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Tag: All Progressive Congress (APC)

  • ‘There is no crack in the ranks of Benue APC’

    The Director-General of Jime – Ode campaign Organisation, Chief Tilley Gyado on Monday said there is no crack in the Benue state chapter of the All Progressive Congress ( APC).

    Speaking to journalists in his Makurdi residence Chief Gyado said APC is one big family and are going into Saturday polls as a united force.

    Read also: Jonathan warns against extra-judicial killings

    He dismissed report by The National Newspaper that there was a crack in APC, saying the key APC chieftain who made the allegations of division at the meeting failed to provide evidence.

    He called on APC supporters in Benue state to disregard the reports and vote massively for APC in all elections.

    Chief Gyado said Benue is going to vote massively for APC on Saturday.

  • Hoodlums set party vehicles ablaze in Anambra

    Barely 48 hours to the general elections, were three party campaign vehicles on Wednesday set ablaze by unknown hoodlums in Nnewi, Anambra State.

    The vehicles belonging to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) were reportedly burnt around 8:30pm at different locations of the industrial city.

    The Nation learnt that the perpetrators, numbering about six were said to be armed with dangerous weapons, carried out the act unchallenged.

    It was gathered that one of the vehicles, a Toyota Sienna, belonging to the APC was vandalized and burnt where it was parked.

    “The vehicles belong to APC candidate for the State House of Assembly to represent Nnewi North constituency, Prince Ken Anazodo, a source close to the party.

    Read Also: Fuel tanker goes in flames in Anambra

    “The other vehicle belonging to PDP candidate, was burnt beyond recognition along Old Nnewi-Onitsha road while the third one was said to be burnt near Egbu Umuenem Otolo quarter,” a source close to the party said.

    Driver of the affected vehicle on Old Nnewi-Onitsha road was said to have parked his vehicle to buy a recharge card when the hoodlums struck.

    Reacting, Anazodo said he had reported the matter to the police and Directorate of State Services (DSS) and was preparing a petition to back it up.

    When contacted, the state Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, said the number of vehicles affected were two.

    “Two vehicles belonging to APC and PDP aspirants for House reps were burnt down by unknown miscreants,” he said.

    He said the case was being investigated, adding that efforts were on to apprehend fleeing suspects.

  • Commission debunks allegations

    THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied the claims by the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) that it is working for the opposition People’s Democracy Party (PDP).

    Besides, INEC said the exclusion of APC Zamfara was purely a judicial matter and not a decision of the commission.

    Reacting to the allegations raised by the APC, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, said there was no truth in the allegations.

    He added that the commission was not a political party and did not have a candidate for the forthcoming general elections.

    Read also: BEDC holds safety campaigns in Edo

    He stated that the commission’s responsibilities are to provide a level-playing field for all registered political parties and conduct  free, fair and transparent elections.

    “It is not true that INEC is working hand in gloves with any political party to do the wrong things. The issue of Zamfara and Rivers are well known. In the case of Zamfara, the commission had written to the APC leadership to notify it that, due to its inability to conduct its primaries in Zamfara State within the stipulated time as required by the law, the party cannot field candidates for the governorship election. Thereafter, two cases were instituted in court resulting in two rulings, which were delivered the same day. The commission then adopted one of the rulings.

    “In the case of Rivers, it was the Supreme Court that took a final decision on the fate of APC. Therefore, both cases were purely judicial and INEC, being a law abiding institution, will always obey court orders/judgment.

    “The commission is not a political party and does not have a candidate for the forthcoming general elections.

  • INEC debunks allegations of working for PDP

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distance itself from the claims by the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) that it is working for the opposition party.

    Besides, INEC said the exclusion of APC Zamfara was purely a judicial matter and not a decision of the commission.

    Reacting to the allegations raised by APC, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman said there was no true in the allegations.

    Oyekanmi stressed that the Commission is not a political party and does not have a candidate for the forthcoming general elections.

    He further stated that the commission responsibility is to provide a level playing field for all registered political parties and also conduct a free, fair and transparent election.

    Read Also: 2019: INEC creates 57,023 voting points

    He stated, “It is not true that the Independent National Electoral Commission is working hand in gloves with any political party to do the wrong things. The issue of Zamfara and Rivers are well known. In the case of Zamfara, the Commission had written to the APC leadership to notify it that, due to its inability to conduct its primaries in Zamfara State within the stipulated time as required by law, the party cannot field candidates for the governorship election. Thereafter, two cases were instituted in court resulting in two rulings which were delivered the same day. The Commission then adopted one of the rulings.

    “In the case of Rivers, it was the Supreme Court that took a final decision on the fate of APC. Therefore, both cases were purely judicial and INEC, being a law abiding institution, will always obey court orders/judgment.

    “The Commission is not a political party and does not have a candidate for the forthcoming general elections. Our duty is to provide a level playing field for all registered political parties and ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.”

  • APC, PDP tango over alleged vote buying with recovered loots

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State on Monday exchanged verbal invectives over allegations the ruling party has reserved recovered loot for vote buying.

    The PDP said the ruling party has perfected plans to re-loot recovered loots from former late military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to buy votes of Nigerians in the coming polls.

    It also alleged the APC was planning to use security operatives and officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to perpetrate electoral fraud.

    But the APC denied all the claims, describing them as figments of imagination orchestrated by the enemies of progressive Nigeria.

    Ekiti Director of Media and Publicity of the Atiku/Obi PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Lere Olayinka, alleged the APC has reserved N112.5bn to buy projected 15 million votes at N7,500 per vote.

    But Director of Media for the state’s Buhari/Osinbajo campaign council, Tai Akogun, described the allegations as cruel and irresponsible.

    He declared Presidential Mohammadu Buhari is man of integrity who would never attempt buying votes.

    Akogun said the President’s monumental achievements in all sectors would serve as pointers, adding Buhari has performed creditably well to be given a second term by Nigerians on a platter of gold.

    The PDP said: “Their plots are in two folds. While they are forging ahead with their covert plot to compromise the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “And rig the elections by getting the electoral commission to produce two sets of result sheets (Form EC8A) for some selected polling units across the country, they are also plotting massive vote buying.”

    But the APC countered, saying: “Everybody knows Buhari as a man of integrity, by this time four years ago, we were already hearing about raising huge funds for former President Jonathan’s campaign where contractors are raising huge funds, but now you can’t hear of any contractors doing that, is this kind of President the one that would waste N112 billion for campaign?”

    Read also: Vote candidates of your choice, Buhari tells Ogun residents

    He added: “Fayemi as our governor is not a frivolous person. He is not a kind of person that will use such money to buy votes.

    “This is a cruel and irresponsible allegation, the PDP is only crying foul because they know they are losing the coming polls.

    “They know that 14,000 Ekiti youth who benefitted immensely from N power and those who also benefitted from Tradermoni will vote massively for Buhari.

    “In Ekiti alone, the railway line that Buhari has built, the federal Secretariat almost at completion at the new Iyin Road and the housing scheme in agric Olope, all in Ado Ekiti is our own N112 billion which will attract votes for Buhari.

    “We challenge the PDP to show us what former president Goodluck Jonathan did for Ekiti in his time. Buhari doesn’t need to buy votes because he has performed creditably well.”

    Olayinka also alleged the APC led Federal Government has instructed security operatives to provide cover for all APC stalwarts to be assigned with the responsibility of ascertaining voters compliance and making payments to voters who complied.

    He urged Nigerians to reject vote buying, the security to maintain neutrality in the coming elections, noting that the security operatives should remain non- partisan and not appendage of APC.

  • Oyo police read riot act to politicians

    The Oyo state Police command on Monday read the riot act to politicians who are bent on causing violence and disrupting the existing peace in the pacesetter state during campaign rallies ahead of the forthcoming general election in the country.

    Violence had erupted at different parts of the state during campaign rallies of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC), the opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) , leading to killing of four persons , and injuring several others at Igboora, Omi-Adio and Ojoo areas of the state.

    The state Commissioner of Police , Mr. Olukolu Shina , who just resumed duty in the state, at a press conference held at the Eleyele Police Headquarters, Ibadan  on Monday warned that anybody found in the act of violence  would be made to  face the full wrath of the law irrespective of the status of the offender in the society.

    The Commissioner of Police who also paraded many other suspects ,  vowed to aggressively clampdown on political thugs and other criminals in the state as general elections are few days away.

    Prominent among those  paraded  at the press conference was a 41-year-old-Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church,  Olajide Olawale who stole his lover’s vehicle and sold to his friend in Abuja.

    Read Also: Police arrest 25 suspected cultists

    Olawale absconded with the Toyota Matrix last year before his arrest.

    Other suspects  who are paraded are: a 50 year-old driver, Ismaila Yusuf who connived with a gang of armed robbers to rob his employer, a 39 year-old, Kunle Omolere and a 30-year-old Eniola Tosin who were arrested for cultism.

    The list also included a 25-year-old potter, Idowu Nathaniel who was arrested for impersonating military officer, an impostor, Akintemi Tosin who paraded himself as an operative of the Special Anti-Rubbery Squad, and several other dealers of Indian hemp in the state.

    The Commissioner who regretted the recent political violence which claimed many lives in the state, warned politicians with their supporters to desist from actions of violence as the election is around the corner.

    He said: “we are however not oblivious of the recent violent activities of some miscreants who in the name of politics and in total defiance of our earlier warning caused violence in places like Oojo, Igboora and others.

    “These political thugs who have made violence their trade mark have decided to serve as cogs in the wheel of democratic progress in the state.

    “The violence witnessed in the places earlier mentioned resulted in loss of lives and injuries to some persons. This no doubt is an ominous sign that some desperate politicians intolerant of others are unrepentant in their quest to foment trouble using the instrumentality of political intimidation and thuggery.”

  • Fayose’s core loyalists join APC in Ekiti

    No fewer than hundred known loyalists of former governor Ayodele Fayose’s and members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Igbemo Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun constituency of Ekiti state on Saturday dumped the party for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    The defectors were led by Fayose’s ardent supporter, Chief Michael Bolawole Ojo and other PDP bigwigs in the council.

    The defection took place during   a ward meeting held in Igbemo Ekiti on Saturday.

    An APC House of Assembly candidate in the constituency, Mr Hakeem Jamiu and other Party stalwarts  in the local constituency while  receiving  the defectors, advised the new members to be committed  to the party’s principles and ethos

    Jamiu assured that nobody will discriminate against them and that they should make sacrifices for the party to ensure landslide victory in the forthcoming election.

    The former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Kayode Fayemi on Research and Documentation, stressed that the party would not treat any defector as new member, saying that their contributions towards the success of the party would prove their worth.

    Jamiu said: “I promise to facilitate people oriented projects that   will have direct positive impacts on the socioeconomic life of the people if elected.

    “Let me assure you, you are here today as full-fledged members, who can enjoy all privileges”.

    Read Also: APC on rescue mission in Benue

    Jamiu described Fayemi as a politician exemplary in thought and uncompromising in action, adding that within 100 days of his stay in office, the people have witnessed new lease of life with his decisive actions aimed at accelerating standard of living of the people.

    ” I want to assure our farmers that I will facilitate  Long term loans and provide incentives for them to expand production of Igbemo rice and other agricultural produce”

    The  Ebira Community in the town had also  vowed to work and ensure the party wins all elections in the 2019 polls so that they can continue witnessing and enjoying dividends of good governance.

    Speaking on behalf of the defctors, Bolawole Ojo, who explained that PDP has become a “deserted party with little or no political substance” , said he joined APC because of the laudable success story and progressive policies of the party.

    Ojo expressed his readiness to work assiduously for  victory of all the party candidates  in the coming elections, saying all hands must be on deck to ensure victory of the party in the coming polls.

    “Only the APC at all levels of governance could actualise our yearnings and demands when it assumes power after this year National and State Assembly elections in the area, that is why we are working round the clock to mobilise and canvass for the party’s candidate.

    He noted that  “APC’s Assembly flag bearer in this  constituency for the March election  stimulates their decision to dump  PDP, because  the APC candidate is a grassroots politician with special focus in providing services to humanity.

     

  • Sanwoolu unveils his ‘Vision for a Greater Lagos’

    Ahead of the February and March election, the All Progressive Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos State, Babajide Olushola Sanwoolu has reeled out his vision for a  greater Lagos.

    Speaking at a programme tagged ‘The Unveiling: Vision for a Greater Lagos held today at Balmoral Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos, Sanwoolu alongside his Deputy, Dr. Femi Hamzat revealed that the vision is hinged on “Five Pillars of Development’ known as “THEME’. The T : Traffic Management & Transportation ; Health & Development: E: Education and Technology ; M : Making a 21st Century Economy and E : Entertainment & Tourism.

    “My main goal is Continuity, thereby ensuring that the legacy of our amiable leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is sustained. I’m determined to both propagate and defend these values through  an inclusive governance approach that would be considerate to all’ said Sanwoolu.

    According to him, his approach to governance will be to develop human capacity to drive productivity, protect the vulnerable; Drive Lagos readiness and openness for business; ficus and optimise relevant infrastructure development and engage intergovernmental synergy through cooperation and partnership.

    Read Also: Sanwoolu, a done deal

    In the area of transportation, Sanwoolu aims to improve traffic flow by resolving 18 Gridlock points within 9 months, develop quality bus corridors on 10 major existing bus routes for better commuting experience by 2021. ” My administration also intend to extend bus rapid transit network to include Oworonshoki – Apapa and  Abule -Egba to Sango Toll Gate which is 11 Phase of the Oshodi to Abule- Egba BRT by 2020′ he said.

    In the area of health his administration intends to encourage water efficiency by creating enabling environment for the actualisation of the Lagos Water Master plan established to address the supply gap of the Lagos water sector by providing 745 million gallon daily.

    For a Cleaner Lagos, Dr. Hamzat said Sanwoolu’s administration will empower LAWMA. His words “We will empower LAWMA to effectively drive the elimination of waste accumulation and adoption of recycling as well as harness the potentials for job creation and other opportunities in waste recovery, reuse, repair, remanufacturing and material innovation, among others.’ he said.

  • ‘God will not allow any other party govern Lagos except APC’

    The Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu 1 has said that God will not allow any other party to take over governance in the state in the forthcoming general elections apart from the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Oba Akiolu stated this in his remark on Saturday at the 11th Annual Hijrah Lecture and Commissioning of the new House of Assembly Mosque at the Assembly complex.

    The new Mosque, he said, is unique especially as it is built inside the Assembly complex where bills are passed into laws.

    The Oba also pointed out that it is not enough to build Mosque but that the custodians of the Mosque should be properly taken care.

    He also advised the custodians not to do or be involve in anything that would tarnish the image of the religion.

    Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa commended the congregation for donating fund for the rebuilding of the Mosque.

    He described a Mosque as a Holy place to Worship Allah and supplicate to Him, adding that the custodians should do everything to ensure that it serves the purpose for which it was built.

    Read Also: APC discord and presidential vacillation

    Special guest of honour was Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem Abdulateef who is the Chief Imam of the House of Assembly Mosque, while the Chairman of the occasion was Oba of Lagos & Permanent Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, HRM Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu 1.

    In his speech, the Chairman of the Muslim Community of the Assembly, Hon. Sikiru Osinowo thanked God Almighty for the completion of the mosque.

    “We started the mosque project so that we could fulfil the purpose of our coming here. We have been Muslim Speakers, and God made it possible for us to build the new mosque during the time of the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa,” he said.

    Two clerics delivered lecture on the theme and title of the lecture, ‘The place of tge Mosque in human civilisation.

    The first guest lecturer was the Director, Islamic Affairs, Nigeria Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos State, Wing Commander Abdullahi Hassan Inuwa and second lecturer was Shaykh Abdur Rasheed Mayaleke Chairman, Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs, Ogun State.

    Mayaleke describes Mosque as the “first house God provided for man. It is a place of learning, meeting, judgment, worship, a place where we meet on how to defeat our enemies,” he said.

    And that praying in the mosques for men is more acceptable than to pray at home, and that all Muslims must be given an opportunity to pray in the mosque.

     

  • Delta is for APC to lose in 2019 – Aregbesola

    The Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee of the All Progressive Congress (APC) South-South Zone,  Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has boasted of his party’ chances in the Delta gubernatorial election in 2019, saying”Delta State is for our party to take”.

    He appealed to the party faithful to sheathe  their sword and embrace peace to claim the governorship position in 2019.

    He spoke in Asaba, Delta State Capital on Friday at a reconciliation meeting between the various factions in the party in the State.

    Ogbeni Aregbesola who was flanked by party stalwarts including the governor of Niger among other committee members said that  success was directly proportional to how well the members manage their differences.

    According to him, “If we insist of having our way in all areas, it will scuttle our chances”

    The chairman explained that victory of the party is also assured in Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bayelsa states except for Rivers which he said, he can not stick out his neck because there are issues.

    Aregbesola advised the factions to consider the efforts of the presidency in resolving the crises.

    The chairman urged members not to despair in the unlikely event that the party loses in the state saying, “the party at the center will still benefit all loyal members”.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Aregbesola

    The different groups presented their position papers to the committee which they hoped would help in resolving the differences.

    One of the points canvassed for is the 50-50 percent sharing of positions at the state and federal level.

    In his document, chairman Prophet Jones Erue said the party has made appreciable progress in resolving all grey areas that almost marred the party chances of winning the 2019 election in state.

    Defectors from the Modi Sheriff faction of the PDP led by Dr. Cairo Ojougboh expressed bitterness that the 14,000 members that moved into APC have been sidelined while the late Sen. Francis Okpozo group led by chief Hyacient Enuha was of the view that the structure of APC in the state be dissolved immediately after the general election and a fresh and credible congress should be conducted.

    But gubernatorial aspirant of the party, Prof. Pat Utomi insisted on pursuing the legal option,adding that his action was without prejudice to ongoing peace efforts.