “great gift of God to Ehime Mbano LGA, Okigwe zone and Imo State in general”.

    In his sermon, Bishop Oti listed six ways he said God intervenes in the lives of the people – “restoration, provision, position, healing, delivery and welfare”.

  • Diri cautions monarchs against partisanship

    Diri cautions monarchs against partisanship

    Monarchs in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have conferred chieftaincy titles on Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewrudjakpor.

    Diri was conferred the title “Olotu Kpekpe 1” (the one and only champion) of Kolokuma/Opokuma, while his deputy received the title “Kuro Okpo 1” (the strong one) of Kolokuma/Opokuma.

    The conferment ceremony took place at the palace of the Ibedaowei of Kolokuma Kingdom, King Mozi Agara, in Kaiama as Governor Diri rounded off his re-election campaign in Constituency 1 of the local government area yesterday.

    Speaking on behalf of the KOLGA Council of Chiefs, King Agara, the chairman, described the duo as blessings to the people of the area and that they have felt the positive impact of their leadership.

    The monarchs prayed and wished the governor and his deputy well ahead of the governorship election scheduled to be held on November 11.

    Responding, Governor Diri thanked the monarchs for the honour and promised they would be good ambassadors of the kingdom.

    He restated his call on traditional rulers to guard against partisan utterances or getting involved in partisan politics, urging them to operate within extant laws.

    Speaking at rallies in Odi, Opokuma and Sabagreia, Diri said he was not in Kolokuma /Opokuma to campaign but to thank his people for their support over the years and expressed confidence that on November 11, they will vote overwhelmingly for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He equally implored the people of the area to maintain the peace before, during and after the election and assured them of more developmental projects.

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    He stated: “We are not in Kolokuma/Opokuma to campaign. We came to greet our people and spend time with them. We thank you for your support over the years and we promise not to let you down. We are also confident that you will continue to support us.

    “For our traditional rulers, I have been saying that the traditional institution must not be involved in politics. You can receive and pray for anybody but you should not go beyond that. Traditional rulers should not be partisan.”

    In his remarks, the Director-General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council, Dr. Mitema Obodor, claimed that any vote cast for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election would be invalid as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had delisted the party following a court ruling that disqualified its governorship candidate.

    At Opokuma, a member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 2 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Wisdom Fafi, assured of the people’s support in the election, saying the governor had done so much in the local government area and that the people will not vote against their son that is performing well.

    At Odi, a former Speaker of the House Of Assembly, Dr. Tonye Isenah as well as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, said the people came out to thank the governor for his administration’s projects in the community, which included internal road, solar-powered street lights and the shore protection project that saved the people from flooding this year.

    He assured him of 100 per cent votes during the election.

  • INEC accredits 7,896 from 145 groups for Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa polls

    INEC accredits 7,896 from 145 groups for Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa polls

    • Commission delists Sylva, Maciver’s names as APC candidates

    The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday disclosed, that the commission had accredited 145 civil organisations for governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states.

    Yakubu, who spoke at a meeting with the Civil Society Organisation ahead of the polls, said the commission, hence it would not leave anything to chance.

    According to the INEC boss, the accredited groups would be deploying 7,896 observers for the elections.

    Yakubu described the election as a multi-stakeholder activity, saying: “In discharging our responsibilities, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders. One of such engagements is with the security agencies.

    He said: “In previous elections, civil society organisations have expressed concern about the safety of persons involved in elections as well as the protection of the process, including polling units and collation centres.

    “Similarly, civil society organisations have on several occasions urged the commission to intercede with the security agencies to grant you unimpeded access to voting and collation locations.

    “I want to reassure you that we will continue to do so as we engage with the security agencies both at the national level and in the three states. At the same time, I wish to remind all accredited observers to strictly adhere to the code of conduct for election observation.

    He added: “As you are aware, the commission conducted a mock accreditation involving actual voters in designated polling units in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states two weeks ago.

    “By doing so, we tested the efficacy of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for both biometric authentication of voters and the upload of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

    “Some of you observed the mock accreditation exercise and viewed the results on the IReV portal. We have received no adverse report so far.

    “By this, we are encouraged that the test was successful, and we look forward to improved performance of the BVAS in voter accreditation and result upload in the forthcoming governorship elections and beyond.”

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    Prof. Yakubu said the focus of the meeting is on the three off-cycle governorship elections to be held in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States on Saturday 11th November 2023, saying, “I am glad to note that many of you here today are deploying teams of observers for the three elections.

    He added: “Overall, the commission has accredited 145 organisations deploying 7,896 observers. In the next few days, accredited organisations will be invited to collect the identity cards for their observers.”

    Similarly, the electoral umpire has delisted the name of former Bayelsa state Governor, Timipriye Sylvia from the list of candidates for the November 11 governorship election in the state.

    Sylvia who is the APC candidate was disqualified by a Federal High Court in Abuja from contesting the election on the ground that he was not constitutionally qualified having been sworn in twice.

    The former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources has appealed the judgment of the lower court, while the Appeal Court has fixed Friday for hearing in the appeal.

    In an amended list of candidate published by the commission on its website on Tuesday night, the commission also removed the name of the deputy governorship candidate, Joshua Maciver.

    The commission cited court order as its reason for delisting the names of the APC candidate from those contesting the election.

    But, the commission included the name of the PRP candidate for the election, Uchechukwu Ishiodu and his deputy, Ahumbe Chiazor on the list of candidates for the Imo governorship election also citing court order.

  • It’s premature delisting Sylva’s name, APC tells INEC

    It’s premature delisting Sylva’s name, APC tells INEC

    The withdrawal of the names of its candidates from the November 11 Bayelsa State governorship election in the amended list was premature, the All Progressives Congress (APC) told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last night.

    On its website late Tuesday, the electoral body withdrew the APC flag bearers Timipre Sylva and his running mate, Joshua Maciver from the off-circle governorship poll in the state.

    INEC’s action was informed by an October 9, 2023, High Court order that disqualified Sylva as the APC candidate.

    But APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, insisted that delisting the party’s candidates, in the circumstances, as INEC has done, preempts the outcome of the valid appeal in the matter.

    In a statement, the APC noted that its candidate and party had promptly appealed the judgment and brought other processes seeking a stay of the judgment’s execution.

    Morka further stated that the Court of Appeal, recognising the extreme urgency of the matter,  granted an order of accelerated hearing of the matter now fixed for definite hearing tomorrow, stressing that INEC is a party in this matter and has been served with all relevant filings and orders in this matter.

    The APC spokesman complained that removing Sylva’s and running mate’s from the list of contestants would foist a situation of helplessness on the appellate court, the candidate and APC should the appeal succeed.

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    He said: “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to the updated list of gubernatorial candidates for the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which excluded the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s name, Chief Timipre Sylva.

    “Delisting our Candidate, in the circumstances, as INEC has done, is premature, and preempts the outcome of the valid appeal in the matter. This flies in the face of INEC’s established practice of awaiting the decisions of appellate courts before taking action that may be prejudicial to the interest of the appellants.

    “Furthermore, removing our candidate from the list of governorship contestants in Bayelsa would foist a situation of helplessness on the appellate court, the Candidate and our Party should the appeal succeed. We urge INEC to withdraw its amendment under reference in the interest of fairness.

    “In the meantime, we appeal to the good people of Bayelsa State, especially our teeming members and supporters, to remain calm while the judicial process runs its full course. We have confidence that our candidate will be victorious both at the Court of Appeal and at the polls.”

  • Why we will monitor polls, by British envoy

    Why we will monitor polls, by British envoy

    The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, yesterday said the United Kingdom has shown interest in monitoring the November 11 governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.

    Montgomery also raised observations about the numerous post-election cases at both the state and federal levels, saying it was important for the diplomatic mission to understand how the processes are playing out.

    The high commissioner spoke when he led a delegation to the headquarters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, where he was received by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

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    But Montgomery, who had visited leading opposition parties before coming to the APC secretariat, called for fair play and a level playing field for the candidates.

    He said: “As explained in our private meeting earlier, I, as British High Commissioner, have a role to understand the politics of this great country and to engage with the political parties to understand both the priorities, challenges and opportunities of the political process in Nigeria so that I can explain it to my ministers back in London. I also need to understand your perspectives on a number of issues.