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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Southwest APC urges Oyo chapter to plan for 2023

    THE Southwest Zone of All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged members in Oyo State to restrategise towards winning the next general elections.

    In a statement by its Zonal Secretary, Mr. Ayo Afolabi, the party hailed the efforts of party leaders and members in the just concluded election

    It urged them to shake off the party’s loss in the state and work harder to reposition it for the next general elections.

    It also congratulated elected candidates on its platform in the just concluded National Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections across Southwest states.

    Afolabi expressed deep gratitude to the party’s supporters in the region, particularly those who voted to ensure the electoral victory of its successful candidates and promised a renewed commitment to the party’s manifesto.

    “We congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun of Lagos and Ogun states respectively, all the elected National Assembly and state legislators.

    “While also encouraging our people in Oyo State not to lose heart because of the temporary loss, we wish to call on all our party supporters throughout the Southwest to unite and reposition the party for effective governance and increased trust of the populace,” the statement said.

    “It is crucial that each state chapter support one another and that we operate as a unit in the region, for the sake of the generality of our people, who desired good governance that only our party can deliver,” the statement read.

  • Ekiti elders greet Fayemi at 54

    Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum has congratulated Governor Kayode Fayemi on his 54th birthday.

    The elders also said they were grateful to God that President Muhammadu Buhari won the 2019 election.

    In a statement, the forum’s Chairman, Asiwaju George Akosile, said the efforts of the governor amplified Buhari’s victory in Ekiti State.

    He noted that APC’s brilliant performance was due to the support from its members and Ekiti people, hoping that it would translate to rapid growth.

    Akosile lauded Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Ekiti State Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi for their exemplary support.

    “We commend both the governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his deputy for their transformational agenda in redefining the image of Ekiti State,” the forum said.

  • Ganduje: PDP’ll be shocked

    Kano State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said his PDP challenger and his supporters would receive the shocker of their lives in the scheduled election.

    The Commissioner for Information, Youth & Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba, said the incumbent remained unruffled by the development.

    ”Ganduje is unperturbed by the wishful thinking and slapdash deportment of the PDP candidate considering what happened in the inconclusive election widely characterized by alleged vote buying and voter intimidation by the party,” Garba, who doubles as the Chairman, Publicity of the 2019 Election Committee for the APC, said in a statement.

    He said the ruling party and its candidate remain upbeat and sure of victory as Kano remained an APC state.

    Garba said: “Ganduje remain committed to the conduct of free and fair election, all loopholes that gave them chance of rigging, vote buying and intimidation of voters have been blocked.

    “APC as a party has also re-strategised and very confident of victory because the local government areas where the rerun will take place remain the APC stronghold  and the electorate in these areas have made up their mind to vote massively for the Governor they trust.”

    The statement said the APC has nothing to do with a campaign of calumny but on issues that pertain to the development of the state which it noted, endeared Ganduje to the minds of the people.

    “The modest achievements recorded so far by the Ganduje administration have touched the lives of the people in all sectors of development and also remain determined to continue if returned,” the statement said.

     

  • APC, PDP boast ahead of March 23 extra elections

    Ganduje: PDP’ll be shocked

    PDP ‘sure of victory’

    Tambuwal, Sokoto APC: we’re ready for exercise

    Plateau APC: we’re set

    Date okay, says PDP

    Adamawa APC: INEC must respond to our concern

    A war of words broke out yesterday between the two major political parties ahead of the March 23 supplementary elections to decide who will control power in six states.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were bragging about their capacity to carry the day.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC) has fixed 23rd March for supplementary elections in Sokoto, Benue, Adamawa, Plateau, Kano and Bauchi states.

    INEC announced the date in a press statement signed by the National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye.

    INEC noted that it acted in compliance within the ambit of the Electoral Act.

    Okoye also noted that in the case of Bauchi State, an investigation team had been set up to look into the matter.

    The statement reads: “The Commission met today, l2” March 2019 and reviewed the conduct of the 29 Governorship and 991 State constituency elections held on 9th March 2019. In all, the Commission declared winners in the Governorship elections in 22 states.

    “However, the Returning Officers in Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue. Kano, Plateau and Sokoto states declared the governorship elections inconclusive. Consequently. the Commission will conduct supplementary elections on Saturday 23rd  March 2019 to conclude the process. Supplementary elections will also hold in polling units in all states where state Assembly elections were declared inconclusive and winners could not be declared. Details of the constituencies, including number of polling units and registered voters, will be published on our website (tomorrow) Wednesday 13th March, 2019.

    “The elections were declared inconclusive for a combination of reasons, mainly the discontinuation of use of the Smart Card Readers midway into the elections or the failure to deploy them, over-voting and widespread disruption in many polling units.

    “In compliance with the Margin of Lead Principle derived from Sections 26 and 53 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amcndcd) and paragraph 41(e) and 43(b) of the [NEC Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections, the outcome of these elections could not be determined without conducting polls in the affected polling units. Hence, the Commission’s decision to conduct supplementary elections in line with this principle.

    “Furthermore, the Commission has considered a Report submitted by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Bauchi State on the disruption of the collation at the Tafawa Balewa LGA collation centre. which led to the cancellation of results for the entire local government. The Commission found that there are issues that need further investigation and has set up a team led by a National Commissioner to resolve them.”

    Here is a report of what the parties are saying:

    SOKOTO

    The APC candidate in Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, had on Monday accepted in good faith the declaration of the election as inconclusive.

    “I, and my party, have accepted the outcome in good faith. If you recall on the day of election, I made it clear after casting my vote that, I will accept any outcome in good faith,” he said.

    Addressing reporters at the Gawon Nama home of the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum and Coodinator, Northwest APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the APC candidate said: “The party, its leaders and supporters are law abiding citizens and, as such, we have accepted the decision by INEC, in good faith.

    “The action of the Chief Reurning Officer, who declared the election as inconclusive was in line with the nation’s constitution, as well as the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended.

    “The declaration of the elections as inconclusive came at a time when the party was leading and we have won more than the two-thirds majority of the votes, as required by the law.

    “Apt and accurate figures in our possession have shown that, I was already coasting to victory, yet, we directed our peaceful and lawful supporters to halt their celebrations.

    “We have since directed them to embark on immediate and massive mobilisation of our supporters and the patriotic electorate, in readiness for the forthcoming rerun elections in 136 polling units across 22 local government areas to be conducted by INEC later”,  Sokoto  added.

    “There is no cause for alarm, victory is ours, Insha Sha Allah,” he said.

    Governor Waziri Tambuwal and PDP governorship candidate in Sokoto state had on Monday INEC to as a matter of fairness and justice declare him winner of the poll.

    According to him the decision by the Returning Officer of INEC, Prof Fatima Mukhtar to declare the exercise inconclusive was unconstitutional.

    He cited Section 179(2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic stated that the provision clearly explained how to conduct governorship polls.

    “Our party, the PDP has returned the highest number of votes and we have won 2/3 of the local governments in the state and therefore, the decision of INEC is not founded in law. We wonder why INEC is coming with this technical reason to declare the exercise inconclusive.” Tambuwal said.

    He told reporters in Government House, Sokoto, that the INEC decision would be put to test in the court, saying: “We have not been given substantial reasons for such decision. INEC should note that it has an image and integrity to protect as an agency and for its officials. It should not put its integrity to public questioning.

    “Up till now (Monday), we have not been told why the cancellations of the exercise in 136 polling units across 22 local government areas. We know there are adverse factors that should be considered to warrant such decisions and not in all cases rerun should be conducted.”

    On whether he and his party would participate in the supplementary election, the governor said: “Our court action will not stop us from participating. We want to make sure the right thing is done based on constitutional provisions.”

    PLATEAU

    The Chairman of Governor Simon Lalong’s Second Term Campaign Council (Media), Jonathan Ishaku, yesterday said the party and its candidate were ready for the poll.

    Ishaku, who spoke on phone with our Jos correspondent, said: “The party had resolved from the moment they declared the election inconclusive that we were going to cooperate with INEC for the re-run.

    “Obviously, the re-run is an exercise we need to use to justify the victory of our party at the poll. The people of the state have voted massively for the APC, the results are there.

    “So, the re-run is in our interest and we welcome the new date with both arms.”

    Also yesterday, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, John Akans, said the date fixed by INEC is convenient for the party and its candidate.

    Akans said: “The re-run itself is a constitutional provision and, as a law abiding party, we will prepare and mobilise our supporters to come out and vote for our party.”

    ADAMAWA

    The APC said the electoral umpire acted within the law in fixing a date for the rerun within 21 days after the main election.

    It, however urged INEC to respond to the issues it raised concerning the March 9 election.

    The Secretary of the APC in the state, Wafarniyi Theman, who spoke with our reporter on the telephone, stressed that what the party would eventually decide concerning the date for the rerun would be determined by INEC’s response to its petition.

    Theman did not specify the issues in APC’s petition. The party addressed the press on Monday evening, rejecting the outcome of the governorship election and demanding a repeat election in places where it said there were over-voting and use of security personnel to intimidate APC agents, among other things.

    The PDP also said it had issues with INEC, such as the decision to declare the election inconclusive based on slimness of margin of lead vis-à-vis the number of registered voters in polling units where voting was cancelled rather number of people who collected PVCs.

    The party, however, said it was ready for the rerun, irrespective of INEC’s response or lack of it to its objection.

    Theman said: “We are ready for the rerun because we have nothing to fear, we are set for victory; this is why we wonder why they should declare the election inconclusive because all the collected PVCs in the units where the rerun has been scheduled cannot upturn the lead we already have.”

    BENUE

    Benue APC Administrative Secretary Mark Hanmation said the party was ready for the supplementary poll.

    According to Hamation, “the APC is going for nothing short of victory.”

    In a related development, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Bemgba Iortyom, said the ruling party has perfected its strategy ahead of the March 23 poll.

    In a press statement, Iortyom said:  “The PDP is going into the supplementary election with 81,000 votes advantage and hope to win the election which was delayed.”

     

  • ‘Arrest Akpabio, Ekere now for electoral offences’

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom yesterday called on security agencies to arrest the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere and Senator Godswill Akpabio for alleged electoral offences.

    It alleged that Ekere and Akpabio committed the offences during the Governorship and House of Assembly elections last Saturday.

    PDP spokesman Ini Ememobong made the call at a news conference at the party secretariat on Four Lane, Uyo.

    He said: “We were shocked yesterday by the press statement issued by the state Chairman of the broom-wielding party, Ini Okopido, and the subsequent press conference hosted by the duo of Obong Nsima Ekere and Godswill Akpabio alleging that they won in 26 local government areas of the state.

    “This is surely the best example of living in fool’s paradise. We must state that the APC lost in all the local government areas, including Essien Udim and Ikot Abasi local government areas.

    “In Essien Udim, materials in Ekpeyong Ward were hijacked by APC agents at the voting units in Independence High School, thugs and policemen sympathetic to Senator Akpabio mounted the gates and prevented PDP supporters from gaining access to the venue.

    “The thugs further unleashed physical attack on a reporter (names withheld) who was there to cover the elections. He  was severely beaten up and chased away.”

    The PDP alleged that an aide to the senator was accompanied by scores of policemen and thugs to disrupt the elections on Saturday.

    Ememobong went on: “As if that was not enough, the INEC office in the local government area was (allegedly) kept under siege by the senator.”

    According to the PDP spokesman, result sheets were filled and forced on presiding officers to sign.

    “These facts are alive and at the tribunal, we will avail the court,” he stated, adding: “The entire world noted the delay it took for Essien Udim to collate and transmit results, all because of Senator Akpabio’s unwholesome interference.

    “In Ikot Abasi Local Government Area,  APC thugs were on the rampage, carting away electoral materials and personnel and taking them to Ekere’s residence, where thumb printing was done.

    “Even in Nsima Ekere’s Unit, pictorial evidence abound to show armed soldiers arranging the voting queue to ensure that PDP supporters did not vote.

    “In units 2, 6 and other units in Ward 7, thugs led by Ernest Ntuk hijacked ballot boxes and electoral personnel, delivering them at the residence of Ekere.

    “We therefore call for the arrest of Godswill Akpabio and Nsima Ekere for the numerous electoral and criminal offences committed by them in the course of these elections.

    “The rule of law makes all men equal before the law.”

     

  • Ekere, Akpabio, Etiebet blame INEC for APC’s loss in Akwa Ibom

    EVEN with his declaration as governor-elect, Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel should not rejoice, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has said, insisting that the trophy was wrongly awarded to the incumbent

    Three APC leaders in the Southsouth state said the party would do everything legal to reclaim its victory, adding that their party won in 26 local government areas of the state.

    Obong Nsima Ekere (governorship candidate), Senator Godswill Akpabio and Chief Don Etiebet blamed APC’s loss in last Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

    According to them, the INEC chair refused to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini, from Akwa Ibom, in line with the umpire’s practice since 1999.

    Ekere, at a press briefing in his Ewet Housing Estate residence in Uyo, the state capital, alleged that Igini had from the outset shown through his utterances and actions that he was determined to frustrate the APC from winning elections in the state.

    He said: ‘“Now, interestingly, months before the elections, the APC family in Akwa Ibom State had expressed a lot of reservations about the character of Mr. Mike Igini.

    “We had told the entire country and the world that Mr. Igini had shown the world that he was far from neutral in the way he was preparing for the elections and his utterances amongst his staff during training sessions and the things he said showed clearly that the man had a mindset that he had sworn severally that under his watch, the APC cannot win elections in Akwa Ibom State.

    “All we wanted was for INEC to allow Akwa Ibom people decide for themselves who they wanted. It was not for INEC and the resident electoral commissioner to come and decide for Akwa Ibom people which political party must win and which one must not win under his watch.

    “He is supposed to be a neutral umpire. His (Igini’s) conduct and the things he has done both in the presidential and National Assembly elections and the gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections have confirmed our fears.

    “What we find so difficult to understand is why it was difficult for the INEC chairman and other authorities to listen to our pleas to change Mike Igini as the REC in Akwa Ibom.”

    Arguing that Igini had stayed long enough as the REC to be redeployed, the APC candidate said: “From 1999 when elections started again in this country, every election year, the REC and other staff of the INEC who have been resident in a state for a period of time were always moved around.

    “That way, you are sure they will not allow their alliances and their friendships they have developed in the state within that period they have stayed to influence their conduct.

    “Surprisingly, INEC refused to do this. And this is the first time this is happening. They allowed Mr. Igini to frustrate the wishes of Akwa Ibom people. This is most unfortunate.”

    Ekere insisted that his party was robbed of victory at the polls.

    He claimed that his party won in 26 of the 31 local government areas.

    Ekere said: “I want to thank the people of Akwa Ibom State for the love for our party which was expressed through the ballot paper on Saturday.

    “It was clear that from the result collated from the fields, our party, the APC won the election in 26 out 31 local government areas of the state. But we were denied of that victory in the connivance between the PDP and INEC

    “We have evidence of this and we will use appropriate legal means to reclaim the mandate. I urge you all to remain calm”

    Senator Akpabio also blamed the APC’s fate on Igini, saying he found it hard to understand why his Essien Udim Local Government Area, with voting strength of 105,000, was allotted just a bit above 6, 000 votes.

    He said the elections were massively rigged by the PDP in connivance with the INEC leadership in the state.

    Etiebet vowed that the APC will do everything legally permissible to reclaim its victory, insisting that the party won in 26 local government areas.

    He accused INEC of changing the results announced at various polling units which put the APC in a clear lead ahead of the PDP.

    Responding to the allegations  Igini said he came to the state to change the old way of doing things, adding that the election was free and fair, devoid of any bias.

    Igini asked the losers to direct their petitions to the tribunals.

    He said: ”We have conducted the elections, so I don’t want to be joining issues with people. I have heard everything they have said about me.

    ”After the elections, the constitution says results can only be questioned in the form of petitions and in election tribunals that have already been set up and inaugurated.

    ”At any point in time, any person who has issues with the outcome of the elections should go to the tribunal.”

    Igini denied backing any party, and challenged any politician to prove that he has ever had any private meeting with them or collected any form of gratification to rig the elections.

     

     

  • APC thanks Lagosians

    LAGOs State All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday thanked Lagosians for voting its flagbearer, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as governor.

    The party in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, assured that the incoming governor will not dissapoint them.

    The statement reads: The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the good people of Lagos State for massively voting its candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Olufemi Hamzat in the gubernatorial election held last Saturday.  The party said that such long-standing fidelity was responsible for the success of the party in all the elections conducted this year and the huge success story which the APC has become in Nigeria and in Lagos.

    “Lagosians know the reliability of the Leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of APC. It says that Lagosians have continued to trust the leadership of Asiwaju Tinubu because he had not disappointed them and such confidence was shown in the comprehensive victory APC scored in Lagos last Saturday.

    “We commend Lagosians for receiving well the decent and robust campaign of our candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which hinged on furthering the development of Lagos and ensuring better life for all Lagosians irrespective of religious, tribal or political affiliation. We know this resonated with the good people of Lagos who responded with their massive votes on the 9th of March to elect him as Governor of Lagos State.

    “We note that while our party was focused on showcasing its achievements in Lagos, our rivals concentrated on waking and feeding primordial sentiments in a bid to divide Lagosians on tribal, religious lines. We are happy that Lagosians accepted our message based on our achievements in the past 16 years and through that massive endorsement, expressed their willingness to continue to stick with our party as it continues to deliver the dividends of democracy for the good of all Lagosians.

    “Lagos APC notes that our victory is a product of hard work, determination and good service delivery and we promise we will do more to justify this solid and impregnable confidence in the years to come. We want to assure Lagosians that we know that the reward for hard work is more work and we are determined to do more in the next four years.  We assure Lagosians that in the Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat team, we have two potential governors in one team and that will ensure that Lagosians get double ration for their unflinching trust and support to our great party.

    “Thank you Lagosians and please continue supporting APC for the good, progress and welfare of all Lagosians”.

  • Lagos PDP: what next for Agbaje?

    The Lagos State governorship election has been won and lost. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jimi Agbaje, has conceded defeat and congratulated the winner, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The question is: what next for Agbaje, the pharmacist-turned politician? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the effects of the defeat on the opposition platform.

    He was optimistic of winning. During his campaigns in some parts of Lagos State, shouts of ‘Jay Kay is okay,’ always filled the air. Jimi Agbaje, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, is an eminent Lagosians held in esteem by many stakeholders. But, at the close of polls at the weekend, he saw the handwriting on the wall. Reality dawned on the pharmacist-turned politician that his vehicle, the PDP, could not carry him too far.

    At 7.07 pm, shortly before the formal announcement of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he conceded defeat and congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was at the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, warming up for a victory speech. The governor-elect thanked his major challenger for the kind gesture. He later broke the news to party chieftains who surrounded him in that moment of history.

    The recent election was Agbaje’s third attempt. He was in the race in 2007 and 2015. Despite past electoral defeats, he was full of enthusiasm and optimism during the campaigns. He was vocal and some people listened to him. His campaign slogan was: ‘freedom.’ Irked by the slogan, APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu decried the mobilisation approach, saying that Lagos was not in bondage.

    Party women, who composed partisan songs, fired salvos at Agbaje, describing him as a familiar customer. Replying them, the PDP candidate said: ‘the customer is king.” But, on poll day, his supporters were drowned in their illusion of hope.

    According to a report, the multi-millionaire politician has rationalised his party’s failure at the polls. He complained about voters’ apathy, which he attributed to alleged intimidation of his supporters. He said many shunned the polling booths because of fear of violence. The APC Chairman, Tunde Balogun disagreed. He said the elections were peaceful, free and fair.

    For the PDP, the impact of the defeat is monumental. For 20 years, it has been the major opposition party in the Centre of Excellence. Its ambition to hijack power had crumbed six times. According to observers, Agbaje has been its most formidable and promising candidate in post-Funso Williams era. In 1999, its candidate, Chief Dapo Sarunmi, lost to Asiwaju Tinubu. In 2003, the late Williams also lost. In 2007, Musiliu Obanikoro and Agbaje, who contested on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), lost to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN). In 2011, Ade Dosunmu could not fly. In 2015, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode also defeated Agbaje. In 2019, Agbaje, who has become a veteran contender, also lost to Sanwo-Olu.

    The implication is that Lagos PDP has been left in the cold for two decades. Many PDP leaders have jumped ship and gravitated towards the ruling party. Ahead of the weekend polls, scores of PDP members deserted the party. Even, the party chairman, Adegoke Salvador, quit the platform.

    Agbaje is a household name in Lagos. He is admired by many people across political parties. As a pharmacist and businessman, he had made money and name. Many people see him as a man of honour and integrity. He rose to political fame as the treasurer of  Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group.

    Eyes were not on him until he threw his hat into the ring in 2007. Althoigh he had no pubic sector experience, he pulled crowd ahead of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), later Action Congress (AC) primary. Other aspirants included Fashola, former Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, former Commerce and Industry Commissioner Remi Adikwu Bakare, former party chairman Abiodun Ogunleye, Oyinlomo Danmole, Kaoli Olusanya, Ganiyu Solomon, Erikitola, Kunle Lawal, and Tola Kasali.

    However, the shadow poll did not favour Agbaje, who alleged that it was not free and fair. Although party leaders offered him the Lagos Central senatorial ticket, he rejected it.

    To spite the former governor and party leader, Agbaje, Afikuyomi, Danmole, Lawal, and Adikwu-Bakare defected to DPA. A week after, Afikuyomi went to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and emerged its governorship candidate. Pedro left for the Labour Party (LP), and later, the PDP. Surprisingly, Afikuyomi later showed up on election day as Fashola’s agent at the INEC office.

    In DPA, Agbaje floored Adikwu-Bakare during at the primary. Another aggrieved aspirant, the late Prof. Lawal, became his running mate. Adikwu-Bakare hurriedly left for Progressive Peoples Alliance(PPA). She lost her deposit at the poll.

    The campaign was interesting. The contenders-Fashola (AC), Agbaje (DPA), Adikwu- Bakare (PPA), Afikuyomi (ANPP) and Musiliu Obanikoro (PDP)–were locked in a war of sorts. Before the primaries, they belonged to AD, an offshoot of Afenifere.

    Agbaje’s manifestos were not significantly different from the promises made to Lagosians by Fashola and Adikwu-Bakare. Except Obanikoro’s PDP, the competing parties were similar. Throughout the campaign, Agbaje and Fashola only disagreed on one point, which was the viability of the Fourth Mainland Bridge. While Agbaje said it was not a priority, Fashola insisted that the people needed it for ease of transportation. Up to now, it has remained a tall order.

    However, feathers were ruffled. The parties were enveloped in anxiety. An eloquent speaker, Agbaje ran a neat campaign devoid of thuggery, unlike the PDP train of cutlasses, clubs, bows and arrows. His adverts, including radio and television jingles,  were captivating. Excited at the way the campaign had progressed, his associate, Yinka Odumakin, said Agbaje offered a credible alternative to the ‘same of the same.’

    There was apprehension during the televised debate. Agbaje was confronted by Pedro, who had inquired from him, derisively, the experience that qualified him to vie for the governor of Lagos as the owner of  a patient medicine store, with not more than five employees under his control. The DPA candidate noted the scornful look and the attempt to diminish his profile. Returning the missiles, Agbaje  reminded Pedro that when he was a managing director of a bank, he was a shareholder and a director, which implied part ownership. The pharmacist also asked the banker to explain the circumstances that led to his exit from the bank.  Besides, he added that the former deputy governor should respond to the allegation by his boss that he had not properly rendered his account of stewardship. Pedro flared up, taking exception to Agbaje’s remarks. He explained that when he left the bank, the organization held a befitting send-forth for him.

    Despite the enormous electoral investment, Agbaje came third, trailing Obanikoro, who was defeated by Fashola.  The love of Lagosians for Agbaje was undermined by a corresponding reluctance to adopt his party by voters. He was a strong contender hindered by his weak party.

    Following the defeat, Agbaje protested, claiming that his photograph or logo disappeared on the ballot paper. He went to the tribunal, urging the temple of justice to upturn Fashola’s victory. His prayer was rejected.

    In 2011, Agbaje did not contest. Although APC leaders were said to have offered the position of deputy governor to him, he rejected it. But, he remained a public figure who commented on national issues.

    In 2015, he finally yielded to pressures to run on the platform of the PDP. Backed by the PDP leader, Chief Olabode George, he defeated Obanikoro at the primary. His chance was bright. Former President Goodluck Jonathan threw his weight behind him. Also, members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) were on the prowl. Agbaje rallied Igbo residents behind his ambition. Although PDP won some House of Assembly and Representatives seats, Agbaje was defeated by Ambode.

    After the election, crisis broke out between Agbaje and George. The retired soldier wanted to be the PDP national chairman. Agbaje, who enjoyed the support of  Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayo Fayose, also unfolded a chairmanship ambition. But, the crown later went to Prince Uche Secondus, who was sponsored by the PDP governors.

    During last year’s primary, Agbaje defeated Deji Doherty, who does not enjoy his kind of popularity. But, at the close of poll at the weekend, there was gap between expectation and reality. Sanwo-Olu polled 739, 44 5 votes to defeat Agbaje who got 206, 141 votes.

    What future awaits PDP in Lagos? What next for Agbaje, its symbol? Will he return to the drawing board, restrategise and rebuild the party into a winning platform? Will he return to his shell? Will he quit the politics? In four years’ time, will Agbaje re-contest?

     

     

  • APC wins four seats in Bayelsa House of Assembly

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won four of the 24 seats in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from the results so far announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 17 and the remaining three – Brass 1, Ogbia 2 and Southern Ijaw 4 – were declared inconclusive because of hijack of electoral materials, over voting and other irregularities.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan hails from Ogbia constituency 2.

    APC candidates who won are Wilson Ayakpo (Ekeremor constituency 2); Edward Irigha (Nembe constituency 2); Douglas Samson (Nembe constituency 3) and Ominous Ayonatimiyo (Brass 2).

    Head of Department, INEC Voter Education and Publicity Mr. Wilfred Ifogah said elections in Brass 1, Ogbia 2 and Southern Ijaw 4 constituencies were declared inconclusive because they failed the test of the commission’s regulations and guidelines.

    He said: “Twenty-one results were fully declared and winners returned while three were declared inconclusive with due reference to INEC regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the general elections.

    “Clause 10 (10) harps on the mandatory use of smart card readers. Clause 28 (b) is on collation at ward level and clause 43 (b) is on careful review of activities by the Management Team, informed by the reports as stated by the Collation Officers and Returning Officers duly appointed.”

    He noted that the commission would in due time inform stakeholders of the new date for supplementary elections.

  • Second term campaigns for Obaseki

    A political group, the Edo Elites, has begun a second term campaign for Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) won the 23 House of Assembly seats in the results announced so far, but Orhiomwon II was inconclusive.

    The Edo State governorship election will hold in June 2020.

    It was gathered that the Edo Elites, comprising think tank leaders of the APC, academics and professionals, began the campaign to apparently ward off other aspirants from reaching out to them.

    The group has printed exercise books and other paraphernalia to be distributed during campaigns.