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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • We’ll win all 24 seats in Edo Assembly – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State said it hoped to won all the 24 available seats in the Edo State House of Assembly.

    It said it was well prepared for the House of Assembly elections.

    State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Lawrence Okah, who spoke with our reporter, said the party was satisfied with the preparation of INEC.

    In Edo Central which is the bastion of the PDP, a chieftain of the APC from the zone, Mr. Victor Eboigbe, told the Nation that the APC would crush the PDP in today’s polls.

    Eboigbe said the APC has campaigned and sensitised the people of Edo Central on the need to have 24 APC lawmakers in the assembly.

    In the 2015 election, the APC won three out of the five six Assembly seats in Edo Central.

    Read Also: ‘APC has sacrificed enough for Lagos’

    According to Eboigbe, “We will do very well in Edo Central. We will win all the six seats this time around.”

    Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, decried the PDP for expressing fears over voters’ apathy.

    Osagie said the PDP was fond of making excuses and spreading lies when electoral defeat awaits it.

    According to him, “The state is prepared. Edo people are well energised to perform their civic duties.

    “Edo people will come out in their large numbers to vote. Security agencies are there to protect lives and the ballot boxes.”

     

  • Ekere promises to build new mechanic village in Uyo

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Obong Nsima Ekere has promised to establish a new mechanic village in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, if elected in Saturday’s election.

    Speaking during a visit to the mechanic village located at Afaha Offot, Uyo, on Thursday, Ekere decried the deplorable state of the village established more than 30 years ago.

    He said the proposed mechanic will meet the standards that obtain in advanced countries of the world.

    The APC flag bearer said he would construct access roads to the village immediately after his inauguration on May 29 because the location of the present mechanic village causes traffic gridlock in that axis of the city.

    Ekere criticised Governor Udom Emmanuel, who is also the PDP governorship flag bearer in the election, for failing to fulfill the promise he made four years ago to reconstruct the village.

    He said: “Akwa Ibom State does not need a lying governor. That is why we are embracing change.

    “Change has come to Akwa Ibom State. Akwa Ibom State is going to the next level.”

    Read Also: What Buhari said at Uyo rally

    Ekere charged the technicians to protect and follow their votes to the collation centres.

    Former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Senator John Udoedehe, who is an indigene of Afaha Offot, wondered why Governor Emmanuel came to campaign at the mechanic village after failing to fulfill his promise to develop the village made four years ago.

    He added: “Any government that looks down on mechanics is a government of fools, because you are the employers of labour. Nsima Ekere’s government will retain and equip you.

    “I want you to be agents of Nsima Ekere, because Nsima Ekere is your future. Politics is a game of development. If Udom had performed, we would have nothing to campaign with.”

  • 29 candidates go for Adamawa governorship poll, 284 for Assembly seats

    A total of 313 candidates under 29 political parties in Adamawa State will be contesting for Governorship and House of Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday.

    Twenty nine candidates have been entered for the governorship election, while 284 will be vying for the 25 seats in the state House of Assembly, according to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) the state, Kassim Gaidam.

    Four of the 29 governorship candidates are women, while 25 among the 284 candidates for the legislative poll are also women.

    The foregoing are however mostly figures on paper, as among the lot entered for the governorship race, for example, only four or five are known to Adamawa people to be in serious contention.

    They are incumbent Governor Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Umaru Fintiri of main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen Abdulaziz Nyako of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Emmanuel Bello of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Rev Abel Behora of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN).

    Bindow who was representing Adamawa North District in the Senate when he contested election and won to become the state governor in 2015, will be going into the election with power of incumbency boosted by performance anchored on good roads and regular payment of workers’ salaries, but he will have intraparty opposition from a few powerful individuals to contend with.

    Fintiri is a former acting governor whose short reign, 15 July to 1 October, 2014; earned for him a reputation for action and love for workers’ welfare and the popular nickname ATM to go with it, but he is said to have issues with an elite group.

    Abdulaziz Nyako is the serving senator for Adamawa North whose father, Murtala Nyako, a former governor of the state, will be a strong deciding factor when Adamawa people go to the polls on Saturday, as Murtala Nyako’s reign (2007-2014) was popular among the people.

    Read Also: Adamawa: 10 guber candidates declare support for PDP

    Emmanuel Bello of the SDP is a former House of Representatives member who has carried out easily the most comprehensive governorship campaign in the state. He started early and was up to this week still strong on activities that should help his candidacy.

    Rev Abel Behora of the ANN has created some form of visibility for himself but he is the least likely to go far among the five who have shown some fighting spirit.

    The remaining 24 governorship candidates have not made any known move towards actualizing their supposed dream. Some have given up entirely, with ten earlier in the week announcing that they were stepping down their candidacies to support Umaru Fintiri of the PDP after they failed to sustain a deal with Bindow.

  • Polls: More alliances in Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, Ogun

    Sanwo-Olu is best, says Fashola, Why I’m backing Adelabu, by Alao-Akala

    Aremu quits for AbdulRazaq, Daniel backs Abiodun, Adebutu roots for Akinlade

    Parties were consolidating yesterday their alliances in preparation for tomorrow’s crucial Governorship and States’ Assembly elections.

    Before campaigns ended last night, there were realignment of forces, last-minute defections and judicial interventions in some of the states.

    The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a case against Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Dapo Abiodun, saying an NYSC certificate is no constitutional requirement for an electoral office.

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja ruled that Sen. Ayogu Eze is the authentic candidate of the APC. Here is a report of events in the various states:

    Ogun

    Former Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Gbenga Daniel endorsed Abiodun. Though Daniel did not defect to the APC, he urged his supporters to vote for Abiodun tomorrow.

    This endorsement followed a Wednesday night meeting at his Asoludero Court in Sagamu.

    With this, Daniel has turned his back on PDP governorship candidate Buruji Kashamu.

    Aside Daniel’s endorsement, Abiodun also received the backing of six governorship candidates and 14 political parties.

    The party chairmen who backed Abiodun include Adeyinka Adeyemi(Alliance For Social Democrats), Olusegun Oluyemi (Better Nigeria Progressive Party), Asimiyu Arisekola(Advanced  Allied Party), Kelani Alao (African People’s Alliance), Adekunle Owode (National Action Council), Odejide Radio (Democratic People’s Congress) and Adeshina Abraham (People’s Progressive Party).

    Others are Otunba Rasheed Odebude (People’s Trust), Bolanle Bello(People for Democratic Change), Otunba Femi Soluade( Mass Action Junction Alliance), Prince Talabi Abiodun(People’s Coalition Party(PDP) and two others.

    The parties, in a statement jointly signed by their chairmen, said they shared the same ideologies and would work with the APC to take the state to a greater height.

    The six governorship candidates, in a statement signed under the aegis of the Governorship Candidates Forum, said they decided to support Abiodun because of his plans and programmes.

    The governorship candidates are: Olusegun Olufemi of Better Nigeria Progressives Party, Femi Olomu (Alliance of Social Democrats) and Adegbola   John (Advanced Allied Party).

    The others are Odejide Adio (Democratic People’s Congress), Adeshina Abraham (People’s Progressives Party) and Lanre Banjo (People’s Trust).

    Also, a House of Representatives candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Yewa-South/Ipokia Federal Constituency and a House of Assembly candidate of the Alliance for Democracy, Yewa South State constituency, Olukayode Idowu  and Boluwatife Salako, adopted  Abiodun.

    Abiodun also received a legal victory when a court yesterday ruled in his favour in a case over his National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) certificate.

    The APC governorship hopeful’s rival, Adekunle Akinlade of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), got the backing of the Sikirulai Ogundele-led faction of the PDP.

    Ogundele announced the endorsement at a news conference in Abeokuta. The governorship candidate of the faction, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, on Wednesday failed in his legal bid to nullify Kashamu’s nomination.

    Ogundele directed its members across the state to come out en-masse tomorrow and vote for Akinlade.

    “Ogun is an important state in Nigeria and our decision has been informed by the need to sustain the state in the area of development, which the current administration has initiated.

    “Politics is about credibility, responsiveness and integrity, among others, and we have found all these qualities in Akinlade.

    “We believe that this development will enhance his chances of winning the governorship polls in the state,” he said.

    Oyo

    The chances of APC governorship candidate Chief Adebayo Adelabu received a major boost with his adoption by 13 political parties under the aegis of the Forum of Political Parties.

    Former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala also urged Ogbomoso people to rally behind the APC governorship candidate to enhance the historic city of warriors’ growth.

    The chairmen of the 13 political parties conveyed their adoption of the APC candidate in a joint March 6 letter addressed to the APC State Chairman, Chief Akin Oke.

    The signatories include Mr. Abimbola Azeez of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN); Otunba A. Fagbemi, Allied Peoples Movement (APM); United Progressive Party (UPP), Sunday Badejo; Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria (GDPN), Mr. Abass Oladimeji; and Young Democratic Party (YDP), Mr. Chris Ayanniyi.

    Others are the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), Akin Adelekan; Independent Democrats (ID), Chief Wasiu Are; Mr. Bolaji Olugbode of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) as well as the chairmen of Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA), Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP), Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Re-Build Nigeria Party (RBNP) and Democratic People’s Party (DPP).

    The ex-governor, who sacrificed his second term prospect under the Action Democratic Party to support Adelabu, addressed a tumultuous crowd of party supporters at a mega rally held at the façade of Soun Ogunlola Hall, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.

    Also on the campaign trail were prominent leaders of Ogbomoso, including a former local government chairman, Chief Dayo Lawal and a Fourth Republic Senator, Gen. Brimmo Yusuf (retd.)

    Alao-Akala visited the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, with Adelabu and his running mate, Samuel Egunjobi. He said that his alliance with the APC was in the best interest of the city.

    After perusing the blueprint of the two governorship candidates jostling for his endorsement, Alao-Akala said that he settled for the APC candidate based on what he called his superior credentials, track record, pedigree and ability to deliver on electioneering promises.

    Urging Ogbomoso residents to cast their vote for Adelabu, the ex-governor assured them that they would not regret it.

    He added that the enormity of the task ahead had made it imperative for a coalition of interests and the coming together of political parties desirous of making appreciable impact at the governorship election.

    Alao-Akala said: “You know we are not new in this game of politics. I have carefully assessed the credentials of the people seeking my support and I have no equivocation in settling for Bayo Adelabu of the APC.

    “My alliance with the APC for the governorship election is in our best interest in Ogbomoso. I have never misled you and I will not mislead you on this. The alliance will be of tremendous benefit to us. I have told the APC leadership, up to the national level, what Ogbomoso wants.

    “I told them that Ladoke Akintola University of Technology is our own heritage here, that the hospital needs attention and we want them to bring it up to the admirable standard we dreamt of it. Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road has suffered inexplicable neglect over the years and I have also secured assurances that it will receive the needed attention, if the APC candidate wins.

    “Therefore, I urge you to vote for Bayo Adelabu of the APC as governor on Saturday. We stand to gain a lot from an APC government at the state and national levels. I’m not in this for myself, but in the interest of Ogbomoso.”

    Adelabu expressed gratitude to Alao-Akala for backing him.

    Noting that the Ilorin-Ogbomoso road is the gateway to the North, he promised to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure its completion, if he is elected as the governor.

    LAGOS

    In Lagos, APC candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated his promise of a people-oriented administration. Power, Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola urged the electorate to vote for him and his running mate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

    Fashola said that no one should trade experience for mere desperation to be governor.

    Speaking during a live television interview programme on Television Continental (TCV), where he, Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat were guests, Fashola, who is the immediate past Governor of Lagos, noted that voting for the APC candidate will guarantee continuity of the great strides that Lagos has made since 1999.

    According to the former governor, the candidacy of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat is the best that can happen to Lagosians, as the two men are not novices to the workings of government.

    “They are not only tested, but have also been part of the process of development that Lagos has witnessed since 1999 till date,” Fashola said.

    The former governor said that Lagos cannot afford to experiment at this point in its history, that the people had gone beyond that stage where governance will be left in the hands of, inexperienced individual.

    Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that their needs have been captured in his planned programme tagged “THEME”.

    His running mate said technology will take the centre stage in their administration.

    He specifically mentioned education, traffic management, health, the economy and security as the sectors in which technology will play prominent roles.

    “But the first step is for you our people to go out on Saturday to vote for the APC. Its then we will be able to fulfil these promises,” Hamzat said.

    The Awori Concerned Elders (ACE) in conjunction with Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria have urged all its adults to vote for the APC governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday.

    At a conference in Lagos, the spokesperson of the group, Prince Adeniyi Jafojo described Sanwo- Olu as the best of all the candidates, noting that the group would mobilise the indigenes to vote the candidate.

    He added that Awori people had been supporting APC right from inception. According to him, voting the APC is not only politically wise, it give room for the entrenchment of the party’s progressives policies.

    “The Awori concerned elders have reviewed the political situation in Lagos State since inception, therefore it has been considered expedient that a directive to all Aworis to vote the APC is very appropriate.

    “The continuation  will facilitate a smooth take-off of the new government and sustain the existing political landscapes.”

    The Yoruba Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAYAN) also endorsed all the governorship candidate of the APC in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.

    Its president, Prince Adeniyi Olutimehin, said the decision was taken after extensive consultations with major stakeholders.

    Enugu

    Enugu State Governor and PDP governorship candidate Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi rounded off his campaign with some leaders commending his achievements. He also declared a public holiday to enable people prepare for the election.

    Ugwuanyi embarked on door-to-door campaign at his home local council, Udenu.

    Prominent leaders of the PDP in Enugu State at a rally applauded the governor for entrenching peace, tranquility and good governance.

    The PDP chieftains include the Deputy President Ike Ekweremadu, former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, Senator Fidelis Okoro, Senator Hyde Onuaguluchi, and Ambassador Justina Eze. They described Ugwuanyi as a man of history.

    Ekweremadu said it was because of the peace in the state that Nwobodo, for the first time in the history of the state, joined other PDP leaders to witness the grand finale of the party’s campaign.

    He said: “It has never happened before and I thank you (Ugwuanyi) for the peace and tranquility in Enugu State. There is no bickering or quarrels among the political leaders in the state.”

    Describing Ugwuanyi as a son, Nwobodo thanked him for bringing everybody together.

    Senator Onuaguluchi eulogised  Ugwuanyi for the “uncommon peace” “he brought to the state, noting that “all of us have come to learn from Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi)”.

    Ambassador Eze also applauded Ugwuanyi’s “uncommon leadership style” and joined others in urging the people to come out en-masse to vote massively for the governor and other candidates of the PDP tomorrow.

    Ugwuanyi appreciated the party’s stalwarts for their kind words and tremendous support for his administration as well as his re-election bid.

    He thanked the electorate for the support they gave to the PDP during the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, and urged them to vote massively for him and House of Assembly candidates of the party on Saturday.

    Ugwuanyi’s challenger in the APC, Ayogu Eze, received legal backing for his ambition yesterday when the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja confirmed his candidature. The court set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court which voided the nomination of Eze as the state’s APC governorship candidate.

    The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment of a three-man panel, allowed the appeal by Eze and proceeded to affirm him as the rightfully nominated candidate to represent the party in the election scheduled for tomorrow.

    Justice Abdul Aboki, in the lead judgment, set aside the judgment of Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace Eze with George Ogara as the APC governorship candidate for the APC in Enugu State.

    Ayogu told reporters that he was back and would definitely win the election on Saturday.

    He said the judgment that led to the removal of his name suppose not to be adding that it was politically manipulated.

    “But come May 29, 2019 your brother who is talking to you now will be sworn in as the governor of Enugu state.

    “ They cannot stop it. The will be swept by a tsunami which they can’t explain where it come from,” said Eze.

    He thanked his numerous supporters for exercising patience while the judicial process was on.

     Gombe

    In Gombe State, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), consisting 39 political parties and 15 governorship candidates, endorsed PDP’s Bayero Nafada as their candidate in Gombe. This came a day after 19 political parties endorsed the APC candidate, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya.

    The coalition, in a statement signed by Mohammed Adamu and Sunday Paris, Chairman and Secretary of  CUPP in the state, said the endorsement was done after a critical assessment of the PDP government’s achievements in Gombe.

    The statement, which was made available to reporters in Gombe, particularly commended the strides in the educational, health and agricultural sectors, and urged voters to vote for continuity so as to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

    “We are endorsing our candidate based on credibility; we want to consolidate on the gains of the present administration,” the statement said.

    Akwa Ibom

    The Change Nigeria Party (CNP) in Akwa Ibom State aligned itself with the APC and its governorship candidate, Nsima Ekere.

    The CNP also said it took the decision because its manifesto tallies with APC’s thrust of providing electricity, construction of refineries, poverty alleviation, regeneration of the political space, economic rejuvenation and other people enhancing policies of the ruling party.

    Its governorship candidate, Dr. Anietie Ukpong, said the CNP would support the APC to weed out the remnants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that ‘’PDP’s 16 years could be best described as 16 locust years in Nigeria’s history’’.

    Ukpong went on: ‘’What APC is doing is disintegrating Nigeria from the cobwebs of past failures and dysfunctional economic and political system which the PDP ran for 16 years.

    ‘’APC is blessed with leaders who have vision for the future prosperity of Nigerians. That is what CNP believes in. Nigeria’s prosperity lies with the youths.

    ‘’For 16 years PDP concentrated on building roads and all manner of infrastructure but cared less about the youths. CNP is in tandem with APC which is determined to change the narrative.’’

     Pleateau

    A group of Christians known as Catholic Social Forum yesterday declared support for APC governorship candidate Governor Simon Lalong.

    The group, which expressed its support in a statement by Sir Emmanuel Dashe and four others, said: “The Catholic Social Forum in the Shendam, Pankshin and Arch Diocese of Jos in their combined meeting of 7th March 2019 in Shendam Catechist Training Center, discussed the current political situation in Plateau State resolved that in view of the appreciable infrastructural development recorded in the last four years in Plateau State, as well as the appreciable peace experienced in the last four years, the incumbent governor should be returned to continued the good jobs he has initiated.

    “Secondly, in order to consolidate on the principle of zoning in Plateau State and in order to ensure the continuous payment civil servants salaries and pensions, and for the interest of an all-inclusive Governance and the need for a smooth transition and continuity.

    “We, the Members of the Catholic Social Forum In Shendam, Pankshin and Jos Arch Dioceses do hereby endorse, unconditionally the aspiration of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, the Rt Hon Barr Simon Bako Lalong in the forthcoming Governorship Elections in Plateau State.

    “Subsequent upon the above, we hereby call on all Catholics and the peace-loving people of Plateau State to come out en-masse and vote for the inclusive ticket of Governor Simon Lalong and his amiable Deputy, Prof Sunny Tyoden.”

    The governor also got the backing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Advisory Council.

    The council’s chairman, Chief Joseph Din, in a statement yesterday in Jos, said: “As we go into this Saturday’s election, we want to fully endorse the candidature of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong who remains the most credible and widely acceptable man for the Plateau project among all other contestants of the seat.

    “Within the three and half years he has been the governor, he has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt his love and commitment towards a united and prosperous Plateau, as against the divisive acts of his predecessors.”

    The elders said the opposition PDP was showing high level of desperation for power to loot the commonwealth of the state.

    He called on security agencies to be vigilant and ensure peaceful, credible, free and fair election and put a searchlight on the PDP in the state which, he said, is bent on winning the poll at all cost.

    ”We call on agents and supporters of the APC to be watchful to ensure that their votes really count. Going by the last elections experience where many voters were disenfranchised as a result of the slowness and malfunctioning of card readers and late arrival of election materials, we call on INEC to put all strategies in place to ensure a hitch free exercise.

    ”We call on the electorates to come out en-masse and vote our amiable, humble and promised-keeping Governor who has left no one in doubt about his sincerity to totally rescue  Plateau from the hands of self-seeking individuals who do not mean well for the state and the people.”

    Kano

    Forty-three political parties yesterday in Kano declared their support for the APC governorship candidate, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    The governorship candidates of the parties, who threw their weight behind governor Ganduje through their spokesman and United People’s Congress (UPC ) governorship candidate Ibrahim Gaya at the African House Government House,  directed their members to vote for the APC candidate tomorrow.

    Gaya said:  “We have dropped our contest and unanimously decided to endorsed the Candidature of Governor Ganduje in order for him to accomplish his mission of staging  a comeback and consolidate on socio-economic development of the state.”

    APC Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas hailed the parties for their sacrifice.

    He said: “I have personally not witnessed a situation where a gubernatorial candidate will invite fellow colleagues to come dine and wine together in a conducive atmosphere.”

    Ganduje said he invited the candidates to the Government House to create mutual understanding between the political parties in the state to demonstrate love and unity of purpose.

    Delta

    President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to restrain APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole from taking steps capable of disrupting peace in Delta during tomorrow’s election.

    Leaders of youth organisations from various ethnic nationalities in Delta State also warned Oshiomhole to steer clear of the state tomorrow, adding that his presence would be violating the law.

    The leaders of the ethnic nationalities, led by the President-General of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, who is also the National President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Pereotubo Oweilaemi, spoke at a news conference in Warri.

    They urged security agencies to be neutral in their duties in all parts of the state on the Election Day.

    They said: “While we are hopeful that Deltans will again go to the polls without let or hindrance to cast their votes for their choice candidates come Saturday the 9th of March, 2019, we are worried that certain elements from neighbouring states want to ferment trouble in the State during the elections in order that their preferred candidates win the elections by any means necessary.

    “Prominent among such characters who are boasting that they will do everything necessary to rig the elections and to subvert the will of the people including coming to Delta State on the election day to coordinate the activities for his Party, is Comr. Adams Oshiomhole, the national chairman of the APC. While Oshiomhole is free to campaign for his Party within the confines of the law, he has a limit in meddling with the affairs of Delta State which is not his State of origin.

    “The Electoral Act, 2010 is very clear on where and how Oshiomhole should conduct himself during the elections. Sections 58, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 130 and 131 of the Act did not permit Oshiomhole to be in Delta State on the Election Day. We warm him to desist from his desperate act of meddling into Delta State election. The APC National Chairman’s presence in Delta State on the Election Day will be an invitation to anarchy. It will be a recipe for total breakdown of law and order in the State.

    “We the Ethnic Nationalities’ Youths Leaders in the State will not fold our arms and allow foreigners to cause an avoidable crisis for us. We will resist Oshiomhole’s desperation to plunge Delta State into a big crisis. We, therefore, appeal to President Buhari and people of goodwill to call Adams Oshiomhole to order before things get out of control. Should there be any breakdown of law and order in the State then Nigerians should hold Oshiomhole responsible.

    “We also appeal to all members of the various political parties in the State to be law abiding and refrain from acts that will lead to needless hostilities in our dear State. Let us collectively fight against electoral violence of any kind and resist the undue interference by foreigners who are heating up the polity for us.”

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s reelection bid received a boost after the oil and gas host communities of Nigeria(HOSTCOM) Delta State pledged to cast their votes for the PDP.

    The group observed that Okowa has done a lot for Deltans through well-executed projects and programmes to merit second term in office.

    Its Chairman, Gabriel Isibeluo, said: “All the oil and gas producing communities in Delta State hereby adopts Governor Okowa as our sole candidate for the Governorship position in the elections coming up on Saturday.

    “We will vote for someone who has track records of performance, we are aware that traditional rulers of different ethnic nationalities have adopted our Governor as their candidate too and bearing in mind that for you to be an active member of HOSTCOM that you must have your permanent voters cards, on Saturday, all the members of HOSTCOM will cast their votes for our Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa because, he deserves to be re-elected.

    “I assure you, our Governor, we will all enter Asaba for the victory dance, HOSTCOM will vote 100 per cent for you Sir, congratulations in advance.”

    Okowa  thanked HOSTCOM and all Deltans for believing in equity and partnering with his administration to deliver democratic dividends to the people.

    “You (HOSTCOM) are giving me a clear mandate as Deltans; I want to thank you for recognising our achievements in the last four years and for endorsing us for continuity till 2023; in our second term, we will continue to have townhall meetings because, a Governor that is not connected to the people is not a Governor; I like to identify with my people, all Deltans without discrimination; we approved that host communities should monitor Delta State Oil Producing Area Developmental Commission (DESOPADEC) projects and report back to me because of our desire for jobs to be executed to specifications; we are aware that there is no state government in this country that has constructed the number of roads like we have done and in the next four years, we shall continue to move from town to town, village to village to execute projects, so, if it has not gotten to your place, be patient, we will get to you, your happiness as Deltans gladdens our heart as government.”

    Rivers

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot lose the governorship and State Assembly elections.  The Rivers people, he noted were firmly with the party.

    According to him, tomorrow’s polls would end what he called “the illegal activities of the political monster” in the state.

    Read also: 9th National Assembly: Buhari, APC leaders to decide zoning

    Speaking during a town hall meeting with leaders of Rivers East Senatorial District in Port Harcourt, Wike charged the people not to be intimidated by soldiers, as they have a duty to cast their ballot.

    He said: “There is no way that the PDP will lose Rivers State and they tell the world that the elections are free and fair. Even if we want to play politics, how would they explain to the International community that PDP lost to an unknown party that did not campaign?

    Kwara

    In Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, a group, known as O2 Liberation Movement, marched through major streets to rally support for the APC governorship candidate AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in tomorrow polls.

    The group was confident that the APC would repeat the feat of the February 23rd presidential and National Assembly elections in the Governorship and States’ House of Assembly elections.

    Speaking with reporters, Chairman of the movement, Alhaji Hassan Owoyale said: “We are organising one million-man march in solidarity for the APC governorship candidate in Kwara State and we are calling on all Kwarans to support and vote en masse just as they did two weeks ago for the party and all its candidates at the polls.

    “We believe in the ideology of APC, President Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. We are confident that if Alhaji

    Abdulrazaq becomes the governor, he will govern differently. Nothing is working in Kwara. We believe that Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is bringing in change. His government will work and be for the people. Not the government that will take our commonwealth to another part of the country.

    “The entire people of Kwara State are tired of this administration. They want change and that is what we are clamouring for. This liberation struggle has been on for the 10 years and we have been talking to people that we want a government that will give us free education, free health for our people and many things that we deserve in democracy.

    “The Liberation movement group at the last weekend visited some APC stalwarts to celebrate the party’s victory during the presidential and National Assembly elections.”

    Some chieftains visited included former governorship candidate Mohammed Dele Belgore, Alhaji Olosasa, Alhaji Musa Maiyaki, Dr Saliu Ajia, Lanre Sulyman, Dr Amuda Aluko among others.

    Sokoto

    In Sokoto, leaders of the Ardos and Magajis) and thousands of their members Silame,  Wamakko, Tangaza,  Gudu,  Yabo, Shagari, Binji and Tureta local government areas dumped the PDP for the APC.

    APC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu said that they left their former party sequel to their recurring neglect by the leaders of the PDP.

    According to him, the leaders and their followers have resolved to pitch their camps with the APC, as well as assiduously work to ensure the success of its candidates during the forthcoming governorship and assembly polls.

    The leader of the APC in Senator and Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, yesterday organised special prayers for peaceful polls.

    Wamakko said: “God gives and takes leadership and we solely rely on Him to succeed. Fervent prayers are potent armours against any ill-will.

    “The prayers are being offered to seek divine protection and to ensure the conduct of the forthcoming polls peacefully. The prayers are also aimed at ensuring sustainable peace, unity and socioeconomic prosperity in the State and Nigeria at large.”

    The former governor said the relationship between the APC and the Sultanate remained cordial.

    “The Sultan is apolitical and he is a Father to all. We have an excellent and perfect relationship with the Sultan, as well as the Sultanate Council of Sokoto. He is a highly revered leader, whom we all cherish and respect. Our party will also continue to uphold the dignity and exalted status of the traditional rulers.”

    In a statement by its Secretary,  Mr Umar Faruk Ladan, The Sultanate council also advised voters and members of the public to maintain adequate peace before, during and after the election.

    It further urged electorates to continue to cooperate with security agencies at all levels to help them provide peaceful atmosphere during the exercise.

     

  • Ninth Assembly: A case for Southeast

    For the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the storm gathers once again. Just as theparty savours its victory in a bitterly-fought presidential election that President Muhammadu Buhari won; clouds of crisis hover over it as the jockeying for the principal positions in theNational Assembly begins.

    By virtue of Section 64(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the 8th National Assemblyexpires by effusion of time on June 8. Barring any last minute development, Buhari, goingby precedent, is expected to proclaim the 9th National Assembly into being on June 9.

    However, barely have winners emerged in the National Assembly elections than newly-elected lawmakers, comprising returning members and first termers with enough heft toswing things their ways, have started positioning themselves for the leadership positions ofthe National Assembly.

    At stake are the following positions: Senate President, Deputy Senate President, MajorityLeader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip, among others.

    But while the lawmakers are lining up themselves for the various leadership positions in thelegislature, the APC, which this time around is expected to play a crucial role on who getswhat, unlike in the 2015 race, is playing it close to its chest.

    In 2015, the APC, then a rainbow of political forces determined to wrest power from thePeople Democratic Party (PDP), badly managed the process and this led to the emergenceof Senator BukolaSaraki, a powerful politician from Kwara, as the senate president. He wondespite efforts by the party to stop him. The APC officials were determined to work for the emergence of Senator Ahmed Lawan from the Northeast.

    Their inability to assert any authority to rally party members behind Lawan was aided byBuhari’s now famous quotation in his presidential inaugural address in which he spoke aboutbeing for nobody and being for everybody.

    The party lethargy, arguably due to its inexperience in managing the complexity of national politics, as the key decision-makers in the party were hitherto little emperors in their tribalpolitical hegemonies whose words were laws to other party members, provided the leewayfor Saraki to outfox the APC.

    Saraki, a two-term governor of Kwara State under PDP and former chairman, NigerianGovernor Forum, tapped into his PDP root to beat APC leaders at their own game ofintrigues. As part of the bargaining chips, he traded off the deputy senate presidency for thesupport of opposition senators, whose numerical strength was crucial in picking a senate president.

    While 51 out of about 66 APC senators were at the International Conference Centre, Abujafor a controversial meeting whose convener(s) remain(s) unknown to the public till date, the57 senators at the maiden sitting unanimously elected Saraki as the senate president.

    The absentee senators barely made it back to the National Assembly for the inaugural sittingonly to witness PDP’s Ike Ekweremadu who expectedly defeated APC and Ali Ndume, in a contestthat gave a legal veneer to the horse-trading between Saraki and PDP.

    That is why it cannot fritter away a second chance to manage the process better this timearound.Before the 2015 elections were won and lost, the expectation was that the APC would back a Southeast lawmaker as senate president or house speaker. With the president from theNorth and the vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo, from the Southwest, conceding either of the two positions to the Southeast seemed the logical step in conformity with Nigeria’s powerrotation system that aims to quell fears of marginalisation among the federating units byensuring equitable distribution of power and its appurtenances among the six geopoliticalzones.

    However, the poor performance of APC in the Southeast, a traditional stronghold of PDP,derailed that expectation. All the federal lawmakers from the five states in the geopoliticalzone were PDP members.

    Even the five Igbo who won election to the House in Lagos State, dominated by the APC, didso on the platform of PDP.But for the Saraki deal with PDP that birthed the Ekweremadu senate deputy presidency, the Southeast would have been out of the power loop in a nation where strong ethnic sentimentsdrive relationship between constituent states and the federal government.

    And now that the first stanza of the 2019 general election is over with APC even improvingon its 2015 records, the party is on the cusp of another crisis.The performance of the APC in the Southeast in the recent election has thrown up a spectreof the marginalisation of the geopolitical in the power equation. However, unlike in 2015, thegeopolitical zone has produced two APC senators and could get another one should SenatorBenjamin Uwajumogu win his re-election bid for the Imo North Senatorial District. INEC declared the contest inconclusive on February23 and rescheduled the conclusion for March 9.

    In the presidential election, the five states in the geopolitical zone also gave Buhari 403,242votes, up from the 198,248 votes he got in 2015.

    The incoming senators, former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji UzorKalu, the outgoing Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and should he win, Uwajumogu, present anopportunity for the APC not to tread the 2015 path.

    Like Okorocha in Imo State, Kalu was instrumental to the impressive showing APC put up inthe National Assembly election in his Abia State. Apart from winning his senatorial seat, heplayed a key role in the election of two APC members, Benjamin Kalu of Bende Federal Constituency and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha of the Isikwuuato/Umunneochi, into the House of Representatives. He also delivered his Bende Local Government to Buhari who beat PDP’sAtiku Abubakar by 9,233 votes to 6,649.

    However, unlike Okorocha, Kalu, by virtue of his election on the platform of the now defunctNational Republican Convention (NRC) into the 593-member House of Representatives inthe July 4, 1992 to herald the aborted Third Republic, could be considered a ranking senator.

    The ranking rules confer on former house members same privileges as former senators.Should Kalu choose to bid for the post, it certainly will not be a picnic but he is eminently qualified.

    Although many may argue that power distribution should be seen as a reward for electoralperformance, the danger in that narrative is that it foists on the polity a winners-take-allmentality that negates the principles of fairness and equity enunciated by the nation’s founding fathers.

    In addition, we should start shifting away from the divisive policy of punishing voters for theirchoices. The moment the election is over, winners such as president and governors shouldforget about who voted for them or against them by ensuring an equitabledistribution ofpolitical power.

    The APC would gain more from running an inclusive government that gives the Southeast abetter sense of belonging in the federation than the 2015 attempts that sought to punish thegeopolitical zone for voting against the party. If the tokenism of the Buhari first term couldpave the way for the improvement in the party, his performance in 2019 in the Southeast,giving the zone a greater chance in running the nation’s affair will enhance the incrementalprogress APC is making in the geopolitical zone.

    Perhaps this is the time for the president to give life to his promise while collecting hiscertificate of return, to run an inclusive government.

     

    • James, a public affairs analyst, writes from Kaduna.

  • Youths urges Igbo to vote for Sanwo-Olu

    Group of youths within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have vowed to mobilise votes for the party’s governorship candidate in Saturday’s election, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    They condemned what they called an attempt to create discord between the Yoruba and Igbo by some politicians.

    They urged the Igbo in Lagos to vote for Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Obafemi Hamzat, because they have the intellectual capacity to deliver.

    At a meeting in Ajeromi, Lagos, the Youth Organising Secretary, Aregbe Idris, said Lagos is too sophisticated to propagate unholy sermons of discord and enmity against the backdrop of personal gains.

    He condemned what he called “unbridled words” that may heat up the polity, if not checked.

    He enjoined the youths in the state to throw their weight behind Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat by coming out en masse to vote them and the party’s candidates across the state on Saturday, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds.

    “A win for the APC means a grander and vibrant Lagos. I strongly believe in the intellectual capacity of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat to drive Lagos to greater heights, create opportunities for all and strengthen the fabric of unity existing in the state.

    “These are the breed of leaders that we need and not some misguided elements with uninformed sense of reasoning,” Argebe stressed.

     

     

  • I’m not desperate to be lawmaker -Ogun Apc assembly candidate

    The Ogun State House of Assembly Candidate for Abeokuta North Constituency under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Taiwo Oludotun (Twinny), has said he is not desperate to be lawmaker, contrary to what some members of Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and its mentor have said.

    “If I am desperate, I would not have stepped down for Hon. Olayiwola Ojodu at primary elections twice, “he said. Oludotun who stated this at Ogun Central mega rally in Abeokuta the state capital.

    He said if Abeokuta indigenes, especially members of his constituency could follow his political antecedent, they would not see him as a desperate politician, upon what the present governor does to him while seeking for political position in the state.

    “In 2011, I contested with Olayiwola Ojodu. I was asked to withdraw from the race which I did, and in 2015 I also contested with the same Ojodu which I was forced to stepped down for him, but now I have to contest to show the people that I have the right to contest and did that to satisfy my conscience and the people’s confidence in me.” Oludotun said.

    “I could have become a lawmaker in 2015 when, virtually all the people of my constituency then, rallied support for me to contest, which I declined on the order of the governor. I am not desperate to be lawmaker; as some desperate candidates view it,” he added

    He said people of his constituency believe in him so much which gave him the mandate and confidence to contest for the House of Assembly this time around, to representing Abeokuta North Constituency under the platform of APC, assuring his constituents to serve them diligently, and to the best of his knowledge.

    “Some people are so desperate for power and position, which they can go extra miles while seeking for power/position, but if really God call you to serve, it is not necessary to kill, maim and threat people to achieve your dreams. That’s why I said that am not desperate to become a lawmaker in the state,”? Oludotun admitted

    He admonished the people to remain resilience and choice the right candidate that would serve them for the next four years, saying that when they bring their money, people should not hesitate to collect it from them because it was their resources and sweat money.

    He added that while workers in the state were living or wallow in abject poverty due to unremitted deductions, leave bonuses and unprompt ?payment of salaries, the current administration continued lavishing the taxpayers money on APM campaign, noting that civil servants in the state deserves more than what they are earning today.

    “The civil servants deserves more welfare packages than what they are earning today but due to non-challant attitude of the present administration, civil servants now turned to beggars, begging for their salaries, deductions and leave bonuses, they are also begging to be promoted which is their statutory, but now the incoming administration APC will address all these issues as regard the civil servants and the residents of the state,”? Oludotun said

     

  • APC chieftain wants state of emergency declared in Rivers ahead of election

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Ibrahim Emokpaire has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency in Rivers ahead of the elections.

    The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been scheduled for March 9.

    Emokpaire made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

    The APC chieftain said the call had become necessary following the insecurity and killings that characterised the Feb. 23, Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

    Emokpaire, a former APC National Chairmanship aspirant, particularly condemned the killing of soldiers in the state.

    He noted that this was not the first time soldiers and other security agents would be killed in Rivers.

    According to him, there wi no justifiable reason for soldiers and even ordinary citizens to be killed no matter the provocation.

    “There is no country in the whole world where military personnel will be mowed down and the Commande-In-Chief will take it lightly with perpetrators of such heinous crime,’’ Emokpaire said.

    He said that irrespective of the immunity of Rivers State Governor Nysome Wike, the Federal Government should declare a state of emergency in the state.

    This, he said was critical to deter others who think they could kill soldiers and other citizens and get away with it or without consequences.

    “The men in uniform that are protecting the country cannot just be mowed down without consequences. These are people that have committed their lives to protecting Nigerians.

    “Nobody, however, highly placed either with immunity or no immunity from any part of the country has the right to kill soldiers without consequences,’’ he said.

    He, therefore, tasked relevant agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of such killings.

    Emokpaire said that such action must have consequences, saying “we cannot take anything for granted, we cannot turn everything upside down in the name of democracy.’’

    He noted that even in the United States of America, with the largest democratic process in the world, would not tolerate one of its soldiers being killed by anybody.

    “Even when a soldier was attacked and killed by a terrorist on a street in London, the perpetrator was apprehended immediately.

    “Everybody connected with the crime and the perpetrator was apprehended and locked up for interrogation, the house of the terrorist was shut down completely,’’ Emokpaire recalled.

    NAN reports that Rivers had become the most volatile state in Nigeria since after the Feb. 23, Presidential and National Assembly elections as residents of some communities in the state are beginning to leave their original aboard to seek safety elsewhere. (NAN)

  • APC accuses Dickson of sponsoring insecurity, fake news

    The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has accused the state governor,  Seriake Dickson, of wasting the state’s scare resources to procure violence and compromise elections.

    APC State Publicity Secretary, Dofie Buokoribo, made the allegation while addressing journalists in Yenagoa.

    Buokoribo said Dickson was in the habit of playing victim and sponsoring fake news as a cover for his nefarious acts.

    He advised residents of the state to be watchful and alert to guard against the governor’s antics ahead of the House of Assembly elections in the state.

    APC alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) used state resources to buy votes in past elections and was determined to do same on Saturday, at a time when the state was having difficulty with payment of workers’ salaries.

    He said: “He is also using state funds to arm political thugs and other lawless elements across the state, especially in areas where he is unpopular and has no social base.

    “These thugs and lawless elements are working with his terror squad, Operation Doo Akpo. The irony of it is that as he is busy engaging in this ungodly act, he will be the one shouting that our party has perfected plans to cause mayhem in the state”.

    He said the governor suffered from a persecution complex and played the victim card when he was actually the aggressor.

    “As our people go out to vote this Saturday, we urge them to know that voting out the PDP and Governor Dickson’s anointed candidates is a task that must be done. The only way Dickson and his party can win this election is by playing outside the rules”, he said.

    The APC spokesman lashed out at the governor for setting up a “strange Judicial Commission” on electoral violence with APC members as clearly marked out targets.

    He advised members of the party not to have anything to do with the panel.

    Buokoribo urged the new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olushola David, who was posted as Command CP to supervise the polls, to be neutral in the discharge of his duties.

    He said: ‘Until the emergence of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), there were no serious electoral contests along party lines in Bayelsa State.

    “At that time, once you had the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), you were almost certain of victory in the main elections. It was in that sense that our state used to be referred to as a one-party state. That is now history.

    “In 2015, we had only one member in the state House of Assembly. This was not because our suffering people did not vote APC. They desired change, and voted massively for us but we were robbed of our victory.

    “Even in the last governorship election, the people of Bayelsa State were with us. What happened was that the PDP used our money, Bayelsa State’s money, to buy its way to victory. Today, nobody can accuse the APC of not actually existing in Bayelsa State.

    “In the last Presidential Elections, we gave President Muhammadu Buhari 37.5 percent of the vote. We also secured one seat in the Senate and two in the Federal House of Representatives. We are convinced that without the rough and tumble that characterised that election, we could have done better.

    ‘The people of Bayelsa State have a duty not to allow Governor Dickson succeed with his evil plans to subvert their will.

    “In this election, as in previous ones, we have seen the governor and the PDP engage the media for smear campaigns, fake news and psychological warfare.

    “Only a few days ago, they claimed thugs loyal to the leadership of our party sacked mobile policemen and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Bassambiri-Nembe.

    “They added that the community had become a ghost town as residents had fled to Yenagoa and Ogbolomabiri-Nembe as refugees. Sadly, they did not tell us the location of any Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.

    “Here, we must thank a section of the media who visited the community and did independent reports that challenged the picture painted by Governor Dickson and his party”.

    He added: “Let us make it very clear here that this election will not be decided on the basis of a campaign of calumny, fake news and schizoid propaganda.

    “We commend the people of Bassambiri-Nembe for standing up to Governor Dickson. Come Saturday, he will be decisively defeated.

    “Finally, we welcome the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to increase the presence of the armed and security forces in a number of states, including Bayelsa.

    “In particular, we welcome the new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olushola David, posted as Command CP to supervise the elections. We urge him to be neutral.

    “On no account should Dickson’s terror outfit, Operation Doo Akpo, be allowed to operate on Election Day. The outfit has no electoral function. Dickson had used the outfit in the past to compromise our elections”.

     

  • APC bounces back in Enugu guber race

    …calls for postponement of election in Enugu

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Thursday bounced back into contention for the Governorship election in Enugu state.

    The party’s gubernatorial campaign had been jeopardized as a result of judicial process which denied the standard bearer,  his ticket.

    A governorship aspirant in a faction of the party, George Ogara had succeeded in an Abuja High Court in upstaging Ayogu as the candidate.

    But the Appeal Court Thursday quashed the Abuja High Court and reinstated Ayogu.

    Thousands of enthusiastic supporters on Thursday received Ayogu at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport with pomp and pageantry.

    Ayogu told reporters that he was back and would definitely win the election on Saturday.

    He said the judgment that led to the removal of his name suppose not to be adding that it was politically manipulated.

    Read Also: Enugu: Election and its aftermath

    “But come May 29, 2019 your brother who is talking to you now will be sworn in as the governor of Enugu state.

    “They cannot stop it. The will be swept by a tsunami which they can’t explain where it come from,” said Eze.

    He thanked his numerous supporters for exercising patience while the judicial process was on.

    The chairman of the party in the state, Dr Ben Nwoye in his contribution, called for the postponement of the election in Enugu state to allow their candidate campaign for some time.

    He said the party is insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately relist the name of Ayogu Eze as their standard bearer.

    The party chairman led thousands of party supporters to throng the INEC office in protest to that effect.