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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Yobe APC lifts suspension of members

    Yobe APC lifts suspension of members

    Ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for February 11in Yobe State, the State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lifted the suspension slammed on officials at the state, local and ward levels last year.

    The officials were suspended by the party state executive for insubordination and indiscipline.

    According to a statement issued by the state secretary of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Bakabe, and made available to newsmen in Damaturu said the suspension was lifted with effect from January 17, 2017.

    The statement explained that the lifting of the suspension is as a result of the show of remorse exhibited by the affected officials, stressing that the decision was done as a deterrent for any intending member who may wish to misbehave.

    Alhaji Bakabe said; “Having demonstrated remorselessness by the affected officials, the state executive council has with effect from today 17/1/2017, lifted the suspension while the indicted officials have been relieved of their offices.

    “Similarly, the dissolved party executive councils in Fune, Fika and Potiskum local government government areas remain dissolved.

    “The state executive council has also endorsed the expulsion of members at the party ward levels in Potiskum local government area.”

    The statement added that the party took the decision in the interest of the party to serve as deterrent to others, instill party discipline and loyalty in the state.

    “APC wish to assure every member of the party of its support, cooperation and equal opportunities to achieve individual and collective ambitions and, the development of democracy,” it said.

    In another development, seven political parties are gearing up for elections.

    The State Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Umar Kukuri informed journalists in a press briefing in Damaturu.

    According to him, all the political parties involved have conducted their primaries and submitted their candidates to the State Independent Electoral Commission in Damaturu.

    He mentioned the seven political parties as PDC, SDP, CPP, ACD, APC, NCP and MPPP with the PDD conspicuously absent.

    Kukuri informed that campaigns had commenced across the state with political parties canvasing for support ahead of the poll.

    He called on the SIEC to ensure a level playing ground for  free and fair election that would be accepted by all the political parties and observers nationally.

    Alhaji Kukuri equally appealed to the political parties to conduct themselves according to the rules of the game and avoid issues that could breach peace in the state before, during and after the election.

    He praised security operatives in the state for ensuring peace in the previous elections and urged them to maintain the same tempo during the imminent poll.

  • Aregbesola salutes Chief Akande at 78

    Aregbesola salutes Chief Akande at 78

    Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has described Chief Bisi Akande, former interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as an exemplary leader whose courage in public service has helped Nigeria.

    This is contained in a 78th birthday congratulatory message signed by Mr Semiu Okanlawon, the media aide to the governor, in Osogbo on Monday.

    Aregbesola said Nigeria’s political history would be incomplete without adequate mention of the eminent roles played by Akande.

    He said that Akande’s tenure as governor in the state was remarkable, with his selfless service to the people and transparency in governance.

    “Chief Bisi Akande is a democrat of no small status when the history of democratic struggles in Nigeria is written.

    “He was one of those who fought to ensure that the military retreated back to the barracks and he never looked back while the struggle lasted.

    “His emergence as the Governor of Osun in 1999 proved to be one of the best things to have happened to our state.

    “In saluting the courage of this eminent elder statesman, we must not fail to recognise his roles in the conception and actual formation of our party, the APC.

    “Chief Akande demonstrated an uncommon agility and vigour in all the activities leading to the successful birth of our party.

    “Today, Nigerians can heave a sigh of relief from the 16 years of misrule that the PDP represented,’’ Aregbesola said.

    The governor, while praying for a longer life for the politician, said his experience was still much required for the task of building a virile Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akande, a former governor of the state between1999 and 2003, was born on Jan. 16, 1939 in Ila-Orangun.

  • APC diaspora mourns party leader in South Africa

    APC diaspora mourns party leader in South Africa

    The Leadership, members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Diaspora on Thursday mourned the death of the party’s leader in South Africa, Festus Ogbeide.

    Speaking to The Nation through a statement, the heavy-hearted party leadership in diaspora maintained that the news of the death of Festus came as an utmost shock and disbelief.

    “The news of the death of our dear brother, compatriot and one of the leaders of our Party, the All progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa Festus Ogbeide, came unexpectedly. This is too much of a shock for us.

    “On behalf of all members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Diaspora, we mourn the sudden death of our compatriot Festus Ogbeide, of APC South Africa in fatal car crash in South Africa in the early hours of Sunday, 8th January 2017.

    “Festus, how could we possibly even contemplate that you will leave us so suddenly and so violently? Your life was driven by a belief in Nigeria and you were constantly networking, contributing and mobilising to see a democratised, egalitarian and prosperous country.

    “The energy and leadership you brought especially into the 2015 Presidential campaign on behalf of our party’s candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari and governorship candidates in different states are testimonies.

    “No doubt, Nigerian youths have lost a tireless campaigner and an advocate for youth empowerment and positive affirmative political leadership opportunities in Nigeria. You carry the torch of your distinguished Alma Mata, May flower School Ikenne, founded by Tai Solarin with distinction.

    “The outpouring of grief from party members and supporters especially in the Diaspora and numerous youth organisations is a testament to the impact you made in your very productive and memorable, but short sojourn on this side of eternity. All of us in the leadership of APC in various countries outside of Nigeria will miss you very dearly.

    “We commiserate with your wife, children and family for the gaping void your death has brought into their lives. Words fail us to console them. We can only pray that the Almighty God grant them and all who knew you the fortitude to bear the loss, and carry on the crusading torch for democracy and Youth leadership in Nigeria, as you so honourably and courageously carried in your life time.

    “Rest in Peace, Patriot. May your Children see and enjoy the Nigeria of your dream,” the statement said.

    The statement was signed by Ayoola R. Lawal, APC Scandinavia; Mr Tony Isama, APC USA; Dr. Philip Idaewor, APC UK; Stephen Adeayo Tella, APC Spain; Chief Mohammed S. Olanrewaju Balogun, APC France; Lawrence Adesola Adelekan, APC Philipine; Mr Olalekan Ogunwede, APC Germany.

    Others include Prince Hammed Adefioye, APC Republic of Ireland; Chief Victor Bruno Omoregbe, APC Republic of Benin; Charlies O. Micheletti, APC Ghana; Prince Chima Ibezim, APC Italy; Elas Abone, APC Canada.

  • Sambisa: APC diaspora commends FG, military

    Sambisa: APC diaspora commends FG, military

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Scandinavian Chapter, Ayoola Lawal, on Wednesday commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led for the victory of the Nigerian Military in capturing the dreaded Samibisa forest in the far North-Eastern State of Borno.
    “I commend Mr President for his courage and political will of delivering on his electoral promise of defeating the deadly terrorist group and make Nigeria safe again for the citizens and foreigners.”
    The APC Scandinavia Chief went on to state that the success of Sambisa operations is a pointer that authentic leadership matters and the people can achieve anything if they set their minds to it and are ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice.
    “I also commend the efforts of the Army service chiefs, security operatives, our brave armed men and women for the ultimate sacrifice of making our country safe and habitable again.
    “Now that the Sambisa operations, which is both intelligence- driven and as well tactical military onslaughts as dislodged the terrorist and they are now fleeing, I implore Nigerians to be very wary of the fleeing insurgents who will definitely use any means including disguising to escape.
    “I call on the civilian citizens to continue to play their part by reporting to the appropriate authorities if they notice anything strange activities within their environments.
    “I hope that the capturing of the key leaders of deadly groups will lead to the rescue of the remaining Chibok girls that were abducted a few years ago.
    “As Boko Haram insurgency is now becoming a thing of the past in the annal of Nigeria, my heart and prayers go to the families of all our fallen heroes and heroines in this ultimate sacrifice in keeping our lives and territory safe. May their souls continue to rest in peace and God continues to grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss.
    “It is a clarion call on Mr President and the appropriate authorities to have an understanding in granting amnesty to the so-called mutiny soldiers, treat them with dignity and respect and give them the best support to see meaning in serving one´s country again.
    “The families of our fallen heroes and heroines in this ultimate operations right from the inception till the end of the operations should not be neglected but be well-taken care of,” he said.
  • Election: APC will reject result of Rivers East, says Peterside

    Election: APC will reject result of Rivers East, says Peterside

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, on Monday, said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would reject the result of Rivers East Senatorial District rerun election.

    Peterside told a news conference in Port Harcourt that the collation of the district’s election results was marred with irregularities.

    He said that information available to the party showed that results of some local government areas in the district had not been collated.

    Peterside, the Deputy Leader of the party in the state, also alleged that due process was not followed in announcing the results.

    “ You are aware that elections were inconclusive in Etche Local Government Area; the results for Emohua Local Government Area have not been collated, the results for Port Harcourt City Local Government Area were partially collated.

    “ The APC agent was beaten at the collation centre in Port Harcourt. Without him being present, the result was announced in favour of the PDP candidate.

    “ Whatever result is declared for Rivers East will be ridiculing the democracy; APC will not accept any of that,” he said.

    Peterside said the APC would use constitutional means to resist the alleged irregularities.

  • Corrupt politicians asking for Jonathan’s second coming – APC chieftain

    Corrupt politicians asking for Jonathan’s second coming – APC chieftain

    Former Interim Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Bayelsa State, Chief Richard Kpodo, Monday, said that corrupt politicians were behind the call for former President Goodluck Jonathan to return for his second term in 2019.

    Kpodo slammed politicians clamouring for the second coming of Jonathan describing them as ignorant and paid sycophants.

    He said such persons were only on a mission to further institutionalise corruption and bad governance following their inability to have their way in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

    Kpodo, who is a leader of the APC, also cleared Buhari of any blame in the nation’s current economic woes.

    He expressed confidence that the ongoing war against corruption and economic policies of the present administration would return Nigeria to the part of prosperity.

    Kpodoh, a former Security Adviser in the state, contended that despite a drastic fall in oil prices, the Buhari’s administration had made steady progress returning stolen funds belonging to states to assist in paying salaries of workers.

    He further said the current administration embarked on developmental projects, noting that a Buhari’s giant strides were strange to Jonathan’s government.

    Kpodo said: “Jonathan’s administration was corrupt and he has enjoyed cover up from political jobbers.The Obasanjo’s administration earned N17trn from crude oil sales within eight years and left behind $45bn external reserves and $3.348bn external debt.

    “Late President Umaru Y’Adua grew the reserves to $64bn within just one year and the administration was able to finance 15 months of imports despite the 2008/2009 world economic meltdown.

    “Hence, Nigeria survived the meltdown because of the political will of Yar’Adua’s administration to save. Despite the tough economic reality at that time, Yar’Adua left $47.7bn in reserves and an external debt of $3.94bn. Meanwhile, the administration earned only N9trn from crude oil sales within that short period.

    “The Goodluck Jonathan administration witnessed an oil boom when Brent crude sold for over $100 per barrel, with the regime earning N51trn within a period of five years. But because of corruption, the administration did not only squander the oil revenue but even depleted the reserves.

    “The same Brent crude sold for as low as $35 per barrel at a point shortly after Buhari took over power and had only managed to climb to about $48 just recently.That was how he left Bayelsa indebted before handing the state over to Chief Timipre Sylva.”

    Kpodo also described the poor handling of the 13 per cent derivation by the Niger Delta governors as criminal.

    Kpodo added: “The people should allow the present administration to investigate arrest and recover monies stolen from the 13 per cent derivation funds. Some of the governors immediately they collect the money, they head for outside the country”.

  • Defection: Ex Reps member Wadada, dumps PDP for APC

    Defection: Ex Reps member Wadada, dumps PDP for APC

    A Former lawmaker representing Kokona/Keffi/Karu Federal Constituency in Nasarawa state, Alhaji Ahmed Wadada, on Monday, dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for  the All Progressives Congress (APC) .

    Wadada, who served two terms under the platform of PDP from 2003 to 2011, was received by the APC chairman of his Tudun Kofa ward, Tanko Sodangi,in Keffi town of Keffi Local Government area of the state.

    Speaking shortly after his defection, Wadada said he decided to join the APC as a result of the disunity in his former party and the concern he had for his people.

    “What made me to leave PDP is the concern for my people and lack of unity in PDP; PDP is not united, hence the need for me to dump PDP for APC,” he said.

    He called on the people to live in peace and respect one another, irrespective of their ethnic, religion and political affiliation for the overall development of the country.

    Also speaking at the occasion, Mr.Tanko Sodangi, APC chairman of Tudun Kofa expressed happiness over Wadada’s defection to APC and assured him of equal treatment.

    He said that the defection of Wadada would add value to the party at ward, local government and state levels.

  • Edo election: Pre-hearing report to be issued Thursday

    Edo election: Pre-hearing report to be issued Thursday

    The Edo Election Petition Tribunal says it will issue on Thursday a pre-hearing report on the trial in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    The party and Ize-Iyamu, in their main petition, are challenging the declaration by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) of Mr Godwin Obaseki of All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner in the September 28 governorship election in the state.

    The petitioners have named the INEC, Obaseki and the APC as first, second and third respondents respectively in the petition.

    INEC had declared Obaseki winner of the Edo governorship election after he pulled more than 319,483 votes to defeat Ize-Iyamu, his closest rival, who scored a total of over 250,000 votes.

    At the commencement of the pre-trial on Monday, the Justice Ahmed Badamasi-led three- member tribunal adjourned the case to Thursday for the parties to hear all pre-trial motions.
    The tribunal will thereafter issue a comprehensive pre-hearing report on the way and manner the trial should take.

    The tribunal further ruled that the petitioners, on the same Thursday, would take their motion on notice in its order on the variation of inspection of the election materials.

    The petitioners’ counsel, Mr Emmanuel Okala, SAN, had earlier sought the permission of the court to withdraw one of the two motions on the variation of the court’s order for inspection of election materials.

    While striking out one of the petitioners’ motion as requested, the tribunal directed Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, counsel to APC, to file his reply to the petitioner’s motion on notice on the variation on or before Wednesday.

    Earlier, both Okala and Fagbemi, who had unanimously formulated and agreed on issues that should form the fulcrum for the tribunal’s determination, adopted their motions before the tribunal.

    Mr Onyeachi Ikpeazu and Mr Adetunji Oyedepo, both SAN, and lawyers to INEC and Obaseki respectively, also confirmed to the tribunal their acquiesces to the agreement reached and read out before the tribunal by Okala and Fagbemi.

  • Umahi denies decamping plot

    Umahi denies decamping plot

    Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, has denied speculations that he plans to dump his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    He was rumoured to be making final arrangements with his deputy to jointly move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, said that the speculations of the movement was false.

    Stressing that the speculation was the figment of the imagination of those harbouring the rumour, he said that Umahi is going nowhere.

    He said: “There have been speculations as to whether the Governor of Ebonyi State is moving to the APC or whether he is remaining in PDP, and who is going with him and who is not going with him.

    “I want to address this matter hopefully once and for all, for all Nigerians to understand that Governor Umahi is one of the centre pillars of the PDP.

    “And I say that with a very deep conviction from my soul. This is a party on whose platform he has been the state Chairman for four years, a party on whose platform he was the deputy governor for four years and now, governor hopefully for eight years.

    “And anyone speculating about either his commitment or his strength, or his role within the party or any doubt at all about whether he is remaining or decamping, is just dreaming,” he added.

    The former lawmaker also noted that Umahi’s leadership style was one of the qualities that would lead the PDP out of the current challenges bedevilling the party.

    “If the Umahis are not in the PDP, it will completely collapse. And that is why his colleagues and others recognize that he is a man of considerable political wisdom, and knowledge and understanding and can really play the game very well. So, he is not going anywhere.

    “And all those with him, I emphasize that; every single member of his cabinet and those that are the stalwarts of PDP in Ebonyi state are with him 110 percent. Nobody is going anywhere.

    “He has provided the sort of leadership that I think not only is it necessary in Ebonyi to have that sort of leadership, but it is absolutely imperative that in a country, we should have that sort of leadership as well.

    “So, his style is to be emulated and if the APC or any other party for that matter is hoping that Umahi would join them, I think they should not be blamed for wishing to have a very good quality political material indeed,” he stated

  • 268, 942 people eligible to vote in Lagos bye-election – INEC

    268, 942 people eligible to vote in Lagos bye-election – INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that only 268, 942 of the 340, 634 registered voters in Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency in Lagos can vote in Saturday’s bye election in the constituency.
    Mr Clement Oha, The Administrative Secretary of INEC in the state, said that only 268,942 registered voters in the constituency possessed Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs).

    Oha spoke to Journalists on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ forum organised by the commission with political parties involved in the election.

    Oha said: “Only 268, 942 eligible voters have in their possession PVCs to exercise their voting right on Saturday election.

    “We are no longer distributing PVCs; only these people will be allowed to vote. We want to beg people who have no business with the exercise to steer clear.”
    He noted that some voters who had PVCs might have relocated from the constituency while some might have died.

    Oha said that INEC was ready for the poll, and urged voters to arrive at their polling units early.
    He said that accreditation and voting would commence simultaneously at 8a.m.

    The official said that INEC would conduct a free, fair and transparent poll.

    Oha urged politicians and their supporters to be peaceful before, during and after the poll.

    He said that the constituency had 335 polling units and 687 voting points, urging party agents to cooperate with INEC for a successful poll.

    Six political parties are to contest in the poll, they are: Action Alliance (AA), Alliance for Democracy (AD), African Democratic Party (ADC), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    The bye-election resulted from the death of Mr Elijah Adewale, who represented the constituency in the House of Representatives.

    Adewale died in Abuja on July 20.