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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • LG polls: Don’t be violent, we will defeat PDP peacefully, Balarabe tells APC members 

    LG polls: Don’t be violent, we will defeat PDP peacefully, Balarabe tells APC members 

    Ahead of next Saturday’s Local Government elections across Kaduna State’s 23 councils, Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe has urged members and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain peace during and after the elections.

    Speaking at APC campaign rallies in Lere and Soba Local Government Areas over the weekend, the Deputy Governor expressed confidence in the party’s victory but emphasized the importance of avoiding violence that could disrupt the election process.

    At the Township Stadium in Saminaka, the headquarters of Lere Local Government, Dr. Balarabe encouraged APC members to turn out in large numbers and mobilize others to vote, ensuring the party retains the chairmanship and wins all 11 councilorship seats in the area.

    Responding to enthusiastic chants from the crowd predicting an early APC victory, she urged voters to follow through on their promises by casting their ballots early for the party’s chairmanship candidate, Jaafaru Ahmed, and the 11 councilorship candidates.

    She told Lere people that, Governor Uba Sani is happy with the people of the area, because of their peaceful coexistence, assuring that, the government will continue the development projects in the Local Government as long as the people remain peaceful and law abiding.

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    In Soba, where Muhammad Lawal Shehu, the former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Uba Sani is the APC Chairmanship Candidate, the Deputy Governor said, Soba is originally an APC Local Government, as such, the mandate must be reclaimed through the ballot.

    She said, from the Saturday Local Government elections, the APC will start reclaiming its mandate and in 2027, the House of Representatives seat will also be reclaimed. She however urged the people to come out and vote for Shehu, popularly known as Molash as Chairman and all the 11 Councilorship candidates of the APC.

    Speaking on his programmes for the people of Soba Local Government Area, Molash said he would be addressing the infrastructural deficit the Local Government has been facing under the administration of PDP Chairman.

    Noting that, agriculture is the mainstay of Soba Local Government, Molash said he has marshaled out a concrete modern agricultural projects in his blueprint, which he said will boost agriculture and the economy of the area.

    He also said, he will complement the efforts of the Governor Uba Sani led government, which is reconstructing and remodeling general hospitals across the State, by renovating and improving on the existing Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the area.

    Molash expressed optimism that the APC will win the the Saturday election from the chairmanship seat to the chairmanship seats in all the 11 wards that make up Soba Local Government Area.

    Other dignitaries who spoke at the rallies like Secretary to the State Government, Dr AbdulKadir Muazu Meyere, House of Representatives Member Representing Lere Federal Constituency, Ahmed Munir and the Kaduna State APC Secretary, Yahaya Baba Pate urged the people to vote for the APC Candidates, assuring that, such will ensure accelerated development at the grassroots.

  • APC suspends Lokpobiri, Lyon, eight others for alleged anti-party activities

    APC suspends Lokpobiri, Lyon, eight others for alleged anti-party activities

    •Bayelsa APC chieftains fault suspension, insist action invalid

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the party’s 2019 governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, for alleged anti-party activities.

    The party also suspended the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Power, Kharim Kumoko; Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barrister Peres Biewari; former APC state chairman, Mr Jothan Amos; an ex-officio member of the National Executive Council, Hon. Godbless Diriwari and Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader, Sabi Morgan.

    A party stakeholder, Mr Omiebi Fuoebi, APC Chairman, Ward 3 Southern Ijaw including all ward executive members as well as the APC Ward 4 Southern Ijaw, Mr Claudius Odobu and all the ward executive members, were all suspended by the party.

    Briefing journalists separately on Friday in Yenagoa, the Chairman of APC in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mitin Eniekenemi Senator, flanked by the local government executive members, handed Lokpobiri and Kumoko indefinite suspensions.

    Mitin said the action followed a “report of the disciplinary committee set up in accordance with Article 21.3 (i) of our party’s constitution 2022 as amended.”

    He accused Lokpobiri and his followers of involvement in anti-party activities since the 2019 governorship election in the state, alleging that the minister’s actions were borne out of his failure to secure the APC ticket.

    Specifically, Mitin said Lokpobiri used “his supporters to institute cases in court against the party and also establish a factional state secretariat of the party.”

    He further accused the minister that “in the 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa State, he led a group of disgruntled party members to openly support and work for Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party and was compensated by the PDP-led government of Bayelsa State.

    Earlier, the APC Chairman, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr Ebikazi Gbefa, and the local government executive council members announced the suspension of Chief David Lyon and seven others for alleged anti-party activities.

    Gbefa cited Article 21.3(I) of the party’s constitution and accused them of conspiring against the APC candidate in the 2020 Bayelsa Central senatorial bye-election, Mr Abel Ebifemowei.

    Gbefa claimed: “Some of them were compensated with contracts and appointments. For example, Barrister Perepuighe Biewari who was Chief David Lyon’s Personal Assistant, was nominated by Chief David Lyon and appointed as the current Commissioner for Lands and Survey in the Douye Diri administration in Bayelsa State.

    “As we strive to rebuild the party ahead of 2027, it is our resolve to strengthen the party and build confidence in party grassroots members who believe in and have sacrificed remarkably for the party in the state.”

    Meanwhile, chieftains of the APC in Bayelsa State have faulted the suspension of the Lokpobiri and Lyon by the local government chapters chairmen of the party.

    Addressing a press conference in Yenagoa on Friday, a chieftain of the APC from Yenagoa LGA, Hon Alex Blankson, said he had filed a case in the state High Court in January 2022, challenging the legitimacy of the congress that produced the current party officials at the state, LGA, and ward levels, which the court upheld his submission.

  • APC expels Oyo Rep member Akande-Sadipe

    APC expels Oyo Rep member Akande-Sadipe

    Member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has been expelled from All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged anti-party activities.

    The decision was reached at an enlarged meeting of Oluyole local government APC at Community Primary School, Olomi, Ibadan.

    The chairman of Oluyole local government APC, Alhaji Waheed Akinleye said the party received a report of anti-party activities of the lawmaker by her Ward 10, which was found to be true , necessitating the decision.

    According to him, even though Akande-Sadipe remains a member of the House of Representatives, she would have nothing to do with the APC again. 

    Also, a former chairman of Oluyole local government, Hon James Adeleke, said it was painful the lawmaker treated her constituency with disdain, saying expelling her was a well-taken decision. 

    Read Also: Ex-Osun lawmaker, APC chieftain hail Oyetola at 70

    The chairman, Ward 10, Pa Segun Akintunde, said Akande- Sadipe abandoned members of the APC in the ward and had been fraternising with members from other parties though the APC worked for her emergence as a two-term lawmaker.

    Akintunde added that the lawmaker has been warned many times to change her ways but remained adamant, daring eaders and members of the party.

    The APC members later put it to voice vote, supporting the expulsion of the federal lawmaker. 

  • Tinubu: Nigeria has better days ahead  

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday reflected on Nigeria’s journey as an independent nation and predicted a better future.

    The one-time Lagos governor said:  “What Nigeria overcame in the past has given us the confidence and courage to believe that we can achieve even more.”

    His reflections were contained in his goodwill message to the nation on its 59th Independence Anniversary.

    He said Nigeria has the wherewithal for its citizens to enjoy a democratic, prosperous and just existence.

    The message, titled: “Nigeria @ 59: What we’ve overcome gives us confidence in a better future”, was released yesterday by his Media Office.

    It reads: “Today we celebrate the 59th birthday of our beloved nation. We stand today with our feet planted firmly in the present but with our gaze both on the past and toward our future. Looking back at the last 59 years, we have faced steep challenges yet have marked great progress nonetheless.

    “What we have overcome in the past gives us the confidence and courage to believe that we can achieve even more as we cast our eyes to the future.

    Read Also: Tribunal victory: Tinubu congratulates Ogun governor

    “This day that we mark is truly a day to celebrate the independence of a nation of resilient, strong and industrious people who have decided to join together in common purpose that each of us may enjoy a democratic prosperous and just existence.

    “As Nigerians, let us recommit our energies to building a better Nigeria and rededicate ourselves to the vision of our nationalists who saw greatness in this country and worked assiduously to advance it.

    “The journey to our greater destiny has begun and I enjoin you all to support one another and President Buhari’s administration in this journey. I ask you all to remain committed to our highest national purpose so that we may continue to strengthen our national institutions and our very country.

    “I congratulate all Nigerians on this 59th Independence Anniversary and urge you all to come along in the march to the Next Level.”

  • Osun APC to Oyetola: You’re on threshold of distinguished governance

    THE Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has told Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, that he is on “the threshold of a distinguished career in governance “as he turns 65 today.

    Oyetola’s performance, according to the APC will not “only astound his friends and supporters, it will also confuse his political foes.”

    The party’s director of publicity, Kunle Oyatomi said in a congratulatory message in Osogbo, that   the governor has “a unique opportunity to transform the next decade of his life to one of exceptional service to the state and people of Osun.”

    According to him, “We have no doubts in our minds that this event which comes close to the first anniversary of your governorship, brings with it the good omen that our people desire

    “Regardless that protracted legal challenges considerably hindered your ability to devote full attention to governance, you still had time and the will power to address those urgent issues that impacted the lives of our people.

    “Your efforts on healthcare infrastructure since you assume responsibility as governor have been remarkable.

    “You have also since then resurrected that cost efficient culture, (which predated our Independence), of fixing broken and failed sections of our roads before they become death traps.

    Read Also: How diversification policy can succeed, by Oyetola

    “You have also refurbished and opened up roads leading to towns, villages and communities that had for some time now been very difficult to access.

    “You have shown extraordinary compassion to civil servants, who might have been in some discomfort, but also for their understanding of your position

    “Above all, you have been spotted and recognized by the world for your commitment to opening access to our rural communities in which regard the French Ambassador to Nigeria came visiting the other day to pledge further assistance to the state.

    “From all of the above, we have no doubt that our governor is on the threshold of a distinguished career in governance that will astound friends and confute foes in the coming months and years.

    “So, by celebrating this birthday event with the state governor, the APC is not only making a statement of delight and confidence in the governor’s ability to govern exceptionally well.”

  • How Nigeria can survive, by Akande

    FORMER Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebisi Akande, on Thursday shocked guests at a book presentation in his honour when he declared that Nigeria may never celebrate 100 years of independence.

    The guests, who were earlier mesmerized by speeches from the Osun State Governor, Adeboyega Oyetola; his Ondo State counterpart,  Rotimi Akeredolu and the University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, were left dumbstruck.

    But Akande suggested ways to avoid doom.

    The mild drama played out at the public presentation of the book entitled: “The Bisi Akande Phenomenon: Governance, Economics and Politics,” held at the University of Lagos, Akoka.

    Akande identified three factors sabotaging the progress of the nation. These are education, military decree-based laws and religion.

    According to him, until all these three are looked into and addressed, Nigeria may not live to celebrate her centenary independence anniversary.

    He recalled how Nigeria was the place to be over five decades ago.

    The former governor of Osun State said: “Fifty years ago, Nigeria was most enjoyable; we had freedom of what a true democracy was supposed to be, at least individually. I don’t know about the government then. But today, it appears everybody lives in fear.

    “I think the phenomenon of the country must be examined around three things. First, our education – It seems to me that Nigeria’s education is colonial. It ended only literacy without numeracy.

    “Education of a community that is not science-based can never be technologically based. And a community without technology cannot be industrial and when you are not industrial, you may end up in poverty.

    “Secondly, I think our laws are military decree-based and military decree-based laws cannot be used to sustain democracy. As long as we remain or we use these military decree based laws, our democracy will never prosper.

    “Thirdly, our religions are mostly imported and because of that, we seem neither to be good Christians, nor good Muslims or good atheists. We merely live in fear and when there are problems, we have no laboratories to go, we all retire to churches and mosques for vigils.

    “A country that remains like this may celebrate 60th anniversary of Independence, but may never celebrate 100th anniversary. I think until all these three are looked into and addressed, or let me use the word; restructured. All these ethnic restructuring, political restructuring and so on, I believe in them, but they are not difficult to restructure like the three I told you.”

    The Chairman on the occasion, who is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, said the political class had a lot to learn from the elder statesman, noting that Akande’s canny insight was remarkable for to the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre.

    Boss, who was represented by the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, said Akande and his political ally, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fought hard to ensure that APC, an opposition party, won the 2015 elections and went ahead to retain power in 2019.

    He said: “I saw very closely strength in these two men and how their impact took us to where we are today. For the first time, an opposition party became the ruling party in the country. Imagine Nigeria having Bisi Akande in every single state, this country would have gone far and it would have been a different country.

    “This book is a testimony that is unprecedented and will be explored many years to come. Your courage particularly, and how you withstood the 46 years jail sentence passed on you on corruption charges, which could not stand. You came out undaunted, and inspired the enthronement of democracy.

    “Your political stewardship remain a remarkable one. We are happy you are alive today. The political class has a lot to learn from your wisdom. He is very firm, fair and one that loves justice; his contribution to the cohesion of our party is quite great.”

    Oyetola described Akande, as an encyclopaedia of governance and statesmanship, whose virtues are worthy of emulation.

    He said Osun was proud to donate his politics, economics and governance dynamics to a nation striving to emplace visionary and dynamic leadership, adding that it was Akande who birthed the legacy of prudent and transparent management of men and resources in the state.

    He hailed Akande for his immense contributions to nation building and national integration.

    Describing the book as a collection of the illustrious contributions of Akande to the building of the political edifice called Nigeria, Governor Oyetola described Akande as a model for contemporary politicians, youths, and school children, who the nation looks up to as its hope.

    The governor added: “His life, politics, philosophy, leadership dynamics and lifestyle accurately exemplify him as an outstanding Omoluabi and a phenomenon in the nation’s budding democracy.

    “Akande represents everything Osun stands for, and radiates the honour and statesmanship our nation exudes. Baba Awon Omo Kekeke (father of small children), as he is fondly called, is a metaphor for the future of Osun and Nigeria.

    “He radiates vision, discipline, dynamism, industry and honour, which we require to overcome the raging rot to become a great player in the competitive world. This Octogenarian was a compendium of wisdom during the opposition days of the progressives and even now, a formidable guide while in power.

    Oyetola added: “Since his tutelage under the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Akande has remained a potent voice in politics, governance and the economy. He is also widely known as a bridge between the North and the South in a nation immersed in ethnic and rotational politics.

    “These rare attributes make him a phenomenon, a quintessential politician and a unifying force in a country where centrifugal forces are always gnawing at its political and economic soul. A visionary and dynamic leader, Chief Akande remains the architect of our beloved state, having laid a solid foundation, which his successors have built on in all the sectors to announce the state to the world.

    ”Chief Akande birthed the legacy of prudent and transparent management of men and resources. Despite Osun’s status as one of the resource-challenged states in the country, Chief Akande employed his skills as a creative manager to build structures and institutions in a manner that dwarfed the achievements of resource-studded states in the nation.

    Read Also: Bisi Akande Phenomenon for launch Thursday

    ”As students of Chief Akande’s politico-economics, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the author of the book for codifying the activities and milestones of our principal into a compendium for us and the generations yet unborn to appropriately build bricks on the foundation that will take our fatherland to the Promised Land.”

    The chief presenter of the book and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, said Akande took hard decisions as long as they were in public interest. He noted that such decisions were not only worthwhile but advanced performance, prudence in public spending and eliminated wastage.

    Akeredolu added that most politicians were not courageous, urging them to follow the examples of Akande.

    He said some of the decisions taken were exemplified at Abere, where the Osun State Secretariat is located.

    The host, University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, described Akande as an upright man and a personality that could be trusted.

    Among the dignitaries who graced the event were the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Muinat Salako-Oyedele; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Bisi Egbeyemi; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi; Lagos APC Chairman, Babatunde Balogun; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye; Gen Alani Akinrinade (retd); Prof Lai Olurode, Dhikrullah Yagboyaju, Dr. Adebisi Obawale, Chief Lanre Rasaq, Chief Ayo Afolabi, Prof. Olu Aina; former Ogun State deputy governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; Prof. Tunde Babawale, lawmakers, traditional rulers, students and others.

     

     

  • APC constitution and zoning

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Senator Chris Ngige on Wednesday dealt a blow to a section of its constitution.

    He denied it’s most crucial provision, saying there will be no presidential zoning in 2023. He said the arrangement does not exist.

    Dr. Ngige, Minister of Labour and Productivity, may have contributed to the controversy and confusion, unmindful of its implications for both the Southwest and Southeast.

    The two zones, and indeed, other regions eagerly look forward to 2023 as another defining moment.

    Without zoning, the presidency may continue to elude some regions for generations. The regions are diverse and not equal.

    In a breath, Ngige repudiated zoning. In another dimension, he acknowledged rotation between the North and South.

    The puzzle: is rotation, politically speaking, different from zoning?

    Many Nigerians anticipate zoning, based on equity, fairness and justice. It is perceived as a bestowal of a sense of belonging.

    By convention, the highest office has been rotating between the North and South. But, it is not sacrosanct. Even, when it was zoned to a particular region, other regions were not excluded as individuals from the party still participated in the primaries.

    Zoning may have come to stay. The arrangement was formalised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Six positions were rotated. They are president, vice president, Secretary to Government, Senate Predident, House of Representatives Speaker and National Chairman of the party.

    Read Also: APC will retain Kogi, says Onoja

    However, the APC Constitution laid the contentious issue to rest in 2014.

    The founding fathers of the party, in their wisdom, took cognisance of the country’s historical antecedents, its diversity and crises of participation, power distribution and nation building before fashioning out the document.

    Article 20, which specifies the mode of elections and appointments provides for zoning.

    According to Article 20(iv), which prescribes the ‘Criteria for Nomination,’ there is emphasis on certain elements of zoning in Sub-section IV (d).

    It states: “Without prejudice to Article 20(2)(iii) of this constitution, the National Working Committee shall, subject to approval of the National Working Committee, make rules and regulations for the nomination of candidates through primary elections.

    “All such rules, regulations and guidelines shall take into consideration and uphold the principle of federal character, gender balance, geo-political spread and rotation of offices  to as much as possible, ensure balance within the constituency covered.”

    For the Presidency, the entire country is the constituency.

    APC has subscribed to an established system of beliefs and laws by which the organisation or platform is governed.

    The document that describes this system is the APC Constitution, which is the ground norm. Unless it is amended, it is the foremost regulator of political behaviour within the party.

    It cannot be twisted. The goal post cannot be changed after the commencement of the match.

    How the zoning controversy is resolved will determine how President Muhammadu Buhari is able to resolve the challenge of succession at the expiration of his second term in 2023.

  • ‘Anambra locals dying for lack of quality health care’

    A CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, an engineer, has decried the lack of quality and affordable healthcare delivery services in most rural communities in Anambra State.

    He regretted that the near absence of quality health facilities had led to periodic deaths among rural dwellers in various communities of the state.

    Speaking during a free medical outreach programme by his foundation, Johnbosco Onunkwo Foundation in Uga, Aguata local government council area, Onunkwo described health as wealth, stressing that one can only think of what to do to earn a living only when one was healthy.

    He said, “My foundation deemed it necessary to bring this most important sector to the door steps of these dwellers after being deeply touched by the travails of rural dwellers in accessing quality health care services.

    Read Also: Landlord, son ‘beat female tenant to coma’ in Anambra

    “Our people die on daily basis over health issues that can ordinarily be solved if there are quality and affordable healthcare delivery services in our rural areas.”

    He said the gesture was borne out of love and service to humanity, expressing joy at the turn out of people in the community visited.

    Onunkwo revealed that the foundation would in few months make in roads into communities in Orumba North and South to complete the old Aguata Union before taking it round the state.

    “We commenced this in my community, Umuchu many years ago but the positive impact on the people as well as the clamour from neighbouring towns led us to take it to all the towns in the council area,” he noted.

    Earlier, Consultant physician and Director of the Foundation, Dr. Ejike Ibeanusi said over 600 locals were attended to from each of the communities during the exercise.

    He said the outreach featured health education, donation of home kits for blood pressure and blood sugar test, free laboratory test and free out-patient consultation and drugs.

  • Atiku adamant as tribunal upholds Buhari’s victory

    • It’s victory for Nigerians, says President
    • PDP: we’ll appeal ‘subversion of justice’
    • It’s vindication of Buhari’s character, says Tinubu
    • Lawan, Gbaja, others okay verdict
    • Wike, Sanwo-Olu, Obaseki, Oyetola, Abiodun, Akeredolu greet President

    There was jubilation at the Presidential Villa last night.

    It was during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting when news filtered in that the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal had stamped President Muhammdu Buhari’s victory in the February 23, 2019 election.

    President Buhari hailed the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) as a vindication of his victory and commended the judiciary for “dispensing justice without fear and favour.”

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) described the verdict as victory for the rule of law.

    The party said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, that the landmark judgment underscored the refusal of the judiciary to succumb to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s subterfuge.

    However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejected the verdict, saying it was a perversion of justice.

    The main opposition party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the judgment was a direct assault on the integrity of the nation’s justice system.

    In a statement by the Presidential Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President called for unity, urging stakeholders to put behind them partisan bickering.

    He said: “Good conscience fears no evil report. I was unperturbed all along, because I knew Nigerians freely gave us the mandate. We are now vindicated,”

    President Buhari, who dedicated the victory to God and Nigerians, maintained that the judiciary deserved commendation for “dispensing justice without fear or favour.”

    He extended a hand of fellowship to aggrieved stakeholders who went to court to challenge his victory, noting that it was within their democratic rights.

    President Buhari said: “It is time for the country to move forward as one cohesive body, putting behind us all bickering and potential distractions over an election in which Nigerians spoke clearly and resoundingly.”

    He said: “The judgment by the five-member validates the decision of most Nigerians to do away with the past as expressed in their overwhelming votes in the 2019 elections. The PDP and Atiku’s petition was largely hinged on the educational qualification of President Muhammadu Buhari,  tales of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) server and allegations of electronic transmission of election results. This was rightly dismissed by the tribunal for lacking in merit.”

    Issa-Onilu recalled that the APC was unperturbed by the litigation, stressing that former Vice President Atiku’s claims were frivolous and meant to waste the time of the tribunal.

    In his view, APC’s victory at the presidential poll and the tribunal represent an endorsement of the push for progressive growth and development, the fight against corruption and battle to overcome insecurity.

    He said the Buhari administration had taken the bold step to rescue the country from the PDP, which presided over the trading of collective interests by few pillagers.

    The Southsest All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday congratulated President Mohammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo for their victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

    The National Vice Chairman (South West), Bankole Oluwajana, a lawyer, also congratulated the APC National Working  Committee, led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for representing the party well at the tribunal.

    In a statement by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Karounwi Oladapo, the party said the judgment truly reflected the outcome of the presidential election as declared by the electoral umpire.

    Lagos lawyer Monday Ubani said the tribunal had resolved some critical issues before it.

    He added: “The issue of whether President Buhari has a Secondary School Certificate has been laid to rest; the issue of Atiku’s nationality has been settled and that Buhari won the February 23 presidential election convincingly in compliance with the Electoral Act. The judgment was a validation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaration that Buhari won the election. These rulings stand unless they were overturned by the Supreme Court.”

    Ologbondiyan, who expressed shock at the judgment, said despite the flawless evidence before it, the tribunal gave victory to the president.

    He said: “The court raked up all manner of excuses to make up for the yawning gaps occasioned by the total absence of any evidence from the respondents. Nigerians and the international community watched in utter disbelief when the tribunal ruled that one need not provide a copy or certified true copy of educational certificate such individual claimed to possess, contrary to established proof of claims of certification.”

    The publicity secretary wondered why the tribunal provided rationalisations for President Buhari’s inability to tender his certificate, which he said was with the Army.

    Ologbondiyan maintained that the tribunal overlooked the flawed election, despite the evidence of illegalities, manipulations, alterations and subtraction of valid votes  given to Atiku by Nigerians.

    He added: “Indeed, the pervading melancholic atmosphere across our nation since the verdict is a direct indication that the judgment has not fulfilled the desires and expectations of Nigerians.”

    Ologbondiyan urged Nigerians to remain calm and not to lose hope as Atiku’ lawyers will appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court.

    PDP chieftains Buba Galadima and Chief Ebenezer Babatope frowned at the judgment, which they described as travesty of justice.

    Galadima, who  said Nigerians were disappointed at the verdict, said the Supreme Court may upturn it. He said: “I am disappointed in what happened today. There are so many reasons to be disappointed. What we have seen today is that the judges that gave this judgment were not looking for the truth, but personality. This is an issue that the  Nigerian judiciary should look into before it plunges the country into problem. When the weak goes to court to seek for redress, the judiciary looks for technicality to dismiss the wishes of the weak.

    “We will be looking toward another chance at the Supreme Court. Today as I speak to you, we are in a mourning mood. Nigerians are disappointed. Every Nigerian feels that he has been shortchanged. I want to say that right from the beginning, people knew that the refusal by President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Act was deliberate.”

    Former Minister of Transport Chief Babatope said Nigerians should work toward the unity of the country.

    Babatope said: “I wish Nigerians the best of luck. The judgment of God will come. This nation must continue to exist. The unity must be preserved. We the participants must ensure that we give democracy a chance to strive.”

    A lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, said with the judgment, the integrity of the judiciary was on trial.

    Odion-Akhaine advised Atiku to appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court, adding that the case should be pursued to the logical conclusion.

    The National Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, said the judgment was a victory for democracy, adding that the PDP’s petition was an unnecessary national distraction.

    He stressed: “Buhari won the election with a margin of nearly four million votes to his closest rival. We sincerely advise the PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to accept the outcome of the election in the spirit of sportsmanship.”

    Mixed reactions trailed the judgment in Anambra State. While a PDP chieftain, Osekola Obaze, said the verdict was unacceptable, a human rights activist, Osita Obi said “it’s a big lesson to agents of darkness.”

    To Osita Obi, “the social media noise of “Atiku is coming” has ended, advising the PDP candidate to embrace the reality.

    Former Anambra State Commissioner for Information and APC chieftain  Chief Charles Amilo, described the judgment as a welcome development.

    He said: “Today is a sad day for our country, Nigeria. This is a huge missed opportunity to right the ills of this nation. Nigerians should be extremely disappointed with the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. This judgment runs against the weight of the evidence presented.

    “Of course, the Tribunal, have spoken and being law abiding, we respect their prerogative opinion. But, we do not accept it. Our candidate, Atiku Abubakar, his running mate, Mr Peter Obi, and our great party, PDP, will seek redress at the Supreme Court. Certainly, in the fullness of time, shall recover our hijacked mandate”

    Former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba said: “It was a very thorough judgment and very lucid and it addressed every issue that was canvassed and I think it is a judgment that has earned the confidence of the public. I congratulate the president for this victory that was foretold.”

    Senator Rochas Okorocha said “It will spur the President to do more.”

    He added:  “With the victory, President Buhari would now be more encouraged to continue to work for the unity, progress and peace of the nation, while the distractions associated with the case while it lasted have now been jettisoned.”

    The former Imo State governor commended members of the tribunal for “doing a good job and making the nation proud.”

    Okorocha also commended Atiku for “giving good account of himself and for his contributions to the nation’s democracy.”

  • Anambra PDP, APC are dreamers, says Obi

    Sir Norbert Obi is the Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State. In this interview with NWANOSIKE ONU, he gives reasons why the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) may not be able to displace APGA during the 2021 governorship election.

    How prepared is APGA for future elections in Anambra State?

    Things are gradually working out towards 2021 and there is an adage that says “ empty vessels make the most noise.” In APGA, we admit that we have some short falls during the last primaries, but we have taken care of that. We are gradually coming back to our normal self.

    We have just held our congresses and new executives were elected at all levels, ward,  local government, state and national, and we have been to work.

    Some days back,  we had a retreat for all the state officers and all the local government politicians, chairmen and secretaries.

    We also had a seminar at Royale Garden Hotel in Nibo. These things are geared  towards 2021. In those functions, we had  all  our elected House of Assembly members, 24 of them, and the House of Representatives 5 of them in attendance. We have invited scholars and politicians to deliver papers to them again . That’s much I can tell you about our operations towards 2021. We are working very hard.

    But, the PDP and APC are saying that your administration has failed?

    Definitely, we shall retain power. Since   2006 till date in Anambra,  we have performed very well. Watch all the states. We do not owe anybody. Salaries are paid promptly, pensions are paid promptly and not minding the tight financial schedule that we have in the country. Thing are gradually moving on fine. Don’t mind them. I said initially that ”empty vessels make the loudest wise”.

    Our governments had performed, but we are now looking for somebody who will further come in and galvanise the party more. My party has no candidate in mind. I have continued to say that this time around, we will not bring in someone from outside. He must be a home grown politician that knows the territory very well. That’s what people like us are looking out for, who will come in here galvanize the party, make things work out, know where it pinches people, then make amends. That’s the candidate we are looking for.

    If you go to other states controlled by the PDP or APC, things are not working the way they are talking. Go to Kogi, salaries are not paid. In Bayelsa, it’s the same story.  Don’t mind the propaganda on ground that  things are not working in this place, Anambra is where the action is.

    Other states, including Abia, things are not working. So, we are proud of our leader Akpokuedike (Obiano). He’s trying his best, but as I said earlier, we are looking for somebody who is a home grown politician, who will come in and help us to galvanise the party, consolidate on what the present administration has done and move it forward.

    Your party is looking towards the South Senatorial Zone?

    It is the turn of the South Senatorial Zone. After, it will to come back to central and after central, it will go back to North again. We don’t want acrimony and 8years, central and north again and south, the bit goes on and on.

    But, the PDP chairman said there is nothing like zoning. That any candidate of any political party can come from anywhere. That they cannot follow APGA. Rather, APGA is supposed to follow them as a small party.

    Don’t mind them. They can pick from anywhere. If they want to pick outside the state, they are free to do it. But the consequences will be hash on them They are free to pick from Imo anywhere. But, we are APGA, we know that we are zoning the governorship to Anambra South Senatorial Zone for equity and fair play. So it’s better for them, if they feel, let them go to any place and pick, they will face the consequences.

    How do you react to the statement of the Vice President that APC will take Anambra to the Next level in 2021?

    They are day dreamers. Somebody from South west coming to tell us what will happen in Anambra State. It is not possible. We the Anambra know ourselves and they know who they are following.

    Vice president is a highly placed man and we will don’t have issues with him. But, our people know where the power lies and we know what to do to tighten up things. It is not for public consumption.

    But, what about the PDP’s threat as former Governor Peter Obi on the prowl?

    PDP is nothing without  rigging. Look at 2003 when the Uba brothers were in control, they rigged all through in 2003 after APGA won all the Federal seats and everything, but they were all rigged out and the governorship came also.

    Peter Obi won and eventually after 2 years, he regained his mandate. So Anambra State, Imo and Enugu belong to APGA, but PDP rigging has not allowed us to stand our feet. These three states that I mentioned, they are real APGA states and they won their election in 2003 and subsequent elections neatly, but because of external influences, we lost. Forget about Anambrans  being PDP State without rigging. They are no where. It is just mago mago, Peter Obi knows it. Forget that he is hungry for power and left APGA, he wants a higher platform which has been elusive. But, look at what is happening now after his vow to take out APGA. He’s an ambitious human being and just left APGA for PDP because he believes that moving to PDP, he would grab power. Lets sit and watch.

    Obi  has become like an oracle in Anambra politics like Ngige was before now. Do you still think your party has what it takes to dislodge  them?

    We will beat him, beat the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige, in their own domains when the time comes. My party is not in the same class with APC and PDP in Anambra State. Just watch out. We don’t believe in noise making.

    APGA is a “one room party.” You can’t compare APGA to PDP or APC. If they are strong, why haven’t they gone to other Southeast states?

    Both PDP and APC are relying on rigging, they are using such tool  and using the influence of power at Abuja there. The Obasanjo and so on style. Just of rigging, apart from that APGA would have won about five states in the South east states before now, if things were to be normal for two tenures. We would have cleared all the seats in Anambra and everybody knows it. APGA won in Enugu state, won in Imo and even Abia not to talk of Anambra. But, the powers that be muscled everybody with the influence of their fellow brothers. They wrote results, did everything. That was how APGA lost eventually until they recovered Anambra from the tribunal in 2006. So, forget about that arm chair theoreticians. APGA is real Southeastern party for the Southeasterners before Obasanjo and all the past presidents spoiled the whole thing. That was what killed APGA until we regained APGA in 2006. Now, 16 years down the line, nothing will happen to APGA.

    How have you resolved the crisis in your party?

    We are gradually coming to it. We are gradually achieving results. We are dealing with powers that be. People that made the difference  are gradually getting back. We need the confidence of the people and before  the end of this year, we will get to  a new position in this country, God willing.