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Tag: All Progressive Congress (APC)

  • One killed at APC gov candidate’s home

    One person has been reportedly shot dead at Umuida, Igboeze North local council, home of the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Senator Ayogu Eze.

    Eye witness said the victim was hit by a stray bullet fired by policemen trying to scare away an angry mob who were about lynching suspected thugs who stormed the polling station.

    Trouble started when who posed as reporters came around and demanded to see the APC candidate for an interview.

    But they failed to produce the identity cards when asked to identify themselves.

    The crowd that gathered grew suspicious and descended on them.

    In the ensuing chaos, the policemen around the area started shooting into the air following which a stray bullet hit one of them.

    The police in Enugu said they were yet to receive the report as at the time of filing this report.

  • Ganduje votes, optimistic of victory

    Kano state Governor and candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the gubernatorial election, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has declared that he is sure of victory, as he described the exercise peaceful, violent-free and orderly.

    Ganduje who voted at exactly 10:30 a.m. at Ganduje Chikin Gari Polling Unit 008 in Ganduje town, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, described as impressive.

    Speaking to Reporters shortly after casting his vote, he stated that, “I am sure of victory. I am sure of getting more votes than what President Buhari got during the presidential election.

    “The turnout is very impressive. People came out en mass, particularly women. I am satisfied with security arrangements. Also, I have to commend INEC officials, as they came out early with all the required materials.”

    Ganduje, however, appealed to voters to continue to conduct themselves peacefully.

  • ‘We are prepared for security challenges in Ondo’

    Ahead of Saturday’s state and Ondo South Senatorial re-run polls, the State Police Command have assured the citizenry of violence-free elections.

    According to its commissioner, Undie Adie, adequate measures have been put in place to ensure peaceful conduct.

    At a stakeholders meeting in Akure,the state capital, the CP said the police would remain neutral and work for a free and fair exercise adding that trouble makers would be dealt with.

    Adie said, “During the last election, there was restriction of movement and that restriction would also take place this Saturday from 6am-6pm. Anybody that violated the restriction order shall be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

    “We don’t want to see anybody with fire arms before, during and after the election in Ondo state, if anyone found with weapon such would be arrested and prosecuted everyone should obey the law”.

    The state Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) Clement Faboyede,who promised on behalf of the party members to be law abiding before, during and after the elections said they would always continue to cooperate with people in the state to ensure peace”.

    Read Also: ‘We didn’t intimidate any Civil Servant in Ondo’

    Also, the Legal Adviser of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, Benson Aderosi said the party would cooperate with the security agents to ensure peaceful election.

    The police chief however urged the stakeholders to desist from conduct which could lead to violence and jeopardize the upcoming elections.

    Adie also called on parents to mentor their children and wards to be of good behaviour before, during and after the elections.

    He added that any politician who engages in any act or negative conduct would be arrested and prosecuted no matter how highly placed.

     

  • AbdulRazaq: we’ll run transparent govt in Kwara

    Kwara State All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has promised to run a transparent and people-focused government, if elected on Saturday.

    AbdulRazaq, who spoke during campaign stops in Ilorin South and Ilorin East local government areas., said: “The challenge is huge and we need to get down to work immediately. They have run out of ideas. Our focus will be to tackle unemployment, security and fixing the problem of poor infrastructure in our schools and so on.

    “We won’t divert your fund. We will serve your interest and restore our community values.  Let’s chase them with our votes. We will rebuild our schools and the infrastructure.

    “Our people cannot afford to give Senate President Bukola Saraki the fifth term he is seeking. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate,  Razaq Atunwa, is not the one contesting. We have seen how Abdulfattah Ahmed couldn’t do anything, except with the blessings of his boss. Now, Saraki is trying to impose his stooge on our people. This has to stop.”

    Cheered by thousands of party supporters and community folks, AbdulRazaq was accompanied on the campaign tour by the Senator-elect for Kwara Central Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe; House of Representatives member-elect AbdulGaniyu Olododo; and other top party chieftains.

    The APC candidate added: “They are not campaigning. And each time they come out, it is clear that it is Bukola Saraki who is seeking to rule Kwara through the backdoor. He is looking for fifth term. This will not happen in our state again,”

    Oloriegbe, for his part, called on Kwarans to vote for the APC governorship candidate and House of Assembly candidates to complete the liberation cycle in the state.

    He urged electoral officers and security agents to stick to their professional duties while the electoral processes last.

    But, no fewer than 15 serving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councillors in Kwara yesterday, defected to the APC, ahead of Saturday’s elections.

    The defectors, who were drawn from five of the state’s 16 local government areas, said they defected to APC in the interest of the masses.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were elected on the platform of PDP in November 2017.

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Suleiman Taoheed, representing Ajanaku Ward in Moro Local Government Area, explained that the PDP administration in Kwara had failed.

    They revealed that more serving councillors would join APC before Saturday.

    Receiving the defectors, Dr. Alimi Abdulrasaq, an APC stalwart and brother to the governorship flag bearer, said they would not regret their decision.

    Abdulrasaq noted that his brother, when elected, would ensure that local governments have full autonomy, and draw government closer to the people at the grassroots.

    He urged them to mobilise electorate to vote Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq and all APC state assembly candidates in the elections.

    The defected councillors are: Adam Tsado, (Edu), Ogundele Segun, (Isin), James Kayode, (Ilorin East), Aremu Jamiu, (Moro), Olorunrinu Suleiman, (Ilorin South)

    Others are: Omolara Sanni, (Isin), Adebayo Olatayo, (Isin) Saheed Abdulwasiu, (Isin) Saheed Musbau, (Isin) Adeyemi Oladele, (Isin) Suleiman Taoheed, (Isin), Ishola Seunayo, (Isin) among others.

     

     

     

  • We have nothing to do with death of two, says Delta APC

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) has debunked allegations linking it to the death of two young men during the presidential and national assembly polls in Sapele, Delta State.

    In a press release made available to newsmen on Sunday, the party described the claims as efforts on the part of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cover up their involvement in the killings.

    Calling on security operatives to investigate the matter, the release which was signed by the party’s chairman, Comrade Friday Erubasa, said the attack was plotted to rig the elections in ward 9, which has always been an APC stronghold.

    It also called on security agencies to ignore allegations by the PDP that the attack was carried out by one of APC chieftains, whose house was burnt down after the onslaught.

    Read Also: Polls: Kidnapped APC candidate still in captivity

    Some political thugs had reportedly opened fire on voters at Ward 9, Unit 15 in Amukpe area of Sapele, leading to the death of two persons who made attempt to snatch ballot boxes.

    Stating that the presence of the deceased persons, identified as Michael Chibueze and Jeffrey Otevane, at that polling unit was questionable, considering that they were not registered voters of the unit, the APC alleged that they were PDP members recruited as mercenaries by the council chairman, Chief Eugene Inoaghan and one Hero Asagba, a special adviser to governor of Delta state, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa.

    It wondered why the duo were being said to be Ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), even when the electoral body is yet to report loss of any official.

    Calling on party supporters to come out en masse and vote for APC candidates in the forthcoming governorship polls, the party disputed claims that its candidate, Moses Ogodo was part of the thugs, adding, “Moses Ogodo was never at the polling booth, as he is a registered voter at unit 12, ward 9 where he was on that day, exercising his franchise.”

  • APC candidate seeks cancellation of election in Ojo constituency

    Candidate representing the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ojo Federal Constituency Hon. Adeyinka Murisiku Durosinmi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to cancel the elections in the constituency and direct that a fresh one be conducted.

    Durosinmi lamented that the election was fraught with irregularities ranging from late arrival of materials in some polling units; to non-functional or malfunctioned card readers; and non-usage of cards readers, among others.

    “Since non-usage of card readers contravenes the Electoral Acts, the results of the units that violated this Act should be declared null and void, “Durosinmi stated in a petition signed by him and made available to The Nation on Saturay.

    Durosinmi mentioned units such as 002 in Ward 2; 009, 010, 033, 012, 021, 056 and 018, all in Ward 01. Others units, according to him, include: units 023 in Ward 4; units 22 in Ward 6;  as well as units 006, 010, 011, 038a, 038b, 038c, 046,a and 046b as well as 047a, 047b and 047 in Ward 011.

    For instance, Durosinmi noted that in units 009 and 010 under Ward 01, results sheets were not brought to the polling unit. He alleged that some political thugs from opposition invaded Unit 012 in Ward 01, beat up APC agent and thereafter manipulated the results.

    He said INEC returning office in the constituency also declared the election crisis-ridden.

    Said Durosinmi: “Since the election is being declared inconclusive by INEC returning officer, all the aforementioned polling units should be cancelled since they did not substantially comply with the provision of the Electoral Act,” Durosinmi added.

    Similarly, Mr Lawal Wasiu Adeniyi collation officer for APC Ward 001, Ojo, has drawn INEC’s attention to non-availability of result sheets in some units. He mentioned the units as: 001, 002, 009, 010, 012, 014, 018, 021, 033, 056 all in Ward 001.

    In a petition signed by him and made available to The Nation yesterday,  Adeniyi said while there were no result sheets in some of the aforementioned units, there were non-availability of card readers in others.

    He alleged that was done by the opposition People’s Democratic Party, adding that when he raised objection, he was shouted down by the opposition and prevented from seeing the results in the collation room.

     

  • National Assembly Leadership: APC, Buhari To Decide, Says Jibrin

    The former chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Honourable Abdulmumuni Jibrin Kofa on Thursday in Kano said the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari will play major roles in determining the formation of the new leadership of the National Assembly.

    Kofa who became famous for exposing the ‘budget padding saga’ in 2016 urged members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 9th National Assembly to shield their ambition and work together as a family so as to avoid rancour in selecting the leadership of the National Assembly.

    The lawmaker who was recently re-elected to represent Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano, said there was need for the APC caucus in the National Assembly to involve the patty leadership and President Buhari for advise so as to avoid the mistake of the past that almost tore the ranks of the party apart.

    According to him, “from the information I have, our party, the APC has the majority of members in the 9the National Assembly. We are advising our colleagues that everybody should surpress his ambition for now.

    “We will approach the party leadership, and of course approach the president and engage with him and take instructions on what needs to be done.

    “So, precisely, if you want me to put it in a categorical way, we will listen to what the President wants us to do, and of course what the party wants us do, and that is exactly what is going to be done. We will not make the mistake of the past.”

    The third-timer member of the House of Representatives also used the opportunity to thank the people of his constituency for giving him another chance to represent them at the Green Chamber.

    He promised to use his wealth of experience to sponsor bills that will have positive impact not only to the people of his consistency, but to all Nigerians.

    Kofa, also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his well-deserved victory at the polls, and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to rally round President Buhari so as to take the country to the Next Level.

    The lawmaker also called on Kano electorate to reciprocate the support they gave APC in the just-concluded elections, by trooping out en mass to vote Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and APC candidates for the state House of Assembly come March 9.

     

     

  • Peaceful polls victory for Nigeria, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told Nigerians to see the peaceful conduct of the February 23  presidential election as a victory for the nation.

    Noting that an election should not be seen as a war, the President said the “victory is enough cause for joy without deriding those in the opposition now that election is over.”

    The President’s message was contained in his remarks at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, after receiving the Certificate of Return as the president-elect from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

    Buhari’s deputy and running mate Prof Yemi Osinbajo also got the Certificate of Return as vice president-elect.

    Besides, the President urged Nigerians to stand in brotherhood for a bright and fulfilling future, assuring that his administration will be inclusive and open.

    Buhari, whose second term in office will begin on May 29,  also assured Nigerians of seeing the country moving to the “Next Level”.

    The ICC, which was being used as the Collation Office for the presidential election, also hosted governors, ministers, members of the private sector and supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    The President also reached out to his opponents at the poll, urging them to join him to build the country that will be a pride to all.

    He said: “I am grateful to God for sparing our lives to witness another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic development,  namely conclusion of the presidential election in an overwhelmingly peaceful manner.

    “I wish, Mr Chairman, to congratulate all the presidential candidates and their teams on a hard-fought campaign. We may have had different views during the campaign, but the one thing most of us have in common is love of our country and our desire to improve conditions for Nigerians.

    “From the comments of several observers both local and foreign, it is obvious that the elections were both free and fair.

    “Now that the elections are over, and a winner declared, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria, our dear country. That was why I encouraged my teeming supporters, in a speech I read earlier today, not to gloat.

    “Our God-given victory is enough cause for joy, without deriding those who were in the opposition.  All Nigerians, going forward, must stand in brotherhood, for a bright and fulfilling future.

    “I, therefore, want to assure that we will continue to engage all parties that have the best interest of Nigerians at heart. Our government will remain inclusive and our doors will remain open.

    “That is the way to build the country of our dream; safe, secure, prosperous and free of impunity and primitive accumulation by those entrusted with public offices.

    “The hard work to deliver a better Nigeria continues, building on the foundations of peace, rule of law and opportunities for all. We will roll up our sleeves afresh, and give it our all. We have no other motive than to serve Nigeria with our hearts and might, and build a nation which we and generations to come can be proud of.

    “I am very grateful to the over 15 million citizens who voted for me, those who contributed in many ways in the running of our successful campaign, and those at home and abroad who expressed confidence in me and the APC government. I thank you all.

    “I can assure that you will see a country moving to the Next Level, as we consolidate on our fundamental areas of securing the country, reviving the economy, and fighting corruption. Many other focal areas, as stated in our campaign manual, will be added, to the good things we plan for our country.

    “Let me pay tribute here to those who lost their lives either through accidents or mindless violence during the course of these elections. My heart and thoughts are with the families of the victims. May God comfort and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “Election is not war, and should never be seen as a do or die affair. I pray that we all accept this democratic approach to elections, however contentious.”

    Buhari and Osinbajo were declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at exactly 4.39am yesterday, having scored the highest number of votes, 15,191,847.

    They defeated their closest rivals – former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and his running mate, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, who polled 11,262,978.

    The PDP and its candidate have resolved to contest the results at the tribunal.

    Buhari and Osinbajo arrived at the ICC in the company of their spouses, Hajia Aisha and Dolapo at 2:11pm.

    They got the Certificates of Return from the INEC boss at about 2:20pm.

    In a short remark, Prof Yakubu described the presentation of the certificates as a statutory requirement based on the Electoral Act which requires winners of elections to be given their certificate of return within seven days.

    The vice president, decked in a white native attire, was all smiles as praise singers sang “Oke Oke la oma lo” (meaning we will always make progress).

    The praise singers changed the tune to Sai Baba when it was the turn of the president to receive his certificate.

  • Finance Commissioner defeats incumbent senator of Kaduna North

    Alhaji Suleiman Abdu-Kwari of All Progressive Congress (APC) was on Monday declared winner of Kaduna North Senatorial District election held on Saturday, Feb. 23.

    Abdu-Kwari, the Commissioner of Finance in the State defeated the incumbent senator representing the area, Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi who defected to PDP just last year.

    Announcing the result at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Zonal Office in Zaria, Kaduna State, the Returning Officer, Prof. Muhammad Magaji-Garba of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria said the APC candidate polled 411,498 votes to defeat other contestants.

    He said People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Suleiman Hunkuyi scored 181,955 votes to emerge second in the contest.

    Read Also: Buhari leads comfortably in Kaduna

    The Returning Officer said all together 20 candidates contested for the senatorial election.

    Magaji-Garba said: “Kwari Suleiman Abdu of the APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law and scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected today, 25th February 2019.”

    Speaking in an interview shortly after the announcement, Abdu-Kwari attributed his victory to manifestation of the proven leadership exhibited by President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Nasiru el-Rufa’i of Kaduna State.

    He promised to do everything possible to improve on the lives of the people under his senatorial district, while also appreciating the electorate for coming out en-mass to exercise their franchise.

    “We are very much proud of our President as well as our amiable governor, Malam Nasiru Ahmad el-Rufa’i, we are all proud to be associated with wonderful jobs they have been doing to our nation.

    “I think is a vindication of how hard the governor has been working to supplement the efforts of Mr President and the people have spoken loudly that APC in this zone is entrenched.

    “We hope this will be replicated in the next two weeks with a shouting yes in favour of our governor and we hope this will go down well in history that we have supported Mr. President in this election,” he said.

    NAN

  • Akala plans to manipulate Ogbomoso results, APC alleges

    The Oyo chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has cried out over alleged connivance of Action Democratic Party (ADP) with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate election results in Ogbomoso area of the state.

    The APC Chairman, Ogbomoso North Local Government Alhaji Bukola Badmos raised the alarm at the INEC collation centre for Ogbomoso North where collation of results is currently going on.

    The ADP, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala’s party, which cleared most of the polling units in Ogbomoso main town, was accused of working with some INEC Presiding Officers to manipulate results.

    Read also: El-Rufai votes after four hours on queue

    There was mild drama when the result sheets were badly shaded by INEC presiding officers, making it impossible to get clearly a picture of what the results are.

    The INEC Returning Officer, Professor Rasheed Okunola, had a hectic time dousing the tension when the party agents threatened mayhelm at the collation centre.

    The APC Ogbomoso North Chairman alleged that the malpractice which was orchestrated by ADP would not be acceptable to the APC.