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Tag: All Progressive Congress (APC)

  • I will return to NASS in 2019 – Igbinedion

    The lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion, has boasted that she would return to her office in 2019.

    Barr. Omosede who was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is serving her first term.

    In a post-apparently to taunt her opponents, Omosede said, “In my Office today and yes I will be back here in 2019  because I am happy to represent the people of Ovia Federal Constituency.

    An aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Dennis Idahosa, had in a press briefing said there was a huge gap between the Barr. Igbinedion and the people of Ovia.

    He further said that his desire to replace Barr. Igbinedion in the House of Representatives was because of the failure to attract developmental projects to the constituency.

    His words, “When God gives me the opportunity to serve, a whole lot of things will be done differently. Not only has the occupant misses a lot of important deliberation as a result of her focus primarily on her personal business instead of the assignment of representing the people, she has also failed to attract development projects to the constituency.

    “Though I respect her as a woman, but I believe she is incompetent. So, I am going to close this gap by being a vibrant and good representative to the people of Ovia.

    “There is no opposition in Ovia as far as I am concerned. We are going to win them out rightly; we are going to unite out party, strengthen areas of weaknesses and come 2019, we will not only win in Ovia federal constituency, we will win across the state.”

  • Sheriff, Shettima meet in Borno after years of political feud

    The former Governor of Borno state, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff  on   Friday,  May 4, 2018 met with Gov. Kashim Shettima, his political son at  Borno Government House, Maiduguri amidst thousands of supporters.

    Sheriff’s meeting with Shettima has finally put to rest speculations of his defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC), a party he once held sway before moving to the PDP. The duo held meeting at the multi-purpose hall of the government house Maiduguri after the former governor was received by Gov Shettima at his official residence within the same vicinity.

    Our correspondent reports that the entire government house was saturated with Sherriff’s supporters, some of whom including the former governor have not touched the ground of the government house since 2011 after he handed over to Gov. Shettima.

    Details of the meeting were not readily available as pressmen were excused out of the meeting after the opening prayers.

    Our  correspondent however  learnt that the meeting of the duo  is to perfect and strengthen all grey areas of interests from the two camps  ahead of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC)   proposed stakeholders meeting slated  for Saturday culminating to the National convention of the party in June.

    Other reliable sources also informed that the meeting was centered on reconciliation, apologies and the lingering interim leadership tussles of the party and governorship candidate and other elective positions come 2019 which has attracted vested interest both from the camp of the incumbent Gov. Shettima and Sen Ali Modu Sheriff.

    While he was denied a heroic reception at the national secretariat more than a week ago, Sheriff had quietly returned to his ward where he rejoined the APC as advised along with thousands of his supporters from the opposition party, People Democratic Party, (PDP) two days ago at the Gamboru Ngala IDPs Camp Maiduguri from the APC party LGA executives.

    In his characteristic manner, Sheriff had earlier embarked on a money spraying spree through the streets of Maiduguri as his long convoy drove into the government house as people chats, in admiration “Yirne! Yirne! Yirne! In Kanuri language, meaning, spray! Spray! Spray!

    Read Also: Mass defection hits Delta PDP as Sheriff faction joins APC

     

  • APC convention to hold May 15

    Barely any last minute change of plans, the elective National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may hold on Monday, May 15, 2018.

    In a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dated April 9, 2018 with the title, notice of conduct of congresses/national convention, the party it intend to conduct special local government congresses to elect delegates to the convention.

    The letter with reference number APC/NHDQ/INEC/19/018/010 signed by the National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni was received at the INEC office on the same day.

    It reads ‘we write to advise that our party is scheduled to conduct Ward, local government, state congresses and national convention to fill vacant offices arising from effusion of time or appointment into government offices, death and other reasons as stipulated in Article 17 of our party’s constitution.

    “Please be informed that we also intend to conduct special local government congresses to elect delegates to our forthcoming national convention, meanwhile, this serves as a formal notice in line with the provision of Electoral Act.”

    According to the letter, ward congresses are to hold on Wednesday, May 2, local government congresses to hold Saturday, May 5th, State congresses to hold on Wednesday, May 9 while the national convention will hold on May 16.

    The National Executive Committee of the party had directed the conduct of the national convention to elect new leaders for the party, but the letter was silent on this

    Meanwhile, a governorship aspirant of the party in Ekiti state, Bamidele Opeyemi has promised to be an unusual governor if elected into the exalted position.

    Opeyemi who is angling for the position on the platform of the ruling All progressive congress (APC) said he has developed a blueprint tagged “Keeping Hope Alive” required to chart the course of development of the state.

    Opeyemi who spoke to reporters after submitting his nomination form at the party secretariat in Abuja assured that he would redress the multifaceted problems plaguing Ekiti  state.

    According to him: “We will hit the ground running as soon as I am sworn into office because everything in Ekiti has been afflicted. I hope to intervene through the offer of a selfless and quality leadership.

    “We will make Ekiti one of the best state in the country. Already, I have conducted a town by town, and local government by local government analysis of resources available and the opportunities that could be utilized by the people of the state.”

    “My vision is to mobilise the people; particularly young men and women, to activate their latent potentials in consultation with relevant stake holders at the Local Government level with a view to evolving strategic roadmap for agricultural development and rural transformation in Ekiti state.”

    He singled out the revitalization of the economy, agricultural sector, ensuring qualitative education and the creation of employment opportunities as areas he would prioritized if voted into power.

    Promising that he would not let the allure of the governorship office to get into his head, he reiterated his faith in God to see him through in the governorship race.

    Read Also: APC gets convention committee

  • Kalu urges Tinubu to accelerate reconciliation of aggrieved APC members

    Kalu urges Tinubu to accelerate reconciliation of aggrieved APC members

    Former Abia governor, Dr Orji Kalu has called on the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress ( APC ), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to accelerate efforts toward reconciling aggrieved members of the ruling party.

    Kalu made the call on Sunday night while speaking with newsmen at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.

    He said the task given by President Muhammadu Buhari to Tinubu was very apt because there was an urgent need to reconcile feuding members of the party.

    According to him, the situation whereby a serving governor and a minister who belong to APC are engaged in bickering at a time concerted efforts are needed to return the party to victory in 2019 is not good.

    Kalu said: “I have reported this to the highest authority of the party that it is not proper for a governor and minister in Ibadan to go two parallel ways.

    “It is not to the benefit of the president and neither is it to the benefit of the party, it is not the benefit of Nigerians; the synergy needed to accelerate cohesion in the ruling party will not be there.

    “We need to thank Mr President in his wisdom in giving the mandate to the national leader of APC the opportunity to reconcile members of the party.

    “I am very excited that such a thing is happening. I am confident it will be a good beginning for my brother and friend, Tinubu to execute the reconciliation task very well.

    “I am confident Tinubu will be blunt to settle feuding members of the APC.”

    He noted that Buhari had the constitutional right to seek for re-election, adding that the only reason the president might not run in 2019 would be solely on health grounds.

    According to him, Buhari is an honest man and will let Nigerians know whether he will contest or not at the appropriate time.

    “Buhari is an honest man. If he is interested in running, he will tell Nigerians that he will run. We pray that his health gets better and that his doctors give him a clean bill of health.

    “You know Buhari is also a man of conscience; if he feels his health will not allow him to seek re-election he will not go ahead, but if he feels he is capable of running, he will seek re-election.

    “It is his decision, it his right, he is entitled to second term,” he said.

    The ex-governor, who commended the president for the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge, stressed that he had done well in his first term and there was also room for improvement.

    Kalu also asserted that Buhari would win the 2019 election if he decides to run with or without the support of the Northern elite because he had a huge following by the masses.

    “If the elite refuse to support Buhari, the masses will support Buhari. The elite are few in number, the people that will support Buhari are the masses, who sincerely believe in Buhari.

    “They are people who not know any other thing other than Buhari. By my assumption, If President Buhari had 12.5 million supporters in the last general election; there is an additional 10 million supporters in the bank.

    “That is what we call reserve, it is still there,” he said.

    NAN

  • LG Polls: We won’t impose candidates – Ajimobi

    LG Polls: We won’t impose candidates – Ajimobi

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi has assured members of the All Progressive Congress ( APC ) in the state that the party leadership would not impose candidates in the May 12 local government election.

    The governor made the disclosure on Tuesday in Iseyin at an empowerment programme organised by Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo North).

    He said that the party leadership in state would abide by the decision of the majority on the process to select party’s candidates.

    Some members of the party in the state had on Monday besieged the party’s state secretariat in Ibadan with placards, alleging plans by the leadership to impose candidates.

    “We won’t impose candidates for the forthcoming local government election. I am appealing to you at every local government council area to come together and work in unity so that we can present a common candidate.

    “There are types of primary election, which could be direct or indirect. The direct type allows party members to come together to choose, while the indirect allows the election through delegates.

    “I want you to talk to yourselves on your choice, I will be okay by your decision,” he said.

    Ajimobi lauded members of the senatorial district on the choice of Sen. Buhari as their representative, saying his qualities reflected in the standard of the empowerment programme he organised.

    Buhari, in his remarks, said that the effort was to ensure the people of the senatorial district benefit dividends of democracy.

    The lawmaker said it was the second of such empowerment programmes, apart from the various other projects executed in the district.

    He assured the people of quality representation, saying he been very active in the performance of his legislative duties in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

    Among the items distributed were cars, motorcycles, refrigerators, sewing machines and other equipments.

    Meanwhile, the party in the state has warned aspirants against blackmail, noting that such would do nothing good to the party.

    The party gave the warning in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Olawale Sadare and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday.

    It described the allegations of planned imposition of candidates as a figment of the imagination of the protesters and their sponsors.

    The party urged the public to regard it as cheap blackmail antics to cause unnecessary tension.

    “We are indeed embarrassed at the level which decorum was thrown into the air by these set of people, whom we identify as APC members in the state.

    “Peaceful and purposeful protests are some of the essentials of democracy, but when cheap blackmail is involved, it becomes condemnable.

    “The allegation of planned imposition of candidates is not only a hoax but also something that should not feature in the present scenario,” it stated.

    The APC said that its state executive committee led by Chief Akin Oke has earned itself a reputation for upholding the sanctity of internal democracy as enshrined in the party’s constitution.

    It said that the governor has also demonstrated personal commitment to the ideals of the party.

    According to the party, “the delay in the release of guidelines by the party was caused by the new development explained to all stakeholders by OYSIEC at a meeting last Wednesday.

    “The stakeholders meeting indicated that the recent delineation of wards exercise done in the state would be implemented at the May 12 poll.

    “The implication is that additional wards have been created but they have not been made public.

    “It then became imperative to wait on OYSIEC which had promised to release the map and necessary documents this week to guide all participating political parties.”

    NAN

  • I’m unaware of my suspension from APC, says Usani

    I’m unaware of my suspension from APC, says Usani

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani, Saturday said that he was not aware he has been suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Usani told reporters at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar where he was welcomed by supporters that they were in the process of rebuilding the party for a greater future.

    Speaking on the conflict within the party in the state, he said, “Every party has a fight and how you resolve it is what is important. My worry is within the limits of known partisan tradition and conflict. We are resolving it. When a resolution takes place, whether amicably or by victory, there important thing is that there is a resolution and we are resolving it.”

    A couple of weeks ago, the acting chairman of the party in the state, Mr John Ochalla, after a meeting of the state working committee, had announced Usani’s suspension, accusing the minister of working against the interest of the party by holding “illegal meetings” to install a new chairman to do his bidding.

    In a swift reaction, a faction of the party led by the State Organizing Secretary, Mr Ekpe Owan Ayang, had held a meeting, where they declared Usani’s suspension as null.

    They went ahead to announce the suspension of Mr Ochalla as well as the National Vice Chairman South-South, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, from the party.

    In a meeting held at the party’s secretariat on Tuesday, they had gone ahead to endorse, Mr Etim John, as the new acting chairman of the party in the state.

    They said their endorsement followed the decision by a meeting by elders of the party that Etim John, takes over as acting chairman.

    But a statement from the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Bolaji Abdulahi, had countered the endorsement saying Ochalla remained and members involved in the appointment of a new acting chairman would be disciplined.

    But reacting to this, Mr Etim John, who arrived Calabar with Usani said the statement from the National was a misnomer.

    “Ochalla is not from the zone where the former chairman comes from and so he was not qualified to be an acting state chairman, but because a vacuum cannot be left, so he as a deputy chairman held brief.

    “That statement as far as I am concerned is a misnomer. The party guidelines stipulate clearly how and acting chairman is appointed. As far is this concerned, Ochalla is yet to be appointed or elected because he only came in to hold brief,” John said.

    Ochalla had taken over as acting chairman of the party, after Usani, who was the chairman, was appointed Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

  • Oyo to hold Council Polls May 12

    Oyo to hold Council Polls May 12

    Following the lifting of a Federal High Court injunction stopping the conduct, the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission on Friday said elections into the 33 Local Government Council Areas and 35 Local Council Development Areas will hold on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

    It added that all registered party with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the apex electoral body would be expected to participate in the election.

    Chairman of the Commission, Jide Ajeigbe, accompanied by the commissioners and management team made the disclosure during a press conference which held at the Commission’s headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Council elections last held in the state on December 15, 2007, during the tenure of the former Governor Christopher Alao-Akala.

    If the election held as planned, it would be the first since the tenure of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi led All Progressive Congress (APC) led administration.

    Recounting a similar announcement made a year ago to roll out the timetable to conduct the polls, Ajeigbe lamented that the court injunction by some stakeholders put all the arrangements and plans for the polls on hold.

    Reiterating the Commission’s unwavering commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible election in the state, the chairman maintained that such can only be possible under a peaceful and conducive environment in which the pressmen, as well as other stakeholders, have a greater role to play.

    He solicited for a good, balanced and unbiased reportage of the activities of the commission.

    Assuring the people of the state of the Commissions commitment to be an impartial and unbiased umpire, Ajeigbe appreciated all the stakeholders for their patience, continuous co-operation, understanding and support.

    He, however, appealed to the various stakeholders to work hard, remain focus and play by the rules to ensure a free, fair and credible election, urging them to also peaceful in their conduct and mobilization of their members.

  • 2019 is PDP ‘s time, says Pastor Ize-Iyamu

    2019 is PDP ‘s time, says Pastor Ize-Iyamu

    Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has assured supporters and members of the part that the 2019 general election is the time for the party to return to power.

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu told the party supporters Edo will come under a PDP government after the February 2019 general elections.

    He spoke on Monday when the state party leadership began a ‘Meet the people tour’ to the 18 local government areas of the state.

    Read Also: Bakare: Nigeria must restructure

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu said the ruling All Progressive Congress ( APC ) has failed to fulfill all it promised before the 2015 general elections.

    Ize-Iyamu however noted that for the PDP to secure victory in 2019, its members must reconcile and forgive one another, reorganize and rededicate themselves to the values of the party.

    He said, “Let us forgive ourselves. We made mistakes but we must reconcile. If we continue to quarrel, the unity we need to achieve victory in 2019 will not be there.

    “We need to rededicate ourselves to the values and principles of the PDP. The moment you hear PDP has won in February, just know that Edo will become a PDP state.“

  • Protest as two factions present candidates for Edo LG polls

    Protest as two factions present candidates for Edo LG polls

    -APC to disqualify candidates

    There was massive protest at the Edo State secretariat of the All Progressive Congress ( APC ) on Thursday following the conduct of parallel primaries in Owan East local government for the March 3rd local government elections.

    Delegates from 10 wards led by the APC chairman in the locality, Mr. Roland Edeki, stormed the secretariat to demand for justice.

    The APC had on Wednesday conducted party primaries to elect its candidate for the local elections.

    But in Owan East, two candidates, Victor Ohiosumuan and Andrew Osigbe emerged at the two different primaries held at Afuze and Warrake communities respectively.

    The protesters said the party primaries held at Warrake was illegal.

    Mr. Edeki who spoke on behalf of the protesters said the party’s designated venue was the mini stadium at Afuze.

    He said the party must accept the candidacy of Barr. Ohiosumuan because they followed the directives and as such the party cannot reverse the exercise. 

    His words, “We are here to protest against the illegal primaries that was conducted by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu in Owan East local government. The primaries was to be conducted at a designated venue. What happened at the mini stadium in Afuze is the correct primaries but some people went to a private residence in Warrake to hold an illegal primaries.

    “The party directed that the party should be conducted at the mini stadium. The only candidate that emerge from the primaries is Barr. Victor Ohiosuma, any other person purported to have been elected is illegal. We did not see Barr. Emmanuel Agbale. They hijacked him and took him to Warrake. Instead of coming to conduct primaries at Afuze, they went to Warrake. We are asking for justice.”

    State Chairman of the party, Barr. Anselm Ojezua, said the party was yet to look into the report submitted by the committee sent to conduct the primaries in Owan East.

    Ojezua said the some candidates would be disqualified over alleged discrepancies in their educational qualifications.

    He dismissed that protesters as thugs and not delegates that voted at the party primaries. 

    “All those people, are they party executives? We have internal mechanism to deal with issues. We have room for appeals. What I saw outside is not one of the mechanism. If the LG chairman want to protest, he should do a letter to me. Bringing a bunch of thugs to my office representing them as delegates is irresponsible on his part. 

    “We constituted committees to go and conduct primaries across the state. The venues were decided by us. No LG chairman was authorized to conduct primaries anywhere. The committee went to Owan East and they have submitted their report.”

    Spokesman for the Deputy Governor, Mr. Musa Ebhomiana, said the primaries at Warrake was the genuine one recognized by the party.

    Musa said his boss was present at the parallel primaries as the deputy governor and leader of the party in Edo North.

    He said the deputy does not determined venue for primaries but to ensure peace across the state.

  • PHOTO:Buhari meeting with South East APC leaders

    PHOTO:Buhari meeting with South East APC leaders

    President Muhammadu Buhari meeting with delegation of APC leaders from South-East at the state house in Abuja.

    PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES DELEGATION OF APC SOUTH EAST LEADERSS. . President Muhammadu Buhari, flanked by Minister of technology, Dr Ogbonna Onu, Leader of the Delegation and Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, Former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha, Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Former Governor of Old Anambra State, Sen Jim Nwabodo and others during a courtesy call by delegation of APC Leaders from the South East at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JAN 22 2018
    PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES DELEGATION OF APC SOUTH EAST LEADERS. Minister of Secience and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu flanked by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince EZE Madumere and others APC Chieftains after meeting with the President during a courtesy call by delegation of APC Leaders from the South East at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JAN 22 2018
    PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES DELEGATION OF APC SOUTH EAST LEADERS 11. President Muhammadu Buhari chats with APC House of Representative from the SouthEast, Hon Chike Okafor and others after meeting with the President by delegation of APC Leaders from the South East at the State house in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JAN 22 2018